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10,905,747 | ACCEPTED | POST IN POST PRODUCT PACKAGING AND DISPLAY STRUCTURE | A post in post structure comprising a short inner post segment and a pair of hollow outer posts slipped over either end of the inner post segment and affixed to the inner post segment. The post in post structure is particularly suitable for use with a product packaging and display system of the kind having vertically spaced trays supported by outer posts 16 located over openings in each tray and inner posts inserted inside the outer support posts and through the tray openings to lock the system together. | 1. A structure comprising: an inner post segment having opposing ends; and a pair of hollow outer posts slipped over either end of the inner post segment and affixed thereto. 2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the inner post segment is substantially shorter than the outer posts. 3. The structure of claim 2 wherein the inner post segment is affixed to the outer posts by a friction fit. 4. The structure of claim 2 wherein the inner post segment is affixed to the outer posts by adhesive. 5. The structure of claim 2 wherein the inner post segment is affixed to the outer posts by staples. 6. The structure of claim 2 wherein the inner post segment comprises die cut tab portions that insert into slots disposed in the outer posts. 7. The structure of claim 2 further comprising a tray having an opening therein, the inner post segment being inserted partway through the opening and the outer posts being located above and below the tray. 8. The structure of claim 7 wherein the outer posts do not fit through the tray opening. 9. The structure of claim 2 wherein the inner post segment and outer posts are formed from wound paper. 10. The structure of claim 2 wherein the inner post segment and outer posts are formed from folded corrugated. 11. In an improved system for packaging, shipping and displaying products, the system comprising a plurality of vertically spaced trays for holding the products, inner posts inserted through openings in each tray, and a pair of outer posts slipped over either end of each inner post, the improvement comprising: each inner post being affixed to the pair of outer posts. 12. The system of claim 11 wherein each inner post is affixed to the pair of outer posts by a friction fit. 13. The system of claim 11 wherein each inner post is affixed to the pair of outer posts by adhesive. 14. The system of claim 11 wherein each inner post is affixed to the pair of outer posts by staples. 15. The system of claim 11 wherein the inner post segment comprises die cut tab portions that insert into slots disposed in the outer post. 16. The system of claim 11 wherein each inner post is substantially shorter than the outer posts. 17. The system of claim 16 wherein each inner post and the outer posts are formed from wound paper. 18. The system of claim 16 wherein each inner post and the outer posts are formed from folded corrugated. 19. A structure comprising: an inner post segment having opposing ends; a hollow outer post slipped over an end of the inner post segment and affixed thereto; and a tray having an opening therein, the inner post segment being inserted partway through the opening and the outer post being located on one side of the tray. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This patent relates to the packaging arts. More particularly, this patent relates to a post in post type packaging and display system wherein outer posts are attached to each other by short inner post segments. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Retailers such as mass merchandisers sometimes display their products in the same packaging that the products were shipped in from the vendors. One form of such packaging comprises vertically arranged trays held apart by support posts. Sonoco Development, Inc., the assignee of the present invention, has developed a proprietary post in post system for the packaging, shipping and displaying of products in a mass merchandising or general retail environment. The system, described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/605,814, comprises a plurality of vertically spaced corrugated trays for holding the products, tubular outer support posts that support the trays and space them apart, and inner guide posts that key inside the support posts (thus “post in post”) to lock the system together and provide axial compression strength. The tray and post structure may be carried on a standard pallet and wrapped in an outer wrap to protect the products from dust and damage during shipment. Each corrugated tray has die-cut openings large enough to accommodate the inner guide posts but smaller than the outer support posts. To assemble the system, the inner guide posts may be inserted through the tray openings and the outer support posts slipped over the inner guide posts. The outer support posts evenly space apart the trays and provide a platform for the tray above. In the original design, the sum of the lengths of the inner guide posts is substantially the same as the sum of the lengths of the outer support posts. In other words, both the inner guide posts and outer support posts extend substantially the entire height of the system, providing a double post support frame. This configuration can be an unnecessary use of post material if the outer support posts themselves are strong enough to support the system. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a post in post packaging and display system in which the inner guide posts are substantially shorter then the outer guide posts. Another object of the invention is to provide a post in post packaging and display system in which the inner guide posts are attached to the insides of the outer guide posts. Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a post in post structure for shipping products and displaying them in a retail environment. The structure comprises a pair of vertically aligned outer posts having hollow interiors and a short inner post segment inserted within the hollow interiors of the outer posts and affixed to both outer posts. Preferably the outer posts are in end to end contact. The inner posts need only be long enough to enable each pair of adjacent outer posts to be adequately secured to each other. In a further embodiment, the post in post structure also comprises a tray having at least one opening therein, wherein an inner post segment is inserted partway through the opening and two outer support posts are attached to either end of the inner post segment. The invention is particularly suitable for use with the post in post packaging and display system described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/605,814. That system comprises vertically spaced apart trays, inner posts inserted through openings in the trays, and hollow outer posts slipped over the inner posts. The posts space the trays apart and lock them together in vertical alignment. THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the post in post structure of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the post in post structure of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a packaging and display assembly incorporating the post in post structure of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the packaging and display assembly FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two corrugated blanks used to make a corrugated inner post segment and a corrugated outer post. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the corrugated blanks of FIG. 5 shown partially assembled. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a corrugated inner post segment and a corrugated outer post. FIG. 8 is a top view of a corrugated inner post segment and a corrugated outer post. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a post in post structure according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is a post in post structure comprising a pair of vertically aligned outer posts 16 having hollow interiors and a short inner post segment 18 inserted within the hollow interiors of the outer posts 16, the inner post segment 18 being affixed both outer posts 16. The inner post segment 18 may be affixed to the outer posts 16 by glue, adhesive, staples, friction fit or any other suitable means. The posts may also be connected by mechanical means. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, D-shaped tabs 26 formed in the inner post segment 18 can be inserted into slots 28 formed in the outer posts 16 to connect the posts together. Preferably the outer posts 16 are in end to end contact. In a further embodiment, the structure also comprises at least one tray 12 having at least one opening 24 in the bottom 36 of the tray 12, wherein one of the outer posts 16 is aligned over the opening 24 and the other outer post 16 is aligned under the opening 24 such that their hollow interiors communicate with the opening 24. The inner post segment 18 is inserted inside the outer posts 16 and through the tray opening 24 and is affixed to the outer posts 18 as before. The invention is particularly suitable for use with the post in post packaging, shipping and display assembly described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/605,814 and incorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the packaging and display assembly 10 comprises vertically spaced trays 12 for holding products (e.g. snack food containers), hollow outer posts 16 arranged over openings 24 die-cut into the bottom 36 of each product tray 12, and inner post segments 18 keyed (inserted) inside the outer posts 16 and through the tray openings 24 to lock the system together. The outer posts 16 provide a platform for each tray 12 and evenly space the trays 12 apart. Unlike the post in post system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/605,814, the inner post segments 18 are not at least as long as the outer posts 16 and they are not placed end to end. Rather, the inner post segments 18 are substantially shorter than the outer posts 18 and they are spaced apart. The inner posts segments 18 need only be long enough to enable each pair of adjacent outer posts 16 to be adequately secured to each other. The product trays 12 preferably are formed from corrugated board, although any suitable material may be used. Each tray 12 comprises a bottom panel 36 and short sidewalls 38 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom panel 36. The bottom panel 36 and/or side panels 38 may be printed or otherwise decorated in any desirable fashion to increase the aesthetic appeal of the display. The bottom panel 36 has die-cut openings 24 disposed in void spaces around the product containers 14. These openings 24 are large enough to accommodate the inner post segments 18 but smaller than the outer posts 16 or at least configured such that the outer posts 16 cannot fit within the openings 24. The number of openings 24 required in each tray 12 is a function of the number of post columns. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a typical assembly 10 will have four columns of posts and thus four openings 24 in each tray 12. The die-cut openings 24 may be arranged on the trays 12 in any suitable fashion, although it is preferred that there be an opening 24 near each corner of the trays 12. The height of the outer posts 16 is determined by the height of the product containers or, more particularly, the desired spacing between trays 12. The outer posts 16 may be attached to the trays 12 in some fashion or simply held in place by the inner post segments 18. Preferably, the outer posts 16 are hollow paper tubes formed into a desired shape, such as those manufactured by Sonoco Products Company of Hartsville, S.C. and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,482,054; 5,593,039; 6,059,104 and 6,186,329, incorporated herein by reference. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the outer posts 16 have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile with beads or grooves 40 running longitudinally along two opposing walls, although any suitable cross-sectional shape may be used, including but not limited to circular and triangular. Since the outer posts 16 are visible to the consumer, they too may be printed or otherwise decorated in any desirable fashion to increase the aesthetic appeal of the display. The inner post segments 18 must be small enough in cross-section to be inserted through the openings 24 in the trays 12 and inside the ends of the outer posts 16. Like the outer posts 16, the inner post segments 18 may be wound paper tubes such as those manufactured by Sonoco Products Company. The inner post segments 18 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including but not limited to triangular, and should fit snugly inside the outer posts 16. Thus there has been described a post in post structure for use in the packaging, shipping and displaying of products. The structure features a pair of outer posts 16 connected together by a short inner post segment 18. The inner post segment 18 is affixed to the outer posts 18 and need only be long enough to enable the outer posts 18 to be adequately secured to each other. In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the outer posts and inner post segments are made from folded corrugated rather than wound paper tubes. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, each post is formed from a corrugated blank 42, 44 that is folded into a cylinder having a polygonal cross section. The corrugated inner post segments 44 are sized to fit snugly within the corrugated outer posts 42 and, as in the preferred embodiment, need only be long enough to secure two outer posts 42 placed end to end. Other modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated that do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications that fall within their scope. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This patent relates to the packaging arts. More particularly, this patent relates to a post in post type packaging and display system wherein outer posts are attached to each other by short inner post segments. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is a post in post structure for shipping products and displaying them in a retail environment. The structure comprises a pair of vertically aligned outer posts having hollow interiors and a short inner post segment inserted within the hollow interiors of the outer posts and affixed to both outer posts. Preferably the outer posts are in end to end contact. The inner posts need only be long enough to enable each pair of adjacent outer posts to be adequately secured to each other. In a further embodiment, the post in post structure also comprises a tray having at least one opening therein, wherein an inner post segment is inserted partway through the opening and two outer support posts are attached to either end of the inner post segment. The invention is particularly suitable for use with the post in post packaging and display system described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/605,814. That system comprises vertically spaced apart trays, inner posts inserted through openings in the trays, and hollow outer posts slipped over the inner posts. The posts space the trays apart and lock them together in vertical alignment. | 20050119 | 20061121 | 20060720 | 95050.0 | B65D8102 | 0 | GEHMAN, BRYON P | POST IN POST PRODUCT PACKAGING AND DISPLAY STRUCTURE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65D | 2,005 |
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10,905,787 | ACCEPTED | MultiTube Catheter And Method For Making The Same | Multitube catheter and method for making the same are provided. The assembly includes two or more tube fused together to form one catheter tube shaft. Each tube has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter from its distal end to its proximal end. The tubes are fused together by use of heat & pressure. Heat and pressure can be generated by heat sensitive tube slides over a segment of catheter tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensitive tube will shrink once heat is applied. The heat sensitive tube will shrink and apply the required pressure over the catheter tubes. Continual heating will melt and re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube while the letter will not be affected due to its high melting temperature. After cooling, the heat sensitive tube is to be removed, the metallic mandrels are pulled back and the tubes forming the united catheter tube. Distal end of the united catheter tube can be splited to form split tip, stepped tip or can be tapered tipped. The proximal segment (none fused) will form catheter extension legs. The pressure applied can also be created by silicon or rubber tube stretched over the catheter tubes, in a mould, by coextrusion, by over molding, through adhesions are other possible methods. | 1. A multitube catheter assembly, comprising: a first tube catheter having a proximal opening, a distal opening and outer surface defining at least a first lumen extending longitudinally therethrough between a distal and a proximal opening; and a second tube catheter having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and an outer surface defining at least a second lumen extending longitudinally there through between a distal and a proximal opening, wherein the first lumen and the second lumen are independent from each other for facilitating simultaneous flow in opposite directions. Wherein the outer surfaces of the first and second catheters are releasable or un-releasable joined. Releasable joined allows the first and second catheters to be longitudinally split from each other. 2. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly further comprises a third catheter having an outer surface defining at least a first longitudinally extending lumen and the outer surface of the third catheter is releasable or un-releasable joined to the outer surface of the first and second tube catheter. Releasable joined allows the first, second or third catheters to be longitudinally split from each other. 3. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 1 & 2, wherein the first, second and third tubes are identical or non identical in cross section. 4. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 1 and 2, wherein the first, second and third tube lumens are identical or non identical in cross section. 5. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 1 & 2, wherein catheter tubes are joined together by use of heat & pressure. Heat and pressure can be generated by heat sensitive tube slides over a segment of catheter tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensitive tube will shrink once heat is applied. The heat sensitive tube will shrink and apply the required pressure over the catheter tubes. Continual heating will melt and re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube while the letter will not be affected due to its high melting temperature. After cooling, the heat sensitive tube is to be removed, the metallic mandrels are pulled back and the tubes forming the united catheter tube. 6. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 5, wherein the outer surfaces of the first and the second catheters (and a third) are releasable or un-releasable joined by adjusting degree of force and heat applied during manufacturing. 7. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the tubes are splitable longitudinally between the generally flat side surface of the first catheter and the generally flat side surface of the second catheter. 8. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 7, wherein the distal end regions of the first and second tube catheters each have a generally circular cross section, and the outer surfaces of the first and the second tube catheters are rounded at a point of transition. 9. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 8, wherein the distal end of the tube dedicated to withdraw fluid is cut short and both splited segment of the first and second tube catheters are longitudinally spaced a distance sufficient to prevent recirculation of fluid passing through the distal opening of the first catheter in a first flow direction and fluid passing through the distal opening of the second catheter in a second flow direction opposite the first direction. 10. In a second embodiment, the multitube catheter assembly according to claim 1 & 2, wherein the outer surfaces of the first and a shorter second tube are un-releasable joined by adjusting the degree of force and heat applied during manufacturing. 11. The multitube catheter assembly according to clam 10, the distal opening of the shorter tube is protected during fusion process by the mandrel. The long segment of the longer tube has a general circular cross section. To prevent fluid recirculation, the shorter tube is to be dedicated to withdraw fluid while the longer is to be dedicated to infuse fluids. 12. In a third embodiment, the multitube catheter assemblies according to claim 1 & 2, wherein the outer surfaces of the first and the second catheters (or more) are un-releasable joined by adjusting the degree of force and heat applied during manufacturing. 13. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 12 wherein the distal end of fused united tube is tapered tipped forming the inserting distal end regions of the catheters while the non fused proximal end regions form catheter extension legs. 14. The multitube catheter assembly according to claim 12, the tapered tip is tipped around a mandrel inserted inside the lumen of one tube to form a distal end opening for this tube. The distal opening of the second (and third) tube is closed during the tipping process. A side opening is created at the outer surface of the fused part of the second (and third) tube to create a distal opening joining the lumen of the second tube. 15. The side holes according to claim 13 & 14 can vary in numbers, positions & shapes. The tube opened at the catheter tip can have an extra side holes that may vary in numbers, positions & shapes. 16. The multitube catheter assembly is to be fixed to patient skin with any fixation device. 17. The multitube catheter assembly may incorporate a cuff or similar device. 18. The multitube catheter assembly extension legs (lines) may end in a fixed or removable luer end. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to multitube catheter assemblies, and more particularly to multitube catheter assemblies having distal split independent free floating tip ends, stepped tip end or tapered tip end for positioning within an area to be catheterized The lumens of the multitube catheter are full circular where they extend all through the distal end, the catheter main stem and the proximal end of the extension part. The presented multitube catheter are to be used in any medical field where an access to the central venous system is required like haemodialysis, haemofiltration, plasma exchange, chemotherapy infusion . . . ect. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (A) Technical Background [Catheters for the introduction or removal of fluids may be located in various venous locations and cavities throughout the body for the introduction or removal of fluids. Such catheterization may be performed by using a single catheter having multiple lumens. A typical example of a multiple lumen catheter is a dual lumen catheter in which one lumen introduces fluids and one lumen removes fluids. Catheterization may also be performed by using separate, single lumen catheters inserted through two different incisions into an area to be catheterized. Procedures are also known as described for inserting two wholly independent single lumen catheters into a vessel through a single insertion site. (Such multiple catheter assemblies are known traded as Tesio catheters U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,111) Generally, to insert any catheter in a blood vessel, the vessel is identified by aspiration with a long hollow needle in accordance with the Seldinger technique. When blood enters a syringe attached to the needle, indicating that the vessel has been found, a thin guide wire is then introduced, typically through a syringe needle or other introducer device, into the interior of the vessel. The introducer device is then removed leaving the guide wire within the vessel. The guide wire projects beyond the surface of the skin. At this point, several options are available to a physician for catheter placement. The simplest is to pass a catheter into the vessel directly over the guide wire. The guide wire is then removed leaving the catheter in position within the vessel. However, this technique is only possible in cases where the catheter is of a relatively small diameter, made of a stiff material and not significantly larger than the guide wire, for example, for insertion of small diameter dual lumen catheters. If the catheter to be inserted is significantly larger than the guide wire, a dilator device is first passed over the guide wire to enlarge the hole. The catheter is then passed over the guide wire, and the guide wire and dilator are removed. In the case of an individual, soft single-lumen catheter typically used in multiple catheter assemblies, a physician may use an introducer sheath. For Haemodialysis as example, each catheter may be inserted in two separate veins, such as the femoral vein. Alternatively, each catheter may be inserted in two different locations of the same vein, such as the internal jugular vein as noted above. The introducer sheath is simply a large, stiff thin-walled tube, which serves as a temporary conduit for the permanent catheter which is being placed. Tear away sheaths are also available which split apart for easier removal. The introducer sheath is positioned by placing a dilator device inside of the introducer and passing both the dilator and the introducer together into the vessel over a guide wire. The guide wire, left in the vessel after insertion as described above and the dilator are then removed, leaving the thin-walled introducer sheath in place. The catheter is placed through the introducer sheath. Each of the catheters in the assembly is typically subcutaneously secured within the patient's body by a cuff located in a subcutaneous tunnel, or by otherwise externally affixing the catheter to the body. The Single lumen catheter may also be inserted, as noted above, through a single insertion point using a sheath into the vessel. The catheter, once inserted in the vessel, is then tunneled separately through the patient in two subcutaneous tunnels for securement of the external, proximal portions of the catheter. The double catheter assembly, while comfortable for the patient, due to its soft durometer, and very effective for Haemodialysis, typically requires multiple procedures and incisions for insertion and/or for tunneling, which increase the attendant risks of the catheterization procedure. Further, in the case of side-by-side placement of two catheter tubes through a single insertion site in a vessel, while minimizing the number of procedures, can present a potential for leakage between the catheter tubes at the point where the catheter tubes pass into the vessel. However, catheters like Tesio catheter assemblies provide catheters which are capable of independent movement within the vessel. Such catheters present several advantages over one catheter with multiple lumen. Because the individual tubes of a Tesio double catheter assembly are independently movable at their fluid outlets, it is possible to provide fluid intake and/or return flow around the entire circumference of the distal ends of the catheter tubes. In addition, if one tube becomes blocked, or otherwise requires replacement, it can be removed independently of the other tube. Further, the softer durometer of such catheters, which are typically made of a silicone or a similar material, reduces the risk of vessel wall damage. The 360.degree. circumferential flow provides a more stable tube within the vessel, which is less likely to be suctioned against the vessel wall due to a pressure differential, as occasionally occurs in the use of some side-by-side multi-lumen catheters. U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,692, issued to Schon, et al., (“the Schon catheter”) describes a self-retaining double catheter system in which each catheter can be subcutaneously secured without the use of fabric tissue ingrowth cuffs or external suturing as a result of the placement of a retaining sleeve surrounding both individual catheters in a multiple catheter assembly to hold the catheters together at the location of the sleeve. The individual catheters are permanently linked in one portion by a hub for self-anchoring under the skin, as an alternative to requiring a fabric stabilizing cuff, such that such cuffs are optional. The distal ends are longitudinally prespaced by an appropriate distance to avoid recirculation. While this device requires only one incision, it requires two subcutaneous tunnels in order to facilitate the self-retaining feature. This catheter provides independently movable distal ends within the vessel and 360.degree circumferential flow in the manner of a standard Tesio. Further, since the retaining sleeve is located outside the vessel when in place to provide the self-retaining feature, at the point of entry into the vessel, the catheters are side-by-side in the manner of a standard Tesio catheter, and there still remains the potential risk of blood leakage between the catheters at the vessel site. The idea of using splitable catheter rose in 1983 U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,654 issued to Boarini et al, by using longitudinal lumens or grooves are placed 180 degrees apart into the wall of the catheter during extrusion to provide lines of weakness from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter. U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,372 issued to Vegoe, et al. describe an improved placement catheter of the type having a longitudinal line of weakness whereby the catheter may be split longitudinally. The improved catheter is made with radiation cross-linked tubing to provide better splittability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,953 issued to Ash et al. (2001) (“the split Ash catheter”) discloses a splittable multiple catheter assembly that has a hub and at least two fully independent catheter tubes which are initially releasably joined together, for example, by a breakable membrane. A single subcutaneous tunnel may be used in inserting the catheter, and the catheter tubes are at least partially separated by splitting the catheter tubes prior to insertion into a vessel. As a result, the portions of the catheter within the vessel are capable of independently moving and having 360.degree. circumferential flow from the distal portion of each tube. The catheter may be secured using standard securement means such as suturing, ingrowth or other available securement devices. U.S. Pat. No. 20,030,153,898 issued to Schon et al (2003) (“the Schoncath”) discloses a multilumen catheter assembly, which includes a unitary portion and at least two distal end tubes extending distally from the unitary portion. The unitary portion includes an exterior having a generally round or oval shape in cross section and includes at least two distal end tubes of generally circular (or other) cross sectional shape extending longitudinally therethrough. The catheter assembly may be made by extruding a unitary tube having internal longitudinally extending lumens (of circular or other shape), then splitting the tube on its distal end portion to form distal end tubes. The tubes are then ground and polished, the finished tubes retaining in combination the generally oval cross sectional shape of the unitary extrusion, or the finished tubes can each be finished to a circular, or other, cross sectional shape, or the finished tubes could include a combination of cross sectional shapes over its longitudinal length. U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,302 which issued to Kelley (February, 2003), describes A multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing such a multi-lumen catheter having a plurality of individual catheter tubes. Each catheter tube has an outer surface, an inner surface and a lumen. The catheter tubes can be made of different thermoplastic materials. A mandrel is first inserted into the lumen of each catheter tube to provide support. The catheter tubes are then juxtaposed to each other in an arrangement. Importantly, the outer surface of one catheter tube is in contact with the outer surface of at least one other catheter tube in the arrangement. The arrangement of catheter tubes is then held in a sleeve and is advanced through the sleeve, and through a heating cylinder to fuse the outer surfaces of the catheter tubes. A cooling means is placed in the lumen of each catheter tube to prevent the inner surface of each catheter tube from melting. There is a need in the art for a multiple catheter assembly and a need for making such a catheter assembly which can provide the advantages of the above-mentioned multi-lumen catheters with respect to easy insertion through a single tunneling procedure and which can prevent the potential risk of leakage at the site of vessel entry, but which can still provide the advantage of multiple catheter assemblies with respect to independent movement within a vessel and good flow properties. (B) Manufacturing Background The SchonCath (U.S. Pat. No. 20,030,153,898) invention includes methods for making the multilumen catheter. The method includes forming a unitary catheter tube having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a distal end portion terminating in a distal end tip. The unitary catheter tube may be formed using any suitable heat molding process, including injection molding, expansion/compression molding, and extrusion. The unitary catheter tube is formed by extrusion through a die to form internal lumens, the lumens are substantially the same and substantially identical in size and configuration. The unitary catheter tube, with internal longitudinally extending lumens, may also be formed by injection molding the tube around metal rods which have the shape of the internal lumens. The unitary catheter tube is then split longitudinally along the distal portion of the tube using a sharp edge such as a hot knife or razor blade for a pre-determined distance, depending upon the particular size desired for the catheter. The tube is preferably split as evenly as possible between the two lumens along an internal septum. Splitting the unitary catheter tube forms a first distal end tube and a second distal end tube The second distal end tube can then cut to size relative to the first distal end tube, if it is desired that one distal end tube be greater in length than the other. Separate lengths for the distal end tubes helps avoid recirculation of fluids entering and leaving the tubes within the area to be catheterized. After the unitary catheter tube and the distal end tubes are formed, the exterior surface of the unitary catheter tube and the exterior surfaces of the distal end tubes are then ground and polished to a smooth surface. Radio frequency (RF) tipping can be used to provide the smooth surface. Radio frequency (RF) tipping uses RF energy to re-heat an outer surface until there is some melting and then to polish the surface. Further, the unitary catheter tube and the distal end tubes could undergo radio frequency (RF) tipping on a mandrel, so that the tubes may be re-shaped to have a generally circular transverse cross section both in the interior passageways (lumens) and on the exterior surfaces, if desired. Once the surfaces are shaped and smoothed, holes can then be formed in the distal end tubes, if desired, using techniques well known in the art. The number, size, shape, and spacing of the holes are as individually preferred, but some general and specific aspects have been described above. Portions of the split catheter can then be releasably attached, if desired, by bonding portions of exterior surfaces of the distal end tubes with a weak adhesive. As an alternative to splitting the unitary catheter tube, after forming that tube, individual distal end tubes, which may be previously extruded or heat molded, may be fused onto the unitary catheter tube. The distal end tubes are formed such that they each have a respective longitudinal passageway (lumen) extending longitudinally therethrough, and may also be formed to include a plurality of holes either prior to attachment to the distal end of the unitary catheter tube. Each formed distal end tube is then attached to the distal end of the unitary catheter tube by a suitable heat molding process, or by another form of attachment, such as adhesive, ultrasonic welding or other methods known in the art, such that the first passageway in the first distal end tube is in fluid communication with the first lumen of the unitary catheter tube and the second passageway in the second distal end tube is in fluid communication with the second lumen in the unitary catheter tube. In one aspect of the invention, heat fusing is used to attach the distal end tubes, and the fusing may be carried out using heat applied to the unitary catheter tube and to the distal end tubing lengths in a female cavity mold to create a smooth fused portion where the tube and end tube lengths meet. Extension tubes may be provided either by extruding or molding the extension tubes initially when forming the unitary catheter tube using techniques similar to those used to form the distal end tubes as described above. However, it is preferred to attach the extension tubes to a proximal end of the unitary catheter tube using a hub. A hub is then molded around the proximal end of the unitary tube and the distal end of the proximally extending catheter tubes. Preferably, to maintain the unitary catheter and extension tubes in place, the hub mold either has cavities to receive the tubes, or metal rods inserted through the extension tubes and lumens within the formed unitary catheter portion, to retain the shape of the lumens and hold the tubes in place. A plurality of holes may also be provided to the distal end portions of the catheter tubes. The Split Ash catheter (U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,349) invention, the multiple catheter assembly includes extrusion of a first catheter has an outer surface defining a first lumen. The second catheter has an outer surface defining a second lumen extend through the full length of their respective catheters. Te lumens each have a generally semi-circular cross section. Accordingly, the first catheter has an outer surface defined by a rounded wall portion and a generally flat side surface, and the second catheter also has an outer surface defined by a rounded wall portion and a generally flat side surface, as viewed in cross section. The flat side surfaces face each other. The generally flat side surfaces do not touch each other, but are very close. Also, the lumens and respective rounded wall portions and generally flat side surfaces are identical to each other so that the cannulating portion of the catheter assembly has a generally circular cross section. The catheter assembly includes a splitable membrane which extends longitudinally between and joins the opposite generally flat side surfaces of the first and second catheters. It is preferred that the membrane extends between the central line of the flat side surfaces for dimensional stability. However, the membrane could extend between edges of the side surfaces or between other regions of the flat side surfaces or rounded wall portions. The membrane performs multiple functions. First, the membrane joins the first and second catheters so that the catheters can be easily manipulated, particularly along the section of the catheters where the membrane is unbroken. If the membrane is completely intact, the catheters can be manipulated as a single catheter. Second, the membrane allows the first and second catheters to be at least partially longitudinally split apart from each other without damaging the outer surfaces of either of the first or second catheters thereby allowing independent movement of the split end regions in the vessel or other area to be catheterized. The membrane is constructed to split easily when the first and second catheters are forcibly separated from each other. The membrane has a cross-sectional width at its thinnest portion is a very small fraction of the outer diameter of the catheter assembly to facilitate easy tearing. The membrane is constructed of a material which will tear before the forces exerted on the outer surfaces of either of the first or second catheters reach a level sufficient to cause damage thereto. However, the membrane material should be sufficiently strong to resist tearing during normal handling of the assembly. The membrane has a cross-sectional length which is also a small fraction of the outer diameter of catheter assembly. The cross-sectional length also defines the distance between the generally flat side surfaces. The cross-sectional distance is preferably small to maintain an overall generally circular cross section for the un-separated section of the catheter assembly and to facilitate handling of the un-separated section of the catheter assembly in the cannulation portion. The cannulation portion is joined to the extension tube portion by a hub. Kelly catheter (U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,302) and method for manufacturing can't control the surface or the size of the end result fused tube as the cross-section of the multi-lumen catheter has an outer periphery with at least three distinct lobes, with each distinct lobe corresponding to one of said fused tubes and not round outer surface area. Also an additional lumen is created from the outer surfaces of the three fused catheter tubes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to multitube catheter assemblies includes two or more tube fused together to form one catheter tube shaft. Each tube has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter from its distal end to its proximal end. The tubes are fused together by use of heat & pressure. The multitube catheter assemblies has distal split independent free floating tip ends, stepped tip end or tapered tip end for positioning within an area to be catheterized. The lumens of the multitube catheter are full circular where they extend all through the distal end, the catheter main stem and the proximal end of the extension part. The presented multitube catheter are to be used in any medical field where an access to the central venous system is required like haemodialysis, haemofiltration, plasma exchange, chemotherapy infusion . . . ect. The way of fusion and the degree of heat and pressure applied, can allow the catheter tubes to be releasable joined and can longitudinally split from each other. The tubes are fused together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensible tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube. After cooling the heat sensitive tube is to be removed around the catheter tube. The metallic mandrels then pulled back. The tubes, forming the one catheter tube are separated at each end. The end result is a multitube tube catheter has a distal splited end. In one aspect of the present invention, the assembly includes fusion between first tube and shorter second tube together to form one catheter tube. Each tube has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter. The way of fusion and the degree of heat and pressure applied, allow the catheter tubes to be un-releasable joined. The tubes are fused together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensible tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube. After cooling the heat sensitive tube is to be removed around the catheter tube. The metallic mandrels then pulled back. The end result is a multitube tube catheter has a distal stepped end. In another aspect of the present invention, the assembly includes fusion between two or more tube fused together to form one catheter tube shaft. Each tube has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter from its distal end to its proximal end. The way of fusion and the degree of heat and pressure applied, allow the catheter tubes to be un-releasable joined. The tubes are fused together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensible tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube. After cooling the heat sensitive tube is to be removed around the catheter tube. The metallic mandrels then pulled back. The distal end of fused united tube is tapered tipped. The end result is a multitube tube catheter has a distal tapered tip end. In another aspect of the present invention, the catheter tube stem, the distal end tubes, and the lumens, can also have a different shape or configuration at different points along a respective longitudinal length of each. In another aspect of the present invention, Through using the art of heat shrink tube, the outer wall of the catheter stem tube, the outer wall of the distal end tubes, and the lumens, can have various shapes in cross section, such as but not limited to a circular, semi-circular, or oval shape. In another aspect of the present invention, the first and the second distal end tubes are possibly having an outer wall with half-circular cross section, that can be re-formed to a circular wall by using the same principle of the current invention by applying a heat shrink tube over each of the distal tube. The present invention also provides a method for making a multitube catheter assembly, by fusing two or more tubes together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensitive tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube while the letter will not be affected due to its high melting temperature. After cooling the heat shrink tube is removed around the fused catheter tubes, the metallic mandrels pulled back and the tubes, forming the one catheter tube. In another aspect of the invention a method for making a multitube catheter assembly, by fusing two or more tubes together by use of a elastic tube stretched & slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The elastic tube will compress the catheter tubes. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the silicon tube while the letter will not be affected due to its high temperature resistance. The elastic tube will compress over the melted catheter tubes. After cooling the elastic tube is slide back the fused catheter tubes, the metallic mandrels pulled back and the tubes, forming the one catheter tube. The elastic tube can be silicon, rubber or equivalents material. In another aspect of the invention, a cuff or similar device is applied to the catheter stem. The absence of a connector or a hub between catheter shaft and extension line allows the catheter to be tunneled in both direction i.e. placing and positioning of catheter tip inside the vessel then tunnel the subcutaneous part OR tunnel the subcutaneous part then advance the catheter tip in the vessel. Catheter luer end is to be provided separately (to be assembled after tunneling) or pre-attached to the extension lines. In another aspect of the invention, the absence of a connector or a hub between catheter shaft and extension line allows the catheter to be advanced and positioned to any desirable length then fixed with any fixation devices. In another aspect of the invention, the multitube catheter assembly extension legs (lines) may end in a fixed or removable luer end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS & PICTURES The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention in the drawings: FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a catheter assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a catheter assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a catheter assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of catheter tube cross sectional changes during different steps of the fusion process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In describing the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, it being understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents operating in similar manner to accomplish similar purpose. It is understood that the drawings are not drawn exactly to scale. In the drawings, similar reference numbers are used for designating similar elements throughout the several figures. The following describes particular embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed herein. Generally, the following disclosure refers to dual or triple lumen catheter assemblies, although catheter assemblies having more lumens and/or distal end tubes are within the scope of the invention. Further, the methods described below for making the catheter assemblies of the present invention are also applicable to making catheter assemblies having more than two lumens and/or distal end tubes. It is only for reasons of convenience that the following description refers to two or three lumen embodiments of the present invention. The multitube catheter assemblies of the present invention are inserted into an area of a body of a patient to be catheterized for removing and introducing fluids to the body. The catheter assemblies of the present invention are secured to a fixed location in or on the patient body, such as a subcutaneous area, before the catheter assembly is properly inserted and positioned in the area to be catheterized. This method is particularly preferred for long term catheterization. Alternatively, in short term catheterization, the catheter assemblies of the present invention may be secured to an external surface of the body before or after the catheter assembly is properly inserted and positioned in the area to be catheterized. The multitube catheter assemblies of the present invention can be adapted for use in various applications in which bodily fluids, medicaments, or other solutions are introduced into and removed from the body, such as perfusion, infusion, plasmapheresis, hemodialysis, chemotherapy, and the like. The catheter assemblies of the present invention are particularly suitable for chronic hemodialysis and apheresis. The area to be catheterized is preferably a blood vessel, such as an internal jugular vein, but may be any suitable area within the body. Other areas in which the catheter assemblies may be used include other blood vessels, including the femoral and subclavian veins, any cavity, and other areas of the body including intra-abdominal, sub-diaphragmatic and sub hepatic areas. It is understood that the above-referenced areas are exemplary, and that the catheter assemblies of the present invention may be used to remove or introduce fluids to various areas to be catheterized. The embodiments of the present invention shown in the figures are particularly useful for intake, or removal, of blood to be purified from a blood vessel, such as the internal jugular vein, and introduction of purified blood into the same vessel. The blood can be purified by any suitable hemodialysis apparatus attached in communication with lumens of the disclosed catheter assemblies. The catheter assemblies of the present invention may also be used to introduce medication or other fluids, including glucose or saline solutions, into the body. For purposes of describing the embodiments of the present invention shown in the figures, the catheter assemblies will be described with respect to an application of hemodialysis and or as channeling to the venous system. However, it is understood that the catheter assemblies of the present invention can be configured and adapted, by increasing or decreasing a size (diameter or length) and/or number of distal end tubes and/or lumens in the respective catheter assembly, so that the catheter assembly can be beneficially used for other medical applications in which fluids are introduced into and/or removed from the body. A First Embodiment FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, where a catheter assembly has at least two lumens. The illustration of two lumens is exemplary, and the scope of the invention encompasses catheters having more than two lumens. The catheter assembly includes first tube T1 which has a proximal end 101 and a distal end 103. The catheter assembly includes second tube T2 which has a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The fist tube T1 and the second tube T2 united (fused) at catheter shaft TC as a result of fusion of a portion 104 of first tube T1 and the 105 of second tube T2. The catheter assembly can be provided (manufactured) so that the first distal end tube D1 and the second distal end tube D2 are splitable (releasable attached) or separate at their respective distal ends. Splitable is defined as releasable attached, meaning the first and the second distal end tubes D1 and D2 are fused, or otherwise attached, so that only minor force is necessary to pull apart, or split, along the imaginary line 118. The First tube T1 and second tube T2 are split at the end of the catheter tube fused part TC at the point 108 and form free floating distal parts D1 & D2. The multilumen catheter assembly includes a first lumen 112 and a second lumen 113 extending longitudinally therethrough as illustrated at C1. The first lumen 112 is continuous with and through the floating distal part D1, the catheter shaft TC and first extension tube E1. The second lumen 113 is continuous with and through the floating distal part D2, the catheter shaft TC and first extension tube E2. The first and the second extension tubes E1 and E2 lead to a proximal end of the catheter assembly, through which the materials entering and or exiting the patient enter and/or exit the catheter assembly. The words “proximal” and “distal” refer to directions away from and closer to, respectively, the inserted end of the catheter assembly. The exterior of the catheter shaft TC is smooth, rounded without ridges or grooves. As shown in the cross-section C1 of the catheter shaft TC, the outer surface of the catheter shaft TC is generally rounded in shape (outer configuration), C1 illustrating in cross-section a generally round shaped outer wall, with the first and the second lumens 112, 113 having a circular cross-section. Catheter shaft TC can have various shapes, such as but not limited to circular, semi-circular or oval. Also lumen cross section can have various shapes, such as but not limited to circular, semi-circular or oval A cuff 114 may and may not be located at a point along the catheter shaft TC. Cuffs are known in the art and provide a surface onto which internal tissue may adhere to stabilize the catheter assembly within the patient. In the above mentioned embodiments, it is noted that the proximal ends 101, 104 may occur at different locations in various catheters. It is within the scope of the present invention to incorporate, in the dimensional aspects of length disclosed above, all locations where the proximal ends 101, 104 could be said to occur in catheters known in the art, disclosed herein, or to be developed. The smooth generally round exterior surface of the catheter shaft TC passes through and remains positioned at a vessel wall insertion site during insertion of the catheter assembly into a patient. A vessel wall seals quite well around the smooth, round exterior surface of the catheter shaft TC, as shown in cross-section C1. Since the exterior of the catheter shaft TC provides a good seal at the insertion site, the risk of blood loss around the catheter assembly at the insertion site is minimized. The first and the second distal end tubes D1, D2 extend distally from the catheter shaft TC at the split point 108. The first and the second distal end tubes D1, D2 have outer surfaces continuous with the outer wall of the unitary catheter shaft TC, and are capable of independent movement when split from one another. The first and the second distal end tubes D1, D2 are defined by circular outer walls. The first and the second lumens 112, 113 are circular. The first and the second lumens 112, 113 are always circular since circular cross sections are most conducive to fluid flow properties. However, other shapes such as D-shaped passageways and/or lumens, oval, triangular, square, elliptical, kidney-bean shaped passageways and/or lumens, or other configurations are also within the scope of the invention. Further, while the catheter tubes T1, T2, the distal end tubes D1, D2, the lumens 112, 113 and the proximal end tubes E1, E2 are preferably identical in cross section, it is within the scope of the invention to vary the size, shape and/or configuration such that smaller distal end tubes and/or lumens, or varying types of lumens and distal end tubes may be used for other applications, such as an addition of a third, smaller lumen and corresponding distal end tube for introduction of medication. In addition to an L1 & L2 distal end opening, the first and the second distal end tubes D1, D2 may or may not have a plurality of side holes 109, 110 extending through exterior surfaces of the distal end tubes D1, D2 to the first and the second lumens 112, 113. The side holes 109, 110 provide additional or alternative flow paths. The side holes 109,110 can be arranged circumferentially and helically around the distal end tubes D1, D2 to provide optimal flow properties, and to avoid suctioning of the distal tubes against an area to be catheterized, such as a vessel wall. The side holes 109, 110 can be of various shape, but are typically circular or oval, or of some combination thereof and may also vary in number between the shorter and longer of the distal end tubes D1, D2. A Second Embodiment FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, where a catheter assembly has at least two lumens. The illustration of two lumens is exemplary, and the scope of the invention encompasses catheters having more than two lumens. The catheter assembly includes first tube T1 which has a proximal end 101 and a distal end 103. The catheter assembly includes a shorter second tube T2 which has a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The fist tube T1 and the second tube T2 united (fused) at catheter shaft TC as a result of fusion of a portion 104 of first tube T1 and the 105 of second tube T2. The catheter assembly can be provided (manufactured) so that the first distal end tube D1 is extending distally beyond the second tube distal end 106. The multilumen catheter assembly includes a first lumen 112 and a second lumen 113 extending longitudinally therethrough as illustrated at C1. The first lumen 112 is continuous with and through the first tube T1 from the distal end 103 of the floating distal part D1, the catheter shaft TC and first extension tube E1. The second lumen 113 is continuous with and through the second tube T2 from the distal end 106 of the second tube T2, the catheter shaft TC and first extension tube E2. The first and the second extension tubes E1 and E2 lead to a proximal end of the catheter assembly, through which the materials entering and or exiting the patient enter and/or exit the catheter assembly. The words “proximal” and “distal” refer to directions away from and closer to, respectively, the inserted end of the catheter assembly. The exterior of the catheter shaft TC includes a smooth, rounded without ridges or grooves. As shown in the cross-section C1 of the catheter shaft TC, the outer surface of the catheter shaft TC is generally rounded in shape (outer configuration), C1 illustrating in cross-section a generally round shaped outer wall, with the first and the second lumens 112, 113 having a circular cross-section. Catheter shaft TC can have various shapes, such as but not limited to circular, semi-circular or oval. Also lumen cross section can have various shapes, such as but not limited to circular, semi-circular or oval. A cuff 114 may or may not be located at a point along the catheter shaft TC. Cuffs are known in the art and provide a surface onto which internal tissue may adhere to stabilize the catheter assembly within the patient. In the above mentioned embodiments, it is noted that the proximal ends 101, 104 may occur at different locations in various catheters. It is within the scope of the present invention to incorporate, in the dimensional aspects of length disclosed above, all locations where the proximal ends 101, 104 could be said to occur in catheters known in the art, disclosed herein, or to be developed. The smooth generally round exterior surface of the catheter shaft TC passes through and remains positioned at a vessel wall insertion site during insertion of the catheter assembly into a patient. A vessel wall seals quite well around the smooth, round exterior surface of the catheter shaft TC, as shown in cross-section C1. Since the exterior of the catheter shaft TC provides a good seal at the insertion site, the risk of blood loss around the catheter assembly at the insertion site is minimized. The distal end tubes D1 extend distally from the catheter shaft TC at the point 108. The distal end tubes D1 has outer surfaces continuous with the outer wall of the unitary catheter shaft TC, and are capable of independent movement. The first distal end tubes D1 is defined by circular outer wall. The first and the second lumens 112, 113 are circular. The first and the second lumens 112, 113 are always circular since circular cross sections are most conducive to fluid flow properties. However, other shapes such as D-shaped passageways and/or lumens, oval, triangular, square, elliptical, kidney-bean shaped passageways and/or lumens, or other configurations are also within the scope of the invention. Further, while the catheter tubes T1, T2, the distal end tube D1, the lumens 112, 113 and the proximal end tubes E1, E2 are preferably identical in cross section, it is within the scope of the invention to vary the size, shape and/or configuration such that smaller distal end tubes and/or lumens, or varying types of lumens and distal end tubes may be used for other applications, such as an addition of a third, smaller lumen and corresponding distal end tube for introduction of medication. The assembly according to the second embodiment, in addition to an L1 & L2 distal end opening, may or may not include a plurality of side holes 109 extending through exterior surfaces of the distal end tubes D1, to the first lumen 112. A second set of side holes 110 extending through exterior surfaces of the distal end of tube 105, to the second lumen 113. The side holes 109, 110 provide additional or alternative flow paths. The side holes 109, 110 can be of various shape, but are typically circular or oval, or of some combination. A third Embodiment FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, where a catheter assembly has at least two lumens. The illustration of two lumens is exemplary, and the scope of the invention encompasses catheters having more than two lumens. The catheter assembly includes first tube T1 which has a proximal end 101 and a distal end 103. The catheter assembly includes a second tube T2 which has a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The fist tube T1 and the second tube T2 united (fused) at catheter shaft TC as a result of fusion of a portion 104 of first tube T1 and the 105 of second tube T2. The catheter assembly can be provided (manufactured) so that the first tube T1 and the second tube T2 is fused along a portion extending from the point 107 to the end of both tube 103, 106 so as to have a common distal end. The assembly according to the third embodiment includes tipping of the distal end of the catheter shaft TC to form a distal catheter tip 120. The multilumen catheter assembly includes a first lumen 112 and a second lumen 113 extending longitudinally therethrough as illustrated at C1. The first and second lumen 112, 113 are continuous with and through the first and second tube T1, T2 from the distal end 103,106, the catheter shaft TC and first and second extension tube E1, E2. The first and the second extension tubes E1 and E2 lead to a proximal end of the catheter assembly, through which the materials entering and or exiting the patient enter and/or exit the catheter assembly. The words “proximal” and “distal” refer to directions away from and closer to, respectively, the inserted end of the catheter assembly. The exterior of the catheter shaft TC includes a smooth, rounded without ridges or grooves. As shown in the cross-section C1 of the catheter shaft TC, the outer surface of the catheter shaft TC is generally rounded in shape (outer configuration), C1 illustrating in cross-section a generally round shaped outer wall, with the first and the second lumens 112, 113 having a circular cross-section. Catheter shaft TC can have various shapes, such as but not limited to circular, semi-circular or oval. Also lumen cross section can have various shapes, such as but not limited to circular, semi-circular or oval In the above mentioned embodiments, it is noted that the proximal ends 101, 104 may occur at different locations in various catheters. It is within the scope of the present invention to incorporate, in the dimensional aspects of length disclosed above, all locations where the proximal ends 101, 104 could be said to occur in catheters known in the art, disclosed herein, or to be developed. The smooth generally round exterior surface of the catheter shaft TC passes through and remains positioned at a vessel wall insertion site during insertion of the catheter assembly into a patient. A vessel wall seals quite well around the smooth, round exterior surface of the catheter shaft TC, as shown in cross-section C1. Since the exterior of the catheter shaft TC provides a good seal at the insertion site, the risk of blood loss around the catheter assembly at the insertion site is minimized. The first and the second lumens 112, 113 are always circular since circular cross sections are most conducive to fluid flow properties. However, other shapes such as D-shaped passageways and/or lumens, oval, triangular, square, elliptical, kidney-bean shaped passageways and/or lumens, or other configurations are also within the scope of the invention. Further, while the catheter tubes T1, T2, the lumens 112, 113 and the proximal end tubes E1, E2 are preferably identical in cross section, it is within the scope of the invention to vary the size, shape and/or configuration such that smaller distal end tubes and/or lumens, or varying types of lumens and distal end tubes may be used for other applications, such as an addition of a third, smaller lumen and corresponding distal end tube for introduction of medication. A plurality of side holes 109,110 extending through exterior surfaces of tubes 102,105, to the first and second lumens 112, 113. The side holes 109, 110 provide additional or alternative flow paths. The side holes 109, 110 can be of various shape, but are typically circular or oval, or of some combination. A cuff 114 may or may not be located at a point along the catheter shaft TC. Cuffs are known in the art and provide a surface onto which internal tissue may adhere to stabilize the catheter assembly within the patient. The catheter assembly according to the various embodiments may be secured to patient skin by a fixation device. The catheter assembly according to the various embodiments may incorporate a hub secured or over molded over point 107. The present invention further includes methods for making the multilumen catheter assemblies described above. The fusion parameter settings allow the catheter tube either to be releasable joined to allow longitudinally split from each other or non releasable joined. The present invention also provides a method for making a multitube catheter assembly, by fusing two or more tubes together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensitive tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube while the letter will not be affected due to its high melting temperature. After cooling the heat shrink tube is removed around the fused catheter tubes, the metallic mandrels pulled back and the tubes, forming the one catheter tube. At FIG. 4 illustrate the catheter tube T1, T2 cross sectional changes during the fusion process. According to C5, the first tube T1 and the second tube T2 has a general round outer surface and circular lumen 112, 113 and a wall 115, 116. C4 illustrates the presence of the heat sensitive tube 117 slides over the first and second tube T1, T2. The heat sensitive tube 117 contract and generates pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes T1, T2 inside the heat sensitive tube 117 while the letter will not be affected due to its high melting temperature. At C3, continual heating melt the wall 115, 116 of the first and second tube T1, T2. At C2, The wall 115, 116 fuse together forming one wall 111 defining the catheter tube TC around the catheter lumen 112, 113. Catheter lumens 112,113 are protected during fusion process by the presence of a round mandrel with definite size inside each of them. At C1, after cooling, the heat sensitive tube 117 is removed around the formed TC. The metallic mandrels are to be pulled back the catheter shaft tube TC is formed with the wall 111 around the catheter lumens 112, 113. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH> | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates generally to multitube catheter assemblies includes two or more tube fused together to form one catheter tube shaft. Each tube has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter from its distal end to its proximal end. The tubes are fused together by use of heat & pressure. The multitube catheter assemblies has distal split independent free floating tip ends, stepped tip end or tapered tip end for positioning within an area to be catheterized. The lumens of the multitube catheter are full circular where they extend all through the distal end, the catheter main stem and the proximal end of the extension part. The presented multitube catheter are to be used in any medical field where an access to the central venous system is required like haemodialysis, haemofiltration, plasma exchange, chemotherapy infusion . . . ect. The way of fusion and the degree of heat and pressure applied, can allow the catheter tubes to be releasable joined and can longitudinally split from each other. The tubes are fused together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensible tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube. After cooling the heat sensitive tube is to be removed around the catheter tube. The metallic mandrels then pulled back. The tubes, forming the one catheter tube are separated at each end. The end result is a multitube tube catheter has a distal splited end. In one aspect of the present invention, the assembly includes fusion between first tube and shorter second tube together to form one catheter tube. Each tube has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter. The way of fusion and the degree of heat and pressure applied, allow the catheter tubes to be un-releasable joined. The tubes are fused together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensible tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube. After cooling the heat sensitive tube is to be removed around the catheter tube. The metallic mandrels then pulled back. The end result is a multitube tube catheter has a distal stepped end. In another aspect of the present invention, the assembly includes fusion between two or more tube fused together to form one catheter tube shaft. Each tube has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter from its distal end to its proximal end. The way of fusion and the degree of heat and pressure applied, allow the catheter tubes to be un-releasable joined. The tubes are fused together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensible tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube. After cooling the heat sensitive tube is to be removed around the catheter tube. The metallic mandrels then pulled back. The distal end of fused united tube is tapered tipped. The end result is a multitube tube catheter has a distal tapered tip end. In another aspect of the present invention, the catheter tube stem, the distal end tubes, and the lumens, can also have a different shape or configuration at different points along a respective longitudinal length of each. In another aspect of the present invention, Through using the art of heat shrink tube, the outer wall of the catheter stem tube, the outer wall of the distal end tubes, and the lumens, can have various shapes in cross section, such as but not limited to a circular, semi-circular, or oval shape. In another aspect of the present invention, the first and the second distal end tubes are possibly having an outer wall with half-circular cross section, that can be re-formed to a circular wall by using the same principle of the current invention by applying a heat shrink tube over each of the distal tube. The present invention also provides a method for making a multitube catheter assembly, by fusing two or more tubes together by use of heat sensitive tube slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The heat sensitive tube will generate pressure once heat is applied. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the heat sensitive tube while the letter will not be affected due to its high melting temperature. After cooling the heat shrink tube is removed around the fused catheter tubes, the metallic mandrels pulled back and the tubes, forming the one catheter tube. In another aspect of the invention a method for making a multitube catheter assembly, by fusing two or more tubes together by use of a elastic tube stretched & slides over the tubes while metallic mandrels are passed through each tube lumen to protect the lumens during fusion. The elastic tube will compress the catheter tubes. Continual heating will melt/re-shape the catheter tubes inside the silicon tube while the letter will not be affected due to its high temperature resistance. The elastic tube will compress over the melted catheter tubes. After cooling the elastic tube is slide back the fused catheter tubes, the metallic mandrels pulled back and the tubes, forming the one catheter tube. The elastic tube can be silicon, rubber or equivalents material. In another aspect of the invention, a cuff or similar device is applied to the catheter stem. The absence of a connector or a hub between catheter shaft and extension line allows the catheter to be tunneled in both direction i.e. placing and positioning of catheter tip inside the vessel then tunnel the subcutaneous part OR tunnel the subcutaneous part then advance the catheter tip in the vessel. Catheter luer end is to be provided separately (to be assembled after tunneling) or pre-attached to the extension lines. In another aspect of the invention, the absence of a connector or a hub between catheter shaft and extension line allows the catheter to be advanced and positioned to any desirable length then fixed with any fixation devices. In another aspect of the invention, the multitube catheter assembly extension legs (lines) may end in a fixed or removable luer end. | 20050120 | 20100622 | 20060720 | 59116.0 | A61M300 | 0 | STIGELL, THEODORE J | MULTITUBE CATHETER AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | A61M | 2,005 |
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10,905,827 | ACCEPTED | FLEXIBLE BAMBOO CHAIR PAD | A bamboo Chair pad that can be manufactured from 100% Anji Mountain bamboo from China. The bamboo is all treated with various protective coatings to add resistance to natural factors including water, sun and dirt. All bamboo chair pads can be manufactured from the harder portions of the bamboo trunk. (Some bamboo are manufactured from the softer fibers of the inside of the bamboo trunk). This portion of the bamboo trunk is not utilized for this invention. The bamboo utilized in the present invention is taken from the harder part of the bamboo trunk to assure maximum endurance and longevity. The lower trunk portion of the bamboo plant is harder and less porous. | 1. An chair pad comprising: a plurality of elongated flat bamboo planks arranged lengthwise and side by side and each plank connected in a substantially abutting relationship with respect to an adjacent plank by at least one loom fibrous tape strip using a loom system forming a bamboo layer portion of the chair pad; a fiber mesh sheet applied on the underside of the bamboo layer portion of the chair pad; a resin material layer applied to the fiber mesh sheet underside bonding the mesh sheet to the underside of the bamboo layer portion of the chair pad; and a high density layer made of matted felt bonded over and to the resin material layer, where the planks, tape, mesh and high density layer are pressure rolled for bonding. 2. The chair pad as recited in claim 1, where the bamboo planks are kiln dried to prevent warping. 3. The chair pad as recited in claim 2, where the bamboo planks are oxidized in a boiling vat of liquid for coloring the bamboo. 4. The chair pad as recited in claim 3, where the resin layer is a mastic resin layer. 5. The chair pad as recited in claim 4, where the bamboo planks are made of the harder lower trunk portions of the bamboo and said planks have seven layers of UV coating. 6. The chair pad as recited in claim 4, where the high density layer is made of matted sisal. 7. The chair pad as recited in claim 4, where the loom fiber is a poly resin fiber. 8. The chair pad as recited in claim 4, where the fiber mesh sheet is a nylon fiber mesh sheet. 9. The chair pad as recited in claim 4, where the outline is substantially rectangular and where adjacent corners are notched away. | BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention relates generally to chair pads and, more particularly, to wood chair pads. 2. Background Art Chair pads are used as a protective covering for a floor area on which a chair rests or some other furniture item. The chair pad is utilized to protect the underlying floor from damage due to wear and tear caused by the chair and/or the occupant of the chair moving about within the floor area on which the chair rests. A typical chair pad is made of plastic or other appropriate material that is semi flexible, but resilient enough such that when the chair pad is placed on the floor area a semi rigid surface is provided by the chair pad. The semi rigid surface makes it easier to move about in the floor area with a chair with wheels. Most chair pads are a unitary one piece flattened body. Some chair pads as indicated are made of plastic. However others are made of a hardwood material to provide a better aesthetic appeal. Hardwood chair pads, however, are not flexible. These chair pads, particularly larger ones, are difficult to move about and very difficult to ship because of the special packaging required. Also, one alternative to hardwood is bamboo, which can also be utilized for a chair pad if processed like a hardwood. Bamboo is a grass, that belongs to the sub-family Bambusoidae of the family Poaceae (Graminae). Bamboo occurs naturally on every industrialized and populated continent with the exception of Europe. There are over 1000 known species of bamboo plants. It is a durable and versatile material, that has been utilized by various cultures and civilizations for various applications. Bamboo has been an integral part of the cultural, social and economic traditions of many societies. There is a vast pool of knowledge and skills related to the processing and usage of bamboo, which has encouraged the use of bamboo for various applications Clumping bamboo can be widely grown in tropical climates. The trunk of the plant is called the “culm”. The culm is wider at the trunk or bottom and narrows toward the top. In some varieties of bamboo the culm may grow 40 to 60 feet tall. Once established, bamboo plants can replenish themselves in two or three years. Each year a bamboo will put out several full length culms, that are generally hollow, in the form of a tube having “nodes”. There are other parts of the bamboo plant that can be utilized other than the culm, including commonly used parts of a bamboo such as branches and leaves, culm sheaths, buds and rhizomes. Some species are very fast growing at the rate of one metre per day, in the growing season. As mention above, bamboo occurs naturally on most continents, mainly in the tropical areas of a given continent. Its natural habitat ranges in latitude from Korea and Japan to South Argentina. It has been reported that millions tons of bamboo are harvested each year, almost three-fifths of it in India and China. On known source of quality bamboo is found in the Anji Mountains of China. Bamboo has many uses such as substituting commercially for wood, plastics, and composite materials in structural and product applications. There is a large diversity of species, many of which are available in India, which is the second largest source of bamboo in the world ranking only behind China. These grow naturally at heights ranging from sea level to over 3500. Most Indian bamboo is sympodial (clump forming); the singular exception is Phylostacchus bambuisodes, cultivated by the Apa Tani tribe on the Ziro plateau in Arunachal Pradesh. Bamboo has to undergo certain processing stages to convert them into boards/laminates. The green bamboo culms are converted into slivers/planks and then to boards. The boards are finally finished by surface coating. The common primary processing steps for making sliver/planks from green bamboo culms are 1. Cross Cutting; 2. Radial Splitting; 3. Internal Knot Removing & Two-side Planing; 4. Four-side Planing; and 5. forming slivers/planks. The common secondary processing steps for making board/laminate from slivers/planks are 1. Starch Removal & Anti-fungal Treatment; 2. Drying; 3. Resin Application; 4. Laying of Slivers/Planks; 5. Hot Pressing & Curing; and 6. form Laminates/Boards. The common surface coating and finishing stages are 1. Surface Sanding & Finishing; 2. Surface Coating with melamine/polyurethane; 3. Curing of Laminate; 4. Fine Sanding; 5. Evaluation of Surface Properties. There are various types of bamboo flooring including tongue and groove and the type that needs to be butted together. The lacquered flooring tiles are finished using wear resistant UV lacquer and the unlacquered flooring tiles need to be coated/waxed and polished after installation. The strength of Bamboo Boards can be better than common wood board for its special Hi-steam pressure process. The board has good water resistance for its shrinking and expanding rate. Its water-absorbing rate is better than wood and is further humidity resistant and smooth. It has been reported that the strength of 12 mm bamboo ply-board is equivalent to that of a 25 mm plywood board. There are also removable bamboo floor covering having bamboo on one side and carpeting on the other side. Although this type of flooring may be removable, the carpet backing construction makes the overall flooring have limited flexibility. There are also various types of bamboo chair pads made of flat elongated planks or strips arranged side by side length wise and attached along abutting adjacent edges binding them together in a side by side arrangement. There is also usually a cloth or felt backing or some other fibrous material bonded to the underside. The bamboo chair pad as with any other wood chair pad is rigid. The bamboo material is very durable for chair pad application, however, the construction of many bamboo pads are rigid lacking the capability to flex or bend. A novel bamboo chair pad construction is needed. BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION The invention is a hard wood chair pad formed from multiple elongated bamboo planks that have been processed like hardwood flooring. The chair pad provides a substantially hardwood rigid surface but the pad can be rolled up like a chair pad for ease of transport and shipping. The hardwood planks have sufficient thickness such that when they are bonded to a backing in an adjacent side by side manner a substantially rigid surface is provided. The planks are not adjacently connected along their side edges, therefore the pad can be rolled up for ease of transport. The bamboo chair pad can be manufactured from 100% Anji Mountain bamboo from China. The bamboo is all treated with various protective coatings to add resistance to natural factors including water, sun and dirt. All bamboo chair pads are made from the harder portions of the bamboo trunk. (Some bamboo used for indoor purposes are manufactured from the softer fibers of the inside of the bamboo trunk). This portion of the bamboo trunk is not utilized for this invention. The bamboo utilized in the present invention is taken from the harder part of the bamboo trunk to assure maximum endurance and longevity. The lower trunk portion of the bamboo plant is harder and less porous. The bamboo for the present invention is kiln dried to prevent warping and remove moisture that can cause future warping. Certain styles of bamboo are oxidized in a boiling vat of liquid to bring out different variations of color vs. the common method of spray staining the bamboo planks to a particular color. The oxidation process also makes the bamboo less porous to moisture. A UV coating can also be applied to the bamboo planks. One embodiment of the invention can have 7 coats of UV protection. The bamboo can be arranged with a series of planks lying next to one another and then assembled into a chair pad utilizing the same manufacturing processes and machinery utilized for bamboo rugs. The chair pad can then be rolled or pressed thereby compressing all of the layers of the chair pad. During the assembly process a mesh sheet is placed on the bottom side of the chair pad. The mesh sheet can be made of nylon fibers. A mastic layer is then placed over the nylon mesh sheet before a final layer of high density felt or sisal is applied, which can be preferably about approximately 2 mm in thickness. Then the chair pads are cut to the desired dimensions. Certain bamboo that can be used in the manufacture of the present Bamboo Chairpad is oxidized and gives it an extra step in making the bamboo more impermeable to water, sunlight and dirt. Once the elongated bamboo planks have been processed, they are adjacently aligned lengthwise, and side by side. A fibrous strip, or multiple threads and/or a fibrous tape material can be applied to the underside to connect the bamboo planks. A fiber mesh sheet can then be applied and bonded to the underside to hold the strips together. Then the porous mating is bonded to the underside. The present inventions construction provides a product that is easily packaged, transported, shipped and moved about to the flexibility of the chair pad and ability to roll up. These and other advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the chair pad; FIG. 2 is a perspective partial cut away view of the bamboo chair pad; FIG. 3 is a perspective partial cut away exploded view of the chair pad layers; FIG. 4 is a perspective partial cut away view of the chair pad illustrating its flexibility; and FIG. 5 is a partial end view of the chair pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION According to the embodiment(s) of the present invention, various views are illustrated in FIG. 1-5 and like reference numerals are being used consistently throughout to refer to like and corresponding parts of the invention for all of the various views and figures of the drawing. Also, please note that the first digit(s) of the reference number for a given item or part of the invention should correspond to the Fig. number in which the item or part is first identified. One embodiment of the present invention comprising bamboo planks and a felt or sisal backing teaches a novel apparatus and method for a bamboo chair pad that is highly flexible along the plank seams for ease of rolling up. The details of the invention and various embodiments can be better understood by referring to the figures of the drawing. Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the present chair pad invention is shown. The chair pad construction includes a plurality of elongated bamboo planks 102 arranged lengthwise in a side by side manner where the long side edge of each plank can abut against the adjacent long side edge of the adjacent plank. The abutting relationship between the planks can form a seam 114. The adjacent long side edges of adjacent planks can be unattached. The bamboo chair pad as shown is cut into a typical chair pad pattern outline that is a substantially rectangular outline with adjacent corner sections cut away. See the notched or cutaway areas 104 and 106. Referring to FIG. 2, the layers are shown assembled together forming the bamboo chair pad with a cut away revealing the inner layers. At least one loom fibrous tape strip extending orthogonally with respect to the lengthwise extension of the planks, see item 210 of FIG. 2, can be utilized to connect the plank together in an abutting relationship with each other adjacent plank in a loom system forming a chair pad. The loom fibrous tape strip can have some adhesive or adhesion properties on at least one facing surface of the tape strip such that it bonds to the underside of the planks to connect the adjacent planks together from the underside of the plank. The strip can extend orthogonally with respect to the lengthwise extension of the planks and can extend edge to edge of the bamboo layer portion 304, see FIG. 3. Also, in lieu of the tape embodiment, the planks can be connected by a series of substantially parallel fibers having adhesive properties extending orthogonally with respect to the lengthwise extension of the planks. The connecting tape strips or fibers 210 can also extend in a crossing angular fashion with respect to the lengthwise extension of the seams 114. A fiber mesh sheet 206 can then be applied on the underside 308 of the bamboo layer portion 304, see FIG. 3. The mesh sheet further bonds the bamboo planks together. The chair pad as described herein can be such that the bamboo planks are kiln dried to prevent warping. The chair pad as described can also be such that the bamboo planks are oxidized in a boiling vat of liquid for coloring the bamboo rather than performing a staining process. The planks can vary in size, however one embodiment can have planks that are about approximately 5 mm thick and about approximately 5 cm wide. However, these dimensions can vary based on intended usage and preference. One embodiment of the chair pad can have planks with 7 layers of UV protection applied for mar and scuff resistance. The chair pad, as described, can have a resin layer that is a mastic resin layer for sealing and moisture resistance. The chair pad invention as described herein can be such that the bamboo planks are made of the harder lower trunk portions of the bamboo plant. The loom fiber such as the fibrous tape strip, can be a poly resin fiber. The fiber mesh sheet can also be a poly fiber mesh sheet. All of these features provide significant flexibility. The construction of the layers bonded under the bamboo planks provide strength and durability as well as portability. The construction and the material contained in the construction described herein also provide substantial flexibility such that he chair pad can be easily rolled up. Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded partial cut away view of the present invention's bamboo chair pad layers is shown. The chair pad 100 is shown and with the layers revealed in an exploded view. The chair pad 100 comprises a plurality of elongated flat bamboo planks 102 arranged lengthwise and side by side and each plank connected in a substantially abutting relationship with respect to an adjacent plank forming seams 114 between adjacent planks. The connected planks form the bamboo chair pad layer portion 304 (bamboo layer). The abutting long edges of adjacent planks can be unattached along the seams 114. The adjacent planks can be connected to each other on the chair pad's bamboo layer underside 308 (the underside of the planks) by at least one loom fibrous tape strip extending orthogonally with respect to the lengthwise extension of the planks, see item 210 of FIG. 2, using a loom system forming a chair pad. The loom fibrous tape strip can have some adhesive or adhesion properties on at least one facing surface of the tape strip such that it bonds to the underside of the planks to connect the adjacent planks together from the underside of the plank. The strip can extend orthogonally with respect to the lengthwise extension of the planks and can extend edge to edge of the bamboo layer portion 304. Also, the planks can be connected by a series of substantially parallel fibers having adhesive properties extending orthogonally with respect to the lengthwise extension of the planks. The connecting tape strips or fibers 210 can also extend in a crossing angular fashion with respect to the lengthwise extension of the seams 114. A fiber mesh sheet 206 can then be applied on the underside 308 the bamboo layer portion 304. The mesh sheet further bonds the bamboo planks together. One embodiment of the mesh sheet can be a nylon mesh sheet. A resin material layer applied to the fiber mesh sheet underside 310 bonding the mesh sheet to the underside 308 of the chair pad's bamboo layer 304. The resin material can be for example a mastic resin layer. The mastic resin layer will assist in providing a moisture seal for the underside of the chair pad for durability as well as bond the mesh sheet to the bamboo planks' underside 308. Then a high density layer 312 of matted natural or man made fiber is applied to the mesh sheet underside 310. The resin layer assists in bonding the high density fiber layer to the mesh underside. The high density fiber layer can be moisture, mildew and skid resistant. The high density fiber layer can be made of matted sisal or felt bonded under and to the resin material layer or the high density fiber layer can be made of another appropriate fiber. One embodiment of the high density fiber layer can be about approximately 2 mm in thickness. However, the thickness of the high density fiber layer can vary significantly depending on the application and the environment for which the chair pad is to be used. Once the layers have been bonded, they can be pressed or rolled further compressing and bonding the layers together. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a perspective partial cut away view of the chair pad illustrating its flexibility, and a partial end view of the chair pad is shown. The high density layer 312, the mesh layer 206, the tape 210, and the bamboo plank layer 102 are all shown in these views. The adjacent long side edges 502 and 504 of the planks 102 are shown unattached along the seams 114. The various bamboo chair pad examples shown above illustrate a novel outdoor/indoor bamboo chair pad construction. A user of the present invention may choose any of the above bamboo chair pad construction embodiments, or an equivalent thereof, depending upon the desired application. In this regard, it is recognized that various forms of the subject outdoor/indoor bamboo chair pad could be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications that do not depart from the sprit and scope of the present invention. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of Invention This invention relates generally to chair pads and, more particularly, to wood chair pads. 2. Background Art Chair pads are used as a protective covering for a floor area on which a chair rests or some other furniture item. The chair pad is utilized to protect the underlying floor from damage due to wear and tear caused by the chair and/or the occupant of the chair moving about within the floor area on which the chair rests. A typical chair pad is made of plastic or other appropriate material that is semi flexible, but resilient enough such that when the chair pad is placed on the floor area a semi rigid surface is provided by the chair pad. The semi rigid surface makes it easier to move about in the floor area with a chair with wheels. Most chair pads are a unitary one piece flattened body. Some chair pads as indicated are made of plastic. However others are made of a hardwood material to provide a better aesthetic appeal. Hardwood chair pads, however, are not flexible. These chair pads, particularly larger ones, are difficult to move about and very difficult to ship because of the special packaging required. Also, one alternative to hardwood is bamboo, which can also be utilized for a chair pad if processed like a hardwood. Bamboo is a grass, that belongs to the sub-family Bambusoidae of the family Poaceae (Graminae). Bamboo occurs naturally on every industrialized and populated continent with the exception of Europe. There are over 1000 known species of bamboo plants. It is a durable and versatile material, that has been utilized by various cultures and civilizations for various applications. Bamboo has been an integral part of the cultural, social and economic traditions of many societies. There is a vast pool of knowledge and skills related to the processing and usage of bamboo, which has encouraged the use of bamboo for various applications Clumping bamboo can be widely grown in tropical climates. The trunk of the plant is called the “culm”. The culm is wider at the trunk or bottom and narrows toward the top. In some varieties of bamboo the culm may grow 40 to 60 feet tall. Once established, bamboo plants can replenish themselves in two or three years. Each year a bamboo will put out several full length culms, that are generally hollow, in the form of a tube having “nodes”. There are other parts of the bamboo plant that can be utilized other than the culm, including commonly used parts of a bamboo such as branches and leaves, culm sheaths, buds and rhizomes. Some species are very fast growing at the rate of one metre per day, in the growing season. As mention above, bamboo occurs naturally on most continents, mainly in the tropical areas of a given continent. Its natural habitat ranges in latitude from Korea and Japan to South Argentina. It has been reported that millions tons of bamboo are harvested each year, almost three-fifths of it in India and China. On known source of quality bamboo is found in the Anji Mountains of China. Bamboo has many uses such as substituting commercially for wood, plastics, and composite materials in structural and product applications. There is a large diversity of species, many of which are available in India, which is the second largest source of bamboo in the world ranking only behind China. These grow naturally at heights ranging from sea level to over 3500. Most Indian bamboo is sympodial (clump forming); the singular exception is Phylostacchus bambuisodes, cultivated by the Apa Tani tribe on the Ziro plateau in Arunachal Pradesh. Bamboo has to undergo certain processing stages to convert them into boards/laminates. The green bamboo culms are converted into slivers/planks and then to boards. The boards are finally finished by surface coating. The common primary processing steps for making sliver/planks from green bamboo culms are 1. Cross Cutting; 2. Radial Splitting; 3. Internal Knot Removing & Two-side Planing; 4. Four-side Planing; and 5. forming slivers/planks. The common secondary processing steps for making board/laminate from slivers/planks are 1. Starch Removal & Anti-fungal Treatment; 2. Drying; 3. Resin Application; 4. Laying of Slivers/Planks; 5. Hot Pressing & Curing; and 6. form Laminates/Boards. The common surface coating and finishing stages are 1. Surface Sanding & Finishing; 2. Surface Coating with melamine/polyurethane; 3. Curing of Laminate; 4. Fine Sanding; 5. Evaluation of Surface Properties. There are various types of bamboo flooring including tongue and groove and the type that needs to be butted together. The lacquered flooring tiles are finished using wear resistant UV lacquer and the unlacquered flooring tiles need to be coated/waxed and polished after installation. The strength of Bamboo Boards can be better than common wood board for its special Hi-steam pressure process. The board has good water resistance for its shrinking and expanding rate. Its water-absorbing rate is better than wood and is further humidity resistant and smooth. It has been reported that the strength of 12 mm bamboo ply-board is equivalent to that of a 25 mm plywood board. There are also removable bamboo floor covering having bamboo on one side and carpeting on the other side. Although this type of flooring may be removable, the carpet backing construction makes the overall flooring have limited flexibility. There are also various types of bamboo chair pads made of flat elongated planks or strips arranged side by side length wise and attached along abutting adjacent edges binding them together in a side by side arrangement. There is also usually a cloth or felt backing or some other fibrous material bonded to the underside. The bamboo chair pad as with any other wood chair pad is rigid. The bamboo material is very durable for chair pad application, however, the construction of many bamboo pads are rigid lacking the capability to flex or bend. A novel bamboo chair pad construction is needed. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>The invention is a hard wood chair pad formed from multiple elongated bamboo planks that have been processed like hardwood flooring. The chair pad provides a substantially hardwood rigid surface but the pad can be rolled up like a chair pad for ease of transport and shipping. The hardwood planks have sufficient thickness such that when they are bonded to a backing in an adjacent side by side manner a substantially rigid surface is provided. The planks are not adjacently connected along their side edges, therefore the pad can be rolled up for ease of transport. The bamboo chair pad can be manufactured from 100% Anji Mountain bamboo from China. The bamboo is all treated with various protective coatings to add resistance to natural factors including water, sun and dirt. All bamboo chair pads are made from the harder portions of the bamboo trunk. (Some bamboo used for indoor purposes are manufactured from the softer fibers of the inside of the bamboo trunk). This portion of the bamboo trunk is not utilized for this invention. The bamboo utilized in the present invention is taken from the harder part of the bamboo trunk to assure maximum endurance and longevity. The lower trunk portion of the bamboo plant is harder and less porous. The bamboo for the present invention is kiln dried to prevent warping and remove moisture that can cause future warping. Certain styles of bamboo are oxidized in a boiling vat of liquid to bring out different variations of color vs. the common method of spray staining the bamboo planks to a particular color. The oxidation process also makes the bamboo less porous to moisture. A UV coating can also be applied to the bamboo planks. One embodiment of the invention can have 7 coats of UV protection. The bamboo can be arranged with a series of planks lying next to one another and then assembled into a chair pad utilizing the same manufacturing processes and machinery utilized for bamboo rugs. The chair pad can then be rolled or pressed thereby compressing all of the layers of the chair pad. During the assembly process a mesh sheet is placed on the bottom side of the chair pad. The mesh sheet can be made of nylon fibers. A mastic layer is then placed over the nylon mesh sheet before a final layer of high density felt or sisal is applied, which can be preferably about approximately 2 mm in thickness. Then the chair pads are cut to the desired dimensions. Certain bamboo that can be used in the manufacture of the present Bamboo Chairpad is oxidized and gives it an extra step in making the bamboo more impermeable to water, sunlight and dirt. Once the elongated bamboo planks have been processed, they are adjacently aligned lengthwise, and side by side. A fibrous strip, or multiple threads and/or a fibrous tape material can be applied to the underside to connect the bamboo planks. A fiber mesh sheet can then be applied and bonded to the underside to hold the strips together. Then the porous mating is bonded to the underside. The present inventions construction provides a product that is easily packaged, transported, shipped and moved about to the flexibility of the chair pad and ability to roll up. These and other advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein below. | 20050121 | 20080722 | 20060727 | 75371.0 | B32B104 | 1 | JOHNSON, JENNA LEIGH | FLEXIBLE BAMBOO CHAIR PAD | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | B32B | 2,005 |
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10,905,852 | ACCEPTED | FLOOR STANDING TREATMENT DEVICE | The present invention relates to a floor standing treatment device that has a front panel and a mainframe assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly has an integrally molded latching mechanism having a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. The air purifier may also have a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of a back housing to house an electrical cord provided with the air purifier. Additionally, the air purifier may also have an elongated slot positioned at the apex of the mainframe assembly for allowing one or two handed carrying of the air purifier. | 1. A floor standing treatment device, comprising: a front panel; a back housing; and a mainframe assembly configured to be removably attachable to both the front panel and the back housing, the back housing further comprising a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of the back housing, the cavity being configured to house at least a portion of an electrical cord provided with the floor standing treatment device. 2. The floor standing treatment device of claim 1, wherein the back housing further comprises a recessed portion positioned along a portion of the bottom of the exterior of the back housing for accommodating base boards associated with a typical wall. 3. The floor standing treatment device of claim 1, further comprising a cord grommet configured to interface with an interior wall of the mainframe assembly such that at least a portion of the grommet is housed within the cavity. 4. The floor standing treatment device of claim 3, wherein the grommet protrudes from a ceiling of the cavity. 5. A floor standing treatment device, comprising: a front panel; a back housing; a mainframe assembly terminating in an apex and supporting the front panel and the back housing; and a handle integrally molded with the mainframe assembly and positioned toward the apex of the mainframe assembly for carrying the floor standing treatment device. 6. The floor standing device of claim 5, wherein the device is an air purifier. 7. The floor standing device of claim 5, wherein the mainframe assembly further comprises a filter element operable to rotate on a horizontal axis and a scroll through which air is directed. 8. A floor standing treatment device comprising: a mainframe assembly comprising a motor mount, the motor mount having a first side and a second side, the first side comprising one or more structural support ribs extending between the mount and the mainframe assembly and having two substantially parallel outer support fins, the second side further comprising two substantially parallel outer support fins which form a substantially circular air intake frame. 9. The floor standing treatment device of claim 8, wherein the second side of the motor mount assembly further comprises a third support fin positioned between the two substantially parallel support fins and configured to distribute stresses from the mount to the mainframe assembly. 10. The floor standing treatment device of claim 8, wherein wiring from a motor positioned within the motor mount is configured to be directed between the two fins for minimizing airflow obstruction. 11. The floor standing treatment device of claim 8, wherein the motor mount assembly comprises four equally spaced support ribs. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/393,122, filed Mar. 20, 2003. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to floor standing treatment devices such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners or floor heaters, and more particularly to an air purifier having a latching mechanism, cord storage area, carrying handle and improved motor mount assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Portable and/or floor standing treatment devices including air purifiers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heaters provide benefits in the home and workplace and are increasing in popularity among consumers desiring to live and work in cleaner and healthier environments. Typically these devices contain mechanical components such as heating elements, motors and fans which should not be readily accessible. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide the floor standing treatment device with a latching mechanism that prevented access to such components. Additionally, it would be advantageous if the latching mechanism was designed for long-lasting use and prevented from prematurely failing or breaking. Due to the increased popularity of floor standing treatment devices, many users may desire to selectively use a particular treatment device in the home or at the office, without having to purchase two separate products. Additionally, the same floor standing treatment device may be desired for use in one or more different locations around the home. Unfortunately, most floor standing treatment devices, specifically air purifiers are cumbersomely large and lack handles, which prevents easy portability of the device. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an air purifier with a one or two handed carrying handle for providing easy portability of the purifier. Lastly, since it is not necessary to precisely locate a floor standing treatment device within a room, most users typically situate these devices on the floor and closely adjacent an unused portion of a wall in the office or home. However, since these devices typically have a cord and grommet that protrudes from the back, these devices are prevented from resting close to any wall. Additionally, since most of these devices have several feet of electrical cord attached, it is sometimes difficult to position the device so as to eliminate the “tripping” danger associated with having a loose cord. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a floor standing treatment device adapted to be placed closely adjacent an interior room wall and one that provided a storage space for unused electrical cord. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One embodiment of the present invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a front panel and a mainframe assembly that is adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly comprises an integrally molded latching mechanism that has a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. Another embodiment of the invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a front panel, a back housing, and a mainframe assembly configured to be removably attachable to both the front panel and the back housing. The back housing further comprises a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of the back housing. The cavity is configured to house at least a portion of an electrical cord provided with the floor standing treatment device. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a front panel, a back housing, and a mainframe assembly. The mainframe assembly comprises a handle positioned toward the apex of the mainframe assembly and is adapted to allow one or two handed gripping of the device. Another embodiment of the invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a mainframe assembly having a motor mount. The motor mount has a first side and a second side. The first side of the motor mount comprises one or more structural support ribs extending between the mount and the mainframe assembly and has a two substantially parallel outer support fins. The second side of the motor mount further comprising two substantially parallel outer support fins which form a substantially circular air intake frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and forming part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with their description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor standing treatment device, specifically an air purifier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a blown-up view of the latching mechanism as shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3a illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary louver design and a fluid dynamic simulation of air flow through the louver design; FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a prior art louver design and a fluid dynamic simulation of air flow through the louver design; FIG. 4 depicts a rear perspective view of the back housing and mainframe assembly of the floor standing treatment device in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 5a depicts a front perspective view of a motor mount assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5b depicts a rear perspective view of the motor mount assembly in FIG. 5a; FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary internal/mechanical components of the floor standing treatment device as shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7a illustrates a diagrammatic view of a the floor standing treatment device; and FIG. 7b illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic view of a the floor standing treatment device in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout the views, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a floor standing treatment device 1, particularly an air purifier, in accordance with the present invention. The exemplary floor standing treatment device 1 comprises a mainframe assembly 2, a front panel 3 and a back housing 36. The back housing 36 is removably attachable to the mainframe assembly 2 for providing easy access the fan 30 (as best illustrated in FIG. 6) of the air purifier for allowing a user to easily change/clean the fan. As one of skill in the art will recognize, the back housing 36 may be removably attachable to the mainframe assembly 2 in any variety of known ways, and such assembly is easily adaptable to any variety of floor standing treatment device. The front panel is also removably attachable to the mainframe assembly 2. The front panel 3 may also be attachable to the mainframe assembly 2 in any variety of known ways, but in the exemplary embodiment, the front panel 3 “snap” engages a latching mechanism 4 attached to the mainframe assembly 2 as generally illustrated in FIG. 1. As one of skill in the art should appreciate, the latching mechanism 4 may be integrally or separately attached to the mainframe assembly 2 and may be positioned at virtually any position on the mainframe assembly 2 for allowing secure attachment of the mainframe assembly 2 to the front panel 3. Alternatively, it should also be recognized that the latch assembly may be positioned on the front panel 3 for “snap” engagement with the mainframe assembly 2. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates a blown-up view of the latching mechanism 4 as shown in FIG. 1. The latching mechanism 4 comprises a latch 5 having an arched protuberance 6, guides 7, external stops 8 and internal stops 9. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching mechanism 4 is integrally connected or molded to the mainframe assembly 2. The latching mechanism 4 is also contemplated to be made from a plastic or other suitable material which has elastic properties for allowing lateral or side-to-side movement of the latch 5. For example, in the at rest position as illustrated in FIG. 2, the latch 5 is capable of being moved laterally or side-to-side with a manual force “F” exerted on the latch 5. In the absence of such a force, the material characteristics of the latch should allow the latch 5 to return or rest in the at rest position. In the event the material chosen does not provide for easy lateral or side-to-side movement, the latch may be further provided with an indentation 10, which provides for improved movability or flexibility of the latch 5. The indentation 10 is contemplated to be a predefined area of the latch that has less thickness than the surrounding area. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the indentation 10 is the notch that extends the width of the latch 5. The lesser thickness of the indentation 10 area allows the latch to be more flexible and movable with respect to the stationary surrounding mainframe assembly 2. The latch 5 of the latching mechanism 4 is contemplated to be an integral or molded extension of the mainframe assembly 2. As illustrated, the latch 5 comprises a pair of “L-shaped” guides 7 that extend from the top and bottom of the latch 5. The L-shaped guides 7 extend inward and upward/downward with respect to the latch and are provided to prevent over extension of the latch, which may cause the latch to break or snap from the latching mechanism 4. A pair of external stops 8 and internal stops 9 are also integral or molded extensions of the mainframe assembly 2. The external stops 8 are positioned externally adjacent the guides 7 and are positioned to prevent over-extension of the latch in an outward direction. Similarly, the internal stops 9 are positioned internally adjacent the guides 7 and are positioned to prevent over-extension of the latch in an inward direction. In other words, the stops (8, 9) are configured to prevent the latch 5 from being overly extended in any side-to-side or lateral direction. For example, if the latch 5 is manually pushed in by a user (force “F” in FIG. 1), the guides 7 of the latch 5 abut the internal stops 9 thereby preventing further lateral movement of the latch 5. Conversely, if the latch 5 is manually pulled out by a user, the guides 7 of the latch 5 abut the external stops 8 thereby preventing further lateral movement of the latch 5. In this way, the latch is prevented from being over-extended, which may cause failure of the latch 5. In the exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the latch 5 is also provided with an arched protuberance 6, which is contemplated to be an arch that extends outward from the latch 5. The arch is configured to extend a predetermined distance out from the latch 5 such that the protuberance 6 can “snap” engage a corresponding slot 11 positioned on the front panel 3 of the mainframe assembly 2. The snap engagement of the arched protuberance 6 in the corresponding slot 11 allows the front panel 3 to be securely attached to the mainframe assembly 2. In operation, to place or remove the panel 3 from the mainframe assembly, a user is required to manually push on the latch 5 (force “F”) causing the latch to laterally move to a position wherein the protuberance 6 no longer protrudes beyond the external stoppers 8, which allows for insertion/removal of the front panel 3 from the mainframe assembly 2. In this way, the front panel 3 can be easily removed and replaced from the mainframe assembly 2 as desired by the user. FIG. 3a depicts an exemplary fluid dynamic simulation of an embodiment of a louver design 50 associated with the front panel 3 of the floor standing treatment device. The exemplary louvers 51 are configured in such a way that an average height person standing approximately 6 feet away from the device cannot see through the louvers 51 when the product is on the floor under normal lighting conditions. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3a, the louvers 51 are optimized to allow for increased air flow through the louvers 51 than as seen in the louvers 51b of the prior art as shown in FIG. 3b. In particular, the louvers 51 of the present invention allow for more air to pass through the louvers with less pressure drop and less turbulence than the louvers 51b in the prior art. Put another way, more air can be taken in through the louvers at the same velocity than the prior art, or the same amount of air can be taken in as in the prior art design but at a lower overall velocity. In this way, the floor standing treatment device 1, should be quieter than devices of the prior art because more air can be taken in through the louvers 51. In the exemplary embodiment, the louvers 51 have a generally “boot” shaped appearance, with the “bottom” 52 of the boot facing into the direction of air flow. The bottom of the boot has a substantially flat, vertical surface 52 with inclined surfaces 53 on each side providing some improved aerodynamic performance. The “toe” of the boot is generally formed by one of the inclined surfaces 53 in combination with an upwardly arched portion 54 that follows to the “top” of the boot. The “top” of the boot is a substantially flat, vertical surface 55 that faces away from the direction of the air flow. Lastly, an angled top surface 56 defines the top of the surface of the louver 51 and “back side” portion of the boot. FIG. 4 depicts a rear perspective view of the back housing 36 and mainframe assembly 2 of the floor standing treatment device in accordance with the present invention. The back housing 36 has a back wall 25, two side walls 27, a top surface 28 and a bottom surface 29. As will be described in more detail below, the back housing 36 houses some of the mechanical components of the floor standing treatment device 1 including the fan 30. As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the mainframe assembly 2 comprises a handle 22 for carrying the floor standing treatment device 1. Since the typical floor standing treatment device, specifically the air purifier is cumbersomely large, a handle 22 may be provided to allow the purifier to be easily moved from one location to another. In the exemplary embodiment, the handle 22 comprises an elongated, curved opening 23 for providing a one or two handed gripping of the air purifier. While the handle 22 could have virtually any shaped opening 23, in this embodiment, the handle has a substantially flat bottom and a curved or arched opening for gripping and moving the air purifier 1. Additionally, it is noted that for convenience the handle is located toward the apex of the mainframe assembly 2. While the opening 23 of the handle may be designed to be a through-hole, in the exemplary embodiment, the handle has an interior wall 24 which prevents a user from putting his/her fingers through the opening 23. One of the purposes of such a design is to provide a more compact design which provides a more aesthetically pleasing front panel. In particular, such a design allows the handle to be built in the floor standing treatment device without it being visible from a front elevational view. As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the back housing 36 further comprises an elongated cavity 12 positioned along the bottom surface 29 of the housing 36. The cavity 12 is configured to house the electrical cord 13, or at least a portion of the electrical cord 13, that provides electrical power to the free standing treatment device. While the cavity 12 could be of virtually any shape or size, in the exemplary embodiment, the cavity 12 is roughly rectangular and of sufficient volume to allow the entire electrical cord 13 to be stored therein. Such a design allows the electrical cord 13 to be stored when the floor standing treatment device 1 is not in use such as being carried from one location to another. Additionally, this design allows the unused portion of the cord 13 to be stored when the product is in use, which minimizes any potential hazards associated with a loose cord (i.e. tripping, etc.) and provides for a neater and cleaner appearance. Referring briefly to FIG. 6, the electrical cord 13 is securely attached to the floor standing treatment device 1 via a cord grommet 19. The cord grommet 19 interfaces with an internal surface 20 of the mainframe assembly 2 to securely attach the electrical cord to the treatment device 1. As one of skill in the should recognize, with the back housing attached to the mainframe assembly, the cord grommet 19 will appear to extend from the ceiling 38 of the cavity 12. However, the grommet 19 could also be adapted to extend from the side walls 21 or the back wall of the cavity. The design of the grommet 19 being positioned within the elongated cavity 12 allows the free standing treatment device 1 to be placed closely adjacent any wall relative to an electrical outlet (not shown) without interference from a protruding grommet as is typical in the state of the art. For example, typical floor standing treatment devices that rely on use of an electrical power cord have a grommet that protrudes from the exterior of the device. Since grommets are typically stiff and inflexible, any device having such a grommet needs to be pulled out from the wall and cannot be positioned closely adjacent to the wall to allow for clearance of the grommet. Accordingly, the present design eliminates the need for such clearance because the grommet 19 is housed within a cavity 12 associated with the floor standing treatment device 1. Referring back to FIG. 4, the floor standing treatment device 1 of the present invention may further comprise a recessed portion 14 which further improves the device's adaptability to be placed closely adjacent a wall. In this embodiment, a portion of the bottom of the back housing 36 is curved inward to accommodate for base boards associated with a typical wall. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the inward curvature of the back housing allows the device 1 to be fit more “snugly” against an interior wall of a home. Accordingly, the combination of the recessed portion 14 of the device and the grommet 19 being positioned within the cavity 12, allows the floor standing treatment device to rest flush with most walls in a home. FIG. 5a illustrates the floor standing treatment device 1 with the front panel 3 removed from the mainframe assembly 2. The mainframe assembly 2 comprises a motor mount assembly 40 that as one of skill in the art will appreciate, was designed with enough structural integrity for the motor and fan to withstand rigorous shipping and handling situations. The motor mount assembly 40 comprises a mount 41 having, preferably, four spaced support ribs 42. The support ribs 42 each comprise two substantially parallel support fins 43a which extend between the mount 41 and the mainframe assembly 2 and provide the structural integrity for the assembly 40. While the present embodiment illustrates four ribs, it should be recognized that more or less ribs could be used. Not only do the ribs 42 and accompanying fins 43a provide structural support for the mount 41, but the fins have the dual purpose of providing a “guide” for wiring 44 from the motor 45 to the user controls. In this way, the wiring 44 is “neatly” tucked in between the parallel support fins and does not further obstruct airflow. FIG. 5b illustrates the opposite side of the motor mount assembly 40 (i.e. the side facing the back housing 36). This illustration shows the motor mount assembly 40 further comprising a three substantially parallel support fins 43b. Two outer support fins 43b of each rib 42 extend from the mount 41 to the mainframe assembly 2 and form a substantially circular air intake orifice 47. As one of skill in the art should recognize, the air intake orifice 47 is configured to allow air to be pulled through the fan for purification. The third support fin 43b is positioned between the two outer support fins 43b and extends between the mount 41 and onto a portion of the mainframe assembly 2. The third support fin 43b is configured to distribute stresses on the mount 41 to the mainframe assembly 2 thereby providing enhanced structural rigidity to the motor mount assembly 40. The motor mount assembly 40 may also comprise a plurality of self aligning dowels 46 positioned around the circumference of the mount 41. The dowels 46 are configured to align with corresponding apertures on the motor 45 for providing quick and appropriate alignment of the motor 45 within the mount 41. A plurality of speed clips or Tinnerman® clips might be used to hold the motor in place once it has been inserted on the dowels 46. Speed clips allow “blind” fastening of screws to secure the motor 45. One of the advantages of using such clips is that no securing or holding of a nut is required, thus, a tool to hold the nut is also not required. FIG. 6 illustrates the internal/mechanical components of the floor standing treatment device, specifically the components of an air purifier 1 including a fan 30 and scroll 31. The fan 30, scroll 31 and other mechanical components of the purifier 1 are generally housed in the mainframe assembly 2 and back housing 36. The fan 30 is mounted to a drive shaft 32 of a motor 45 and generally rotates clockwise about the horizontal drive shaft 32 axis. Additionally, as one of skill in the art should recognize, the fan 30 may also include a plurality of radially spaced blades 33 to help push air through the purifier. FIGS. 7a and 7b diagrammatically illustrate the floor standing treatment device. As shown in this illustration, the scroll 31 mounts to the mainframe assembly 2 and surrounds a portion of the fan 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the scroll 31 is manufactured from expanded polystyrene, or Styrofoam®. The fan's 30 physical relationship to the scroll 31 defines an air opening 34 through which air enters an air passageway 35 and is exhausted through an air outlet 37. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the size of the air outlet 37 and corresponding expansion angle contributes to the noise level of the purifier while in operation. The expansion angle α=arctan [1/π(AB/D−1)] where D is the diameter of the fan 30 and AB is indicated by the line AB in FIG. 7a. Typically, the larger the air outlet and expansion angle, the quieter the floor standing treatment device is in operation. Accordingly, the challenge presented in creating a quieter floor standing treatment device, without increasing its size, is maximizing the size of the air outlet 37 and the corresponding expansion angle. FIG. 7a illustrates a typical floor standing treatment device where the rectangular dashed-line 49 represents a predetermined structural outer frame for any given device such as a floor standing treatment device, and line 31s is representative of the scroll 31. In this embodiment, the air passing through air passageway 35, which is exhausted through an air outlet 37, is abruptly altered by side wall 27 of the floor standing treatment device. At the point “B” where the scroll intersects the side wall 27, turbulence is created in the air flow, which results in a drop in pressure and therefor high noise. FIG. 7b illustrates one exemplary solution to increasing the size of the air outlet 37 and the corresponding expansion angle while maintaining the approximate size of the floor standing treatment device 1. In this embodiment, the scroll 31 is rotated about the drive shaft 32 axis from about 5 degrees to about 6 degrees as indicated by R1 and the side wall of the floor standing treatment device is slightly arched to match the angle of the scroll 31. The result of the rotation means that the vertical side wall 27 of the mainframe assembly 2 acts as an extension of the scroll 31, which minimizes the turbulence generated by scroll 31 intersecting with sidewall 27. Accordingly, the rotated scroll 31 and corresponding curved sidewall 27 results in less turbulence and less noise than the scroll positioning illustrates in FIG. 7a. Put another way, the resulting rotation of the scroll increases both the air outlet and diffusion angle associated with the device, which reduces the noise generated by the floor standing treatment device. Thus, the size of the floor standing treatment device is maintained while the sound produced by the device is lessened. The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many alternatives, modifications and variations have been discussed above, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teaching. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives and variations as discussed without departing from the scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Portable and/or floor standing treatment devices including air purifiers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heaters provide benefits in the home and workplace and are increasing in popularity among consumers desiring to live and work in cleaner and healthier environments. Typically these devices contain mechanical components such as heating elements, motors and fans which should not be readily accessible. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide the floor standing treatment device with a latching mechanism that prevented access to such components. Additionally, it would be advantageous if the latching mechanism was designed for long-lasting use and prevented from prematurely failing or breaking. Due to the increased popularity of floor standing treatment devices, many users may desire to selectively use a particular treatment device in the home or at the office, without having to purchase two separate products. Additionally, the same floor standing treatment device may be desired for use in one or more different locations around the home. Unfortunately, most floor standing treatment devices, specifically air purifiers are cumbersomely large and lack handles, which prevents easy portability of the device. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an air purifier with a one or two handed carrying handle for providing easy portability of the purifier. Lastly, since it is not necessary to precisely locate a floor standing treatment device within a room, most users typically situate these devices on the floor and closely adjacent an unused portion of a wall in the office or home. However, since these devices typically have a cord and grommet that protrudes from the back, these devices are prevented from resting close to any wall. Additionally, since most of these devices have several feet of electrical cord attached, it is sometimes difficult to position the device so as to eliminate the “tripping” danger associated with having a loose cord. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a floor standing treatment device adapted to be placed closely adjacent an interior room wall and one that provided a storage space for unused electrical cord. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>One embodiment of the present invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a front panel and a mainframe assembly that is adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly comprises an integrally molded latching mechanism that has a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. Another embodiment of the invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a front panel, a back housing, and a mainframe assembly configured to be removably attachable to both the front panel and the back housing. The back housing further comprises a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of the back housing. The cavity is configured to house at least a portion of an electrical cord provided with the floor standing treatment device. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a front panel, a back housing, and a mainframe assembly. The mainframe assembly comprises a handle positioned toward the apex of the mainframe assembly and is adapted to allow one or two handed gripping of the device. Another embodiment of the invention is a floor standing treatment device that comprises a mainframe assembly having a motor mount. The motor mount has a first side and a second side. The first side of the motor mount comprises one or more structural support ribs extending between the mount and the mainframe assembly and has a two substantially parallel outer support fins. The second side of the motor mount further comprising two substantially parallel outer support fins which form a substantially circular air intake frame. | 20050124 | 20080115 | 20050519 | 85337.0 | 0 | HOPKINS, ROBERT A | FLOOR STANDING TREATMENT DEVICE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,905,871 | ACCEPTED | Highly Versatile Optical Element Mount | A highly versatile optical mount fabricated from a single solid structural body provides accurately centered secured fixturing of a large array of optical components or objects. Fixturing is provided by a unique screw-tensioned strapping mechanism. | 1. A method for creating a highly versatile optical element mount comprised of the steps of: providing a threaded hole at the first far end of a solid elongated body component; providing a slot at the second far end of the said body component; providing a V-block cut or flat between said slot and said hole; providing a hollow screw threaded into said threaded hole of said body component; providing an enlarged hollow portion within the head end of said hollow screw; providing an eccentrically pivoted serrated wheel placed within the slot of the said body component; spring loading said wheel against said body component; passing the distal terminus of a flexible band possessing an enlarged portion at its proximal terminus through the bearing and the hollow screw, further looping the distal end over or outside an optical component to be mounted, and passing said distal end between said body component and the thumb wheel; pulling said flexible band at the distal end such that the proximal terminus is captured at the limiting diameter of said bearing; allowing the spring loaded thumb wheel to lock said flexible band; and increasing the clamping force of the flexible band by unscrewing said hollow screw, drawing the flexible band by exerting pulling force on the enlarged portion at the proximal end of said band. 2. The flexible band of claim 1, wherein said flexible band is a conventional cable tie strip and wherein said enlarged portion at the proximal end is the ratchet end of the tie strip. 3. The flexible band of claim 1, wherein a bearing is provided in said enlarged hollow portion within said hollow screw. 4. The method for creating a highly versatile optical element mount of claim 1 wherein multiples of said mount may be used in combination to achieve fixturing of extended or heavy objects. 5. A highly versatile optical element mount comprising: a solid elongated body component; a threaded hole located at a first far end of said body component; a slot located at the second far end of said body component; a V-block cut or flat located between said threaded hole and said slot a hollow screw threaded into said threaded hole of said body component; an enlarged hollow portion within the head end of said hollow screw; an eccentrically pivoted serrated wheel placed within the slot of said body component; a pivot pin passing through a portion of said body component and said wheel; a loading spring connecting a rim point on said wheel to a point on the body component; a flexible band possessing an enlarged portion at the proximal end; and a second threaded hole in said body component for securing said optical element mount to any external structure. 6. The flexible band of claim 5, wherein said flexible band is a conventional cable tie strip and wherein said enlarged portion at the proximal end is the ratchet end of the tie strip. 7. The flexible band of claim 5, wherein a bearing is pressed into said enlarged hollow portion within said hollow screw. 8. The highly versatile optical element mount of claim 5 wherein multiples of said mount may be used in combination to achieve fixturing of extended or heavy objects. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to devices for rapidly mounting and securing optical elements to a moveable fixture. This invention is also directed to fixturing of any type where the elements to be fixtured suit the mounting geometry. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART The scope of the present invention includes applications in fixturing in general but most specifically in precision mounting of optical components for optical set ups in research or education. Devices for optical mounting are well known in the field. Two examples of well known prior art devices for achieving optical mounting are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example of FIG. 1, the optical component to be mounted is placed at the center of a ring and fixating screws are tightened until the optical component is fixed. The limitations of this device include 1) centering is confounded by the need for multiple screw adjustments, 2) the device is generally much larger than the optical component to be mounted, and 3) the process of tightening is unstable, 4) long optical elements have a tendency to tilt about the center of the ring, and 5) it has difficulty clamping non-cylindrical components and 6) optical component size range is limited to ring dimensions. An improvement in prior art over that of the aforementioned is the bar clamping device shown in prior art FIG. 2. This device is a V-block equipped with a sliding bar sliding on attached guide pins. A press bar pushed by a screw passing through the sliding bar clamps the optical component against the V-block. This prior art device, although having improved centering, still has the following limitations: 1) the device structure is much larger than the optical component to be mounted, 2) the contact point between the screw and the press bar requires a complex rigid pivot axis to prevent clamping instability, 3) the guide pin and sliding bar combination requires precision close tolerance parallel construction to prevent binding of the slide bar, 4) the sliding bar has a tendency to slip with increased tightening torque applied to the screw, and 5) optical component size is limited to the dimension of the space between the guide pins. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a single solid structural rectangular body is cut to provide a threaded screw hole at one end, a slot at the other and a V-block cut or optical flat between these cuts. In addition, it is combined with a hollow screw and a trapping spring-loaded off-center pivoting wheel. Objects, in general, and optical components in particular are clamped by passing a strap with a beaded end such as a tie strip through the hollow screw, around the object and into the trapping mechanism. The strap is tied down by unscrewing the hollow screw against the beaded end. Lenses, prisms, blocks, tubes, lasers, tools, work pieces, and the like may be secured by the present invention. OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are: a) To provide an improved optics holder of very compact dimension, high versatility, and very high clamping strength. b) To provide an improved optics holder that overcomes the limitations of the recited prior art. c) To provide an improved design for an optics holder that is easy to manufacture and use. d) To provide an improved design for an optics holder that can be adapted to a large range of object dimensions and fixturing requirements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a first example of well-known prior art. FIG. 2 is a second example of well-known prior art. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention where some hidden lines are excluded for clarity. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, where like features are numbered with like numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, where like features are labeled with like numbers. The highly versatile optical mount is fabricated from a single solid structural body 1. The structural body has a threaded hole 5 on one end and a slot 21 on the other end. The structural body also has a V-block recess 15 between the hole and the slot. An optional flat may be located between the hole and the slot. A hollow screw 7 with threaded portions 12 is threaded into the threaded hole. Within the slot is placed a wheel 23 with serrated rim and affixed with an off-axis pivot pin 25 allowing the wheel to rotate about the pivot pin. An extension spring 26 connects the rim of the wheel to the structural body at tie points 29 and 27 on the wheel and structural body respectively. The spring forces a rim portion of the wheel against a portion of the slot on the structural body. A bearing 11 is pressed into the hollowed-out portion of the hollow screw and is captured there. A threaded hole 17 is provided to permit attaching the mount to a fixed structure such as a pin 19. To use the mount, a flexible strap 9 with a enlarged head end 8 such as a conventional tie strip is passed through the bearing and the hollow bolt with the head 8 capturing the strap at the proximal terminus against the bearing 11. The strap's distal terminus is passed around the object to be mounted and passed between the structural body and the wheel and is pulled tight. The wheel locks the strap. The hollow bolt is retracted by an unscrewing motion to greatly increase the binding action of the strap. To release the component, the screw is threaded back in and the strap is further released by pushing the serrated wheel. Although the above description contains many specificities, these should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustration of the presently preferred embodiment of this invention. The scope of usage includes but is not limited to: optical component mounting, tool holding, work piece holding, or material handling. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims. | <SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention is directed to devices for rapidly mounting and securing optical elements to a moveable fixture. This invention is also directed to fixturing of any type where the elements to be fixtured suit the mounting geometry. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with the present invention, a single solid structural rectangular body is cut to provide a threaded screw hole at one end, a slot at the other and a V-block cut or optical flat between these cuts. In addition, it is combined with a hollow screw and a trapping spring-loaded off-center pivoting wheel. Objects, in general, and optical components in particular are clamped by passing a strap with a beaded end such as a tie strip through the hollow screw, around the object and into the trapping mechanism. The strap is tied down by unscrewing the hollow screw against the beaded end. Lenses, prisms, blocks, tubes, lasers, tools, work pieces, and the like may be secured by the present invention. | 20050125 | 20070130 | 20060727 | 70667.0 | G02B702 | 0 | THOMAS, BRANDI N | HIGHLY VERSATILE OPTICAL ELEMENT MOUNT | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | G02B | 2,005 |
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10,905,894 | ACCEPTED | Downhole Tool | A double shouldered downhole tool connection comprises box and pin connections having mating threads intermediate mating primary and secondary shoulders. The connection further comprises a secondary shoulder component retained in the box connection intermediate a floating component and the primary shoulders. The secondary shoulder component and the pin connection cooperate to transfer a portion of makeup load to the box connection. The downhole tool may be selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, and reamers. The floating component may be selected from the group consisting of electronics modules, generators, gyroscopes, power sources, and stators. The secondary shoulder component may comprises an interface to the box connection selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders, and threads. | 1. A double shoulder downhole tool connection, comprising: box and pin connections having mating threads intermediate mating primary and secondary shoulders; a secondary shoulder component retained in the box connection intermediate a floating component and the primary shoulders; wherein the secondary shoulder component and the pin connection cooperate to transfer a portion of makeup load to the box connection. 2. The connection of claim 1, wherein the downhole tool is selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, and reamers. 3. The connection of claim 1, wherein the floating component is selected from the group consisting of electronics modules, generators, gyroscopes, power sources, mud sirens, and stators. 4. The connection of claim 1, wherein the floating component comprises data transmission components selected from the group consisting of signal filtering circuitry, signal error checking circuitry, modems, optical regenerators, optical transmitters, optical receivers, repeater circuitry, routers, switches, amplifiers, data compression circuitry, data rate adjustment circuitry, wireless transceivers, digital/optical converters, analog/optical converters, digital/analog converters, ports. 5. The connection of claim 1, wherein the floating component comprises control components selected from the group consisting of device control circuitry, processors, piezoelectric devices, magnetostrictive devices, gauges, power sources, heat sinks, microcontrollers, clock sources, sensors, volatile memory, and non-volatile memory. 6. The connection of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the floating component is in physical contact the downhole tool. 7. The connection of claim 1, wherein the floating component and the secondary shoulder component are separated by at least 0.01 mm. 8. The connection of claim 1, wherein the floating component comprises an O-ring disposed within a recess in the floating component. 9. The connection of claim 1, wherein an insert located in the bore of the downhole tool is adjacent the secondary shoulder component and contacts an end of the floating component. 10. The connection of claim 1, wherein the pin connection comprises an internal shoulder. 11. The connection of claim 1, wherein a biasing element is intermediate the internal shoulder of the pin connection and the insert, wherein the biasing element urges the insert towards the floating component. 12. The connection of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a first communications element adjacent a second communications element in the floating component. 13. The connection of claim 12, wherein the first and second communications elements are selected from the group consisting of inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts, optic couplers, and combinations thereof. 14. The connection of claim 12, wherein the first communications element is intermediate and adapted to relay data or power between the floating component and a first conductor. 15. The connection of claim 13, wherein the first conductor is selected from the group consisting of coaxial cables, copper wires, optical fibers, triaxial cables, and twisted pairs of wires. 16. The connection of claim 1, wherein the downhole tool comprises a third communications element adjacent a fourth communications element in another end of the floating component. 17. The connection of claim 16 wherein the third and fourth communications elements are selected from the group consisting of inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts, optic couplers, and combinations thereof. 18. The connection of claim 16, wherein the second communications element is intermediate and adapted to relay data or power between the floating component and a second conductor. 19. The connection of claim 18, wherein the second conductor is selected from the group consisting of coaxial cables, copper wires, optical fibers, triaxial cables, and twisted pairs of wires. 20. The connection of claim 1, wherein the secondary shoulder component comprises an interface to the box connection selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders and threads. 21. The connection of claim 1, wherein the secondary shoulder component is segmented. 22. The connection of claim 1, wherein the secondary shoulder comprises a tapered internal surface. 23. The connection of claim 1, wherein the pin connection and the box connection comprise a taper less than 5 degrees. 24. The connection of claim 1, wherein pin connection comprises a pin thread and the box connection comprises a box thread. 25. The connection of claim 24, wherein the pin thread comprises a stress relief groove. 26. The connection of claim 24, wherein the box thread comprises a stress relief groove. 27. The connection of claim 24, wherein the box and pin threads comprise thread roots comprising at least two tapers. 28. The connection of claim 24, wherein the box thread and pin thread comprise a double thread start. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/613,549 to Hall et, al. filed on Jul. 2, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it discloses. FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP This invention was made with government support under Contract No. DE-FC26-01NT41229 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in the invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to oil and gas drilling, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for reliably transmitting information between downhole drilling components. The need for signal repeaters to counteract signal loss encountered when transmitting data from downhole components to the earth's surface is known or has been suggested. Nevertheless, in downhole telemetry systems transmitting data on wires or cables integrated directly into the drill string, few if any useable implementations are known for repeating and amplifying data signals. The following references teach repeaters that are used in wireless electromagnetic or acoustic wave transmission systems, and are not applicable to wired solutions. Furthermore, none of the references address all of the challenges, such as cable routing from the repeater up and down the drill string, that are inherent in wired solutions. U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,959 issued Apr. 17, 2001 to Smith describes a system and method of fail-safe communication of information transmitted in the form of electromagnetic wave fronts that propagate through the earth between surface equipment and downhole components. The system comprises two or more repeaters disposed within a well bore such that the two repeaters receive each signal carrying the telemetered information. The repeater that is farther from the source includes a memory device that stores information carried in the signal. A timer device, in the repeater that is farther from the source, triggers the retransmission of the information after a predetermined time period, unless the repeater that is farther from the source has detected a signal carrying the information, generated by the repeater, that is closer to the source. U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,882 issued Jan. 23, 2001 to Ringgenberg et. al discloses downhole repeaters that utilize electromagnetic and acoustic waves to retransmit signals carrying information and methods for use of the same. The repeaters and methods provide for real-time communication between downhole equipment and the surface, and for the telemetering of information and commands from the surface to downhole tools disposed in a well using both electromagnetic and acoustic waves to carry information. The repeaters and methods detect and amplify signals carrying information at various depths in the well bore, thereby alleviating signal attenuation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,492 issued Dec. 12, 2000 to Herman discloses an electromagnetic telemetry system for changing the operational state of a downhole device. The system comprises an electromagnetic transmitter disposed in a first well bore that transmits a command signal. An electromagnetic repeater disposed in a second well bore receives the command signal and retransmits the command signal to an electromagnetic receiver disposed in a third well bore that is remote from the first well bore. The electromagnetic receiver is operably connected to the downhole device such that the command signal received from the electromagnetic repeater is used to prompt the downhole device to change operational states. U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,316 issued Nov. 7, 2000 to Skinner discloses an electromagnetic and acoustic signal repeater for communicating information between surface equipment and downhole equipment. The repeater comprises an electromagnetic receiver and an acoustic receiver for respectively receiving and transforming electromagnetic input signals and acoustic input signals into electrical signals that are processed and amplified by an electronics package. The electronics package generates an electrical output signal that is forwarded to an electromagnetic transmitter and an acoustic transmitter for generating an electromagnetic output signal that is radiated into the earth and an acoustic output signal that is acoustically transmitted. U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,461 issued Jun. 13, 2000 to Smith discloses an apparatus, method and system for communicating information between downhole equipment and surface equipment. An electromagnetic signal repeater apparatus comprises a housing that is securably mountable to the exterior of a pipe string disposed in a well bore. The housing includes first and second housing subassemblies. The first housing subassembly is electrically isolated from the second housing subassembly by a gap subassembly having a length that is at least two times the diameter of the housing. The first housing subassembly is electrically isolated from the pipe string and is secured thereto with a nonconductive strap. The second housing subassembly is electrically coupled with the pipe string and is secured thereto with a conductive strap. An electronics package and a battery are disposed within the housing. The electronics package receives, processes, and retransmits the information being communicated between the downhole equipment and the surface equipment via electromagnetic waves. In view of the foregoing, what are needed are apparatus and methods providing signal amplification in high-speed downhole telemetry systems that transmit data using cables or wires directly integrated into the drill string. What are further needed are apparatus and methods to seal electronics of the repeater from the surrounding environment, while providing routing of cables to and from the repeater traveling uphole and downhole. It would be a further advance to provide apparatus and methods that not only repeat or amplify a signal, but could also gather data from various sensors such as inclinometers, pressure transducers, thermocouplers, accelerometers, imaging devices, seismic devices, and the like, as well as provide control signals to various of these device to control them remotely. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A double shouldered downhole tool connection comprises box and pin connections having mating threads intermediate mating primary and secondary shoulders. The connection further comprises a secondary shoulder component retained in the box connection intermediate a floating component and the primary shoulders. The secondary shoulder component and the pin connection cooperate to transfer a portion of makeup load to the box connection. The downhole tool may be selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, and reamers. The floating component may be selected from the group consisting of electronics modules, generators, gyroscopes, power sources, and stators. Further the floating component may comprise electronic components selected from the group consisting of signal filtering circuitry, signal error checking circuitry, device control circuitry, modems, digital processors, optical regenerators, optical transmitters, optical receivers, repeater circuitry, sensors, routers, switches, memory, amplifiers, clock sources, data compression circuitry, data rate adjustment circuitry, piezoelectric devices, magnetostrictive devices, gauges, wireless transceivers, digital/optical converters, analog/optical converters, digital/analog converters, and microcontrollers. The stresses experienced by a downhole tool string may cause damage to the equipment used downhole; therefore, it may be useful to have a floating component which is free of the normal loads experienced by the downhole tool string. The floating component may be separated from the secondary shoulder component by at least 0.01 mm. A portion of the floating component may be in physical contact with the downhole tool, which may be useful to complete electric circuits between the floating component and the downhole tool. The floating component may comprise an O-ring disposed within a recess in the floating component. An insert may be located in the bore of the downhole tool and may be adjacent to the secondary shoulder component. The insert may contact an end of the floating component. A biasing element may be intermediate an internal shoulder of the pin connection and the insert, wherein the biasing element may urge the insert towards the floating component. The insert may comprise a first communications element adjacent a second communications element in the floating component. The first communications element may be adapted to relay power or data between the floating component and a first conductor. The downhole tool may comprise a third communications element adjacent a fourth communication element in another end of the floating component. The third communications element may be adapted to relay power or data between the floating component and a second conductor. The communications elements may be selected from the group consisting of inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts, optic couplers, and combinations thereof. The first and second conductors may be selected from the group consisting of coaxial cables, copper wires, optical fibers, triaxial cables, and twisted pairs of wires. The secondary shoulder component may comprises an interface to the box connection selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders, and threads. The secondary shoulder may be segmented for aiding in the insertion of the secondary shoulder in the downhole tool connection. The secondary shoulder may comprise a tapered internal surface, which may aid in distributing the makeup load. The pin and box connection may comprise a taper that is less than 5 degrees. The pin connection may comprise a pin thread and the box connection may comprise a box thread. The pin and box threads may comprise stress relief grooves. The box and pin threads may also comprise thread roots comprising at least two tapers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drill string suspended in a bore hole. FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a downhole tool comprising a floating component. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a downhole tool connection. FIG. 4 is a perspective cross sectional view of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 5 is a perspective cross sectional view of an embodiment of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a thread root. FIG. 7 is a top view of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a secondary shoulder component. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a downhole tool connection. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a downhole tool connection. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a floating component. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a floating component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows a drill string 140 suspended by a derrick 141. A bottom-hole assembly 144 is located at the bottom of a bore hole 143 and comprises a drill bit 145. As the drill bit 145 rotates downhole the drill string 140 advance further into the earth. The bottom-hole assembly 144 and/or downhole tools 30, such as drill pipes, may comprises data acquisition devices (not shown) which may gather data. The data may be sent to the surface via a transmission system to a data swivel 142. The data swivel 142 may send the data to the surface equipment 146. Further, the surface equipment 146 may send data and/or power to downhole tools 30 and/or the bottom-hole assembly 144. FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a downhole tool 30 comprising a box connection 31 and a pin connection 32. Box connection 31 and pin connection 32 are located in a mid-body section of the downhole tool 30. The downhole tool 30 also comprises a box end 40 and a pin end 35 which are located at the ends of the downhole tool 30. The downhole tool 30 may be selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, wireline tools, and reamers. The box connection 31 of the downhole tool 30 comprises a receptacle 33. Disposed within the receptacle 33 is a floating component 34, that may be selected from the group consisting of electronic modules, gyroscopes, generators, power sources and stators. Preferably, the floating component 34 is a hollow cylindrically shaped member with a pass through bore that is at least as large as the smallest bore of the tool joint. A downhole tool 30 that comprises a receptacle 33 for a floating component 34 maybe useful in downhole applications where equipment may be damaged by mechanical stresses normally experienced in a downhole tool string. A floating component may operate within the receptacle of the downhole component without experiencing normal downhole stresses. Preferably the floating component 34 is adapted to communicate with a downhole network, such as a network as described in U.S. Ser. application No. 10/710,790 to Hall, et al. filed on Aug. 3, 2004, which is herein incorporated for all that it discloses. Suitable downhole tool strings adapted to incorporate data transmission systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,880 to Hall, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,434 to Boyle, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,396 to Floerke, et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,670,880; 6,641,343; and 6,688,396 are all incorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose. The pin connection 31 of the downhole tool 30 comprises a first conductor 36 intermediate the floating component 34 and an end 40 of the downhole tool 30. The box connection 32 comprises a second conductor 41 intermediate the floating component 34 and another end 35 of the downhole tool 30. The first and second conductor 36, 41 may be selected from the group consisting of coaxial cables, copper wires, optical fiber cables, triaxial cables, and twisted pairs of wire. The ends 35, 40 of the downhole tool 30 are adapted to communicate with the rest of the downhole network. First and second communications elements 45, 44 (shown in FIG. 3) allow the transfer of power and/or data between the first conductor 36 and the floating component 34. Third and fourth communications elements 37, 38 allow for transfer of power and/or data between the floating component 34 and the second conductor 41. The communications element 37, 38, 44, 45, may be selected from the group consisting of inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts, optical couplers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the downhole tool 30 may complete an electric circuit as the return path between the first and/or second conductors 36, 41. In such embodiments the floating component 34 may need to be in electrical contact with the wall 42 of the downhole tool 30. During drilling and oil exploration, a drill string may bend creating a gap between the floating component 34 and the downhole tool's wall 42. Additionally, due to high temperatures downhole the downhole tool 30 may expand at a greater rate than the floating component 34 which may also interfere with a connection between the floating component 34 and the wall 42 of the downhole tool 30. A spring 49 (shown in FIG. 3) may be used to bias an end, portion, and/or entire floating component 34 towards the wall 42 of the downhole tool 30. Further, the spring 49 may be electrically conductive and may act as a ground by providing an electrical connection between the downhole tool 30 and the floating component 34. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the box and pin connections 31, 32 of the downhole tool 30. The connection may be in the middle of the body of the downhole tool 30, or alternatively situated near one of the ends 35, 40 (shown in FIG. 2) of the downhole tool 30. The box connection 31 comprises a box thread 50 and a secondary shoulder interface 47. The secondary shoulder interface as shown in FIG. 3 comprises a plurality of radial grooves. The pin connection 32 of the downhole tool 30 comprises a pin thread 51 and a secondary shoulder 55. The secondary shoulder component 39 is adjacent both the secondary shoulder 55 of the pin connection 32 and the secondary shoulder interface 47 of the box connection 31. The secondary shoulder component 39 comprises a box connection interface 48 interfacing the secondary shoulder interface 47. The secondary shoulder interface as shown in FIG. 3 comprises a plurality of radial protrusions. The secondary shoulder component 39 may physically contact the secondary shoulder 55 of the pin connection 32. Preferably, the secondary shoulder component 39 and the floating component 34 are separated by at least 0.01 mm. An insert 46 is located within an internal surface 56 of the secondary shoulder component 39. The secondary shoulder component 39 may have a tapered internal surface 56. The floating component 34 may be in physical contact with the insert 46. The insert 46 may comprise the first communications element 45 and the floating component 34 may comprise the second communications element 44. A biasing element 63 may urge the insert 46 to towards the floating component 34, so the first and second communications elements 45, 44 physically contact. The biasing effect may be accomplished by providing a spring adjacent an internal shoulder 65 in the wall 42 of the pin connection 32. The spring may be connected to the insert 46 and may push the insert 46 towards the floating component 39. The first communications element 45 is connected to the first conductor 36. The first conductor 36 may be connected to another communications element (not shown) in the end 35 of the downhole tool 30 (shown in FIG. 2). Thus data and/or power may be transmitted from the end 40 of the downhole tool 30 to another end 35 of the downhole tool 30 or vice versa. Further the signal may be modified in the floating component 34 as it passes through the floating component 34. A signal may originate in the floating component 34 and be passed to a downhole network either through one end 40 of the downhole tool 30 or through another end 35 of the downhole tool 30. The box connection 31 and the pin connection 32 may comprise a taper less than 5 degrees. The pin and box connections 31, 32 may comprise a zero taper. A tapered box connection 31 and a tapered pin connection 32 over 5 degrees may be difficult to manufacture with the thickness of the wall 42 as shown in FIG. 3, although a thicker wall 42 may be used and a taper greater than 5 degrees is achievable. The pin thread 51 and the box thread 50 may comprise a double thread start. A first stress relief groove 57 may be located in the box connection 52 intermediate the secondary shoulder interface 47 and the box thread 50. It is believed that the first stress relief groove 57 allows tension built up in the pin and box threads 51, 50 to be released. Further, a second stress relief groove 58 intermediate a primary shoulder 60 of the box connection 31 and the box threads 50 may relieve tension built up from the mechanical seal 62 of the primary shoulder 60 of the box connection 31 and a primary shoulder 61 of the pin connection 32. Further a third stress relief groove 59 located in the box connection 31 adjacent the secondary shoulder interface 47 may relieve tension which may build up between secondary shoulder interface 47 and the box connection interface 48. A spring 49 in the third stress relief groove 59 may electrically connect the floating component 34 to the wall 42 of the downhole tool 30. The floating component 34 may also comprise at least one radial recess 70 in its outer diameter 72. An elastomeric material 71, such as an O-ring may be disposed within the recess 70 to provide a seal against moisture and lubricants that may come into contact with elements of the floating component 34, such as electrical components. FIG. 4 is a perspective cross sectional view of the secondary shoulder component 39 as shown in FIG. 3. The secondary shoulder components may be press fit, welded, or glued into the downhole tool 30. Since the secondary shoulder component 39 as shown in FIG. 3 comprises radial protrusions to interface with radial grooves in the box connection 31, the secondary shoulder interface 39 can not slide into place by sliding it through the bore of the downhole tool 30. Preferably, the secondary shoulder component 39 comprises at least two segments, such that its box connection interface 48 (as shown in FIG. 3) may be inserted into the secondary shoulder interface 47 (as shown in FIG. 3). The secondary shoulder component of FIG. 4 comprises a first, second, and third segment 66, 67, 68. The first and second segment 66, 67 may be placed adjacent the secondary shoulder interface 47 and the third segment 68 may be fitted in last. Pins 69 may hold the segments 66, 67, 68 together. It may be desirable to remove, inspect, or replace the floating component 34; therefore a segmented secondary shoulder component is useful because the secondary shoulder component 39 may be more easily removed than a welded, glued, or press fitted shoulder, although a permanently placed secondary shoulder component is usable. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the secondary shoulder component 39 is permanently installed in the downhole tool 30 and the floating component 34 may be removed around the permanent secondary shoulder component. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a load path 73 in a cross section of the downhole tool 30. The weight of a drill string or other forces creates a load that is distributed through drill string components. Further makeup load puts stress on the downhole tool 30. Additionally, when a portion of a drill string gets stuck during drilling, the kelly or top motor drive may still be turning a top portion of the drill string creating an overload condition which may be felt by the downhole tool 30. The floating component 34 may contain electronic equipment that may be break under a significant load. Preferably, the secondary shoulder component 39 and the floating component 34 are separated by at least 0.01 mm so the secondary shoulder component 39 doesn't mechanically pass the load to the floating component 34, instead the load is passed through the box connection interface 48 of the secondary shoulder component 39 to the secondary shoulder interface 47 of the box connection 31. It is believed, but not wanting to be bound by any theory, that a tapered secondary shoulder component 39 may distribute a load more evenly through multiple secondary shoulder interface 47. It is also believed that a portion of the load path 73 goes through the pin threads 51 to the box threads 50 thereby lessening the load 73 passed through the secondary shoulder component 39. FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the pin and box threads 51, 50 in the pin and box connections 31, 32. The roots 78 in the box and pin threads 50, 51 comprise an interfacing side 79 and a stress relief side 80. The interfacing sides 79 of both the pin and box threads 51, 50 are in substantial physical contact with each other. A load from the pin connection 31 may be passed to the box connection 32; however, a passing a load from the box connection 32 to the pin connection 31 may be more difficult. The stress relief side 80 of the roots comprises a first and second taper 76, 77. The second taper 77 prevents the stress relief side of both the pin and box threads 51, 50 from making substantial contact with each other. It is believed, that by reducing the substantial contact between the box and pin threads 50, 51 that the stresses that typically build up in threaded connections is minimized. The secondary shoulder interface 47 may be selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders and threads. Additionally, the box connection interface 48 may be selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders and threads. FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a secondary shoulder component 39 comprising axial protrusions 74 interfacing axial grooves 73 in the box connection 31. The secondary shoulder component 39 may be inserted by sliding the secondary shoulder component 39 through the bore 75 of the downhole tool 30 until it rests in the secondary shoulder interface 47. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a secondary shoulder component 39a comprising radial protrusions 74. A load from the secondary shoulder may be passed to the box connection at the shoulders 81 of the axial protrusions 74. It should be noted that the term “secondary shoulder 39” used throughout this specification may be any of the embodiments of the secondary shoulders 39a-39f which are depicted in FIG. 8-13. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the secondary shoulder component 39b. The axial protrusions 74 comprises a plurality of lengths 82, 84, 86. A first length 82 may distribute a portion of a load to the box connection 31 at a first location 83. A second length 84 may distribute another portion of a load to the box connection 31 at a second location 85. A third length 86 may pass the load at a third location 87 and so on. A portion of the box connection 31 may be weakened if the entire load is passed to the same portion of the box connection 31. By providing a plurality of lengths 82, 84, 86; the load may be distributed to the box connection 31 throughout the length of the secondary shoulder component 39b. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the secondary shoulder component 39c. In this embodiment, the radial protrusions 74 comprise a plurality of lengths for distribution of the load through the secondary shoulder component 39c. The radial protrusions 74 also comprise a locking section 89. A method of installing the secondary shoulder component 39c comprises inserting the secondary shoulder component 39c through the bore 75 of the downhole tool 30 axially through radial grooves (not shown) in the box connection 31. The next step comprises sliding the secondary shoulder component 39c radially such that the locking section 89 slides into a slot (not shown) in the box connection 31. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a secondary shoulder component 39d. The secondary shoulder component 39d comprises protrusions 74 with tapered edges 90. A load may be distributed substantially evenly through the tapered edges 90 of the protrusions 74. Cooperating tapered grooves (not shown) may be used in the box connection to absorb the load. FIG. 12 is a perspective of another secondary shoulder component 39e. The component 39e comprises a raised section 91 with triangular slots 92. The triangular slots are for distributing a load with cooperating triangular protrusions (not shown) in the box connection 31. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a secondary shoulder component 39f comprising a load interfacing thread 93. The secondary shoulder component 39f may be threaded into place after a floating component 34 is installed into the receptacle 33 (see FIG. 2). Additionally, the bottom of the secondary shoulder component 39f may rest on a shoulder, ledge or protrusion (not shown) in the box connection 31, which may absorb a portion of a load. The load interfacing thread may pass a portion or the entire load to the box connection 31. It would be obvious to anyone of ordinary skill in the art to add variations to the radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, slots, shoulders and threads of the secondary shoulder component 39 described in the figures. Further it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to use the embodiments described herein for the secondary shoulder interface 47 for the box connection interface 48 and vice versa. FIG. 14 is a cross section of the pin and box connection 32, 31 of the downhole tool 30. This embodiment shows a secondary shoulder component 39 comprising a straight internal surface 94. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pin and box connection 32, 31 comprising a taper box and pin thread 95, 96. It is believed, but not wanting to be bound by any theory, that a tapered box and pin thread 95, 96 may improve load transmission. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a floating component 34. The floating component 34 is an electronics module 97 comprising electronic components 98. The electronics module 98 comprises the second communications element 44 on a first end 99. The second end 100 of the electronics module may comprise the fourth communications element 38. Further recesses 70 for elastic material, such as an O-ring are disposed in the outer diameter 72. The electronic components 98 may be data transmission components and/or control components. The electronic components 98 are shown in FIG. 17 and may be selected from the group consisting of signal filtering circuitry 110, signal error checking circuitry 119, device control circuitry, modems 106, processors 101, optical regenerators 116, optical transmitters 115, optical receivers 122, repeater circuitry 111, sensors 113, routers 102, switches 107, volatile memory 103, non-volatile memory 104, amplifiers 118, clock sources 117, data compression circuitry 120, data rate adjustment circuitry 121, piezoelectric devices 114, magnetostrictive devices 125, gauges 124, wireless transceivers 126, digital/optical converters 127, analog/optical converters 128, digital/analog converters 129, ports 105, tools, 112, power sources 108, heat sinks 123, microcontrollers 130 and other networking circuitry. Data and/or power signals may experience attenuation from one portion of a downhole network to another. Repeaters 111 and/or amplifiers 118 may be used to repeat or amplify signals from one portion of the downhole tool string to another. Heat sinks 123 may help to cool off other electronic components 98 in the floating component 34. Further the floating component 34 may be a turbine, Moineau, or displacement generator. Alternatively, the floating component 34 may also a mud siren for acoustic transmission. Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates to oil and gas drilling, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for reliably transmitting information between downhole drilling components. The need for signal repeaters to counteract signal loss encountered when transmitting data from downhole components to the earth's surface is known or has been suggested. Nevertheless, in downhole telemetry systems transmitting data on wires or cables integrated directly into the drill string, few if any useable implementations are known for repeating and amplifying data signals. The following references teach repeaters that are used in wireless electromagnetic or acoustic wave transmission systems, and are not applicable to wired solutions. Furthermore, none of the references address all of the challenges, such as cable routing from the repeater up and down the drill string, that are inherent in wired solutions. U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,959 issued Apr. 17, 2001 to Smith describes a system and method of fail-safe communication of information transmitted in the form of electromagnetic wave fronts that propagate through the earth between surface equipment and downhole components. The system comprises two or more repeaters disposed within a well bore such that the two repeaters receive each signal carrying the telemetered information. The repeater that is farther from the source includes a memory device that stores information carried in the signal. A timer device, in the repeater that is farther from the source, triggers the retransmission of the information after a predetermined time period, unless the repeater that is farther from the source has detected a signal carrying the information, generated by the repeater, that is closer to the source. U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,882 issued Jan. 23, 2001 to Ringgenberg et. al discloses downhole repeaters that utilize electromagnetic and acoustic waves to retransmit signals carrying information and methods for use of the same. The repeaters and methods provide for real-time communication between downhole equipment and the surface, and for the telemetering of information and commands from the surface to downhole tools disposed in a well using both electromagnetic and acoustic waves to carry information. The repeaters and methods detect and amplify signals carrying information at various depths in the well bore, thereby alleviating signal attenuation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,492 issued Dec. 12, 2000 to Herman discloses an electromagnetic telemetry system for changing the operational state of a downhole device. The system comprises an electromagnetic transmitter disposed in a first well bore that transmits a command signal. An electromagnetic repeater disposed in a second well bore receives the command signal and retransmits the command signal to an electromagnetic receiver disposed in a third well bore that is remote from the first well bore. The electromagnetic receiver is operably connected to the downhole device such that the command signal received from the electromagnetic repeater is used to prompt the downhole device to change operational states. U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,316 issued Nov. 7, 2000 to Skinner discloses an electromagnetic and acoustic signal repeater for communicating information between surface equipment and downhole equipment. The repeater comprises an electromagnetic receiver and an acoustic receiver for respectively receiving and transforming electromagnetic input signals and acoustic input signals into electrical signals that are processed and amplified by an electronics package. The electronics package generates an electrical output signal that is forwarded to an electromagnetic transmitter and an acoustic transmitter for generating an electromagnetic output signal that is radiated into the earth and an acoustic output signal that is acoustically transmitted. U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,461 issued Jun. 13, 2000 to Smith discloses an apparatus, method and system for communicating information between downhole equipment and surface equipment. An electromagnetic signal repeater apparatus comprises a housing that is securably mountable to the exterior of a pipe string disposed in a well bore. The housing includes first and second housing subassemblies. The first housing subassembly is electrically isolated from the second housing subassembly by a gap subassembly having a length that is at least two times the diameter of the housing. The first housing subassembly is electrically isolated from the pipe string and is secured thereto with a nonconductive strap. The second housing subassembly is electrically coupled with the pipe string and is secured thereto with a conductive strap. An electronics package and a battery are disposed within the housing. The electronics package receives, processes, and retransmits the information being communicated between the downhole equipment and the surface equipment via electromagnetic waves. In view of the foregoing, what are needed are apparatus and methods providing signal amplification in high-speed downhole telemetry systems that transmit data using cables or wires directly integrated into the drill string. What are further needed are apparatus and methods to seal electronics of the repeater from the surrounding environment, while providing routing of cables to and from the repeater traveling uphole and downhole. It would be a further advance to provide apparatus and methods that not only repeat or amplify a signal, but could also gather data from various sensors such as inclinometers, pressure transducers, thermocouplers, accelerometers, imaging devices, seismic devices, and the like, as well as provide control signals to various of these device to control them remotely. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A double shouldered downhole tool connection comprises box and pin connections having mating threads intermediate mating primary and secondary shoulders. The connection further comprises a secondary shoulder component retained in the box connection intermediate a floating component and the primary shoulders. The secondary shoulder component and the pin connection cooperate to transfer a portion of makeup load to the box connection. The downhole tool may be selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, and reamers. The floating component may be selected from the group consisting of electronics modules, generators, gyroscopes, power sources, and stators. Further the floating component may comprise electronic components selected from the group consisting of signal filtering circuitry, signal error checking circuitry, device control circuitry, modems, digital processors, optical regenerators, optical transmitters, optical receivers, repeater circuitry, sensors, routers, switches, memory, amplifiers, clock sources, data compression circuitry, data rate adjustment circuitry, piezoelectric devices, magnetostrictive devices, gauges, wireless transceivers, digital/optical converters, analog/optical converters, digital/analog converters, and microcontrollers. The stresses experienced by a downhole tool string may cause damage to the equipment used downhole; therefore, it may be useful to have a floating component which is free of the normal loads experienced by the downhole tool string. The floating component may be separated from the secondary shoulder component by at least 0.01 mm. A portion of the floating component may be in physical contact with the downhole tool, which may be useful to complete electric circuits between the floating component and the downhole tool. The floating component may comprise an O-ring disposed within a recess in the floating component. An insert may be located in the bore of the downhole tool and may be adjacent to the secondary shoulder component. The insert may contact an end of the floating component. A biasing element may be intermediate an internal shoulder of the pin connection and the insert, wherein the biasing element may urge the insert towards the floating component. The insert may comprise a first communications element adjacent a second communications element in the floating component. The first communications element may be adapted to relay power or data between the floating component and a first conductor. The downhole tool may comprise a third communications element adjacent a fourth communication element in another end of the floating component. The third communications element may be adapted to relay power or data between the floating component and a second conductor. The communications elements may be selected from the group consisting of inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts, optic couplers, and combinations thereof. The first and second conductors may be selected from the group consisting of coaxial cables, copper wires, optical fibers, triaxial cables, and twisted pairs of wires. The secondary shoulder component may comprises an interface to the box connection selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders, and threads. The secondary shoulder may be segmented for aiding in the insertion of the secondary shoulder in the downhole tool connection. The secondary shoulder may comprise a tapered internal surface, which may aid in distributing the makeup load. The pin and box connection may comprise a taper that is less than 5 degrees. The pin connection may comprise a pin thread and the box connection may comprise a box thread. The pin and box threads may comprise stress relief grooves. The box and pin threads may also comprise thread roots comprising at least two tapers. | 20050125 | 20070320 | 20050728 | 73237.0 | 0 | YACOB, SISAY | DOWNHOLE TOOL | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,905,993 | ACCEPTED | Apparatus and Method for Increasing Well Production Using Surfactant Injection | An apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well for coal bed methane (CBM) recovery, tight sand gas extraction, and other gas extraction techniques provides for the mixing of surfactant and water near the downhole end of the well, maximizing water removal for gas recovery. The apparatus may include a check valve that feeds a nozzle to atomize the spray of surfactant into the well production tube. Surfactant is not sprayed directly into the formation, thereby protecting the formation from damage and recovering surfactant even in the case where water is not present. The capillary tube feeding surfactant to the check valve may be placed externally to the production tube to facilitate ease of cleaning and clearing of the production tube. | 1. An apparatus for gas recovery in a well, comprising: (a) a production tube comprising a downhole end, and further comprising an exterior and interior; (b) a spray nozzle attached near said downhole end of said production tube adapted to spray a surfactant; (c) a check valve attached to said spray nozzle such that said check valve may deliver surfactant to said nozzle when said valve is open; and (d) a capillary tube attached to said check valve such that said capillary tube may deliver surfactant to said valve. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spray nozzle, said check valve, and said capillary tube are attached at said exterior of said production tube. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said spray nozzle is oriented to spray toward the interior of said production tube. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said production tube comprises an orifice through which said spray nozzle is positioned relative thereto so as to spray into said interior of said production tube. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said spray nozzle comprises a resilient member operable to open said valve upon application of a pressure threshold. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said valve further comprises a seat, and further comprises a ball in communication with said spring, wherein said spring biases said ball against said seat, closing said valve when said ball rests against said seat. 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said spring compresses to open said valve upon the application of a pressure of about 300 pounds per square inch. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said nozzle is an atomizer. 10. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of bands binding said capillary tube and said production tube together, said bands spaced along the length of said capillary tube. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a foam-gas separation column in communication with said production tube. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a defoaming agent injection system in communication with said production tube. 13. A method of recovering a gas from a well, comprising the steps of: (a) injecting a surfactant through a capillary tube attached to a production tube; (b) spraying the surfactant from the capillary tube into the production tube near a downhole end of the production tube, such that water present at the downhole end of the production tube combines with the surfactant to form a foam; and (c) recovering any gas and foam from the downhole end of the production tube at a surface end of the production tube. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said spraying step is performed by atomizing the surfactant. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said injecting step comprises the step of adjusting the pressure of the surfactant in the capillary tube to overcome the downhole pressure in the well. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said step of adjusting the pressure of the surfactant in the capillary tube comprises the step of adjusting the pressure of the surfactant in the capillary tube to be at least about 300 pounds per square inch. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said step of adjusting the pressure of the surfactant in the capillary tube further comprises the steps of observing the quality of the foam emerging from the production tube and adjusting the pressure in accordance therewith. | This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/617,837, filed Oct. 12, 2004. BACKGROUND The present invention relates to gas recovery systems and methods, and in particular to an apparatus and method for increasing the yield of a methane well using direct injection of surfactant at the end of a well bore incorporating a downhole valve arrangement. It has long been recognized that coalbeds often contain combustible gaseous hydrocarbons that are trapped within the coal seam. Methane, the major combustible component of natural gas, accounts for roughly 95% of these gaseous hydrocarbons. Coal beds may also contain smaller amounts of higher molecular weight gaseous hydrocarbons, such as ethane and propane. These gases attach to the porous surface of the coal at the molecular level, and are held in place by the hydrostatic pressure exerted by groundwater surrounding the coal bed. The methane trapped in a coalbed seam will desorb when the pressure on the coalbed is sufficiently reduced. This occurs, for example, when the groundwater in the area is removed either by mining or drilling. The release of methane during coal mining is a well-known danger in the coal extraction process. Methane is highly flammable and may explode in the presence of a spark or flame. For this reason, much effort has been expended in the past to vent this gas away as a part of a coal mining operation. In more recent times, the technology has been developed to recover the methane trapped in coalbeds for use as natural gas fuel. The world's total, extractable coal-bed methane (CBM) reserve is estimated to be about 400 trillion cubic feet. Much of this CBM is trapped in coal beds that are too deep to mine for coal, but are easily reachable with wells using drilling techniques developed for conventional oil and natural gas extraction. Recent spikes in the spot price of natural gas, combined with the positive environmental aspects of the use of natural gas as a fuel source, has hastened development of coal-bed method recovery methods. The first research in CBM extraction was performed in the 1970's, exploring the feasibility of recovering methane from coal beds in the Black Warrior Basin of northeast Alabama. CBM has been commercially extracted in the Arkoma Basin (comprising western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma) since 1988. As of March 2000, the Arkoma Basin contained 377 producing CBM wells, with an average yield of 80,000 cubic feet of methane per day. Today, CBM accounts for about 7% of the total production of natural gas in the United States. While some aspects of CBM extraction are common to the more traditional means of extracting oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbon fuels, some of the problems faced in CBM extraction are unique. One common method generally used to extract hydrocarbon fuels from within minerals is hydraulic fracturing. Using this technique, a fracturing fluid is sent down a well under sufficient pressure to fracture the face of the mineral formation at the end of the well. Fracturing releases the hydrocarbon trapped within, and the hydrocarbon may then be extracted through the well. A proppant, such as course sand or sintered bauxite, is often added to the fracturing fluid to increase its effectiveness. As the pressure on the face of the fractured mineral is released to allow for the extraction of the hydrocarbon fuel, the fracture in the formation would normally close back up. When proppants are added to the fracturing fluid, however, the fracture does not close completely because it is held open by the proppant material. A channel is thus formed through which the trapped hydrocarbons may escape after pressure is released. Although course fracturing of this type is very successful in some applications, it has not proven particularly useful in the recovery of CBM. Coal fines recovered with the water and methane during CBM extraction will quickly foul the well when course fracturing techniques are used. This necessitates the frequent stoppage of CBM recovery in order that the production tubing may be swabbed or cleaned. It has been found that course fracturing will significantly reduce both the long-term productivity and ultimate useful life of a CBM well. While traditional fracturing has proven unsuccessful in CBM extraction, all coal beds contain cleats, that is, natural fractures through which CBM may escape. As hydrostatic pressure is decreased at the cleat by the removal of groundwater, methane within the coal will naturally desorb and move into the cleat system, where it may flow out of the coal bed. CBM may thus be withdrawn from the coalbed in this manner through the well, without the necessity in many cases of any artificial fracturing methods. CBM exploration and well placement strategies thus are highly dependent upon a good knowledge of cleat placement within the coalbed of interest. If artificial fracturing processes are used to stimulate production in CBM wells, they must be very gentle so as not to harm the coalbed cleats, and thereby reduce rather than increase well production. Acids, xylene-toluene, gasoline-benzene-diesel, condensate-strong solvents, bleaches, and course-grain sand have been found to be detrimental to good cleat maintenance. Recent experience in coalbeds in the Arkoma Basin indicates that a mixture of fresh water with a biocide, combined with a minimal amount of friction reducer, may be the least damaging fracturing fluid. The failure to use gentle fracturing methods and other good production practices elsewhere in a coal bed can even damage production at nearby wells. Regardless of whether a fracturing liquid is used in CBM extraction, some means must be provided for the removal of the significant quantity of groundwater expelled as a result of the process. One study found that the average CBM well removed about 12,000 gallons of water per day. Pump jacks and surfactant (soap) introduction are the most common means of removing this water. Pump jacks, which have been used for decades in traditional petroleum extraction, simply pump water out of the well by mechanical means. A pump is placed downhole, and is connected to a rocking-beam activator at the wellhead by means of an interconnected series of rods. Pump jacks are expensive to install, operate, and maintain, particularly in CBM applications where bore cleaning is required more often due to the presence of coal fines. The presence of the pump jack at the end of the well also requires lengthier downtimes when maintenance is performed, reducing the cost-efficiency of the well. In contrast to the pump jack method, the surfactant method relies upon the hydrostatic pressure within the well itself to force groundwater up through the borehole and out of the extraction area. The surfactant combines with the groundwater to form a foam, which is pushed back up through the well by hydrostatic pressure. The water/surfactant mixture is then separated from the devolved methane gas and disposed of by appropriate means. Ideally, not all water is removed at the point of CBM extraction; rather, only enough water is removed such that the hydrostatic pressure in the area of the borehole is reduced just enough that the methane bound to the coal will desorb. In this way, damage to the coalbed cleats in the area of the borehole is minimized. Care must be exercised to prevent the surfactant from entering the coal formation, since this too may damage the coalbed cleats and reduce the production rate and lifetime of the well. Two methods are commonly used today for the introduction of surfactant into a CBM well. One method is the dropping of “soap sticks” into the well. The soap sticks form a foam as they are contacted by water rising up through the well, thereby forming foam that travels up and out of the well due to hydrostatic pressure. The second method is to attach a small tube inside the main production tube and pour gelled surfactant into this tube. The surfactant travels down the tube through the force of gravity, capillary action, or its own head pressure, eventually depositing the gel into the flow of water in the well and forming a foam. Again, this foam rises back up through the well for eventual removal. Use of either of these methods is believed by the inventor to increase well production on average by 10-20%. Although a significant amount of CBM is extracted through vertical drilling methods, horizontal drilling methods have become more common. The general techniques for horizontal drilling are well known, and were developed for conventional extraction of oil and natural gas. In the usual case, the well begins into the ground vertically, then arcs through some degree of curvature to travel in a generally horizontal direction. Horizontal wells thus contain a bend or “elbow,” the severity of which is determined by the drilling technique used. It is believed that horizontal drilling may result in better extraction rates of CBM from many coal beds due to the way in which coalbeds tend to form in long, horizontal strata. One analysis has shown that “face” cleats in coalbeds appear to be more than five times as permeable as “butt” cleats, which form orthogonally to face cleats. A horizontal well can increase productivity by orienting the lateral section of the well across the higher-permeability face cleats. As a result of these effects, the area drained by a horizontal well may be effectively much larger than the area drained by a corresponding vertical well placed into the same coalbed stratum. Horizontal well CBM extraction thus promises greater production from fewer wells in a given coalbed. The first horizontally drilled CBM wells in the Arkoma Basin were put in place around 1998. While horizontal drilling promises improved theoretical productivity over vertical drilling in many instances, it raises several problems of its own that are unique to CBM extraction. It may be seen that the deposit of a “soap stick” in a horizontal well will result in the movement of the soap stick only to the bottom of the “elbow” of the well. The soap stick is carried by gravity to this point, but will not proceed past the point where the well turns. Thus this method will form no foam at the end of the well bore at all; foam is only formed at the point where the soap stick comes to rest. The inventor has recognized that increased productivity would result from the production of foam at the end of the well, which is just at the point where the water is being extracted from the coal bed seam. The soap stick will never reach this point. Likewise, the method of introducing a surfactant by dripping a gel into the well also suffers when horizontal drilling techniques are used. Gravity, capillary action, or head pressure are the only agents moving the gel down into the well. In actual practice, the lines used to deliver this gel (typically ⅜ inch stainless steel tubing) cannot be made to reach to the bottom of the well, since the weight of the capillary tubing is not sufficient to overcome the frictional force arising from contact with the tubing walls, due to the arc in the horizontal well “elbow.” Again, as in the case of the soap stick, foam will not be formed at the end of the well where it is needed most. Another disadvantage of the gel capillary tube approach is that the tubing is employed inside the main production tube in the well; thus when the main production tube plugs or otherwise requires maintenance, the gel delivery tubing will impede efforts to clean, clear, or otherwise maintain the production tube. This is a particular problem in CBM extraction because of the fouling problems presented by coal fines, and the resulting need to regularly swab or clean the well tubing. Finally, since the gel is not introduced under pressure, it cannot adjust to the hydrostatic pressure at the end of the well. This pressure is dependent upon the depth of the well and the height of the water table. If the hydrostatic pressure is significantly less than the gel pressure, then the gel may flow out the production tube and into the coal bed, thereby damaging the coal bed cleats and retarding future production. If the hydrostatic pressure is significantly greater than the gel pressure, then the gel will flow little or not at all, producing minimal foam and impeding removal of groundwater and thus reducing CBM extraction rates. While this discussion has focused on CBM extraction, another developing area for the recovery of natural gas from unconventional sources is the extraction of natural gas from sandstone deposits. Sandstone formations with less than 0.1 millidarcy permeability, known as “tight gas sands,” are known to contain significant volumes of natural gas. The United States holds a huge quantity of these sandstones. Some estimates place the total gas-in-place in the United States in tight gas stands to be around 15 quadrillion cubic feet. Only a small portion of this gas is, however, recoverable with existing technology. Annual production in the United States today is about two to three trillion cubic feet. Many of the same problems presented in CBM extraction are also faced by those attempting to recover natural gas from tight gas sands, and thus efforts to overcome problems in CBM extraction may be directly applicable to recovery from tight gas sands as well. What is desired then is an apparatus for and method of introducing surfactant into a borehole for CBM extraction, tight sand gas extraction, or other types of gas-recovery options, where such apparatus and method is well-suited to horizontally drilled wells and that produces foam at the tip of the borehole for optimal groundwater removal, while preventing the flow of surfactant into the formation itself in conditions of potentially varying hydrostatic pressure. SUMMARY The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well utilizing a capillary tube and injection subassembly. The injection subassembly comprises a hydrostatic control valve and nozzle that injects surfactant through an atomizer arrangement at the downhole end of the production tube in the well. The capillary tube travels along the outside of the production tube rather than the inside, thereby leaving the inner portion of the production tube unobstructed. The hydrostatic control valve allows the pressure at which the surfactant is injected to be controlled, such that the surfactant atomizes and shears with the gas and water at the downhole end of the production tube with greater efficiency. This apparatus and method results in a number of important advantages over prior art techniques. The surfactant may be directed at exactly the point where it is needed most, that is, at the downhole end of the production tube. By thoroughly mixing the water with surfactant at this point through the use of an atomizer on the valve, water may be more efficiently drawn out of the formation and up through the well tube. Since the surfactant is being directed into the production tube, rather than into the formation itself, there is no danger of significant quantities of surfactant being introduced into the formation, thereby reducing well yields. Even in the case when no water is present, the surfactant will be brought back to the surface by the flow of gas up through the production tube since it leaves the valve in an atomized state. The valve is adjustable to allow for the depth of the well, such that the optimum pressure may be applied to result in good foam body without excessive pressure, thereby minimizing any damage to the formation and maximizing the usable life of the well. Compared to typical surfactant introduction methods that yield increased well production of 10-20%, testing of the present invention in CBM extraction, as well as tight sand gas extraction, has yielded production increases of over 100% in most cases. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant and water are mixed at or near the end of the well production tube. It is a further object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant and water are well mixed in order to more efficiently move water from the downhole formation. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant is inhibited from entering the formation. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant does not significantly enter the formation even when no water is present. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that the pressure at which surfactant is injected is adjustable. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that a minimum pressure is utilized for drawing water/surfactant from a well, thereby reducing formation damage. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well that significantly increases gas yields over conventional surfactant introduction methods. These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims in conjunction with the drawings as described following: DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a downhole tube assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away exploded view of a downhole tube assembly and injection subassembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of a valve subassembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed in a borehole. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to FIG. 1, the downhole injection subassembly 10 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in connection with CBM extraction may be described. Although the discussion of the preferred embodiment will focus on CBM extraction, it may be understood that the preferred embodiment is applicable to other gas extraction techniques, including without limitation tight sand gas extraction. Downhole injection subassembly 10 is designed for deployment at the end of a production tube for placement in a well. The external portions of downhole injection subassembly 10 are composed of production tube tip 12 and injection sheath 14. In the preferred embodiment, production tube tip 10 is a tube constructed of steel or other appropriately strong material, threaded to fit onto the downhole end of a production tube. In the preferred embodiments, production tube 10 is sized to fit either of the most common 2⅜ inch or 2⅞ inch production tube sizes used in CBM extraction. In alternative embodiments, other sizes may be accommodated. The distal end of production tube tip 10 may be beveled for ease of entry into the well casing. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow interior of production tube tip 10 is kept clear in order to minimize blockage and facilitate periodic swabbing and cleaning. Attached at the downhole end of production tube tip 12 by welding or other appropriate means is injection sheath 14. Injection sheath 14 protects valve/sprayer subassembly 16, as shown in FIG. 2. Like production tube tip 10, injection sheath 14 may be constructed of steel or another appropriately strong material. In the preferred embodiment, the tip of injection sheath 14 is tapered in a complementary way to that of production tube tip 12, thereby forming a pointed “nose” on the end of the production tube that eases insertion of the production tube into a well. Referring now to FIG. 2, the components of valve/sprayer subassembly 16 may be described. Nozzle 18 is mounted near the end of production tube tip 12, and oriented such that surfactant introduced to nozzle 18 is sprayed into production tube tip 12. In the preferred embodiment, an opening is provided in the side of production tube tip 12 for this purpose. The size of this opening is roughly one-fourth of an inch in diameter in the preferred embodiment, although other sizes may be employed in other embodiments based upon the exact size and construction of nozzle 18. Nozzle 18 is preferably of the atomizer type, such that surfactant introduced to nozzle 18 under appropriate pressure will be atomized as it leaves nozzle 18 and enters production tube tip 12. Provided that water is present at the end of production tube tip 12, this water will be thoroughly mixed with the surfactant thereby forming a foam, which will then be forced to the surface through the production tube along with the evolved gas due to the hydrostatic pressure in the formation. Feeding surfactant to nozzle 18 is valve 20. As explained further below in reference to FIG. 3, valve 20 opens to allow surfactant into nozzle 18 when the appropriate pressure is applied to the incoming surfactant. The pressure required to open valve 20 will depend upon the hydrostatic pressure at the end of the production tube where valve 20 is located. In the preferred embodiment, valve 20 is threaded on either end to receive nozzle 18 and fitting 22. Fitting 22 is used to connect valve 20 to capillary tube 24. In the preferred embodiment, fitting 22 connects to valve 20 using pipe threads, and connects to capillary tube 24 using a compression, flare, or other tube-type fitting. In alternative embodiments, fitting 22 may be omitted if valve 20 is configured so as to connect directly to capillary tube 24. Banding 26 is used to hold capillary tube 26 against production tube tip 12 and the production tube along its length. Banding 26 is preferably thin stainless steel for strength and corrosion-resistance, but other appropriate flexible and strong materials may be substituted. In the preferred embodiment, banding 26 is placed along capillary tube 24 roughly every sixty feet along its length. At the surface, capillary tube 24 may be routed through a wing port in the well head (not shown) and packed off with a tube connection to pipe thread fitting similar to fitting 22 (not shown). Capillary tube 24 may then be connected to a pump mechanism providing surfactant under pressure. Referring to FIG. 3, the internal components of valve 20 may now be described. Seat 28 and body 30 of valve 20 define a passageway through which surfactant may pass from capillary tube 24 (by way of fitting 22) into nozzle 18, and then out into production tube tip 12. Seat 28 and valve body 30 may be fitted together as by threading. Lower O-ring 40 provides a positive seal between seat 28 and body 30 of valve 20. Lower O-ring may be of conventional type, such as formed with silicone, whereby a liquid-proof seal is formed. In the preferred embodiment, Seat 28 and valve body 30 are preferably formed of stainless steel, brass, or other sufficiently durable and corrosion-resistant materials. Flow of surfactant through valve 20 is controlled by the position of ball 36. Ball 36 is preferably a ⅜ inch diameter stainless steel ball bearing. Ball 36 may seat against upper O-ring 38, which, like lower O-ring 40, is preferably formed of silicon or some other material capable of producing a liquid-proof seal. When seated against upper O-ring 38 at seat 28, ball 36 stops the flow of surfactant out of valve 20 and into nozzle 18. Ball 36 is resiliently held in place against upper O-ring 38 by spring 34. Spring 34 may be formed of stainless steel or other sufficiently strong, resilient, and corrosion-resistant material. The inventor is unaware of any commercially available spring with the proper force constant, and thus spring 34 in the preferred embodiment is custom built for this application. Spring follower 32 fits between spring 34 and ball 36 in order to provide proper placement of ball 36 with respect to spring 34. As will be evident from this arrangement, a sufficient amount of pressure placed on the surfactant behind ball 36 within valve seat 28 will overcome the force of spring 34, forcing ball 36 away from upper o-ring 38 and allowing surfactant to flow around ball 36, into the interior of valve body 30 around spring 34, and out of valve body 30 and into nozzle 18. Once this pressure is released, or reduced such that it may again be overcome by the force of spring 34, valve 20 will again close and prevent the flow of surfactant through valve 20. Valve 20 thus operates as a type of one-way check valve, regulating the flow of surfactant into nozzle 18 and ensuring that surfactant only reaches nozzle 18 if a sufficient pressure is provided. This ensures that surfactant will be properly atomized by nozzle 18 upon disposition into production tube tip 12 regardless of the downhole hydrostatic pressure within the expected range of operation. Referring now to FIG. 4, the use of the invention with respect to the recovery of gas in a CBM well may be described. CBM wells are generally lined with a casing 44 as drilled to protect the well from collapse. The most common casing 44 sizes are 4½ inches and 5½ inches. Since the most common production tubing sizes are 2⅜ inches and 2⅞ inches, this size disparity leaves sufficient room for production tube 42 to be easily inserted and removed from casing 44. The size disparity also allows additional room for capillary tube 24 to be mounted to the exterior of production tube 42, with periodic banding 26 as described above, in order to feed valve/sprayer subassembly 16. The above-ground components of the preferred embodiment include a chemical pump, soap tank, and defoamer tank (not shown) as are known in the art. Pumps such as the Texstream Series 5000 chemical injectors, available from Texstream Operations of Houston, Tex., may be employed. The soap tank may be a standard drum to contain surfactant material that is fed through the pump. The defoamer tank, the purpose of which is to separate gas from the surfactant for delivery, may be constructed from a standard reservoir with a top-mounted gas outlet. Now with reference again to FIGS. 1-4, a method of recovering gas from a well according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be described. A horizontal well is drilled and cased with casing 44 in a manner as known in the art. Valve/sprayer subassembly 16 is then fitted to downhole injection subassembly 10, such that nozzle 18 is situated to direct the spray of surfactant into production tube tip 12. Downhole injection subassembly 10 is then fitted to the downhole end of production tube 42. Capillary tube 24 is next attached to fitting 22 of downhole injection subassembly 10. It may be noted that capillary tube 24 is preferably provided on a large roll, such that it may be fed forward as production tube 42 is fed into casing 44. At regular intervals, preferably approximately every 60 feet or so, capillary tube 24 is fastened to production tube 42 using banding 26. This operation continues until production tube tip 12 reaches the bottom of the well, situated at the formation of interest for gas recovery. The arrangement described herein with respect to the preferred embodiment provides for a production tube 42 that is free of all obstacles, allowing unrestricted outflow of gas through production tube 42 to the surface. This feature is particularly important for gas production in “dirty” wells such as those drilled into coal formations for CBM recovery. In such environments, an unusually high number of contaminants will enter the well. It will thus be necessary to periodically swab production tube 42 and to remove coal plugs from production tube 42. With production tube 42 remaining otherwise open, it is a simple matter to run a swab the length of production tube 42 in order to clear obstacles. Otherwise, it would often be necessary to remove production tube 42 from casing 44 in order to perform maintenance. Removal of production tube 42 increases the equipment maintenance cost associated with the CBM extraction operation, and further causes significant downtime during CBM extraction. As gas recovery begins, surfactant is forced into capillary tube 24 under sufficient force to overcome the combined force of spring 34 and the downhole hydrostatic pressure and thereby open valve 20. In the preferred embodiment, valve 20 is constructed such that surfactant is injected through nozzle 18 at a pressure of no less than 300 pounds per square inch. This pressure ensures that the surfactant is atomized upon entry into production tube tip 10, thereby creating the best foam when mixed with available water. The production of high-quality foam lowers the hydrostatic head pressure at the bottom of the well, allowing gas to flow up production tube 42 along with the foam utilizing only the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the well. The elimination of external pressure to force gas upward minimizes the damage that might otherwise occur to the formations from which gas is recovered, which would lower production rates and expected well lifetime. It may be noted that the feature of directing nozzle 18 into production tube tip 12, rather than into the formation, is particularly important in CBM recovery. The long lateral strata common to coal formations do not allow for a homogenous porosity state of coal/gas. Thus the water and gas influx across the face of the formation are very erratic in typical horizontal wells. If it should occur that the hydrostatic pressure drops and water is not present at production tube tip 12, the surfactant still will be carried in an atomized state up and out of the production tube 42, rather than into the formation. As already noted, surfactant introduced into the formation will lower the output and operational lifetime of the well. In addition, the ability to vary the pressure at valve 20 is particularly useful with regard to such wells due to the erratic nature of the hydrostatic pressure across a formation. The pressure of the surfactant introduced to valve 20 is varied in response to an observation of foam quality at the output of production tube 42. In the preferred embodiment this operation is performed by visual inspection and hand manipulation of the pressure, although automatic sensing equipment could be developed and employed in alternative embodiments of the present invention. The pressure of surfactant can be optimized in a matter of minutes, since the only delay in determining foam quality is the time that is required for foam to reach the top of production tube 42. Previous methods would require days of production and subsequent yield analysis before an optimum surfactant introduction rate could be determined, due to the delay caused by slowly trickling surfactant down the casing of production tube 42. The pressure at valve 20 can also be adjusted according to well depth, which is a factor in the hydrostatic pressure present. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure at valve 20 may be adjusted to correspond to expected hydrostatic pressures at depths of anywhere from 500 to 20,000 feet. The present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred and alternative embodiments that are intended to be exemplary only and not limiting to the full scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention relates to gas recovery systems and methods, and in particular to an apparatus and method for increasing the yield of a methane well using direct injection of surfactant at the end of a well bore incorporating a downhole valve arrangement. It has long been recognized that coalbeds often contain combustible gaseous hydrocarbons that are trapped within the coal seam. Methane, the major combustible component of natural gas, accounts for roughly 95% of these gaseous hydrocarbons. Coal beds may also contain smaller amounts of higher molecular weight gaseous hydrocarbons, such as ethane and propane. These gases attach to the porous surface of the coal at the molecular level, and are held in place by the hydrostatic pressure exerted by groundwater surrounding the coal bed. The methane trapped in a coalbed seam will desorb when the pressure on the coalbed is sufficiently reduced. This occurs, for example, when the groundwater in the area is removed either by mining or drilling. The release of methane during coal mining is a well-known danger in the coal extraction process. Methane is highly flammable and may explode in the presence of a spark or flame. For this reason, much effort has been expended in the past to vent this gas away as a part of a coal mining operation. In more recent times, the technology has been developed to recover the methane trapped in coalbeds for use as natural gas fuel. The world's total, extractable coal-bed methane (CBM) reserve is estimated to be about 400 trillion cubic feet. Much of this CBM is trapped in coal beds that are too deep to mine for coal, but are easily reachable with wells using drilling techniques developed for conventional oil and natural gas extraction. Recent spikes in the spot price of natural gas, combined with the positive environmental aspects of the use of natural gas as a fuel source, has hastened development of coal-bed method recovery methods. The first research in CBM extraction was performed in the 1970's, exploring the feasibility of recovering methane from coal beds in the Black Warrior Basin of northeast Alabama. CBM has been commercially extracted in the Arkoma Basin (comprising western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma) since 1988. As of March 2000, the Arkoma Basin contained 377 producing CBM wells, with an average yield of 80,000 cubic feet of methane per day. Today, CBM accounts for about 7% of the total production of natural gas in the United States. While some aspects of CBM extraction are common to the more traditional means of extracting oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbon fuels, some of the problems faced in CBM extraction are unique. One common method generally used to extract hydrocarbon fuels from within minerals is hydraulic fracturing. Using this technique, a fracturing fluid is sent down a well under sufficient pressure to fracture the face of the mineral formation at the end of the well. Fracturing releases the hydrocarbon trapped within, and the hydrocarbon may then be extracted through the well. A proppant, such as course sand or sintered bauxite, is often added to the fracturing fluid to increase its effectiveness. As the pressure on the face of the fractured mineral is released to allow for the extraction of the hydrocarbon fuel, the fracture in the formation would normally close back up. When proppants are added to the fracturing fluid, however, the fracture does not close completely because it is held open by the proppant material. A channel is thus formed through which the trapped hydrocarbons may escape after pressure is released. Although course fracturing of this type is very successful in some applications, it has not proven particularly useful in the recovery of CBM. Coal fines recovered with the water and methane during CBM extraction will quickly foul the well when course fracturing techniques are used. This necessitates the frequent stoppage of CBM recovery in order that the production tubing may be swabbed or cleaned. It has been found that course fracturing will significantly reduce both the long-term productivity and ultimate useful life of a CBM well. While traditional fracturing has proven unsuccessful in CBM extraction, all coal beds contain cleats, that is, natural fractures through which CBM may escape. As hydrostatic pressure is decreased at the cleat by the removal of groundwater, methane within the coal will naturally desorb and move into the cleat system, where it may flow out of the coal bed. CBM may thus be withdrawn from the coalbed in this manner through the well, without the necessity in many cases of any artificial fracturing methods. CBM exploration and well placement strategies thus are highly dependent upon a good knowledge of cleat placement within the coalbed of interest. If artificial fracturing processes are used to stimulate production in CBM wells, they must be very gentle so as not to harm the coalbed cleats, and thereby reduce rather than increase well production. Acids, xylene-toluene, gasoline-benzene-diesel, condensate-strong solvents, bleaches, and course-grain sand have been found to be detrimental to good cleat maintenance. Recent experience in coalbeds in the Arkoma Basin indicates that a mixture of fresh water with a biocide, combined with a minimal amount of friction reducer, may be the least damaging fracturing fluid. The failure to use gentle fracturing methods and other good production practices elsewhere in a coal bed can even damage production at nearby wells. Regardless of whether a fracturing liquid is used in CBM extraction, some means must be provided for the removal of the significant quantity of groundwater expelled as a result of the process. One study found that the average CBM well removed about 12,000 gallons of water per day. Pump jacks and surfactant (soap) introduction are the most common means of removing this water. Pump jacks, which have been used for decades in traditional petroleum extraction, simply pump water out of the well by mechanical means. A pump is placed downhole, and is connected to a rocking-beam activator at the wellhead by means of an interconnected series of rods. Pump jacks are expensive to install, operate, and maintain, particularly in CBM applications where bore cleaning is required more often due to the presence of coal fines. The presence of the pump jack at the end of the well also requires lengthier downtimes when maintenance is performed, reducing the cost-efficiency of the well. In contrast to the pump jack method, the surfactant method relies upon the hydrostatic pressure within the well itself to force groundwater up through the borehole and out of the extraction area. The surfactant combines with the groundwater to form a foam, which is pushed back up through the well by hydrostatic pressure. The water/surfactant mixture is then separated from the devolved methane gas and disposed of by appropriate means. Ideally, not all water is removed at the point of CBM extraction; rather, only enough water is removed such that the hydrostatic pressure in the area of the borehole is reduced just enough that the methane bound to the coal will desorb. In this way, damage to the coalbed cleats in the area of the borehole is minimized. Care must be exercised to prevent the surfactant from entering the coal formation, since this too may damage the coalbed cleats and reduce the production rate and lifetime of the well. Two methods are commonly used today for the introduction of surfactant into a CBM well. One method is the dropping of “soap sticks” into the well. The soap sticks form a foam as they are contacted by water rising up through the well, thereby forming foam that travels up and out of the well due to hydrostatic pressure. The second method is to attach a small tube inside the main production tube and pour gelled surfactant into this tube. The surfactant travels down the tube through the force of gravity, capillary action, or its own head pressure, eventually depositing the gel into the flow of water in the well and forming a foam. Again, this foam rises back up through the well for eventual removal. Use of either of these methods is believed by the inventor to increase well production on average by 10-20%. Although a significant amount of CBM is extracted through vertical drilling methods, horizontal drilling methods have become more common. The general techniques for horizontal drilling are well known, and were developed for conventional extraction of oil and natural gas. In the usual case, the well begins into the ground vertically, then arcs through some degree of curvature to travel in a generally horizontal direction. Horizontal wells thus contain a bend or “elbow,” the severity of which is determined by the drilling technique used. It is believed that horizontal drilling may result in better extraction rates of CBM from many coal beds due to the way in which coalbeds tend to form in long, horizontal strata. One analysis has shown that “face” cleats in coalbeds appear to be more than five times as permeable as “butt” cleats, which form orthogonally to face cleats. A horizontal well can increase productivity by orienting the lateral section of the well across the higher-permeability face cleats. As a result of these effects, the area drained by a horizontal well may be effectively much larger than the area drained by a corresponding vertical well placed into the same coalbed stratum. Horizontal well CBM extraction thus promises greater production from fewer wells in a given coalbed. The first horizontally drilled CBM wells in the Arkoma Basin were put in place around 1998. While horizontal drilling promises improved theoretical productivity over vertical drilling in many instances, it raises several problems of its own that are unique to CBM extraction. It may be seen that the deposit of a “soap stick” in a horizontal well will result in the movement of the soap stick only to the bottom of the “elbow” of the well. The soap stick is carried by gravity to this point, but will not proceed past the point where the well turns. Thus this method will form no foam at the end of the well bore at all; foam is only formed at the point where the soap stick comes to rest. The inventor has recognized that increased productivity would result from the production of foam at the end of the well, which is just at the point where the water is being extracted from the coal bed seam. The soap stick will never reach this point. Likewise, the method of introducing a surfactant by dripping a gel into the well also suffers when horizontal drilling techniques are used. Gravity, capillary action, or head pressure are the only agents moving the gel down into the well. In actual practice, the lines used to deliver this gel (typically ⅜ inch stainless steel tubing) cannot be made to reach to the bottom of the well, since the weight of the capillary tubing is not sufficient to overcome the frictional force arising from contact with the tubing walls, due to the arc in the horizontal well “elbow.” Again, as in the case of the soap stick, foam will not be formed at the end of the well where it is needed most. Another disadvantage of the gel capillary tube approach is that the tubing is employed inside the main production tube in the well; thus when the main production tube plugs or otherwise requires maintenance, the gel delivery tubing will impede efforts to clean, clear, or otherwise maintain the production tube. This is a particular problem in CBM extraction because of the fouling problems presented by coal fines, and the resulting need to regularly swab or clean the well tubing. Finally, since the gel is not introduced under pressure, it cannot adjust to the hydrostatic pressure at the end of the well. This pressure is dependent upon the depth of the well and the height of the water table. If the hydrostatic pressure is significantly less than the gel pressure, then the gel may flow out the production tube and into the coal bed, thereby damaging the coal bed cleats and retarding future production. If the hydrostatic pressure is significantly greater than the gel pressure, then the gel will flow little or not at all, producing minimal foam and impeding removal of groundwater and thus reducing CBM extraction rates. While this discussion has focused on CBM extraction, another developing area for the recovery of natural gas from unconventional sources is the extraction of natural gas from sandstone deposits. Sandstone formations with less than 0.1 millidarcy permeability, known as “tight gas sands,” are known to contain significant volumes of natural gas. The United States holds a huge quantity of these sandstones. Some estimates place the total gas-in-place in the United States in tight gas stands to be around 15 quadrillion cubic feet. Only a small portion of this gas is, however, recoverable with existing technology. Annual production in the United States today is about two to three trillion cubic feet. Many of the same problems presented in CBM extraction are also faced by those attempting to recover natural gas from tight gas sands, and thus efforts to overcome problems in CBM extraction may be directly applicable to recovery from tight gas sands as well. What is desired then is an apparatus for and method of introducing surfactant into a borehole for CBM extraction, tight sand gas extraction, or other types of gas-recovery options, where such apparatus and method is well-suited to horizontally drilled wells and that produces foam at the tip of the borehole for optimal groundwater removal, while preventing the flow of surfactant into the formation itself in conditions of potentially varying hydrostatic pressure. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well utilizing a capillary tube and injection subassembly. The injection subassembly comprises a hydrostatic control valve and nozzle that injects surfactant through an atomizer arrangement at the downhole end of the production tube in the well. The capillary tube travels along the outside of the production tube rather than the inside, thereby leaving the inner portion of the production tube unobstructed. The hydrostatic control valve allows the pressure at which the surfactant is injected to be controlled, such that the surfactant atomizes and shears with the gas and water at the downhole end of the production tube with greater efficiency. This apparatus and method results in a number of important advantages over prior art techniques. The surfactant may be directed at exactly the point where it is needed most, that is, at the downhole end of the production tube. By thoroughly mixing the water with surfactant at this point through the use of an atomizer on the valve, water may be more efficiently drawn out of the formation and up through the well tube. Since the surfactant is being directed into the production tube, rather than into the formation itself, there is no danger of significant quantities of surfactant being introduced into the formation, thereby reducing well yields. Even in the case when no water is present, the surfactant will be brought back to the surface by the flow of gas up through the production tube since it leaves the valve in an atomized state. The valve is adjustable to allow for the depth of the well, such that the optimum pressure may be applied to result in good foam body without excessive pressure, thereby minimizing any damage to the formation and maximizing the usable life of the well. Compared to typical surfactant introduction methods that yield increased well production of 10-20%, testing of the present invention in CBM extraction, as well as tight sand gas extraction, has yielded production increases of over 100% in most cases. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant and water are mixed at or near the end of the well production tube. It is a further object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant and water are well mixed in order to more efficiently move water from the downhole formation. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant is inhibited from entering the formation. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that surfactant does not significantly enter the formation even when no water is present. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that the pressure at which surfactant is injected is adjustable. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well such that a minimum pressure is utilized for drawing water/surfactant from a well, thereby reducing formation damage. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for injecting surfactant into a well that significantly increases gas yields over conventional surfactant introduction methods. These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims in conjunction with the drawings as described following: | 20050128 | 20071225 | 20060413 | 65502.0 | E21B4300 | 1 | STEPHENSON, DANIEL P | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INCREASING WELL PRODUCTION USING SURFACTANT INJECTION | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | E21B | 2,005 |
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10,906,068 | ACCEPTED | WIDE AREA LIGHTING APPARATUS AND EFFECTS SYSTEM | A lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of lamp elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light elements, on a panel or frame. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may include one or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. The panel or frame may have an opening through which a camera can view. A mounting bracket and assembly may be used for attaching the panel or frame to a camera. The lamp elements may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and may be strobed, dimmed or otherwise controlled according to manually selected or programmable patterns. Different color lamp elements may be mounted on the same panel/frame, and, in particular, daylight and tungsten colored lamp elements may be mounted on the same panel/frame and their relative intensities selectively controlled by control circuitry. | 1. A lighting system suitable to provide proper illumination for lighting of a subject in film or video, comprising: a portable frame having a panel including a mounting surface; a plurality of semiconductor light elements disposed on said mounting surface, said semiconductor light elements emitting light within a color temperature range suitable for image capture, at least one of said semiconductor light elements emitting light in a daylight or tungsten color temperature range; and a focusing element for adjusting the focus and/or direction of the light emitted by said semiconductor light elements; wherein said portable frame is adapted for being mounted to and readily disengaged from a stand. 2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element comprises a lens or filter. 3. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element comprises a funnel-shaped focusing lens. 4. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element comprises an integrated focal lens. 5. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element increases the directivity of light emitted by said semiconductor light elements. 6. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element is attachable to and detachable from the portable frame. 7. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said portable frame further comprises a stand adapter bracket configured to be mounted to and readily disengaged from said stand. 8. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein said stand adapter bracket comprises a yoke, and wherein said portable frame is configured to swivel and/or tilt when mounted to said yoke. 9. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein said yoke is substantially C-shaped, said portable frame being mounted between two arms of the yoke such that the portable frame may be tilted and locked into position at different angles. 10. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein said stand adapter bracket comprises a ball-and-socket mechanism, and wherein said portable frame is configured to swivel and/or tilt when mounted to said ball-and-socket mechanism. 11. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs). 12. The lighting system of claim 11, wherein said LEDs are high output. 13. The lighting system of claim 12, wherein the rated wattage of said high output LEDs is at least one watt. 14. The lighting system of claim 12, wherein the rated wattage of said high output LEDs is at least approximately five watts. 15. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements emit light at a color temperature range of approximately 5500 degrees Kelvin. 16. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said color temperature range includes approximately 5500-7500 degrees Kelvin. 17. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements emit light at a color temperature of approximately 3200 degrees Kelvin. 18. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein all of said semiconductor light elements emit light at substantially the same color temperature. 19. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein substantially all of said semiconductor light elements emit light at a similar color temperature. 20. The lighting system of claim 1, further including a color lens or color filter to adjust the color temperature of the light emitted from said semiconductor light elements. 21. The lighting system of claim 1, further including a diffusion lens or diffusion filter. 22. The lighting system of claim 1, further comprising an intensity control circuit in electrical communication with the semiconductor light elements, for adjusting the intensity of light output by the semiconductor light elements. 23. The lighting system of claim 22, wherein the illumination level of said semiconductor light elements is controlled using pulse width modulation. 24. The lighting system of claim 22, further including switch controls to separately control the intensity levels of at least two groups of semiconductor light elements. 25. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said panel comprises a circuit board, and wherein said semiconductor light elements are mounted thereto. 26. The lighting system of claim 25, wherein said circuit board is thermally connected to heat dissipating fins. 27. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements provide a continuous source of illumination. 28. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said portable frame further includes a power source. 29. The lighting system of claim 28, wherein said power source is contained within or attached to said frame or stand adapter bracket. 30. The lighting system of claim 28, wherein said integrated power source comprises a battery. 31. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements are arranged in at least one row. 32. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said frame is substantially flat. 33. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the shape of said frame is selected from the group consisting of: square; rectangular round; oval; ring-shaped hexagonal; octagonal; other polygonal; and partially polygonal. 34. The lighting system of claim 1, further including switch controls to separately control the on/off state of at least two groups of semiconductor light elements. | This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/238,973 filed Sep. 9, 2002, currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/949,206 filed Sep. 7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,310, hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of the present invention relates to lighting apparatus and systems as may be used in film, television, photography, and other applications. Lighting systems are an integral part of the film and photography industries. Proper illumination is necessary when filming movies, television shows, or commercials, when shooting video clips, or when taking still photographs, whether such activities are carried out indoors or outdoors. A desired illumination effect may also be desired for live performances on stage or in any other type of setting. A primary purpose of a lighting system is to illuminate a subject to allow proper image capture or achieve a desired effect. Often it is desirable to obtain even lighting that minimizes shadows on or across the subject. It may be necessary or desired to obtain lighting that has a certain tone, warmth, or intensity. It may also be necessary or desired to have certain lighting effects, such as colorized lighting, strobed lighting, gradually brightening or dimming illumination, or different intensity illumination in different fields of view. Various conventional techniques for lighting in the film and television industries, and various illustrations of lighting equipment, are described, for example, in Lighting for Television and Film by Gerald Millerson (3rd ed. 1991), hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 96-131 and 295-349 thereof, and in Professional Lighting Handbook by Verne Carlson (2nd ed. 1991), also hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 15-40 thereof. As one example illustrating a need for an improved lighting effects system, it can be quite challenging to provide proper illumination for the lighting of faces in television and film, especially for situations where close-ups are required. Often, certain parts of the face must be seen clearly. The eyes, in particular, can provide a challenge for proper lighting. Light reflected in the eyes is known as “eye lights” or “catch lights.” Without enough reflected light, the eyes may seem dull. A substantial amount of effort has been expended in constructing lighting systems that have the proper directivity, intensity, tone, and other characteristics to result in aesthetically pleasing “eye lights” while also meeting other lighting requirements, and without adversely impacting lighting of other features. Because of the varied settings in which lighting systems are used, the conventional practice in the film, commercial, and related industries is for a lighting system, when needed, to be custom designed for each shoot. This practice allows the director or photographer to have available a lighting system that is of the necessary size, and that provides the desired intensity, warmth, tone and effects. Designing and building customized lighting systems, however, is often an expensive and time-consuming process. The most common lighting systems in film, commercial, and photographic settings use either incandescent or fluorescent light elements. However, conventional lighting systems have drawbacks or limitations which can limit their flexibility or effectiveness. For example, incandescent lights have been employed in lighting systems in which they have been arranged in various configurations, including on ring-shaped mounting frames. However, the mounting frames used in incandescent lighting systems are often large and ponderous, making them difficult to move around and otherwise work with. A major drawback of incandescent lighting systems is the amount of heat generating by the incandescent bulbs. Because of the heat intensity, subjects cannot be approached too closely without causing discomfort to the subject and possibly affecting the subject's make-up or appearance. Also, the heat from the incandescent bulbs can heat the air in the proximity of the camera; cause a “wavering” effect to appear on the film or captured image. Incandescent lighting may cause undesired side effects when filming, particularly where the intensity level is adjusted. As the intensity level of incandescent lights change, their hue changes as well. Film is especially sensitive to these changes in hue, significantly more so than the human eye. In addition to these problems or drawbacks, incandescent lighting systems typically draw quite a bit of power, especially for larger lighting systems which may be needed to provide significant wide area illumination. Incandescent lighting systems also generally require a wall outlet or similar standard source of alternating current (AC) power. Fluorescent lighting systems generate much less heat than incandescent lighting systems, but nevertheless have their own drawbacks or limitations. For example, fluorescent lighting systems, like incandescent lighting systems, are often large and cumbersome. Fluorescent bulbs are generally tube-shaped, which can limit the lighting configuration or mounting options. Circular fluorescent bulbs are also commercially available, and have been used in the past for motion picture lighting. A major drawback with fluorescent lighting systems is that the low lighting levels can be difficult or impossible to achieve due to the nature of fluorescent lights. When fluorescent lights are dimmed, they eventually begin to flicker or go out as the supplied energy reaches the excitation threshold of the gases in the fluorescent tubes. Consequently, fluorescent lights cannot be dimmed beyond a certain level, greatly limiting their flexibility. In addition, fluorescent lights suffer from the same problem as incandescent lights when their intensity level is changed; that is, they tend to change in hue as the intensity changes, and film is very sensitive to alterations in lighting hue. Typically, incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems are designed to be placed off to the side of the camera, or above or below the camera. Because of such positioning, lighting systems may provide uneven or off-center lighting, which can be undesirable in many circumstances. Because of their custom nature, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems can be difficult to adapt to different or changing needs of a particular film project or shoot. For example, if the director or photographer decides that a different lighting configuration should be used, or wants to experiment with different types of lighting, it can be difficult, time-consuming, and inconvenient to re-work or modify the customized lighting setups to provide the desired effects. Furthermore, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems are generally designed for placement off to the side of the camera, which can result in shadowing or uneven lighting. A variety of lighting apparatus have been proposed for the purpose of inspecting objects in connection with various applications, but these lighting apparatus are generally not suitable for the movie, film or photographic industries. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,417, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a surface illuminator for directing illumination on an object (i.e., a single focal point). The surface illuminator has a number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in concentric circles on a lamp-supporting housing having a circular bore through which a microscope or other similar instrument can be positioned. The light from the LEDs is directed to a single focal point by either of two methods. According to one technique disclosed in the patent, a collimating lens is used to angle the light from each ring of LEDs towards the single focal point. According to another technique disclosed in the patent, each ring of LEDs is angled so as to direct the light from each ring on the single focal point. Other examples of lighting apparatus used for the purpose of inspecting objects are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,223 and 5,038,258, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In both of these patents, LEDs are placed on the interior of a spherical surface, so that their optical axes intersect at a desired focal point. Lighting apparatus specially adapted for illumination of objects to be inspected are generally not suitable for the special needs of the film, commercial, or photographic industries, or with live stage performances, because the lighting needs in these fields differs substantially from what is offered by object inspection lighting apparatus. For example, movies and commercials often require illumination of a much larger area that what object inspection lighting systems typically provide, and even still photography often requires that a relatively large subject be illuminated. In contrast, narrow-focus lighting apparatuses are generally designed for an optimum working distance of only a few inches (e.g., 3 to 4 inches) with a relatively small illumination diameter. Still other LED-based lighting apparatus have been developed for various live entertainment applications, such as theaters and clubs. These lighting apparatus typically include a variety of colorized LEDs in hues such as red, green, and blue (i.e., an “RGB” combination), and sometimes include other intermixed bright colors as well. These types of apparatus are not well suited for applications requiring more precision lighting, such as film, television, and so on. Among other things, the combination of red, green, and blue (or other) colors creates an uneven lighting effect that would generally be unsuitable for most film, television, or photographic applications. Moreover, most of these LED-based lighting apparatus suffer from a number of other drawbacks, such as requiring expensive and/or inefficient power supplies, incompatibility with traditional AC dimmers, lack of ripple protection (when connected directly to an AC power supply), and lack of thermal dissipation. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a lighting apparatus or lighting effects system well suited for use in the film, commercial, and/or photographic industries, and/or with live stage performances, that overcomes one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, drawbacks, or limitations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is generally directed in one aspect to a novel lighting effects system and method as may be used, for example, in film and photography applications. In one embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of lamp elements on a panel or frame. The lamp elements may be embodied as low power lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or light emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), for example, and may be arranged on the panel or frame in a pattern so as to provide relatively even, dispersive light. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may include one or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. A power supply and various control circuitry may be provided for controlling the intensities of the various lamp elements, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, through pre-programmed patterns. In another embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of low power lights mounted on a frame having an opening through which a camera can view. The low power lights may be embodied as LEDs or LECs, for example, arranged on the frame in a pattern of concentric circles or other uniform or non-uniform pattern. The frame preferably has a circular opening through which a camera can view, and one or more mounting brackets for attaching the frame to a camera. The low power lights may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, may be controlled through pre-programmed patterns. Further embodiments, variations and enhancements are also disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a lighting effects system in accordance with one embodiment as disclosed herein, illustrating placement of a camera relative to a lighting frame. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting effects system showing various components of a preferred system. FIG. 3 is an oblique view diagram illustrating an example of attachment of one type of camera mounting assembly to a particular type of lighting assembly frame. FIG. 4 is a front view diagram of a lighting assembly frame with small, low-power lamps to provide illumination arranged in a preferred pattern. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating aspects of the lighting effect provided by a lighting assembly such as, for example, shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating various human eye features that may be of interest in providing illumination for films, commercials or photography. FIG. 7 is a diagram of a light segment as may be used, for example, with the lighting assembly of FIG. 4, along with filtering lens(es). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a filtering lens on an individual light element. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a frequency distribution of light in accordance with one lighting effects system embodiment as disclosed herein. FIGS. 10A and 10B are a block diagrams of two different types of electronic controllers as may be employed, for example, in the lighting effects system illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is an oblique view diagram of another embodiment of a lighting assembly frame as disclosed herein. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating various options and accessories as may be used in connection with the lighting assembly frame depicted in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a diagram of electronic control circuitry as may be employed, for example, with the lighting effects system illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a frequency distribution of light in accordance with another lighting effects system embodiment as disclosed herein. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view, respectively, of a portion of a lighting assembly frame. FIG. 15C is a diagram illustrating assembly of a lighting assembly frame from two halves thereof. FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view, respectively, of the backside of the lighting assembly frame portion illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, while FIGS. 16C, 16D and 16E are diagrams showing details of the lighting assembly frame portion shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 17 is a diagram of a cover as may be used in connection with the lighting effects system of FIG. 2 or the frame assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 18 is a diagram of a portion of a preferred camera mounting assembly. FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams collectively illustrating another portion of a preferred camera mounting assembly. FIG. 20 is a diagram of a retention clip for a camera mounting assembly. FIG. 21 is a diagram of a plunger used in connection with attaching a mounting assembly to a lighting frame, in accordance with one technique as disclosed herein. FIG. 22 is a diagram of a mounting assembly with components from FIGS. 18 and 19 shown assembled. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one technique for attaching a camera mounting assembly to a lighting frame. FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are diagram of components relating to another type of camera mounting assembly. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing components of FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 assembled together. FIG. 28 and 29 are diagrams of alternative embodiments of integral or semi-integral camera mounting assemblies. FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C are diagrams illustrating various alternative lamp patterns. FIG. 31 is a diagrams of an LED suitable for surface mounting. FIG. 32 is a diagram of a lighting array mounted atop a circuit board. FIG. 33 is a diagram of one embodiment of a lighting effects system having at least two different lamp colors. FIG. 34 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting effects system having at least two different lamp colors. FIG. 35 is a diagram of a lighting apparatus embodied as a panel having lighting arrays mounted thereon. FIGS. 36A and 36B are side-view diagrams of two different types of surface-mount LEDs, and FIG. 36C is an oblique image of the LED shown in FIG. 36A. FIG. 37A is a diagram of one embodiment of a lens cap for an LED, and FIGS. 37B and 37C are diagrams illustrating placement of the lens cap with respect to a particular type of LED. FIGS. 37D and 37E are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a lens cap for an LED, and placement thereof with respect to a particular type of LED. FIG. 38A is a front view diagram of a ring-shaped lighting frame assembly with surface-mount LEDs arranged on the lighting frame. FIG. 38B is a side view diagram of one embodiment of the lighting frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 36A, showing backside fins for heat dissipation. FIGS. 39 and 40 are diagrams illustrating examples of a panel light with surface mount LEDs. FIG. 41A is an oblique view diagram of a panel light illustrating backside fins and a groove for attachment to a multi-panel lighting assembly, and FIG. 41B is a diagram of a multi-panel lighting assembly illustrating attachment of the panel light shown in FIG. 41A. FIG. 42A is a diagram of a detachable integrated lens sheet for a panel light, and FIGS. 42B-42D are more detailed diagrams of portions of the integrated lens sheet. FIG. 43 is a diagram of a multi-panel lighting assembly employed on a lighting stand. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an adjustable lens cover of the type shown in FIG. 12, and an optional mechanism for securing interiorly positioned color gel(s) and/or lens filter(s). FIG. 45 is a diagram of a flexible LED strip with surface mount LEDs. FIG. 46 is a diagram of a ring-shaped lighting frame assembly with multiple fluorescent lights. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) Before describing preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention, an explanation is provided of several terms used herein. The term “lamp element” is intended to refer to any controllable luminescent device, whether it be a light-emitting diode (“LED”), light-emitting electrochemical cell (“LEC”), a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, or any other type of artificial light source. The term “semiconductor light element” or “semiconductor light emitter” refers to any lamp element that is manufactured in whole or part using semiconductor techniques, and is intended to encompass at least light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light-emitting electrochemical cell (LECs). The term “light-emitting diode” or “LED” refers to a particular class of semiconductor devices that emit visible light when electric current passes through them. includes both traditional low power versions (operating in, e.g., the 20 mW range) as well as high output versions such as those operating in the range of 3 to 5 Watts, which is still substantially lower in wattage than a typical incandescent bulb, and so-called superluminescent LEDs. Many different chemistries and techniques are used in the construction of LEDs. Aluminum indium gallium phosphide and other similar materials have been used, for example, to make warm colors such as red, orange, and amber. A few other examples are: indium gallium nitride (InGaN) for blue, InGaN with a phosphor coating for white, and Indium gallium arsenide with Indium phoshide for certain infrared colors. A relatively recent LED composition uses Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) with a phosphor coating. It should be understood that the foregoing LED material compositions are mentioned not by way of limitation, but merely as examples. The term “light-emitting electrochemical cell“ or LEC” refers to any of a class of light emitting optoelectronic devices comprising a polymer blend embeded between two electrodes, at least one of the two electrodes being transparent in nature. The polymeric blend may be made from a luminescent polymer, a sale, and an ion-conducting polymer, and various different colors are available. Further background regarding LECs may be found, for example, in the technical references D. H. Hwang et al, “New Luminescent Polymers for LEDs and LECs,” Macromolecular Symposia 125, 111 (1998), M. Gritsch et al, “Investigation of Local Ions Distributions in Polymer Based Light Emitting Cells,” Proc. Current Developments of Microelectronics, Bad Hofgastein (March 1999), and J. C. deMello et al, “The Electric Field Distribution in Polymer LECs,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 85(2), 421 (2000), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. The term “color temperature” refers to the temperature at which a blackbody would need to emit radiant energy in order to produce a color that is generated by the radiant energy of a given source, such as a lamp or other light source. A few color temperatures are of particular note because they relate to the film and photographic arts. A color temperature in the range of 3200° Kelvin (or 3200° K.) is sometimes referred to as “tungsten” or “tungsten balanced.” A color temperature of “tungsten” as used herein means a color temperature suitable for use with tungsten film, and, depending upon the particulars of the light source and the film in question, may generally cover the color temperature range anywhere from about 1000° Kelvin to about 4200° Kelvin. A color temperature in the range of 5500° Kelvin (or 5500° K.) is sometimes referred to as “daylight” or “daylight balanced.” Because the color of daylight changes with season, as well as changes in altitude and atmosphere, among other things, the color temperature of “daylight” is a relative description and varies depending upon the conditions. A color temperature of “daylight” as used herein means a color temperature suitable for use with daylight film, and, depending upon the particulars of the light source and the film in question, may generally cover the color temperature range anywhere from about 4200° Kelvin to about 9500° Kelvin. FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a preferred lighting effects system 100 in accordance with one embodiment as disclosed herein, illustrating placement of a camera 140 relative to a lighting frame 102. The lighting frame 102 shown in FIG. 1 may be generally ring-shaped (as shown in, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4, and later described herein), and may define a central hole 103 through which the camera 140 can view. The camera 140 itself, while illustrated in FIG. 1 as a motion picture type camera, may be embodied as any type of image capture or optical viewing device, whether analog or digital in nature. For example, the camera 140 may use film or solid state image capture circuitry (e.g., CCDs), and may be a still photography camera or a motion picture camera. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting frame 102 is physically attached to the camera 140 using a camera mounting, as further described herein. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting effects system 200 that may, if desired, be constructed in accordance with various principles illustrated in or described with respect to FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lighting effects system 200 comprises a lighting frame 202 upon which are mounted or otherwise affixed a plurality of lamps 205. Preferred arrangements of the lamps 205 are described further herein. The lighting frame 202 may include a mounting assembly receptor 220 for receiving a mounting assembly 230 (preferably removable in nature), and an electrical socket 215 for receiving a cable 213 providing electrical power to the lamps 205 from a power source 210, although in alternative embodiments battery power may be used. A power controller 212 is preferably interposed between the power source 210 and the electrical socket 215, for providing various lighting effect functions described in more detail hereinafter, such as, for example, dimming, strobing, selective activation, pulsation, and so on, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting frame 202 is ring-shaped, and the lamps 205 are arranged in a pattern around the center hole of the lighting frame 202 so as to provide the desired lighting condition—typically, the lamps 205 will be arranged in a symmetrical, regular pattern so as to provide relatively even lighting over the area of interest. The lighting frame 202 is preferably comprised of a lightweight, durable material, such as thermoplastic and/or aluminum, with a flat black finish (either paint, coating or material) so as to eliminate any reflections from the front of the lighting frame 202 that might cause ghosts to the final image. An example of a preferred lighting frame 302 is depicted from various angles in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 shows a front view of a lighting frame 302, illustrating the preferred ring-shaped nature thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a number of lamp segments 306 are arranged in a radial or arrayed pattern around the center hole 303 of the lighting frame 302. The lamp segments 306 are positioned along rays 308 emanating from a center point 307 of the lighting frame 302, and are preferably equidistant from one another (i.e., the rays 308 are preferably defined such that all of the angles between neighboring rays 308 are equal). The equidistant placement of the lamp segments 306 results in a symmetrical, even pattern that advantageously provides even lighting over an area of interest. The density of the lamp pattern may vary, and is dictated in part by the particular lighting needs. Examples of alternative lamp arrangement patterns are shown in FIGS. 30A-30C. FIGS. 30A and 30B show the lighting frame 302 with different pattern densities of lamp segments 306. FIG. 30C illustrates a lamp pattern in which pairs 309 of lamp segments 306 are arranged near adjacent to one another, while each pair 309 of lamp segments 306 is positioned further away from its neighboring pair 309 than from the other lamp segment 306 that is part of the lamp segment pair 309. The lamp patterns shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C are meant to be merely illustrative and not exhaustive. Other lamp patterns might involve, for example, triplets of lamp segments (rather than pairs or singles), or alternating single lamps with pairs and/or triplets, or lamp segments which have gradually increasing or decreasing spacing between them, or lamp segment clusters having the same or different numbers of lamp segments in each cluster, to name a few. The lamp pattern can thus be varied to suit the particular lighting needs, but is preferably symmetric at least in those situations calling for even lighting over the area of interest. Each of the lamp segments 306 preferably comprises a plurality of low power lamps 305, such as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 4. The low power lamps are preferably solid state in nature and may comprise, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), light-emitting crystals (LECs), or other low power, versatile light sources. Alternatively, fluorescent lamps may be used instead of lamp segments, as described later herein, for example, with respect to, e.g., FIG. 13. Fluorescent lights are power efficient and tend to have high concentrations or spikes of blue, green, and ultraviolet wavelength light. Most white LEDs have color spikes as well. These spikes of color combined with improper proportions of other wavelengths can render the colors of objects seen or photographed as incorrect or odd in hue. Slight color variations may be added relatively easily to the lenses of LEDs to compensate for these deficiencies without significantly impacting the overall light output. Colored LED lenses may also be used to generate a desired color (such as red, green, etc.), but, since colored lenses are subtractive in nature, the stronger the color, generally the more the output of the LED will be dimmed. White LEDs typically utilize clear or nearly clear lenses; however, in any of the embodiments described herein, a clear LED lens may be manufactured with slight subtractive characteristics in order to minimize any color spikes and/or non-linearities in the output of an LED. The number of low power lamps 305 in each lamp segment 306 may be the same or may vary among lamp segments 306. If the number of low power lamps 305 is the same in each lamp segment 306 and are spaced the same (for example, equidistant from one another) within each lamp segment 306, then the resulting pattern will be a plurality of concentric circles of low power lamps 305 radiating outward from the inner circular portion to the outer circular portion of the lighting frame 302. It will be appreciated, however, that the low power lamps 305 need not be arranged in segments 306 as illustrated in FIG. 4, but may be arranged in clusters or other patterns, whether uniform or non-uniform, over the lighting frame 302. However, a symmetrical, regular pattern of low power lamps 305 is preferred, at least where uniform lighting is desired over an area of interest. FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of a lighting frame assembly such as light frame 302 with low power lamps 305 arranged as shown in FIG. 4, in illuminating a subject 646. As shown in FIG. 5, radiating light regions 620, 621 from lamps arranged on the front surface of the lighting frame 302 (as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example) overlap one another in a manner so as to provide lighting from multiple angles. With a radial or arrayed pattern of lamp segments 306 as shown in FIG. 4, a subject 646 may be relatively evenly illuminated from every angle. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred placement of a camera 140 (including any type of image capture device, whether film based, solid state/CCD, or otherwise) with respect to a lighting frame 102 (which may be embodied, for example, as lighting frame 302). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the camera 140 may be positioned so that its lens or optical front-end peers through the central hole 103 of the lighting frame 102, thus allowing the lighting to be presented from the same angle and direction as the camera viewpoint. FIG. 6 illustrates how the lighting frame assembly with the pattern of lamp segments 306 as shown in FIG. 4 may advantageously illuminate a human subject's eyes. In FIG. 6, the iris 650 of the subject's eye 654 is illustrated showing a circular pattern of reflected light segments 652 around the iris 650. A lighting pattern of a lighting system such as illustrated in FIG. 4 can illuminate the iris 650 of the subject's eye 654 from multiple angles, thus helping provide desirable “eye lights” or “catch lights” with respect to a human subject 546, as well as providing uniform, even lighting over the area of interest. Turning once again to FIG. 3, an oblique view of the lighting frame 302 is shown illustrating an example of attachment of one type of camera mounting assembly 330 to the lighting frame 302. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a mounting assembly receptor 320 is affixed to, molded as part of, or otherwise attached to the lighting frame 302. The camera mounting assembly 330 is preferably configured so as to attach securely to the mounting assembly receptor 320. The mounting assembly receptor 320 may, for example, include a socket 323 or similar indentation adapted to receive a corresponding member 335 on the camera mounting assembly 330. The member 335 may be attached to an elongated rod or arm 332, along which a camera clamp 334 may be slidably engaged. The camera clamp 334 preferably includes a generally U-shaped clamping portion 336 which may be securely attached along the housing of a camera, and may advantageously be moved along the elongated rod or arm 332 and clamped into a suitable position using a clamping screw or other fastening mechanism. FIGS. 1 5A and 15B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a frontal view, respectively, of one portion of a lighting assembly frame 1502 in accordance with one or more of the concepts or principles explained with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 5A and 15B, the lighting assembly frame portion 1502 is generally ring-shaped in nature, having a central hole 1503 for allowing a camera or other image capture device to view through the lighting assembly frame. The lighting assembly frame portion 1502 may be reinforced, if desired, with ribs 1560, and may include, as noted with respect to FIG. 3, a mounting assembly receptor 1520 for receiving a camera mounting assembly (not shown in FIG. 15A), and an electrical socket 1515 for receiving a cable or wires for providing power to the lamps of the lighting assembly. The lighting frame portion 1502 illustrated in FIG. 15A comprises one half (specifically, the backside half) of a complete lighting frame assembly. A corresponding lighting frame portion 1592 (e.g., printed circuit board), as shown in FIG. 15C, may be adapted to fit securely to the lighting frame portion 1502 (e.g., injected molded poly-carbonate), and may attach thereto by, for example, exterior locking tabs 1564 and/or interior locking tabs 1567, which are shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. Alternatively, other means for fastening together the lighting frame assembly 1501 may be used, such as screws, glue, etc. Likewise, the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may comprise any suitable mechanism for securing a camera mounting assembly to the lighting frame portion 1502 of the lighting frame assembly 1501. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may comprise a raised, slightly tapered cylindrical housing, defining a hollow cylindrical chamber in which the camera mounting assembly may be fitted. If the lighting frame portion 1502 is formed of plastic, for example, then the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may be formed through an injection molding process. FIG. 18 depicts an example of a portion of a camera mounting assembly 1801 as may be affixed to the lighting frame portion 1502 using the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 1801 in FIG. 18 comprises an elongated rod or arm 1832, at the end of which is affixed an attachment member 1835 having a generally circular body portion with two wing-like protruding tabs 1838. The tabs 1838 may be fitted into two corresponding indentations 1524 in the ring-shaped top surface of the cylindrical housing of the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may then be twisted in a clockwise direction to cause the tabs 1838 to slide through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, allowing the camera mounting assembly 1801 to be slid downward, then twisted in a counter-clockwise direction and locked into place in the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may be disengaged from the lighting frame portion 1501 by manually applying pressure to release the locking tabs and twisting the camera mounting assembly 1801 in the opposite (i.e., clockwise in this example) direction from that originally used to bring it into a locking position. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may then be raised upwards and twisted in a counter-clockwise direction to cause the tabs 1838 to slide back through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, thereby completely releasing the camera mounting assembly 1801. A variety of other means may alternatively be used to affix a camera mounting assembly to the lighting frame portion 1502, but the mechanism used in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B has the advantage of not requiring additional pieces (such as screws), and being relatively simple and quick to use. A main purpose of the camera mounting assembly 1801 is to allow the lighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other image capture device, thus providing even lighting from all directions surrounding the camera or other image capture device, and allowing, for example, the lighting frame assembly to follow the motion of the camera or other image capture device as it is moved. An example of additional components allowing the camera mounting assembly 1801 to be secured to a camera are shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. In particular, FIGS. 19A and 19B depict two halves 1902, 1912 of a camera clamp which may be joined together and attached to the elongated rod or arm 1832 of the camera mounting assembly 1801, arriving at a complete camera mounting assembly such as illustrated in FIG. 3 (i.e., camera mounting assembly 330) or, in more detail, in FIG. 22. The rectangular openings 1903, 1913 in the two halves 1902 and 1912, respectively, of the camera clamp allow it to be slid onto the elongated rod or arm 1832. A spring-loaded retention clip, as shown in FIG. 20, may be used to help secure the camera clamp to the elongated rod or arm 1832. In alternative embodiments, the camera clamp (comprising the combination of two halves 1902, 1912) may be permanently affixed and/or integrally formed with the elongated rod or arm 1832. An attachment member, such as pre-molded clamping member 1916 shown in FIG. 19B, may be used to slide onto an appropriate feature of the camera (such as a Panavision® type motion picture camera), e.g., a rod or other feature of the camera. Other types of attachment members may be used, depending upon the particular nature of the camera or other image capture device. The camera mounting assembly 1801, in conjunction with the preferred camera clamp illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, thereby allow a lighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other image capture device. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one technique for attaching a camera mounting assembly to a lighting frame. As shown in FIG. 23, a lighting frame 1302 may comprise a mounting assembly receptor 1320, similar to as described with respect to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 15A-15B, for example. In connection with attaching a camera mounting assembly 2328, a spring 2305 is first positioned in the mounting assembly receptor 2320, atop of which is then placed a plunger 2308 (such as illustrated in FIG. 21). Then, the camera mounting assembly 2328 is attached, by, e.g., inserting the attachment member into the mounting assembly receptor 2320. In essence, the application of the attachment member to the mounting assembly receptor 2320 may be viewed analogously to inserting and twisting a “key” in a keyhole. The spring 2305 effectively locks the camera mounting assembly 2328 in place against the back “keyplate” surrounding the keyhole, thus allowing the camera mounting assembly 2328 to be “twist-locked” into place. The assembly structure shown in FIG. 23 allows relatively easy attachment and detachment of the camera mounting assembly 2328. Other attachment techniques may also be used. Another embodiment of a camera mounting assembly, as may be used to attach a lighting frame to a camera or other image capture device, is illustrated in FIG. 27, and various components thereof are illustrated individually in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26. With reference first to FIG. 24, two halves 2415, 2418 of a camera clamp may be joined together to form a main camera clamp body. the two halves 2415, 2418 may be secured together by screws or any other suitable fastening means. A slot in the camera clamp body may be provided to allow placement of a thumbwheel 2604 (illustrated in FIG. 26) which allows tightening of a clamping member 2437. Several holes 2430 are provided in camera clamp portion 2415, which receive corresponding protrusions 2511 from an attachment member 2501, illustrated in FIG. 25, which has a generally circular body portion 2519 with two wing-like protruding tabs 2586. The completed camera mounting assembly 2701 appears as in FIG. 27. The tabs 2586 of the camera mounting assembly 2701 shown in FIG. 27 may be fitted into the two corresponding indentations 1524 in the ring-shaped top surface of the cylindrical housing of the mounting assembly receptor 1520 shown in FIG. 15, as described previously with respect to the FIG. 22 camera mounting assembly. As before, the camera mounting assembly may be twisted in a clockwise direction to cause the tabs 2586 to slide through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, allowing the camera mounting assembly 2701 to be slid downward, then twisted in a counter-clockwise direction and locked into place in the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 2701 may be disengaged from the lighting frame portion 1501 by manually applying pressure to release the locking tabs and twisting the camera mounting assembly 2701 in the opposite (i.e., clockwise in this example) direction from that originally used to bring it into a locking position. The camera mounting assembly 2701 may then be raised upwards and twisted in a counter-clockwise direction to cause the tabs 2586 to slide back through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, thereby completely releasing the camera mounting assembly 2701. As noted previously, a variety of other means may alternatively be used to affix a camera mounting assembly 2701 of FIG. 27 to the lighting frame portion 1502. As with the camera mounting assembly 1801 shown in FIG. 18, the camera mounting assembly of FIG. 27 functions to allow a lighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other image capture device, thus allowing, for example, the lighting frame assembly to follow the motion of the camera or other image capture device as it is moved. An attachment member, such as pre-molded clamping member 2437 shown in FIG. 24, may be used to slide onto an appropriate feature, such as a rod or other feature, of the camera (for example, an Arri® type motion picture camera). FIGS. 28 and 29 are diagrams of alternative embodiments of camera mounting assemblies having certain integral components. FIG. 28 illustrates a camera mounting assembly 2801 as may be used, for example, to secure a lighting frame to a Panavision® type camera. As shown in FIG. 28, an attachment member 2838 (or “key”) connects with, and integrally attaches to, a camera clamp plate 2802, in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 18, but eliminating the elongated rod or arm shown therein. A pair of cylindrically-shaped lock lever “screws” 2851, 2852 enable the camera mounting assembly 2801 to attach to an appropriate feature of the camera. Lock levers 2855, 2856 connected to each of the lock lever screws 2851, 2852 can be flipped (e.g., a quarter turn) in order to lock the screws 2851, 2852 into place, thus securing the camera mounting assembly 2801 to the camera. The lock lever screws 2851, 2852 can be flipped the opposite direction to unlock the screws 2851, 2852 and thereby release the camera mounting assembly 2801 from the camera. FIG. 29 illustrates a camera mounting assembly 2901 as may be used, for example, to secure a lighting frame to an Arri® type camera. As shown in FIG. 29, an attachment member 2938 (or “key”) connects with, and attaches to, a camera clamp plate 2902, by way of, e.g., screws 2940. A cylindrically-shaped lock lever screw 2951 enables the camera mounting assembly 2901 to attach to an appropriate feature of the camera. A lock lever 2855 connected to the lock lever screw 2851 can be flipped (e.g., a quarter turn) in order to lock the screw 2851 into place, thus securing the camera mounting assembly 2901 to the camera. The lock lever screw 2851 can be flipped the opposite direction to unlock the screw 2851 and thereby release the camera mounting assembly 2901 from the camera. Additional details of the particular lighting frame portion 1501 of FIGS. 15A and 15B are illustrated in FIGS. 16A through 16E. FIGS. 16A and 16B, for example, are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view, respectively, of the backside of the lighting frame portion 1501 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In FIGS. 16A and 16B can more clearly be seen, for example, the interior locking tabs 1567 and exterior locking tabs 1564 that can be used to secure the lighting frame portion 1501 to its corresponding half, as previously described with respect to FIG. 15C. In FIG. 16C is depicted a close-up illustration of the backside of the mounting assembly receptor 1520 and electrical socket 1515 illustrated from the opposite side in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In FIGS. 16D and 16E can be seen additional details of both the mounting assembly receptor 1520 (FIG. 16D) and the interior locking tabs 1567 and exterior locking tabs 1564. As shown in FIGS. 16D and 16E, the interior locking tabs 1567 may include a protruding locking member 1570 for securing the lighting frame portion 1501 to its counterpart by, e.g., snapping it into place, and the exterior locking tabs 1564 may likewise include protruding locking members 1568 having a similar function. The frame wall 1562 between the two nearby exterior locking tabs 1564 may be reinforced with a supporting rib 1569, to provide added counter-force when the lighting frame assembly is put together. The camera mounting assemblies shown in FIGS. 18, 23, 27, 28 and 29 are merely examples of camera mounting assemblies that may be utilized in various embodiments described herein. Other camera mounting assemblies may be specifically adapted to the particular camera of interest. The mounting assembly receptor 320 (or 1520) may in one aspect be viewed as a universal receptor, allowing different camera mounting assemblies to be connected to the lighting frame, provided that they are compatible with the mounting assembly receptor (such as the example shown in FIGS. 15A-15BB and elsewhere). A single lighting frame may thus be used with any of a variety of different cameras or other image capture devices. Although examples have been explained with respect to certain camera types (that is, a Panavision® camera or an Arri® camera), the camera may be of any type, whether for film or still photograph, and may be based upon either analog or digital imaging techniques. Moreover, while preferred dimensions are illustrated in some of the figures, the mounting assemblies and components thereof may be of any appropriate size and shape. Further description will now be provided concerning various preferred light elements as may be used in connection with one or more embodiments as disclosed herein. While generally discussed with reference to FIG. 3, the various light elements described below may be used in other embodiments as well. When embodied as LEDs, the low power lamps 305 typically will emit light at approximately 7400-7500K. degrees when at full intensity, which is white light approximating daylight conditions. However, LEDs of a different color, or one or more different colors in combination, may also be used. FIG. 9 is an energy spectrum graph showing a typical frequency distribution (in terms of light wavelength) of light output from white-light, low voltage LEDs, and illustrating a main peak at about 600 nanometers. A color correction mechanism, such as a color correction gel or lens filter, may be used to alter the color of the LED light. For example, the LED light could be converted to “tungsten daylight” (similar in hue to an incandescent bulb) by use of a color gel or colored lens. A diffusion lens or filter may also be used, by itself or in conjunction with a color gel or colored lens, to diffuse or soften the outgoing light. A diffusion lens or filter may be formed of, e.g., clear or white opaque plastic, and may be configured in a ring-shaped pattern of similar dimension to the light frame 302 to facilitate mounting thereon. FIG. 17, for example, shows a diagram of an opaque, ring-shaped cover 1701 as may be used in connection with the lighting frame assembly depicted in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a more detailed diagram of a light segment 792 (e.g., an array) as may be used, for example, in connection with the lighting frame 302 shown in FIG. 4. The light segment 792 may correspond to each of the individual light segments 306 shown in FIG. 4, and the various light elements (i.e., LEDs) 790 in FIG. 7 may correspond to the individual low power lamps 305 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 illustrates a straight row of LEDs 790 as may comprise the lighting segment 790. Although fifteen LEDs 790 are illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 7, any number of LEDs 790 may be used, subject to physical space limitations and lighting intensity requirements. In addition, a set of filtering lenses 794 (which are preferably formed as a single, collective lens comprised of individual lens elements 795 connected together) may be placed over the light segment 792 as shown, such that each lens element 795 is positioned in the light path of one of the LEDs 790. The overall effect can be, for example, to focus or spread the light according to a specifically desired pattern, such as the exemplary light pattern 796 shown in FIG. 7. A variety of other light filtering techniques may also be used. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a filtering lens element (e.g., wave guide) 876 on an individual light element (e.g., LED) 872. As shown in FIG. 8, light 874 emanates from the LED 872 in a generally even pattern, but can be focused or otherwise filtered by the filtering lens element 876. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of collectively filtering all of the LEDs 790 of the light segment 792. Various embodiments of lighting apparatus as described herein utilize different color lamp elements in order to achieve, for example, increased versatility or other benefits in a single lighting mechanism. Among the various embodiments described herein are lamp apparatuses utilizing both daylight and tungsten lamp elements for providing illumination in a controllable ratio. Such apparatuses may find particular advantage in film-related applications where it can be important to match the color of lighting with a selected film type, such as daylight or tungsten. Alternatively, or in addition, lamp elements of other colorations may be utilized. It is known, for example, to use colored lamp elements such as red, green, and blue LEDs on a single lighting fixture. Selective combinations of red, green, and blue (“RGB”) lamp elements can generally be used to generate virtually any desired color, at least in theory. Lighting systems that rely upon RGB lamp elements can potentially used as primary illumination devices for an image capture system, but suffer from drawbacks. One such problem is that the red, green, and blue colors generated by the light elements do not necessary mix completely. The discrete RGB lamp elements (e.g., LEDs) each project a localized “pool” of its individual primary color. This manifests as spots of color, or bands of individual or partially mixed colors. One of the only presently available solutions to correct for this problem is mixing the colors using a diffusion technique. Diffusion mixing can be accomplished by adding defractors, gratings, or white opal-appearing filters, for example. Unfortunately, these techniques end up reducing the overall output of the lighting apparatus and, more importantly, severely reduce the ability of the LEDs to “project” light in a direct fashion. Another problem for illumination systems which rely upon RGB color mixing is that not all of the LEDs are generally used at full power for most lighting situations. One or two of the LED color groups typically have to be dimmed in order for the desired color to be generated, which can further reduce the overall light output. When these factors are considered in combination, RGB based lighting apparatus may not be well suited for providing primary illumination for image capture applications (such as film). While the foregoing discussion has principally focused on RGB based lighting apparatus, similar problems and drawbacks may be experienced when employing lamp elements in other color combinations as well. In various embodiments as disclosed herein, a lighting apparatus is provided which utilizes two or more complementary colored lamp elements in order to achieve a variety of lighting combinations which, for example, may be particularly useful for providing illumination for film or other image capture applications. A particular example will be described with respect to a lighting apparatus using lamp elements of two different colors, herein referred to as a “bi-color” lighting apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the bi-color lighting apparatus utilizes light elements of two different colors which (unlike red, green, and blue) are separated by a relatively small difference in their shift or color balance. When reference is made herein to light elements of two different colors, the light elements may, for example, include a first group which provide light output at a first color and a second group which provide light output at a second color, or else the light elements may all output light of a single color but selected ones of the light elements may be provided with colored LED lenses or filtering to generate the second color. In a preferred embodiment, as will be described, the bi-color lighting apparatus uses lamp elements having daylight and tungsten hues (for example, 5200° K. and 3200° K. color temperatures, respectively). Other bi-color combinations may also be used and, preferably, other combinations of colors which are closely in hue or otherwise complementary in nature. One possible advantage of a bi-color lighting system as will be described in certain embodiments below is the ability to more easily blend two similar colors (e.g., 5500 K and 3200 K color temperature hues), particularly when compared to a tri-color (e.g., RGB) lighting system that relies upon opposing or widely disparate colors. The blending process of two similar colors is not nearly as apparent to the eye, and more importantly in certain applications, is a more suitable lighting process for film or video image capture devices. In contrast, attempting to blend 3 primary or highly saturated (and nearly opposite colors) is much more apparent to the eye. In nature one may visually perceive the blending of bi-colors, for example, from an open sky blue in the shade, to the warmth of the direct light at sunset. Such colors are generally similar, yet not the same. Their proportion in relation to each other is a naturally occurring gradient in most every naturally lit situation. This difference is the basis of most photographic and motion picture lighting hues. These hues give viewers clues as to time of day, location and season. Allowing separate control of the two different color lamp elements (such as LEDs), through two separate circuit/dimmer controls or otherwise, provides the ability to easily adjust (e.g., cross-fade, cross-dim, etc.) between the two colors because they do not have significant color shifts when dimmed and blend in a visually pleasing manner, allowing the type of color gradients that occur in nature. In addition, virtually all still and motion picture film presently used in the industry is either tungsten or daylight balanced, such that various combinations of daylight and tungsten (including all one color) are well matched directly to the most commonly used film stocks. These features make various of the lighting apparatus described herein particularly well suited for wide area still, video, and motion picture usage, especially as compared to RGB-based or other similar lighting apparatus. The above principles may also be extended to lighting systems using three or more lamp element colors. FIG. 33 is a diagram of one embodiment of a lighting effects system 3300 having at least two different lamp element colors. As illustrated in FIG. 33, the lighting effects system 3300 comprises a lighting frame mounting surface 3302 having a plurality of lamp elements 3305 which, in this example, include daylight LEDs 3304 and tungsten LEDs 3303, although different lamp elements and/or different colors could be chosen. The lighting effects system 3300 further comprises various control electronics for controlling the illumination provided by the lamp elements 3305. In particular, the lighting effects system 3300 comprises an intensity control adjustment 3342, an intensity control circuit 3345, a ratio control adjustment 3341, and a ratio control circuit 3346. The intensity control adjustment 3342 and ratio control adjustment 3341 may each be embodied as, e.g., manual control knobs, dials, switches, or other such means, or alternatively may be embodied as a digital keypad, a set of digital buttons, or the like. A visual display (not shown) such as an LCD display may be provided to allow the operator to view the settings of the intensity control adjustment 3342 and ratio control adjustment 3341. Alternatively, the ratio control adjustment 3341 and/or intensity control adjustment 3342 may comprise digital commands or values received from a computer or similar device. In operation, setting the intensity control adjustment 3342 selects the illumination level for the lamp elements 3305, while setting the ratio control adjustment 3341 selects the relative intensities between, in this example, the daylight LEDs 3304 and the tungsten LEDs 3303. The intensity control circuit 3352 and ratio control circuit 3346 may comprise analog and/or digital circuitry, and the output of the ratio control circuit 3346 modifies the incoming power supply separately for the daylight LEDs 3304 and the tungsten LEDs 3303 in a manner dictated by the setting of the ratio control adjustment 3341. Accordingly, by use of the ratio control adjustment 3341, the operator may select more daylight illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the daylight LEDs 3304 or may select more tungsten illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the tungsten LEDs 3303. To increase or decrease the overall light output intensity, the operator may adjust the intensity control adjustment 3342. The lighting effects system 3300 thereby may provide different combinations of daylight/tungsten coloration to match a wide variety of settings and circumstances, with the two colors being generally complementary in nature and thus providing a balanced, well blended illumination effect. FIG. 34 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting effects system having at least two different lamp colors. As illustrated in FIG. 34, and similar to FIG. 33, the lighting effects system 3400 comprises a lighting frame mounting surface 3402 having a plurality of lamp elements 3405 which, in this example, include daylight LEDs 3404 and tungsten LEDs 3403, although different lamp elements and/or different colors could be chosen. The lighting effects system 3400, as with that of FIG. 33, further comprises various control electronics for controlling the illumination provided by the lamp elements 3405. In particular, the lighting effects system 3400 comprises individual intensity control adjustments 3451, 3452 for daylight and tungsten lamp elements (e.g., (LEDs) 3403, 3404, and individual intensity control circuits 3456, 3457 also for the daylight and tungsten LEDs 3403, 3404. The tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451 and daylight intensity control adjustment 3452 may, similar to FIG. 33, each be embodied as, e.g., manual control knobs, dials, switches, or other such means, or alternatively may be embodied as a digital keypad, a set of digital buttons, or the like. A visual display (not shown) such as an LCD display may be provided to allow the operator to view the settings of the two intensity control adjustments 3451, 3452. Alternatively, the intensity control adjustments 3451, 3452 may comprise digital commands or values received from a computer or similar device. In operation, setting the tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451 selects the illumination level for the tungsten LEDs 3403 via the tungsten intensity control circuit 3456, and setting the daylight intensity control adjustment 3452 selects the illumination level for the daylight LEDs 3404 via the daylight intensity control circuit 3457. The relative settings of the tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451 and the daylight intensity control adjustment 3452 generally determine the relative intensities between, in this example, the daylight LEDs 3404 and the tungsten LEDs 3403. The intensity control circuits 3456, 3457 may comprise analog and/or digital circuitry, and the relative outputs of the tungsten intensity control circuit 3456 and the daylight intensity control circuit 3456 generally determine the illumination level and composition. The operator may select more daylight illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the daylight LEDs 3304 or may select more tungsten illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the tungsten LEDs 3303. The lighting effects system 3400 thereby may provide different combinations of daylight/tungsten coloration to match a wide variety of settings and circumstances, as with the FIG. 33 embodiment. Because the two different colors of LEDs (e.g., daylight and tungsten) can be controlled separately (through common or separate circuitry), and because these particular LEDs, or other similar complementary colors, do not have significant color shifts when dimmed, it would be relatively straightforward to adjust (e.g., cross-fade, cross-dim) between the two colors and, for example, provide a variety of natural light illumination effects for various types of common film stock. The lighting apparatuses of FIGS. 33 and 34 may, if desired, be physically embodied in a manner as described elsewhere herein; for example, the lighting apparatus may be embodied with a generally ring-shaped lighting frame as illustrated in and/or described with respect to FIG. 4, or with a portable frame such as generally illustrated in and/or described with respect to FIG. 35. The principles and underlying concepts associated with the embodiments of FIGS. 33 and 34 may be extended to support more than two colors of lamp elements 3305 or 3405. Moreover, the lighting apparatuses of FIGS. 33 and 34 may utilize any number of lamp elements in a bi-color or other multi-color arrangement, in any desired pattern. Returning now to the general diagram of a lighting effects system 201 illustrated in FIG. 2 (although the following comments will apply to various other embodiments such as the lighting frame assembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), the LEDs or other low power lamps 205 may be operated at a standard direct current (DC) voltage level, such as, e.g., 12 volts or 24 volts, and may be powered by a power source 210 controlled by a power controller 212 such as generally shown in FIG. 2. The power source 210 can generally comprise a standard electrical outlet (i.e., nominal 110 volt AC power line), although in various embodiments the power source 210 could also be a battery having sufficient current to drive the LEDs or other low power lamps 205. In some embodiments, the power controller 212 may be omitted, and the lighting frame 202 may be connected directly to the power source 210. Block diagrams of two different types of power controllers 212 as may be used in various embodiments as described herein are illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, respectively. With reference to FIG. 10A, a first type of power controller 1012 has an input for receiving an AC power source 1003, and outputs a plurality of power wires 1047 preferably through a cable (e.g., cable 213 shown in FIG. 2) for connection to the lighting frame 202. The power controller 1012 may further comprise a power converter 1020, the nature of which depends upon the type of power source 210. If the power source is an AC source, the power converter 1020 may comprise an AC-to-DC converter and appropriate step-down power conversion circuitry (e.g., a step-down transformer). On the other hand, if the power source is a DC source (e.g., a battery), the power converter 1020 may comprise a DC-to-DC converter, if necessary. The design and construction of power converters is well known in the field of electrical engineering, and therefore is not be described herein in detail. The power converter 1020 is preferably connected to a plurality of switches 1022, which may be solid state devices (e.g., transistors) or analog devices (e.g., relays), each switch controlling power delivered by the power converter 1020 to one of the wires 1047 output by the power controller 1012. A switch selector 1042 controls the on/off state each switch (or group) in the set of switches 1022. A manual interface 1030 is provided to allow operation of the switches 1022 according to manual selection. The manual interface 1030 may include a master power switch 1031, switch controls 1032, and, optionally, an effects selector 1033. The switch controls 1032 may include an individual manual switch, button or other selection means for each individual switch provided in the set of switches 1022, or else may comprise a control mechanism (such as knob or reduced number of manual switches, buttons or other selection means) for selecting groups of switches 1022 according to predesignated arrangements. As but one example, assuming a light arrangement such as shown in FIG. 4, a knob provided as part of the switch controls 1032 could have a first setting to select all of the light segments 306, a second setting to select every other light segment 306, and a third setting to select every fourth light segment 306, thus providing options of 100%, 50% and 25% total light output. The switch selector 1042 would then convert each knob setting to a set of control signals to the appropriate switches 1022, which in turn would control power to the wires 1047 supplying power to the light segments 306. As another example, the switch controls 1032 could include an individual manual switch, button or other selection means for each light segment 306 or group of light segments 306 in the lighting arrangement. An effects generator 1043 may optionally be included in the power controller 1012, along with an effects selector 1033 which forms part of the manual interface 1030. The effects generator 1043 may provide the ability to create various lighting effects, such as, e.g., dimming, strobing, pulsation, or pattern generation. The effects selector 1043 may affect all of the switches 1022 simultaneously, or else may affect individual switches or groups of switches 1022, depending upon the desired complexity of the lighting effects. Dimming may be accomplished, for example, through a manual control knob or multi-position switch on the effects selector 1033. The dimming control may be electronically implemented, for example, in an analog fashion through a variable resistive element, or in a digital fashion by detecting the selected manual setting and converting it to selecting power setting through, e.g., selected resistive elements in a resistive ladder circuit. Where the switches 1022 are implemented, for example, as controllable variable amplifiers, the selectable resistance may be used to control the output of each amplifier and thereby the light output by the amplifier's respective light segment 306 (or group of light segments 306). In other embodiments, the dimming control may optionally be applied to the output of switches 1022. Where dimming control is applied collectively, it may be implemented by applying the selected dimming control level to the incoming signal from the power converter 1020, which is supplied to all of the switches 1022 collectively. Other variations for implementing dimming control are also possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art of electrical engineering. Strobing may be accomplished by generating an oscillating signal and applying it as a control signal either upstream or downstream from the switch selector 1042. The frequency of oscillation may be selectable via a manual knob, switch or other selection means as part of the effects selector 1033. Pattern generation may be accomplished by, e.g., manual selection from a number of predefined patterns, or else through an interface allowing different pattern sequencing. Patterns may include, for example, strobing or flashing different groups of light segments 306 (given the example of FIG. 3) in a predefined sequence (which may be a pseudo-random sequence, if desired), strobing or flashing different low power lamps 305 of the light segments 306 in a predefined (or pseudo-random) sequence, gradually dimming or brightening the light segments 306 (individually, in groups, or collectively), or various combinations of these effects. Alternatively, rather than providing a separate effects selector 1033, certain effects may be combined with the switch controls 1032. For example, a dimmer switch (knob) could be used to both activate a light segment 306, or group of light segments 306, and also control light output via rotation of the dimmer switch (knob). FIG. 10B is a block diagram showing another example of a power controller 1052 as may be used, for example, in the lighting effects system 200 of FIG. 2 or other embodiments described herein. Like the power controller 1012 shown in FIG. 10A, the power controller 1052 shown in FIG. 10B includes a power source input 1053 connected to a power converter 1060. It further includes a set of switches 1062 receiving power from the power converter 1060, and providing power to individual wires 1097 which are conveyed, preferably by cable, to the lighting frame assembly 201 of the lighting effects system 200. The power controller 1052 also includes a switch selector 1072, which may comprise, for example, a set of registers which provide digital signals to the switches 1062 to control their on/off state. The power controller 1052 includes a processor 1074 which may be programmed to provide various lighting effects by manipulating the switch selector 1072 (for example, by changing values in registers which control the on/off states of the switches 1062). The processor 1074 may interface with a memory 1075, which may comprise a volatile or random-access memory (RAM) portion and a non-volatile portion (which may comprise, e.g., ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and/or flash-programmable ROM), the latter of which may contain programming instructions for causing the processor 1074 to execute various functions. The memory 1075 may be loaded through an I/O port 1076, which may include an electrical serial or parallel interface, and/or an infrared (IR) reader and/or bar code scanner for obtaining digital information according to techniques well known in the field of electrical engineering and/or electro-optics. An interface 1080 may also be provided for programming or otherwise interfacing with the processor 1074, or manually selecting various lighting effects options through selectable knobs, switches or other selection means, as generally explained previously with respect to FIG. 10A. The processor-based control system illustrated in FIG. 10B may also include other features and components which are generally present in a computer system. In operation, the processor 1074 reads instructions from the memory 1075 and executes them in a conventional manner. The instructions will generally cause the processor 1074 to control the switch selector by, e.g., setting various digital values in registers whose outputs control the switches 1062. The programming instructions may also provide for various lighting effects, such as dimming, strobing, pulsation, or pattern generation, for example. To accomplish dimming, the processor 1074 may be programmed select binary-encoded values to load into registers of the switch selector 1072, which in turn select a variable resistance value which controls the output from each individual or group of switches 1062. To accomplish strobing, the processor 1074 may be programmed to turn the switches 1062 on and off according to a predesignated pattern dictated by the programming instructions. The processor 1074 may make use of one or more electronic timers to provide timing between on and off events. The programming instructions may provide that the switches 1062 are turned on and off according to designated sequences, thus allowing the capability of pattern generation via the processor 1074. As mentioned before, patterns may include, for example, strobing or flashing different groups of light segments 306 (given the example of FIG. 3) in a predefined (or pseudo-random) sequence, strobing or flashing different low power lamps 305 of the light segments 306 in a predefined (or pseudo-random) sequence, gradually dimming or brightening the light segments 306 (individually, in groups, or collectively), or various combinations of these effects. Although the lighting frame 302 and lighting arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3 provides various advantages, other lighting frames and other lighting arrangements may also be used in a lighting effects system, and may be employed in connection with various techniques as described herein. Another embodiment of a lighting frame 1101, for example, is illustrated in FIG. 11. The lighting frame 1101 shown in FIG. 11 may be used in connection with a lighting effects system 201 such as shown in and previously described with respect to FIG. 2, and may be constructed according to general principles described previously with respect to FIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16E. As shown in FIG. 11, a lighting frame 1101 is generally ring-shaped and has an opening 1107 through which a camera or other image capture device can view. On the lighting frame 1101 may be mounted a plurality of lamps 1112 or in some instances even a single lamp 1112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the lamps 1112 may be embodied as slim, narrow fluorescent “cold cathode” tubes with an internal phosphorous coating emitting visible light of certain wavelength (for example, a color temperature of around 3200 deg. K. or 5500 deg. K., both of which temperatures are commonly used in film and photography applications). FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating an example of a spectral distribution of light (in terms of light wavelength) in accordance with such a lighting effects system. The lamps 1112 are preferably oriented as illustrated in FIG. 11—that is, in a radial pattern, emanating from a centerpoint 1119 of the opening 1107 in the middle of the lighting frame 1101. Where embodied as cold cathode tubes, the lamps 1112 may be of any suitable size, such as, e.g., 3 to 10 millimeters in diameter and 25 to 250 millimeters in length. Preferably, the lamps 1112 are controllable such that they can produce higher intensity or lower intensity light, and/or can be turned on or off in selected groups to adjust the overall light level provided by the lighting system. One possible means for controlling the light intensity of lamps 1112 is illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown therein, a light control system 1301 includes a selector switch 1310 which has a plurality of settings 1312, each of the settings 1312, in this example, providing a different combination of lamps 1112 (shown as elements 1322 in FIG. 13). By way of illustration, a first setting may illuminate all of the lamps 1322; a second setting may illuminate every other lamp 1322; and a third setting may illuminate every fourth lamp 1322, in each case providing a relatively even distribution of light but of a different overall intensity. For example, if 24 lamps were used, then the first setting would illuminate all 24 lamps, the second setting would illuminate 12 of the 24 lamps, and the third setting would illuminate six of the 24 lamps. The settings may correspond to any desired combination of lamps 1112. For example, each setting may be designed to control an equal number of lamps 1112, but in a different combination. The settings may be selected by any type of analog or digital input means (e.g., a manual knob, a set of switches or buttons, or a programmable interface), and any number of settings or programmable patterns may be offered. Power for the lighting control system 1301 may be supplied by a battery 1305, which may have a voltage rating of, e.g., 12 volts. The battery 1305 may be rechargeable in nature. Alternatively, or in addition, power may be provided from an alternating current (AC) source, such as a standard 120 volt electrical outlet, connected to an AC-to-DC power converter. The output of the battery 1305 may be controlled by a dimmer switch (not shown), to allow the light intensity level of lamps 1312 to be reduced. Alternatively, or in addition, dimming and/or pulsing can be controlled through a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit 1317. A first control means (e.g., a manual switch or knob, or programmable interface) (not shown) may be provided for dimming the lamps 1322. For example, a manual knob may control the conductance of a variable resistor, thus allowing more power or less power to reach the lamps 1322. In this way, the selected lamps 1322 may be brightened or dimmed, down to around 20% of their total light output. The PWM circuit 1317 may also, through a second control means (e.g., a manual switch or knob, or a programmable interface) allow pulsing of the light (i.e., a strobing effect) by adjustment of a pulse width modulation frequency. For example, a manual knob may control a variable resistive element, which in turn controls the width of pulses being generated by the PWM circuit 1317. Various techniques for generating pulses of different widths using a variable resistive element to control the selection of the width are well known in the electrical arts. Energy is preferably delivered to the various lamps 1322 in FIG. 13 through a plurality of high frequency (HF) ballasts 1325, which are capable of converting low DC voltage of the battery 1305 to high DC voltage (e.g., 800 to 1500 volts) for starting the lamp, and mid-level voltage (e.g., 170 to 250 volts) for sustaining lamp operation. Other techniques may also be used to deliver energy to the lamps 1322. While shown in a radial pattern in FIG. 13, the lamps 1322 (e.g., fluorescent tubes) may also be arranged in other patterns, such as patterns similar to those depicted, for example, in FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C. FIG. 46 illustrates one example of a pattern of arranging fluorescent tubes (in this case, circular fluorescent tubes) on a lighting frame 4602. In FIG. 46, a lighting assembly 4600 includes a ring-shaped lighting frame 4602 with two fluorescent lamps 4605, an inner (small circumference) fluorescent lamp and an outer (larger circumference) fluorescent lamp. Additional fluorescent lamps (circular or otherwise) may also be added to the lighting frame 4202, or else a single fluorescent lamp may in some cases be utilized. The lighting frame 4602 may, as previously described, be constructed of a lightweight, durable material, and it may have a bracket or other mounting mechanism for mounting to a camera frame or lens (with the camera lens preferably viewing through the generally central hole 4613 in the lighting frame 4602), and/or a bracket or other mounting mechanism for allowing the lighting frame 4602 to be connected to a yoke or stand (such as conceptually represented by arm 4619 in FIG. 46). Energy for the fluorescent lamps 4605 may be provided as previously described herein, such that the lighting assembly 4600 can provide continuous light or, if applicable, various lighting effects. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating various options and accessories as may be used in connection with the lighting assembly frame depicted in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, the lighting frame 1101 may be augmented with a diffusion filter 1205 and/or a color filter 1215, which may, if desired, be secured into place through a cover 1218 (e.g., a clear plastic cover) which locks or snaps onto the lighting frame 1101. Similar accessories may be utilized, for example, in connection with the lighting frame 302 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Illustrations of filtering techniques, through the use of waveguides and other means, are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,272,269 and 6,270,244, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIG. 44 illustrates, among other things, an adjustable lens cover 4418 similar in general nature to the cover 1218 shown in FIG. 12. In the particular example illustrated in FIG. 44, threading 4491 is provided on the outer surface of the lighting frame 4402 (which may be generally analogous to lighting frame 1101 shown in FIG. 12), and matching threading 4492 is provided on the interior surface of the adjustable lens cover 4418. The adjustable lens cover 4418 may be formed of clear plastic or a similar material and may be constructed with lenslike attributes (e.g., focal, diffusion) and/or may also be colorized if desired. The adjustable lens cover 4418 is secured to the lighting frame 4402 by twisting the cover 4418 onto the lighting frame 4402 in a screw-like fashion, thereby causing the threadings 4491, 4492 to interlock. By the number of rotations of the lens cover 4418 with respect to the lighting frame 4402, the distance of the “top” surface of the lens cover 4418 to the lighting elements 4405 on the lighting frame 4402 may be varied, thus allowing different lens effects. As further illustrated in FIG. 44, one or more coiled springs 4492 or other similar elements may be provided atop the lighting frame 4402, to secure one or more color gels 4415 or other filtering objects against the inner “top” surface of the adjustable lens frame 4418, when such objects are placed within the cover 4418 in the manner shown, for example, in FIG. 12. As an alternative to the complementary threading provided on the lens cover 4418 and the lighting frame 4402, other adjustment means may be provided. For example, the lens cover 4418 may be secured to the lighting frame 4402 by one or more adjustable screws which dictate the distance of the “top” surface of the lens cover 4418 from the lighting frame 4402. Also, slide-and-lock mechanisms may be used as well. It will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, a flexible, lightweight and functional lighting effects system is provided, whereby relatively uniform light may be used in illumination of a subject or area. The lighting effects system may, in various embodiments, allow a lighting frame to be secured to a camera or other image capture device, so as to permit the lighting system to be mobile and move in tandem with the camera or other image capture device, if desired. Also, in various embodiments, the lighting effects system may provide a variety of lighting patterns, including programmable patterns by which individual or groups of lights can be controlled for different lighting effects. The lighting frame may, in certain instances, be formed in multiple sections and hinged to allow the lighting frame to fold, or else snapped apart section by section, for ease of transport. In various alternative embodiments, the lighting frame need not be ring-shaped in nature, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, but could have other shapes as well. For example, the lighting frame may be square, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal, or could, for instance, have a partially polygonal shape. Preferably, the lighting frame is relatively thin, as compared to its overall size, although it need not be. Also, the lighting frame preferably has a hole generally centered therein to allow a camera or other image capture device to view through the frame, although in some embodiments a viewing hole may not be present. The exterior portion of the lighting frame, or at least the exterior portion thereof, is preferably made of a lightweight, durable material such as plastic and/or lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum), optionally anodized, although in various embodiments it can be made of other materials as well, including any type of metal, wood, plastic, or combination thereof. The interior lighting frame portion may advantageously comprise a printed circuit board. Other variations may pertain to the manner of attaching the lighting frame to a camera or other image capture device. Rather than using a single mounting bracket or assembly, for example, multiple mounting brackets or assemblies may be used. Also, the mounting bracket or assembly may be permanently attached or affixed to the lighting frame, and may be, for example, retractable or foldable for convenience of transportation. The lighting frame may attach either to the camera body or to the lens portion of the camera. The lighting frame may attach to the camera lens through any of a variety of means, such as by engaging an outer camera lens threading through a threading on the interior circular hole of the lighting frame, engaging an inner camera lens threading by providing a complementary threaded extension for that purpose, by a strap means to secure the lighting frame to the camera and/or stand, or by a “hose-clamp” type strap which grips the outer cylinder of the camera lens. Also, rather than attaching to the camera, the lighting frame may be portable, and may be outfitted with handles for lighting crew to manually carry or hold the lighting frame, or may be adapted to attach to a stand or fixture for providing stationary illumination. The lighting frame may also be adapted to attach to a machine arm or other contrivance for allowing the lighting effects system to be moved as needed for filming or other desired purposes. Further embodiments, variations, and modifications pertain to the type of lamp elements that may be utilized in a lighting effects system and/or the manner of constructing a lighting frame particularly well suited for placing numerous lamp elements thereon. One method of construction involves the use of surface mount LEDs of the type illustrated, for example, in FIG. 31. As shown therein, a surface mount LED 3100 comprises a body 3104 having a thermal shoe on the bottom surface 3103 and a pair of soldering tabs 3102 for securing the surface mount LED 3100 to a circuit board (e.g., an aluminum core circuit board) or other suitable surface. A lens 3101 atop the body 3104 directs the light generated by the surface mount LED 3100 outwards. While the body 3104 and the lens 3101 of the surface mount LED 3100 radiate heat, the soldering tabs 3102 as well as the thermal shoe on the bottom surface 3103 assist in conducting heat to the mounting surface (e.g., circuit board) and thus may provide advantageous heat dissipation capabilities, particularly as compared to non-surface mount LEDs which tend to dissipate heat typically through their leads. Use of surface mount LEDs provides a larger and more direct heat conduction path to the mounting surface (e.g., circuit board), and may also provide advantages in ease of fabrication and improved durability. In various embodiments as described herein, the lamp elements used in a lighting effects system or lighting apparatus may comprise high output semiconductor lights such as, for example, high output LEDs. Such high output LEDs are available from Lumileds Lighting, LLC of San Jose, Calif. under the product brand name Luxeon™. High output LEDs are presently available in white as well as colors such as green, blue, red, amber, and cyan, are fully dimmable, and generally operate at about one to several Watts (e.g., 5 Watts), outputting in certain devices approximately 24 lumens per Watt. The high output LEDs may be mounted upon, e.g., a metal printed circuit board (PCB) such as an aluminum core circuit board. High output LEDs may be used in connection with any of the embodiments previously described herein, and may provide advantages of increased lighting output with fewer lamp elements and, hence, reduced cost of construction in certain cases. However, the driving circuitry for the high output LEDs would generally need to have a higher output rating than the circuitry used for lower power LEDs. FIGS. 36A and 36B are diagrams of two other types of high output surface-mount LEDs, both of which are commercially available from Lumileds Lighting, LLC under the brand name Luxeon™. In FIG. 36A, the surface mount LED 3600 comprises an aluminum bottom plate 3611 atop of which is a printed circuit board (PCB) 3608 (e.g., a fiberglass board such as a standard FR4 board). A high output light source 3605 is mounted atop the PCB 3608. The aluminum bottom plate 3611 acts as a thermal conveyance which assists in conduction of heat to a mounting surface (e.g., circuit board) for thermal dissipation. FIG. 36C shows an oblique view of the surface mount LED 3600 shown in FIG. 36A, illustrating, in this example, the relatively wide bottom plate 3611 relative to the size of the light source 3605. The bottom plate 3611 and PCB 3608 preferably have notches 3615 through which screws may be placed to secure the surface mount LED 3600 to a mounting surface. FIG. 36B illustrates another surface mount LED 3650 that is similar in certain respects to the surface mount LED 3650 shown in FIG. 36A, with an aluminum bottom plate 3661 and printed circuit board 3658 (e.g., fiberglass board such as a standard FR4 board). However, in contrast to the surface mount LED 3600 shown in FIG. 36A, which is Lambertian (domed) in nature, the high output light source 3655 of surface mount LED 3650 is a side emitting light source. Other alternative types of surface mount LEDs, with similar or alternative mounting mechanisms, may also be utilized in various embodiments described herein. FIG. 37A is a diagram of one embodiment of a lens cap 3702 for a single LED. The lens cap 3702 may act as a focusing lens to direct the light output from an LED in a forward (or other) direction. FIGS. 37B and 37C illustrate placement of the lens cap 3702 with respect to the surface mount LED 3600 of FIG. 36A. As illustrated, the protruding tabs 3704 on the base of the lens cap 3702 may be used to lock the lens cap 3702 into place by snugly residing in the holes 3615 of the base of the surface mount LED 3600. A similar type of lens cap may be used for other types of LEDs. While six tabs 3704 are shown in the example of FIGS. 37A-37C, the number of tabs, or the nature and/or shape of other alternative securing means, may depend upon the particular size, shape, and configuration of the LED base. Also, fewer tabs may be used if there is a desire leave some holes 3615 in the LED base available for receiving securing screws to hold the LED to a mounting surface. In such a case, the lens cap 3702 may be indented or otherwise shaped to allow relatively convenient access to the holes 3615 needed for attaching screws. The lens cap 3702 is illustrated as domed, but may be of any suitable shape for focusing light in a desired manner. The lens cap 3702 may have an advantage in providing local effects on an individual basis for LEDs. Also, where different color lighting elements are placed within a single high output LED 3600, the lens cap 3702 may be configured to provide local blending of the different colors according to a desired mix. FIGS. 37D and 37E are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a lens cap 3752 for an LED, and placement thereof with respect to a particular type of LED 3600. With reference first to FIG. 37E, an illustrated embodiment of lens cap 3752 is shown from an oblique viewpoint in a generally funnel shape, with a cone-like or tapered portion 3753 and a short cylindrical portion 3754 at the apex (i.e., narrow end) of the tapered portion 3753. The lens cap 3752, including the cone-like tapered portion 3753, is preferably transmissive in nature such that light travels through it substantially unimpeded. FIG. 37D, which is a side profile diagram, illustrates preferred placement of the lens cap 3752 with respect to a particular type of LED (that is, the LED 3600 illustrated in FIGS. 36A and 36C). The cylindrical portion 3754 of the lens cap 3752 rests atop the LED 3600, with the tapered portion 3753 gradually widening away from the LED 3600. A concave recess 3755 within the cylindrical portion 3754 may be provided, and is adapted to receive the curved lens 3605 of the LED 3600, as illustrated in FIG. 36D. Light from the LED 3600 enters through the short cylindrical portion 3754 of the lens cap 3752, and exits through the top surface 3759 (see FIG. 37E) thereof. The particular shape of the lens cap 3752 in FIGS. 37D and 37E serves to collect light from the LED 3600 that would otherwise emanate omnidirectionally, and focus the light in a generally conical beam emanating from the top of the lens cap 3752, thus providing a light source with greater directivity. The lens cap 3752 may be formed of, e.g., glass, plastic, or other suitable material or compound/layers of material, with any desired refractive index(es). One type of lens cap is commercially available, for example, from Lumileds Lighting, LLC. FIG. 32 is a generalized diagram of an array of surface mount LEDs 3202 (of the type such as shown, for example, in FIG. 31, 36A, or 36B) mounted atop a circuit board 3204, as may be used in various embodiments as described herein (for example, the lighting effects system illustrated in FIG. 4). The circuit board 3204 may comprise rigid fiberglass or phenolic planes with electrically conductive tracks etched on them, and/or may be metallic in nature (such as aluminum core PCBs). The term “circuit board” as used herein is meant to encompass the foregoing structures as well as various other types mounting apparatus, including flexible electrical interconnects such as conductive membranes made on thin Mylar, silicone, or other similar materials. The surface mount LEDs 3202 may be connected together in series and/or in parallel by electrical traces 3203 on the circuit board 3200. While the LEDs 3202 are illustrated in FIG. 32 as being in a straight line array, other LED patterns may also be utilized. As previously mentioned, the soldering tabs and thermal shoe on the bottom each of the surface mount LEDs 3202 generally assist in conducting heat to the circuit board 3204, thus providing advantageous heat dissipation capabilities. FIG. 35 is a diagram of a lighting apparatus 3500 embodied as a panel 3502 having lighting arrays mounted thereon or therewith, in accordance with various embodiments as described herein. As illustrated in FIG. 35, the lighting apparatus 3500 comprises a panel 3502 which is preferably flat and provides suitable surface area for mounting a set of lamp elements, such as lamp elements 3505 on circuit board assemblies 3506. The circuit board assemblies 3506 may generally be constructed in accordance with the principles described with respect to FIG. 32 above, and the lamp elements 3505 may comprise, for example, surface mount LEDs such as illustrated in FIG. 31. In the example shown, the lamp elements 3505 are generally arranged in series in a straight array formation, but the lamp elements 3505 may be arranged in other patterns as well. Likewise, the circuit board assemblies 3606 are illustrated in FIG. 35 as being arranged in a symmetrical pattern of rows thus providing relatively even illumination in many scenarios, the circuit board assemblies 360 may be arranged in other symmetrical or non-symmetrical patterns, and may be grouped or clustered as well. Furthermore, while the panel 3202 is shown in FIG. 35 as being generally rectangular in shape, the panel 3202 may take any suitable shape, including, for example, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal or semi-polygonal, or round, oval, or ring-shaped (such as illustrated in FIG. 4 for example). Surface mount technology for the LEDs used in various embodiments as disclosed herein may simplify replacement of the LEDs (allowing “drop in” replacements for example) or else may allow easy replacement of an entire row or array of LEDs should it be desired to change the color of a particular group of LEDs. Also, the LED arrays may be constructed such that the LEDs have screw-in bases or other similar physical attachment means, such that the LEDs can be easily removed and replaced. Various controls, power supply, and camera mounting means are not shown in FIG. 35, but may be employed in a manner similar to the various other embodiments as described herein. It will be appreciated that the control electronics, power supply, and other electrical components may be part of the panel 3202 or else may be separate therefrom. Furthermore, the lighting apparatus described with respect to FIG. 35 may be embodied as a bi-color or other multi-color lighting system, as described with respect to, e.g., FIGS. 33 and 34. The lighting apparatus 3500 of FIG. 35 or other various lighting effects systems and apparatuses as described herein may include means for directing light at different angles. Such means may include, for example, pivotable light arrays which physically alter the angle of the lamp elements with respect to the frame (e.g., mounting) surface. The pivoting light arrays may be either manually controllable (via, e.g., a rotatable knob or crank) or electronically controllable through standard electronic input means (e.g., buttons or control knob). Such means may alternatively include adjustable lens elements (either individual or collective for an entire lens array or other group of lamp elements) for redirecting the illumination in a desired direction. Such means may further alternatively include, for example, groups of lamp elements wherein each group has a predetermined angle or range of angles with respect to the frame surface. Each group of lamp elements may be separately controllable, so that different groups can be separately activated or de-activated, or separately intensified or dimmed. With the ability to vary the angle of the lamp elements, the lighting effects system may, for example, allow the abrupt or gradual switching from one angle of illumination to another, or from a more targeted to a more dispersive illumination pattern (or vice versa). FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate various panel light embodiments using surface mount LEDs. In FIG. 39, a panel light 3900 comprises one or more rows or arrays (in this example, two rows or arrays) of surface mount LEDs 3905 secured to a mounting surface 3902. Screws 3996 are used in this example to secure the bases of the surface mount LEDs 3905 to the mounting surface 3902. FIG. 40 is similar, with a penal light 4001 having, in this example, four rows or arrays of surface mount LEDs 4005 securing to a mounting surface 4002 with, e.g., screws 4096. The mounting surfaces 3902 or 4002 may comprise a circuit board, and thus LEDs 3905 or 4005 may be mounted directly to a circuit board type mounting surface. The circuit board may be attached to an outer frame of aluminum or another preferably lightweight material, to provide a solid structural support for the circuit board. Panel lights 3900 or 4001 such as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 may be used as relatively lightweight, portable lighting fixtures that generate less heat than incandescent lighting fixtures, and may be provided with handles for manual manipulation or with brackets or other means to connect to a yoke, stand, or other mechanical contraption. The panel lights 3900 and 4001 may use a ballast to supply power or, in some instances, may be directly connected to an AC electrical outlet (e.g., wall socket). FIG. 41A illustrates a panel light 4100 of the general type shown, for example, in FIGS. 39 and 40, further illustrating a number of heat conductive fins 4112 which serve to assist with heat dissipation. The panel light 4100 may optionally include a means for facilitating attachment to a single- or multi-panel lighting assembly. In the present example, the panel light 4100 has a pair of T-shaped cutouts 4116 located in each of the fins 4112, such that the T-shaped cutouts 4116 form a pair of straight line, T-shaped grooves through the series of fins 4112. The T-shaped cutouts 4116 may be slid over a T-shaped bar to attach the panel light 4100 to a lighting assembly. FIG. 41B is a diagram of an example of a multi-panel lighting assembly 4150, illustrating attachment of a panel light 4100 as shown in FIG. 41A to the lighting assembly 4150. In the example of FIG. 41B, the lighting assembly 4150 includes a pair of T-shaped bars 4165 which protrude from a lighting assembly frame 4160, and which are matched to the T-shaped cutouts 4116 in the lighting panel 4100 of FIG. 41A. Once the lighting panel 4100 is slid into place along the T-shaped bars 4165, they securely hold the lighting panel 4100 in place. Insulated caps (not shown), made of rubber or plastic for example, or other such means may be place on the ends of the T-shaped bars 4165 to prevent the lighting panel 4100 from sliding out of place. In the particular example shown, the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 is configured to receive up to two lighting panels 4100 of the type shown in FIG. 41A, although such an assembly may be configured to receive any number of lighting panels 4100 depending upon the particular needs of the application. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 also has another lighting panel 4167 that may be “permanently” attached to or integral with the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150, or else may likewise be attachable and detachable in the manner of lighting panel 4100. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 thereby provides a lighting operator with a variety of lighting configurations in a single unit. Other similar modular multi-panel lighting assemblies may be constructed according to the same or similar principles, having any number of panel lights in a variety of different sizes and/or shapes. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 may, in certain embodiments, be used in connection with a lighting stand such as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 43 and described elsewhere herein. Attachment of panel lights (such as, e.g., panel lights 4100) to a of a multi-panel lighting assembly (such as, e.g., multi-panel lighting assembly 4150) may be accomplished by a variety of means. For example, rather than using complementary bars 4165 and cutouts 4116, the panel light 4100 may drop down and lock into an opening in the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150. In such a case, the housing or frame of the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 may have a molded beam with traverses the outer edge of the opening in which the panel light 4100 would be positioned. Locking tabs, for example, or other such means may be used to secure the dropped-in panel light 4100 within the opening if the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150. FIG. 38A is a diagram of ring-shaped lighting panel 3800 having surface mount LEDs 3805 (such as, e.g., the high output surface mount LEDs shown in FIG. 36A or 36B) attached to a mounting surface of a frame 3802 which, as with the panel lights described before, may comprise a circuit board. The ring-shaped lighting panel 3800 may have a camera mounting bracket (not shown in FIG. 38A) and generally be utilized in a manner similar to the ring-shaped lighting assembly shown in FIG. 4 and described in various places herein. The surface mount LEDs 3805 in the example of FIG. 38A are arranged in a plurality of rows or arrays 3806 emanating from the center of the hole or cutout region 3803 of the lighting panel 3800. While a relatively dense pattern of LEDs 3805 is illustrated in FIG. 38A, the pattern may be less dense, and the LEDs 3805 need not necessarily be deployed in rows or arrays. Because the LEDs 1305 in this example are high output, the lighting panel 3800 outputs a greater total amount of light than with ordinary LEDs. Also, fewer LEDs need to be physically mounted on the lighting panel 3800, which can reduce cost of construction. FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view of the lighting panel 3800 showing the inclusion of optional fins 3812 on the backside of the frame 3802, to assist with heat dissipation. The fins 3812 are shown in cross-section, and form a set of parallel members similar to the fins 4112 shown in FIG. 41A. FIG. 42A illustrates an integrated lens cover 4200 which can be placed atop, e.g., a panel light 4202 for providing focusing for a plurality of LEDs simultaneously. The panel light 4202 has rows of LEDs 4205, similar to FIGS. 39 and 40, and the integrated lens cover 4210 may be placed atop the panel light 4202 and, e.g., snapped into place by taps 4212, or otherwise secured to the frame of the panel light 4202. FIG. 42B shows additional detail of the integrated lens cover 4210. The integrated lens cover may be formed of any suitable lightweight, durable material (such as plastic) and preferably has a number of focal lens portions 4219 which, when the unit is placed atop the panel light 4202, act as focal lenses for LEDs 4205 which are positioned directly beneath the focal lens portions 4219. The integrated focal lens 4210 may thus allow the panel light 4202 to provide more directed, focused light (e.g., in a forward direction), rather than allowing the light to diffuse in an omnidirectional fashion. Alternatively, the integrated focal lens 4210 may provide other focusing effects that can be done with lenses. The focal lens portions 4219 may be domed or semi-domed, or else any other shape sufficient to serve their intended purpose. FIGS. 42C and 42D are side profile diagrams illustrating further details of alternative embodiments of an integrated focal lens. FIG. 42C illustrates an integrated focal lens 4265 with tapered focal lenses 4251 emanating from the underside of the sheet-like surface 4250 of the integrated focal lens 4265. In the instant example, the tapered focal lenses 4251 appear as inverted cone-like projections, with small concave recesses 4252 for receiving the dome-like lenses 4255 of LEDs 4256, which are mounted to a mounting surface 4260. The tapered focal lenses 4251 may be constructed in a manner as generally described previously with respect to FIGS. 37D and 37E, and may also have a short cylindrical portion 3754 such as illustrated in those figures, for resting atop the LEDs 4256 and providing added support to the top surface 4250 of the integrated focal lens 4265. Alternatively, separate struts (not shown) may be molded to the underside of the integrated focal lens 4265 to provide such support. The integrated focal lens 4265 may, in certain embodiments, be constructed by attaching (using glue or solvent) individual, tapered focal lenses of the type illustrated in FIGS. 37D and 37E to the underside of a clear plastic sheet, and then providing securing means for the overall resulting lens device to allow it to secure to, e.g., a panel lighting fixture. FIG. 42D illustrates an alternative embodiment of an integrated focal lens 4285, with bubble-shaped or domed focal lenses 4271 on the topside of the sheet-like surface 4250 of the integrated focal lens 4285. The focal lenses 4271 may be constructed in a manner as generally described previously with respect to FIGS. 37A-37C, and may also have one or more projecting members or struts (not shown) on the underside of the integrated focal lens 4285 to provide support for the top surface 4270 thereof. Other shapes and styles of integrated focal lenses (or other lenses) may also be utilized for an integrated focal lens. FIG. 43 illustrates a panel lighting assembly 4300 in which a panel light frame 4302 is attached to a stand 4380. The panel light frame 4302 may include multiple panel light sections 4303, 4304, or may be a single unitary panel light. The stand 4380 may be of a conventional nature, with a C-shaped yoke 4381 for securing the panel light frame 4302 crossbar and allowing it to tilt for directional lighting. A twisting handle 4317 may be used to lock the panel light frame 4302 at a particular tilting angle. The C-shaped yoke 4381 may be rotatable or pivotable by placement atop a fluid head 4382, which in turn is positioned atop a stem 4384 and tripod 4386. The panel lighting assembly 4300 thus conveniently provides a variety of directional lighting options for the panel light frame 4302. In alternative embodiments, a ball-and-socket mechanism may be used to rotate/pivot an attached lighting panel, using socket joints similar to those used for, e.g., computer monitors. Likewise, in any of the foregoing embodiments, motorization may be employed to control the movement of the lighting yokes or stands. Motorized control is well known in the art for lighting apparatus (particularly in the performing arts field), and the motorized control may be either automated or manual in nature. FIG. 45 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting fixture 4500 employing semiconductor light elements. In FIG. 45 is shown a flexible strip 4502 with an array of surface mount LEDs 4505 mounted on the flexible strip 4502. The flexible strip 4502 preferably comprises a circuit board that may be comprised, for example, of a material such as mylar or composite material, of sufficient thinness to allow the circuit board to be bent and/or twisted. The circuit board may be at least partially encased in an insulated (e.g., rubberized) material or housing that is likewise flexible and thin. Heat dissipating fins (not shown in FIG. 45) may protrude from the backside of the flexible strip 4502, to assist with cooling of the surface mount LEDs 4505. While a single array of surface mount LEDs 4505 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 45, two or more arrays of LEDs 4505 may be used, and may be positioned, e.g., side by side. An electrical connector 4540 with electrical contact receptacles 4541 is also illustrated in the example of FIG. 45, for receiving an electrical cord (not shown) supplying power for the LEDs 4505. Other alternative means for providing electrical power, such as a battery located in an integrated battery housing, may also be used. Certain embodiments have been described with respect to the placement of lamp elements (e.g., LEDs) on a “mounting surface” or similar surface or area. It will be appreciated that the term “mounting surface” and other such terms encompass not only flat surfaces but also contoured, tiered, or multi-level surfaces. Further, the term covers surfaces which allow the lamp elements to project light at different angles. Various embodiments have been described as having particular utility to film and other image capture applications. However, the various embodiments may find utility in other areas as well, such as, for example, automated manufacturing, machine vision, and the like. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, many variations are possible which remain within the concept and scope of the invention. Such variations would become clear to one of ordinary skill in the art after inspection of the specification and the drawings. The invention therefore is not to be restricted except within the spirit and scope of any appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The field of the present invention relates to lighting apparatus and systems as may be used in film, television, photography, and other applications. Lighting systems are an integral part of the film and photography industries. Proper illumination is necessary when filming movies, television shows, or commercials, when shooting video clips, or when taking still photographs, whether such activities are carried out indoors or outdoors. A desired illumination effect may also be desired for live performances on stage or in any other type of setting. A primary purpose of a lighting system is to illuminate a subject to allow proper image capture or achieve a desired effect. Often it is desirable to obtain even lighting that minimizes shadows on or across the subject. It may be necessary or desired to obtain lighting that has a certain tone, warmth, or intensity. It may also be necessary or desired to have certain lighting effects, such as colorized lighting, strobed lighting, gradually brightening or dimming illumination, or different intensity illumination in different fields of view. Various conventional techniques for lighting in the film and television industries, and various illustrations of lighting equipment, are described, for example, in Lighting for Television and Film by Gerald Millerson (3 rd ed. 1991), hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 96-131 and 295-349 thereof, and in Professional Lighting Handbook by Verne Carlson (2 nd ed. 1991), also hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 15-40 thereof. As one example illustrating a need for an improved lighting effects system, it can be quite challenging to provide proper illumination for the lighting of faces in television and film, especially for situations where close-ups are required. Often, certain parts of the face must be seen clearly. The eyes, in particular, can provide a challenge for proper lighting. Light reflected in the eyes is known as “eye lights” or “catch lights.” Without enough reflected light, the eyes may seem dull. A substantial amount of effort has been expended in constructing lighting systems that have the proper directivity, intensity, tone, and other characteristics to result in aesthetically pleasing “eye lights” while also meeting other lighting requirements, and without adversely impacting lighting of other features. Because of the varied settings in which lighting systems are used, the conventional practice in the film, commercial, and related industries is for a lighting system, when needed, to be custom designed for each shoot. This practice allows the director or photographer to have available a lighting system that is of the necessary size, and that provides the desired intensity, warmth, tone and effects. Designing and building customized lighting systems, however, is often an expensive and time-consuming process. The most common lighting systems in film, commercial, and photographic settings use either incandescent or fluorescent light elements. However, conventional lighting systems have drawbacks or limitations which can limit their flexibility or effectiveness. For example, incandescent lights have been employed in lighting systems in which they have been arranged in various configurations, including on ring-shaped mounting frames. However, the mounting frames used in incandescent lighting systems are often large and ponderous, making them difficult to move around and otherwise work with. A major drawback of incandescent lighting systems is the amount of heat generating by the incandescent bulbs. Because of the heat intensity, subjects cannot be approached too closely without causing discomfort to the subject and possibly affecting the subject's make-up or appearance. Also, the heat from the incandescent bulbs can heat the air in the proximity of the camera; cause a “wavering” effect to appear on the film or captured image. Incandescent lighting may cause undesired side effects when filming, particularly where the intensity level is adjusted. As the intensity level of incandescent lights change, their hue changes as well. Film is especially sensitive to these changes in hue, significantly more so than the human eye. In addition to these problems or drawbacks, incandescent lighting systems typically draw quite a bit of power, especially for larger lighting systems which may be needed to provide significant wide area illumination. Incandescent lighting systems also generally require a wall outlet or similar standard source of alternating current (AC) power. Fluorescent lighting systems generate much less heat than incandescent lighting systems, but nevertheless have their own drawbacks or limitations. For example, fluorescent lighting systems, like incandescent lighting systems, are often large and cumbersome. Fluorescent bulbs are generally tube-shaped, which can limit the lighting configuration or mounting options. Circular fluorescent bulbs are also commercially available, and have been used in the past for motion picture lighting. A major drawback with fluorescent lighting systems is that the low lighting levels can be difficult or impossible to achieve due to the nature of fluorescent lights. When fluorescent lights are dimmed, they eventually begin to flicker or go out as the supplied energy reaches the excitation threshold of the gases in the fluorescent tubes. Consequently, fluorescent lights cannot be dimmed beyond a certain level, greatly limiting their flexibility. In addition, fluorescent lights suffer from the same problem as incandescent lights when their intensity level is changed; that is, they tend to change in hue as the intensity changes, and film is very sensitive to alterations in lighting hue. Typically, incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems are designed to be placed off to the side of the camera, or above or below the camera. Because of such positioning, lighting systems may provide uneven or off-center lighting, which can be undesirable in many circumstances. Because of their custom nature, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems can be difficult to adapt to different or changing needs of a particular film project or shoot. For example, if the director or photographer decides that a different lighting configuration should be used, or wants to experiment with different types of lighting, it can be difficult, time-consuming, and inconvenient to re-work or modify the customized lighting setups to provide the desired effects. Furthermore, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems are generally designed for placement off to the side of the camera, which can result in shadowing or uneven lighting. A variety of lighting apparatus have been proposed for the purpose of inspecting objects in connection with various applications, but these lighting apparatus are generally not suitable for the movie, film or photographic industries. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,417, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a surface illuminator for directing illumination on an object (i.e., a single focal point). The surface illuminator has a number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in concentric circles on a lamp-supporting housing having a circular bore through which a microscope or other similar instrument can be positioned. The light from the LEDs is directed to a single focal point by either of two methods. According to one technique disclosed in the patent, a collimating lens is used to angle the light from each ring of LEDs towards the single focal point. According to another technique disclosed in the patent, each ring of LEDs is angled so as to direct the light from each ring on the single focal point. Other examples of lighting apparatus used for the purpose of inspecting objects are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,223 and 5,038,258, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In both of these patents, LEDs are placed on the interior of a spherical surface, so that their optical axes intersect at a desired focal point. Lighting apparatus specially adapted for illumination of objects to be inspected are generally not suitable for the special needs of the film, commercial, or photographic industries, or with live stage performances, because the lighting needs in these fields differs substantially from what is offered by object inspection lighting apparatus. For example, movies and commercials often require illumination of a much larger area that what object inspection lighting systems typically provide, and even still photography often requires that a relatively large subject be illuminated. In contrast, narrow-focus lighting apparatuses are generally designed for an optimum working distance of only a few inches (e.g., 3 to 4 inches) with a relatively small illumination diameter. Still other LED-based lighting apparatus have been developed for various live entertainment applications, such as theaters and clubs. These lighting apparatus typically include a variety of colorized LEDs in hues such as red, green, and blue (i.e., an “RGB” combination), and sometimes include other intermixed bright colors as well. These types of apparatus are not well suited for applications requiring more precision lighting, such as film, television, and so on. Among other things, the combination of red, green, and blue (or other) colors creates an uneven lighting effect that would generally be unsuitable for most film, television, or photographic applications. Moreover, most of these LED-based lighting apparatus suffer from a number of other drawbacks, such as requiring expensive and/or inefficient power supplies, incompatibility with traditional AC dimmers, lack of ripple protection (when connected directly to an AC power supply), and lack of thermal dissipation. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a lighting apparatus or lighting effects system well suited for use in the film, commercial, and/or photographic industries, and/or with live stage performances, that overcomes one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, drawbacks, or limitations. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention is generally directed in one aspect to a novel lighting effects system and method as may be used, for example, in film and photography applications. In one embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of lamp elements on a panel or frame. The lamp elements may be embodied as low power lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or light emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), for example, and may be arranged on the panel or frame in a pattern so as to provide relatively even, dispersive light. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may include one or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. A power supply and various control circuitry may be provided for controlling the intensities of the various lamp elements, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, through pre-programmed patterns. In another embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of low power lights mounted on a frame having an opening through which a camera can view. The low power lights may be embodied as LEDs or LECs, for example, arranged on the frame in a pattern of concentric circles or other uniform or non-uniform pattern. The frame preferably has a circular opening through which a camera can view, and one or more mounting brackets for attaching the frame to a camera. The low power lights may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, may be controlled through pre-programmed patterns. Further embodiments, variations and enhancements are also disclosed herein. | 20050201 | 20080115 | 20050421 | 66479.0 | 4 | HUSAR, STEPHEN F | VERSATILE STAND-MOUNTED WIDE AREA LIGHTING APPARATUS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,128 | ACCEPTED | SPOOL GUN HAVING UNITARY SHIELDING GAS AND WELD POWER CONNECTOR | A spool gun having a quick connector connectable to an electrical power source and a gas source is disclosed. A connection line extends from the spool gun and is attached to a connector. The connector both fluidly connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and electrically connects the spool gun to a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. Such a spool gun is quickly and efficiently connectable to the gas and power systems required for performing welding processes. | 1. A torch for welding-type systems comprising: a spool gun constructed to receive a spool of consumable wire and connected to a gas supply hose and an electrical supply cable; and a single connector connectable to both a source of gas and a source of electrical power, the single connector connected to the gas supply hose and the electrical supply cable to deliver gas and electrical power to the spool gun. 2. The torch of claim 1 wherein the single connector has an outer periphery, an inner passage, and at least one gas opening formed in the outer periphery and constructed to allow passage of gas to the inner passage of the connector. 3. The torch of claim 2 further comprising a pair of grooves formed in the outer periphery of the single connector, the pair of grooves generally flanking the at least one gas opening. 4. The torch of claim 3 further comprising a pair of O-rings, wherein one O-ring is positioned in each groove of the pair of grooves. 5. The torch of claim 1 further comprising a drive assembly attached to the spool gun and constructed to deliver a consumable weld wire from the spool of consumable weld wire to a weld during a welding operation. 6. The torch of claim 5 further comprising a trigger attached to the spool gun and operatively connected to the drive assembly. 7. The torch of claim 1 wherein the single connector is constructed to be connected to a power source configured to generate a welding-type power without use of tools. 8. The torch of claim 1 wherein the single connector has a closed end and an outer periphery, at least one groove formed in the outer periphery remote from the closed end and constructed to receive an O-ring therein. 9. The torch of claim 7 wherein the connector is constructed to engage a clamp of the power source, the clamp having a T-handle actuator directly operable by a user. 10. A welding system comprising: a power source constructed to generate a power signal suitable for welding-type operations; a gas supply constructed to provide a shielding gas to a weld; a torch having a supply of consumable weld wire supported thereon; and a quick connector constructed to connect the torch to both the power source and the gas supply. 11. The welding system of claim 10 wherein the quick connector has a threading formed thereabout and a seal and a gas passage formed through the quick connector between the threading and the seal. 12. The welding system of claim 10 wherein the gas supply includes a first gas supply and a second gas supply wherein the first gas supply and the second gas supply are fluidly connected to a valve, the valve constructed to operatively connect the quick connector to only one of the first gas supply and the second gas supply. 13. The welding system of claim 10 wherein the quick connector further comprises a passage therethrough, the passage constructed to fluidly connect the torch and the gas supply. 14. The welding system of claim 10 further comprising a drive mechanism attached to the torch and constructed to delivery the supply of consumable weld wire to a weld. 15. The welding system of claim 10 wherein the quick connector is toollessly electrically connectable to the power source and fluidly connectable to the gas supply. 16. The welding system of claim 10 wherein the supply of consumable weld wire is further defined as a spool of consumable weld wire and the spool of consumable weld wire is supported on a hub attached to the torch. 17. The welding system of claim 10 further comprising a seal assembly constructed to fluidly seal an engagement between the quick connector and the gas supply. 18. A spool gun assembly comprising: a spool gun handle having a tip at one end, a gas path therethrough, and a power cable attached to a second end; a drum on the spool gun to hold a spool of wire; a weld wire drive assembly attached to the spool gun handle and constructed to deliver a consumable weld wire from the spool of wire to a tip of the spool gun assembly; and unitary means for connecting both the gas path to a gas system and the power cable to a power source to deliver welding-type power and shielding gas to the tip of the spool gun assembly. 19. The spool gun assembly of claim 18 wherein the unitary connecting means further comprises a passage formed therein, the passage constructed to fluidly connect the gas system and the gas path of the spool gun handle. 20. The spool gun assembly of claim 18 further comprising a hub attached to the spool gun handle, the hub constructed to support a supply of consumable weld wire. 21. The spool gun assembly of claim 18 wherein the unitary connecting means is constructed of a conductive material and has an insulative cover positioned about a portion thereof. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to welding-type devices and, more particularly, to a connector for a spool gun to communicate both electrical power and shielding gas to the spool gun. Welding-type systems generally include a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. The welding-type power is communicated to a torch or a gun via a weld cable that extends between the torch and the power source. Some systems contain a consumable weld wire that is fed to the torch. The consumable weld wire can be pushed or pulled using a single motor wire feeder, or can be push/pulled by a dual motor wire feeder from or near the power source to the torch. During the welding process, the consumable weld wire is delivered from the torch to a weld pool. Some other systems include a spool mounted directly on the weld torch to supply the consumable weld wire to the weld. Such “spool guns” include a supply of consumable weld wire and a wire feeder assembly supported on the torch. By positioning the source of consumable weld wire and the wire feed assembly on the torch, allows one power source to be used for multiple applications, allows for easier transport, and reduces the size of the overall systems. Additionally, the use of a spool gun also enables the use of consumable weld wires that cannot physically support being pushed or pulled from the power source to the torch. That is, some consumable weld wires cannot support the stresses associated with being pushed and/or pulled from the power source to the torch. Therefore, a spool mounted gun allows the use of lighter gauge and/or less rigid consumable weld wires, such as aluminum based wire. The spool gun torch not only must be electrically connected to a power source, it also requires a shielding gas connection. The electrical connection is often made by a stud and fastener connection of a weld cable to an appropriate terminal of a power source. Such connections usually require a tool, such as a wrench, to loosen and tighten the fasteners associated with the connection. In addition to electrically connecting the spool gun to a source of welding-type power, the spool gun must also be fluidly connected to a source of shielding gas. The shielding gas connection often requires another tool to tighten/loosen associated threaded components. The gas connection is generally separate and distinct from the electrical connection of the spool gun with the power source. As such, an operator desiring to perform a welding process with a spool gun must complete two separate connections—the shielding gas system connection and the weld-power electrical connection, each requiring a tool to remove and secure the connections. Accordingly, the operator must also locate or have on hand the necessary tools required to complete the connection/disconnection processes. Accordingly, connecting a spool gun to a weld-type power and a shielding gas source is time consuming and detrimentally affects process efficiency. It would therefore be desirable to have an assembly and welding-type system capable of quickly and efficiently toollessly connecting a spool gun to electrical power and shielding gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a spool gun assembly and welding-type system and that solves the aforementioned problems. The spool gun includes a connector that connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and an electrical power source without the use of tools. Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a torch for welding-type systems is disclosed. The torch includes a spool gun constructed to receive a spool of consumable wire and is connected to a gas supply hose and an electrical supply cable. The torch includes a single connector connectable to both a source of gas and a source of electrical power and is connected to the gas supply hose and the electrical supply cable to deliver gas and electrical power to the spool gun. According to another aspect of the present invention, a welding system having a power source constructed to generate a power signal suitable for welding-type operations is disclosed. The welding system includes a gas supply constructed to provide a shielding gas to a weld. The system also includes a torch having a supply of consumable weld wire supported thereon and a quick connector. The quick connector is constructed to connect the torch to both the power source and the gas supply. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a spool gun assembly is disclosed that includes a spool gun handle having a tip at one end, a gas path therethrough, and a power cable attached to a second end. The gun includes a drum thereon to hold a spool of wire. A weld wire drive assembly is attached to the spool gun handle and is constructed to deliver a consumable weld wire from the spool of wire to a tip of the spool gun assembly. The assembly includes a unitary means for connecting both the gas path to a gas system and the power cable to a power source to deliver welding-type power and shielding gas to the tip of the spool gun assembly. Various other features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spool gun connected to a welding system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the welding system shown in FIG. 1 with a cover removed from the power source of the welding system and an optional bulk shielding gas source fluidly connected to the power source. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the connection between the spool gun and the power source taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of the spool gun shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows a welding-type system 10 having a spool gun 12 connected to a power source 14. Spool gun 12 has a drum 16 with a removable cover 18 attached thereto. Drum 16 is constructed to receive and dispense a supply of a consumable weld wire therein. Spool gun 12 includes a wire feeder drive assembly 20 constructed to feed the consumable weld wire from drum 16 to a tip 22 of spool gun 12 upon actuation of a trigger 24 of spool gun 12. Depression of trigger 24 initiates movement of a feed roller 26 of drive assembly 20. Feed roller 26 is in contact with the consumable weld wire such that rotation of feed roller 26 results in consumable weld wire being delivered to tip 22 of spool gun 12. A shielding gas is also delivered to tip 22 of spool gun 12 during actuation of trigger 24. A gas hose 28 extends from a handle portion or body 30 of spool gun 12 to tip 22. Alternatively, it is understood that gas hose 28 could be a passage formed internally to body 30 of spool gun 12. Gas hose 28 fluidly connects tip 22 of spool gun 12 to a connection line 32 of spool gun 12. Connection line 32 of spool gun 12 communicates a shielding gas and welding-type electrical power from power source 14 to spool gun 12. Power source 14 also has a grounding cable 34 extending therefrom. Cable 34 has a work clamp 36 attached thereto wherein the work clamp is constructed to securely engage a workpiece 38. When trigger 24 of spool gun 12 is depressed, consumable weld wire is delivered from tip 22 of spool gun 12. With trigger 24 depressed, as tip 22 is moved toward workpiece 38, an arc is eventually generated between the consumable weld wire and the workpiece and a welding-type process is achieved. Power source 14 has a housing 40 with a handle 42 positioned about the internal components of the power source. A control panel 44 allows an operator to control the power source when a cover 46 of housing 40 is located in a closed position as shown in FIG. 1. A power cord 48 extends from power source 1 4 and is constructed to engage an outlet 50 such that power source 14 is powered by a utility grid or the like. Alternatively, it is understood that power source 14 could be powered by a generator internal or external to housing 40. Understandably, the generator could also be powered by an internal combustion engine or the like thereby providing an untethered power source configured to generate power signals suitable to welding-type applications. FIG. 2 shows welding-type system 1 0 with the cover of housing 40 removed from power source 14 exposing the internal components 52 thereof. As shown, power source 14 is not limited to use with spool gun 12. In the particular embodiment shown, power source 14 is constructed to include a consumable weld wire 54 fed via a wire feeder 57. However, since spool gun 12 has its own supply of wire 16, consumable weld wire 54 is not delivered to spool gun 12. As such, power source 14 is constructed to be used with multiple different welding-type guns thereby providing a highly versatile welding-type power source. Alternatively, spool gun 12 is constructed for use with various power sources, such as those not containing internal weld wire 54. Power source 14 has a first gas system 55 which includes a pressure vessel 56 secured in power source 14 by a strap 58. Pressure vessel 56 is constructed to supply shielding gas to spool gun 12. A regulator 60 is connected to an end 62 of pressure vessel 56 such that when pressure vessel 56 is connected to power source 14, shielding gas is delivered to regulator 60 from pressure vessel 56. A hose 64 extends from regulator 60 and passes behind a shroud 66 of power source 14. Hose 64 fluidly connects regulator 60 to a valve 68, shown in phantom, connected to a selector switch 69. Valve 68 is also fluidly connected to an optional second gas system 70. Optional second gas system 70 includes a bulk gas cylinder 72 and a bulk regulator 74 connected thereto. A hose 76 extends between power source 14 and bulk regulator 74 and removeably connects second gas system 70 to power source 14 at connection 78. Connection 78 fluidly communicates shielding gas from second gas system 70 to valve 68 having selector switch 69 such that an operator can select between first gas system 55 and second gas system 70. Such a construction allows power source 14 to be provided with shielding gas from a bulk cylinder when less mobility of the power source is required than when shielding gas is provided from pressure vessel 56. When second gas system 70 is disconnected from power source 14, first gas system 55 provides a lightweight and highly transportable source of shielding gas supported by power source 14. Handle 42 provides for single-handed transportation of the gas system equipped power source 14. Valve 68 is fluidly connected to a clamp, or weld cable port 80 of power source 14. Weld cable port 80 includes a receptacle 82 constructed to receive a connector 84 of spool gun 12. Weld cable port 80 is constructed to attach connection line 32 of spool gun 12 to both a welding-type electrical power signal and a supply of weld shielding gas. Power source 14 includes a securing screw 85 having a T-handle shape and constructed to engage connector 84 and secure connection line 32 of spool gun 12 to weld cable port 82 without the use of tools. Alternatively, it is understood connector 84 of spool gun 12 could be constructed in a quick connectable manner such that connector 84 could be connected and removed from power source 14 through manipulation of the connector relative to the associated weld cable port without the use of additional clamping screws or the like. Once securely attached to power source 14, connection line 32 of spool gun 12 communicates weld power and shielding gas from power source 14 to spool gun 12 through connector 84. Connector 84 of spool gun 12 includes a multi-pin control connector 86 connectable to power source 14. Multi-pin connector 86 extends from connector 84 via a cable 88 and identifies the type of torch connected to power source 14 and supplies feedback control signals. Accordingly, when spool gun 12 is connected to power source 14, wire feeder 57 is disabled from supplying consumable weld wire 54 from power source 14 to a torch. The engagement between connector 84 and receptacle 82 of weld cable port 80 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, connector 84 includes a shank 92 extending therefrom. Shank 92 is constructed of a conductive material and communicates a welding-type power from power source 14 through connection line 32 to the spool gun. Connector 84 has a pair of grooves 94 formed therein with an O-ring 96 positioned in each of the grooves to form a seal therebetween. A plurality of orifices 98, or gas openings, are formed radially through shank 92 and are in fluid communication with a gas passage 1 00 formed through connector 84 and connection line 32 of the spool gun. Receptacle 82 of weld cable port 80 is constructed to snuggly receive shank 92 of connector 84 therein. A shielding gas port 1 02 is formed in receptacle 82 and is fluidly connected to valve 68 shown in FIG. 2. A channel 1 04 is formed in receptacle 82 generally aligned with shielding gas port 102. When connector 84 is fully inserted into receptacle 82 of weld cable port 80, O-rings 96 generally flank channel 104 and sealingly engage receptacle 82 such that shielding gas introduced into channel 104 flows through orifices 98 and into gas passage 100. Accordingly, connector 84 communicates both shielding gas and welding-type power from power source 14 through connection line 32 to the spool gun. It is understood and within the scope of the claims that the engagement between connector 84 and receptacle 82 could be of many specific constructions other that recited above. For example, receptacle 82 could be constructed to threadingly engage an optional threaded portion 106 of connector 84. Threaded portion 106 could be located at an end 107 of connector 84 or located remotely therefrom. Because no consumable weld wire or shielding gas is passed through end 107 of the connector, end 107 could have a closed construction. Opposite threaded portion 106 would be a single O-ring and an orifice could be positioned therebetween. Positioning the orifice between threaded portion 106 and the single O-ring forms an alternate connector that is quickly and efficiently connectable to a welding-type power source and constructed to communicate both shielding gas and welding-type power to a torch connected to the power source. A spool gun equipped according to the present invention is quickly and conveniently connectable to a source of shielding gas and a source of welding-type power through a unitary connector. That is, rather than making a first connection to a source of shielding gas and a second connection with a source of electrical power, the spool gun according to the present invention only requires one connection to form a completely operable, shielding gas equipped, spool gun operating welding system. Additionally, a spool gun equipped according to the present invention improves operator maneuverability of the spool gun by having both the welding-type power cable and the shielding gas supply line integrated into a single connection line such that multiple gas/power lines are not positioned across a work area. Alternatively, it is understood there may be instances when it is desirable to have a shielding gas line at least partially independent from a welding-type power cable. FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a spool gun 110 includes a spool of consumable weld wire 112 and a wire feed assembly 114. Spool gun 110 is substantially similar to spool gun 12 shown in FIG. 1 however, spool gun 110 has a gas line 116 and an electrical weld power cable 118 generally separate from each other. As shown in FIG. 4, gas line 116 extends between a tip 120 of spool gun 110 and a connector 122. Connector 122 engages weld cable port 124 similar to connector 84 of spool gun 12 shown in FIG. 2. A gas passage 126 passes through connector 122 and fluidly connects a gas supply 128 of weld cable port 124 to a gas port 130 of connector 122. Gas port 130 is external to a housing 132 of a welding-type power source 134 such that gas line 116 is removably attachable to connector 122 of spool gun 110. Accordingly, gas line 116 can be connected to alternate gas sources aside from gas supply 128. Weld power cable 118 electrically connects spool gun 112 to power source 134 via connector 122. A shank 136 of connector 122 slidingly engages a receptacle 138 of power source 134 and electrically connects weld power cable 118 to power source 134. A plurality of orifices 140 pass through shank 136 and fluidly communicate shielding gas from gas supply 128 to gas passage 126. A pair of O-rings 142 flank orifices 140 and prevent gas from passing beyond receptacle 138 other than through gas passage 126. Connector 122 fluidly connects spool gun 110 to a shielding gas source and electrically connects spool gun 110 to a welding-type power signal. As one skilled in the art will fully appreciate the heretofore description of welding devices and reference to welding power, welding-type power, or welders generally, includes welding, cutting, or heating power. Description of a welding apparatus illustrates just one embodiment in which the present invention may be implemented. Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention includes a torch for welding-type systems including a spool gun. The spool gun is constructed to receive a spool of consumable wire and is connected to a gas supply hose and an electrical supply cable. The torch includes a single connector connectable to both a source of gas and a source of electrical power and is connected to the gas supply hose and the electrical supply cable to deliver gas and electrical power to the spool gun. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a welding system having a power source constructed to generate a power signal suitable for welding-type operations. The welding system includes a gas supply constructed to provide a shielding gas to a weld, a torch having a supply of consumable weld wire supported thereon, and a quick connector. The quick connector is constructed to connect the torch to both the power source and the gas supply. A further embodiment of the present invention includes a spool gun assembly that includes a spool gun handle having a tip at one end, a gas path therethrough, and a power cable attached to a second end. The spool gun includes a drum thereon to hold a spool of wire. A weld wire drive assembly is attached to the spool gun handle and is constructed to deliver a consumable weld wire from the spool of wire to a tip of the spool gun assembly. The assembly includes a unitary means for connecting both the gas path to a gas system and the power cable to a power source to deliver welding-type power and shielding gas to the tip of the spool gun assembly. The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates generally to welding-type devices and, more particularly, to a connector for a spool gun to communicate both electrical power and shielding gas to the spool gun. Welding-type systems generally include a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. The welding-type power is communicated to a torch or a gun via a weld cable that extends between the torch and the power source. Some systems contain a consumable weld wire that is fed to the torch. The consumable weld wire can be pushed or pulled using a single motor wire feeder, or can be push/pulled by a dual motor wire feeder from or near the power source to the torch. During the welding process, the consumable weld wire is delivered from the torch to a weld pool. Some other systems include a spool mounted directly on the weld torch to supply the consumable weld wire to the weld. Such “spool guns” include a supply of consumable weld wire and a wire feeder assembly supported on the torch. By positioning the source of consumable weld wire and the wire feed assembly on the torch, allows one power source to be used for multiple applications, allows for easier transport, and reduces the size of the overall systems. Additionally, the use of a spool gun also enables the use of consumable weld wires that cannot physically support being pushed or pulled from the power source to the torch. That is, some consumable weld wires cannot support the stresses associated with being pushed and/or pulled from the power source to the torch. Therefore, a spool mounted gun allows the use of lighter gauge and/or less rigid consumable weld wires, such as aluminum based wire. The spool gun torch not only must be electrically connected to a power source, it also requires a shielding gas connection. The electrical connection is often made by a stud and fastener connection of a weld cable to an appropriate terminal of a power source. Such connections usually require a tool, such as a wrench, to loosen and tighten the fasteners associated with the connection. In addition to electrically connecting the spool gun to a source of welding-type power, the spool gun must also be fluidly connected to a source of shielding gas. The shielding gas connection often requires another tool to tighten/loosen associated threaded components. The gas connection is generally separate and distinct from the electrical connection of the spool gun with the power source. As such, an operator desiring to perform a welding process with a spool gun must complete two separate connections—the shielding gas system connection and the weld-power electrical connection, each requiring a tool to remove and secure the connections. Accordingly, the operator must also locate or have on hand the necessary tools required to complete the connection/disconnection processes. Accordingly, connecting a spool gun to a weld-type power and a shielding gas source is time consuming and detrimentally affects process efficiency. It would therefore be desirable to have an assembly and welding-type system capable of quickly and efficiently toollessly connecting a spool gun to electrical power and shielding gas. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a spool gun assembly and welding-type system and that solves the aforementioned problems. The spool gun includes a connector that connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and an electrical power source without the use of tools. Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a torch for welding-type systems is disclosed. The torch includes a spool gun constructed to receive a spool of consumable wire and is connected to a gas supply hose and an electrical supply cable. The torch includes a single connector connectable to both a source of gas and a source of electrical power and is connected to the gas supply hose and the electrical supply cable to deliver gas and electrical power to the spool gun. According to another aspect of the present invention, a welding system having a power source constructed to generate a power signal suitable for welding-type operations is disclosed. The welding system includes a gas supply constructed to provide a shielding gas to a weld. The system also includes a torch having a supply of consumable weld wire supported thereon and a quick connector. The quick connector is constructed to connect the torch to both the power source and the gas supply. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a spool gun assembly is disclosed that includes a spool gun handle having a tip at one end, a gas path therethrough, and a power cable attached to a second end. The gun includes a drum thereon to hold a spool of wire. A weld wire drive assembly is attached to the spool gun handle and is constructed to deliver a consumable weld wire from the spool of wire to a tip of the spool gun assembly. The assembly includes a unitary means for connecting both the gas path to a gas system and the power cable to a power source to deliver welding-type power and shielding gas to the tip of the spool gun assembly. Various other features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. | 20050203 | 20070424 | 20060803 | 93671.0 | B23K912 | 1 | TRAN, LEN | SPOOL GUN HAVING UNITARY SHIELDING GAS AND WELD POWER CONNECTOR | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B23K | 2,005 |
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10,906,175 | ACCEPTED | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING AUTOMOTIVE EXHAUST | The present invention applies the fundamental electrochemical NEMCA effect (Non-Faradaic Electrochemical Modification of Catalytic Activity), to the treatment of the automotive exhaust. A solid electrolyte layer is sandwiched between a conductive catalyst layer and the underlying metal honeycomb multichannel supporting structure forming the exhaust treatment device. Electric current is applied between the catalyst layer and the metallic structure resulting in an increase of catalytic activity of the catalyst. The exhaust stream is passing through the multichannel honeycomb structure and is catalytically treated with increased efficiency. | 1. A method for treatment of an exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of: Providing a conductive multichannel supporting structure, adapted for passage of said exhaust stream through said supporting structure; Forming on said supporting structure a solid electrolyte layer; Forming on said solid electrolyte layer an electrically conductive catalytic layer wherein at least one component of said catalytic layer is a catalytic metal; Applying electric voltage between said supporting structure and said conductive catalytic layer; and Passing said exhaust stream through said supporting structure and catalytically treating said exhaust stream with increased efficiency. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said solid electrolyte layer is zirconia, yttria stabilized zirconia, calcia stabilized zirconia, ceria doped gadolinia or lanthana doped ceria. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said solid electrolyte layer is formed from one or more components selected from the group comprising zirconia, yttria stabilized zirconia, calcia stabilized zirconia, ceria doped gadolinia, and lanthana doped ceria. 4. An exhaust treatment device, comprising: An electrically conductive support structure having multiple channels adapted to permit passage of said exhaust; An electrically conductive catalyst layer coating on said electrically conductive support structure; A solid electrolyte material disposed between said electrically conductive support structure and said electrically conductive catalyst layer; and Means to apply electric current between said electrically conductive support structure and said electrically conductive catalyst layer. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to methods and devices for catalytically treating the exhaust of internal combustion engines and, more particularly, to exhaust treatment catalytic devices where catalytic activity is enhanced electrochemically utilizing the non-Faradaic electrochemical modification of catalytic activity (NEMCA) effect. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Catalytic exhaust gas treatment devices have been used for many years for treating exhaust from internal combustion engines, especially from motor vehicles, and the need for such devices is growing more urgent. With the advent of increasingly stringent exhaust emission control requirements, and increases in the demand for noble metal catalysts, increasing the efficiency of the catalytic treatment devices is paramount. Various types of exhaust treatment devices are known to those skilled in the art. Some exhaust treatment devices incorporate catalysts which catalyze further oxidation of the constituents of the exhaust stream, while others provide a thermal reactor without the additional use of a catalyst bed. Some exhaust treatment systems are treating homogeneous exhaust as in the case of gasoline-fueled engines. Other treatment devices are capable of treating heterogeneous exhaust, such as diesel engine exhaust which includes soot. The devices aim at catalytically oxidizing various species present in the exhaust, including unburned hydrocarbons, carbon (soot), as well as oxides of oxygen and sulphur, typically referred to as NOx and SOx. A typical device comprises a honeycomb or monolith, usually made of corrugated metal foil or of high temperature ceramics, with highly developed surface area achieved by many channels, corrugations, perforations, or by utilizing packed bed or packed mesh. A well developed surface of the device increases the surface area of the catalyst available for contact with the exhaust components and facilitates an improved oxidation. Additional improvements include use of the electric current to further facilitate catalytic exhaust treatment. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,562,305; 6,562,305; 5,417,062; 5,441,706; 5,433,926; 5,582,805; and 5,582,803 disclose electrically heated catalytic converters. In the U.S. Patent Application No 20010000889, an electric current was applied to directly heat and activate the catalyst layer. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,419,123 and 5,410,871 disclose generation of electric sparks inside the catalytic converter to improve the exhaust treatment. About 25 years ago it has been noticed that the activity of certain catalysts can be enhanced using electrochemical methods or electrochemical promotion, the effect now known as Non-Faradaic Electrochemical Modification of Catalytic Activity, or NEMCA effect. The first “non-Faradaic” catalytic effect of this type was reported in 1981 by C. G. Vayenas, et al., J. Catal., 70(1981)137. Over fifty catalytic chemical reactions have been tested since to show electrochemical promotion effects. A good overview of the NEMCA effect is provided in: “The Electrochemical Activation of Catalytic Reactions”, C. G. Vayenas et al., Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry vol. 29, Edited by J. Bockris et al., Plenum Press, N.Y., 1996, pp. 57-202. Additionally, NEMCA effect was utilized for improving catalytic activity in a number of processes related to selective electrochemical processing in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,194,623; 4,329,208; 6,733,909; and U.S. Patent Applications No. 20040058203; 20030165727; 20030010629; and 20020164507. The NEMCA effect, or electrochemical promotion, occurs upon applying an electrical voltage between a working electrode/catalyst, electrolyte, and a counter electrode. A catalytic reaction rate changes in a profound, controlled and reversible manner. The increase in catalytic rate can be up to a factor of 10-1000 times higher than an open-circuit catalytic rate and much higher than the corresponding Faradaic reaction rate. Furthermore, the activity of catalysts can be increased substantially by incorporating them in the vicinity of an electrode in an appropriate electrochemical cell and then operating the electrochemical cell. Further, the selectivity of such catalysts may be significantly altered and the relative rates at which competing reactions occur at the catalyst may be significantly changed too. It is hypothesized that catalyst activity/selectivity is promoted by the presence or spillover of certain promoting ionic species, such as oxygen ions, generated during the operation of the electrochemical cell. In a simplified form, it is understood that the catalyst is activated or catalytic poisoning is reduced by a very small electrochemically applied electric current, so that the catalyst is activated and can more actively promote or catalyze chemical reactions, such as gas phase oxidation. This effect is fundamentally different from simply electrically heating the catalyst or catalyst supporting structure or passing electric current through the catalyst layer itself, when said catalyst layer is disposed on a non-conductive substrate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, the present invention applies the fundamental electrochemical NEMCA effect to the treatment of the automotive exhaust. A solid electrolyte layer is sandwiched between a conductive catalyst layer and the underlying metal honeycomb forming the exhaust treatment device. Electric current is applied between the catalyst layer and the metallic structure resulting in an increase of catalytic activity. More specifically, an electrochemical cell is formed on the surface of a metal-based channelized exhaust treatment device, such as corrugated metal foil reactor or honeycomb. This electrochemical cell is formed by coating the underlying metal structure with a thin coating which has some ionic conductivity at elevated temperatures characteristic of operation of the exhaust treatment devices (solid electrolyte coating). This solid electrolyte coating is in turn coated with an electrically conductive coating, at least one of components of which is a catalyst. During the device operation, an electric current or voltage is applied between the underlying metal structure and the conductive coating, said current passing through the solid electrolyte layer and resulting in NEMCA-enhanced catalytic oxidation of the components of exhaust, including gaseous species and heterogeneous particulate such as soot. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved exhaust treatment system utilizing NEMCA effect or electrochemical promotion. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and device for catalytic oxidation of incompletely burned species in the internal combustion engine exhaust, based upon non-Faradaic electrochemical modification of catalyst activity or electrochemical promotion. By applying a voltage, or small current, between the catalyst and the metal-based body of the exhaust treatment device through a solid electrolyte layer coating, the catalytic activity of the catalyst is enhanced. It is a further object of the present invention to increase the catalytic oxidation rate, decrease the amount of partially oxidized and non-oxidized species in the exhaust, decrease the loading of noble metals in the catalysts, and shorten the start-up time of the catalytic exhaust treatment devices. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved exhaust treatment device that enables to modify catalytic activity of the device as needed and thus improve performance at lower temperatures and also avoid overheating and damage to the device during overheating. Operating at lower temperatures can improve device longevity and reliability, as well as decrease the amount of unburned specifies in the exhaust during start-up. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method and device for catalytic oxidation of incompletely burned species in the internal combustion engine exhaust where the catalytic activity can be controlled by the amount of electric current or the amplitude of the electric voltage applied to the device. Other objects and embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates the exhaust treatment device supporting structure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a single exhaust treatment device channel through which the exhaust stream is passing. FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of coatings on the metallic supporting structure, formed electrochemical cell, and the principle of operation of the exhaust treatment device. FIG. 4 further illustrates the structure of coatings on the metallic supporting structure, formed electrochemical cell, and the principle of operation of the exhaust treatment device. FIG. 5 further illustrates the exhaust treatment device and the structure of the coatings. FIG. 6 illustrates the steps of the exhaust treatment according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, FIG. 1 illustrates an exhaust treatment device supporting structure body, which in the preferred embodiment comprises a multicellular multichannel body 100 made of corrugated metal foil, with multiple channels 110 for treating exhaust stream 120 passing through the channels. The supporting structure 100 can be formed of parallel plates, multiple tubular elements, corrugated metal foil, honeycomb, or multi-cellular monolith and is made of a corrosion resistant metallic alloy suitable for high temperature service in aggressive environments characteristic of automotive exhaust. Such alloys include, but not limited to, oxidation-resistant high temperature ferritic Cr—Al alloys. These iron-chrome-aluminum alloys typically contain up to seven percent of Al and some other additives. When exposed to high temperature oxidizing environments the alloy forms a thin corrosion-resistant layer of aluminum and chromium oxides, which prevents further oxidation. The thickness of the metal foil forming the supporting structure is preferably from about 20 microns to about 500 microns. Methods of forming the supporting structure are known in the art. Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrating a cross-section of a single exhaust treatment device channel 110 through which the exhaust stream 120 is passing. The metallic supporting structure 100 forming the channel has on its surface a layer of solid electrolyte coating layer 150. This solid electrolyte layer is made of ceramic materials which are ionically conductive at elevated temperatures characteristic of operation of the exhaust treatment devices. The solid electrolyte which conducts oxygen ions in the electrochemical cell of the present invention may, for example, consist of cerium oxide (CeO2), or cerium oxide stabilized with any of lanthanum oxide (La2O3), yttrium oxide (Y2O3), ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3) and/or gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3). It is furthermore possible to employ a solid electrolyte consisting of zirconium oxide (ZrO2), or zirconium oxide stabilized with any of calcium oxide (CaO), scandium oxide (Sc2O3), yttrium oxide (Y2O3) and/or ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3). In the simplest embodiment, the solid electrolyte which conducts oxygen ions contains a metal or metal oxide or complex mixed-metal oxides. The thickness of the solid electrolyte layer is preferably from about 1 micron to about 500 microns. The solid electrolyte layer can be applied by a variety of methods available to a skilled artisan. For example, CVD, PVD, wash coat, screen printing, sputtering, vapor deposition can be utilized for application of the solid electrolyte layer. This solid electrolyte layer 150 is in turn coated with an electrically conductive catalytic coating layer 160, at least one of components of which is a catalyst. This conductive catalytic coating layer can be a layer of sintered catalytic particles or it can have a binder component to hold particles in place. The conductive catalytic layer can be applied by a variety of methods available to a skilled artisan. For example, CVD, PVD, wash coat, sputtering, screen printing, vapor deposition can be utilized for application of the conductive catalytic coating. A power supply 190 is connected to the exhaust treatment device of this invention through electric conductors 170 and 180 to enable electrical actuation of the device. The power supply is capable of providing controlled current and or voltage to the exhaust treatment device, such power supply devices are known and widely available. The electric conductor 170 provides an electric connection to the metallic supporting structure 100. The electric conductor 180 provides an electric connection to the electrically conductive catalytic coating layer 160. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the structure of coatings on the metallic supporting structure 100 is shown in more detail. In FIG. 3, the conducive catalytic coating 160 comprises conductive binder component 210 and catalyst particles 200, which are pure metals, alloys, and compounds of Pt, Rh, Au, Pd, Ru, Ir, and other catalytically active metals and alloys. In FIG. 4, the conductive catalytic coating comprises the layer of sintered catalyst particles 200. A conductive binder component 210 is a mixture of several conductive components, including metal particulates, metal salts, metal oxides, and the like. A preferred binder comprises Ag and Pt particulates on an Y2O3-stabilized-zirconia matrix, thus forming a conductive ceramic-metal (cermet) structure. As it is seen in FIG. 3, an electrochemical cell is formed between conductive metallic support 100, solid electrolyte 150, and conductive catalyst layer 160. Electric voltage is applied to this electrochemical cell, causing electric current to flow through the electrochemical cell. In the preferred embodiment the catalyst layer is polarized anodically or cathodically. Application of the electric current to the described electrochemical cell results in electrochemical promotion of exhaust oxidation through NEMCA effect described above. The current can be applied constantly or periodically. The typical current density applied to the device is ranging from about 0.01 to about 1000 mA/cm2. In another embodiment of the present invention, a solid electrolyte layer 150 is formed in situ on the surface of the metallic honeycomb by a controlled oxidation. For example, alloys containing zirconium, when exposed to oxidizing environment, are forming on their surfaces ionically conductive layers of zirconium oxides. Utilizing such alloys makes coating of the device with solid electrolyte unnecessary. After the controlled oxidation step, the device can be directly coated with the conductive catalytic layer. Any metallic oxide forming on the surface of metallic support structure of this invention, and having at least some ionic conductivity, is suitable to serve as the solid electrolyte layer for implementation of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section of the exhaust treatment channelized device is presented to further illustrate the present invention. The solid electrolyte layer 150, applied by coating or formed in situ by controlled oxidation, and conductive catalyst layer 160 on the surface of each channel 110 are shown. Referring now to FIG. 6, the main steps of the method of the exhaust treatment are presented. As it is illustrated in the FIG. 6, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing a conductive multichannel supporting structure; (b) forming on the supporting structure a solid electrolyte layer; (c) forming on solid electrolyte layer an electrically conductive catalytic layer; (d) applying electric voltage or passing electric current between the metal of the supporting structure and the conductive catalytic layer; (e) passing the exhaust stream through the supporting structure thus catalytically treating the exhaust stream with increased efficiency. The foregoing description addresses embodiments encompassing the principles of the present invention. The embodiments may be modified, changed, and/or implemented using various types of arrangements. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes which may be made to the invention without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Catalytic exhaust gas treatment devices have been used for many years for treating exhaust from internal combustion engines, especially from motor vehicles, and the need for such devices is growing more urgent. With the advent of increasingly stringent exhaust emission control requirements, and increases in the demand for noble metal catalysts, increasing the efficiency of the catalytic treatment devices is paramount. Various types of exhaust treatment devices are known to those skilled in the art. Some exhaust treatment devices incorporate catalysts which catalyze further oxidation of the constituents of the exhaust stream, while others provide a thermal reactor without the additional use of a catalyst bed. Some exhaust treatment systems are treating homogeneous exhaust as in the case of gasoline-fueled engines. Other treatment devices are capable of treating heterogeneous exhaust, such as diesel engine exhaust which includes soot. The devices aim at catalytically oxidizing various species present in the exhaust, including unburned hydrocarbons, carbon (soot), as well as oxides of oxygen and sulphur, typically referred to as NOx and SOx. A typical device comprises a honeycomb or monolith, usually made of corrugated metal foil or of high temperature ceramics, with highly developed surface area achieved by many channels, corrugations, perforations, or by utilizing packed bed or packed mesh. A well developed surface of the device increases the surface area of the catalyst available for contact with the exhaust components and facilitates an improved oxidation. Additional improvements include use of the electric current to further facilitate catalytic exhaust treatment. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,562,305; 6,562,305; 5,417,062; 5,441,706; 5,433,926; 5,582,805; and 5,582,803 disclose electrically heated catalytic converters. In the U.S. Patent Application No 20010000889, an electric current was applied to directly heat and activate the catalyst layer. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,419,123 and 5,410,871 disclose generation of electric sparks inside the catalytic converter to improve the exhaust treatment. About 25 years ago it has been noticed that the activity of certain catalysts can be enhanced using electrochemical methods or electrochemical promotion, the effect now known as Non-Faradaic Electrochemical Modification of Catalytic Activity, or NEMCA effect. The first “non-Faradaic” catalytic effect of this type was reported in 1981 by C. G. Vayenas, et al., J. Catal., 70(1981)137. Over fifty catalytic chemical reactions have been tested since to show electrochemical promotion effects. A good overview of the NEMCA effect is provided in: “The Electrochemical Activation of Catalytic Reactions”, C. G. Vayenas et al., Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry vol. 29, Edited by J. Bockris et al., Plenum Press, N.Y., 1996, pp. 57-202. Additionally, NEMCA effect was utilized for improving catalytic activity in a number of processes related to selective electrochemical processing in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,194,623; 4,329,208; 6,733,909; and U.S. Patent Applications No. 20040058203; 20030165727; 20030010629; and 20020164507. The NEMCA effect, or electrochemical promotion, occurs upon applying an electrical voltage between a working electrode/catalyst, electrolyte, and a counter electrode. A catalytic reaction rate changes in a profound, controlled and reversible manner. The increase in catalytic rate can be up to a factor of 10-1000 times higher than an open-circuit catalytic rate and much higher than the corresponding Faradaic reaction rate. Furthermore, the activity of catalysts can be increased substantially by incorporating them in the vicinity of an electrode in an appropriate electrochemical cell and then operating the electrochemical cell. Further, the selectivity of such catalysts may be significantly altered and the relative rates at which competing reactions occur at the catalyst may be significantly changed too. It is hypothesized that catalyst activity/selectivity is promoted by the presence or spillover of certain promoting ionic species, such as oxygen ions, generated during the operation of the electrochemical cell. In a simplified form, it is understood that the catalyst is activated or catalytic poisoning is reduced by a very small electrochemically applied electric current, so that the catalyst is activated and can more actively promote or catalyze chemical reactions, such as gas phase oxidation. This effect is fundamentally different from simply electrically heating the catalyst or catalyst supporting structure or passing electric current through the catalyst layer itself, when said catalyst layer is disposed on a non-conductive substrate. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Briefly stated, the present invention applies the fundamental electrochemical NEMCA effect to the treatment of the automotive exhaust. A solid electrolyte layer is sandwiched between a conductive catalyst layer and the underlying metal honeycomb forming the exhaust treatment device. Electric current is applied between the catalyst layer and the metallic structure resulting in an increase of catalytic activity. More specifically, an electrochemical cell is formed on the surface of a metal-based channelized exhaust treatment device, such as corrugated metal foil reactor or honeycomb. This electrochemical cell is formed by coating the underlying metal structure with a thin coating which has some ionic conductivity at elevated temperatures characteristic of operation of the exhaust treatment devices (solid electrolyte coating). This solid electrolyte coating is in turn coated with an electrically conductive coating, at least one of components of which is a catalyst. During the device operation, an electric current or voltage is applied between the underlying metal structure and the conductive coating, said current passing through the solid electrolyte layer and resulting in NEMCA-enhanced catalytic oxidation of the components of exhaust, including gaseous species and heterogeneous particulate such as soot. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved exhaust treatment system utilizing NEMCA effect or electrochemical promotion. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and device for catalytic oxidation of incompletely burned species in the internal combustion engine exhaust, based upon non-Faradaic electrochemical modification of catalyst activity or electrochemical promotion. By applying a voltage, or small current, between the catalyst and the metal-based body of the exhaust treatment device through a solid electrolyte layer coating, the catalytic activity of the catalyst is enhanced. It is a further object of the present invention to increase the catalytic oxidation rate, decrease the amount of partially oxidized and non-oxidized species in the exhaust, decrease the loading of noble metals in the catalysts, and shorten the start-up time of the catalytic exhaust treatment devices. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved exhaust treatment device that enables to modify catalytic activity of the device as needed and thus improve performance at lower temperatures and also avoid overheating and damage to the device during overheating. Operating at lower temperatures can improve device longevity and reliability, as well as decrease the amount of unburned specifies in the exhaust during start-up. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method and device for catalytic oxidation of incompletely burned species in the internal combustion engine exhaust where the catalytic activity can be controlled by the amount of electric current or the amplitude of the electric voltage applied to the device. Other objects and embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. | 20050206 | 20070911 | 20060810 | 71527.0 | B01D5394 | 0 | VANOY, TIMOTHY C | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING AUTOMOTIVE EXHAUST | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | B01D | 2,005 |
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10,906,403 | ACCEPTED | METHOD OF DECODING A DIGITAL VIDEO SEQUENCE AND RELATED APPARATUS | A method for decoding a digital video sequence includes decoding a first picture in the sequence; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by vector quantizing at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. | 1. A method of decoding a digital video sequence, the method comprising: decoding a first picture in the sequence; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by vector quantizing at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein vector quantizing is performed by a full search vector quantization (FSVQ) process. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein vector quantizing is performed by a classified vector quantization (CVQ) process. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the CVQ process is firstly performed for classifying blocks in the pictures into shade blocks and edge blocks and secondly performed for performing vector quantization on the shade blocks and the edge blocks separately. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein reducing the data size of the decoded first picture further comprises downsampling at least one component of the first picture prior to the vector quantizing. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one component of the first picture that is vector quantized is the chrominance component of the first picture. 7. A method of decoding a digital video sequence, the method comprising: decoding a first picture in the sequence; adding a randomly generated value to at least one component of the decoded first picture; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by quantizing the at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; inverse quantizing a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein quantizing is performed by a vector quantization process. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein quantizing is performed by a scalar quantization process. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein scalar quantizing is performed by a uniform quantization process. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein scalar quantizing is performed by a non-uniform quantization process. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein reducing the data size of the decoded first picture further comprises downsampling at least one component of the first picture. 13. A method of decoding a digital video sequence, the method comprising: decoding a first picture in the sequence; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by downsampling at least one component of the first picture and then quantizing the at least one downsampled component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein quantizing is performed by a full search vector quantization (FSVQ) process. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein quantizing is performed by a classified vector quantization (CVQ) process. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein quantizing is performed by a uniform scalar quantization process. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein quantizing is performed by a non-uniform scalar quantization process. 18. An apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence, comprising: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by vector quantizing at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; a means for reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the vector quantizing is performed by a full search vector quantization (FSVQ) process. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein vector quantizing is performed by a classified vector quantization (CVQ) process. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the CVQ process is firstly performed for classifying blocks in the pictures into shade blocks and edge blocks and secondly performed for performing vector quantization on the shade blocks and the edge blocks separately. 22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the data size reducing means downsamples at least one component of the first picture prior to the vector quantizing. 23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one component of the first picture that is vector quantized is the chrominance component of the first picture. 24. An apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence, comprising: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for adding a randomly generated value to at least one component of the decoded first picture, and for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by quantizing the at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; an inverse quantizer for inverse quantizing a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein quantizing is performed by a vector quantization process. 26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein quantizing is performed by a scalar quantization process. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein scalar quantizing is performed by a uniform quantization process. 28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein scalar quantizing is performed by a non-uniform quantization process. 29. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein reducing the data size of the decoded first picture further comprises downsampling at least one component of the first picture. 30. An apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence, comprising: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by downsampling at least one component of the first picture and then quantizing the at least one downsampled component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; a means for reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein quantizing is performed by a full search vector quantization (FSVQ) process. 32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein quantizing is performed by a classified vector quantization (CVQ) process. 33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein quantizing is performed by a uniform scalar quantization process. 34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein quantizing is performed by a non-uniform scalar quantization process. | BACKGROUND The invention relates to digital video decoding, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for digital video decoding having reduced memory requirements. The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) MPEG-2 standard (ISO-13818) is utilized with video applications. The MPEG-2 standard describes an encoded and compressed bit-stream that has substantial bandwidth reduction. The compression is a subjective loss compression followed by a lossless compression. The encoded, compressed digital video data is subsequently decompressed and decoded by an MPEG-2 standard compliant decoder. The MPEG-2 standard specifies a bit-stream from and a decoder for a very high compression technique that achieves overall image bit-stream compression not achievable with either intraframe coding alone or interframe coding alone, while preserving the random access advantages of pure intraframe coding. The combination of block based frequency domain intraframe encoding and interpolative/predictive interframe encoding of the MPEG-2 standard results in a combination of intraframe encoding advantages and interframe encoding advantages. The MPEG-2 standard specifies predictive and interpolative interframe encoding and frequency domain intraframe encoding. Block based motion compensation is utilized for the reduction of temporal redundancy, and block based Discrete Cosine Transform based compression is utilized for the reduction of spatial redundancy. Under the MPEG-2 standard, motion compensation is achieved by predictive coding, interpolative coding, and variable length coded motion vectors. The information relative to motion is based on a 16×16 array of pixels and is transmitted with the spatial information. Motion information is compressed with Variable Length Codes, such as Huffman codes. In general, there are some spatial similarities in chromatic, geometrical, or other characteristic values within a picture/image. In order to eliminate these spatial redundancies, it is required to identify important elements of the picture and to remove the redundant elements that are less important. For example, according to the MPEG-2 standard, a picture is compressed by eliminating the spatial redundancies by chrominance sampling, discrete cosine transform (DCT), and quantization. In addition, video data is actually formed by a continuous series of pictures, which are perceived as a moving picture due to the persistence of pictures in the vision of human eyes. Since the time interval between pictures is very short, the difference between neighboring pictures is very tiny and mostly appears as a change of location of visual objects. Therefore, the MPEG-2 standard eliminates temporal redundancies caused by the similarity between pictures to further compress the video data. In order to eliminate the temporal redundancies mentioned above, a process referred to as motion compensation is employed in the MPEG-2 standard. Motion compensation relates to the redundancy between pictures. Before performing motion compensation, a current picture to be processed is typically divided into 16'16 pixel sized macroblocks (MB). For each current macroblock, a most similar prediction block of a reference picture is then determined by comparing the current macroblock with “candidate” macroblocks of a preceding picture or a succeeding picture. The most similar prediction block is treated as a reference block and the location difference between the current block and the reference block is then recorded as a motion vector. The above process of obtaining the motion vector is referred to as motion estimation. If the picture to which the reference block belongs is prior to the current picture, the process is called forward prediction. If the reference picture is posterior to the current picture, the process is called backward prediction. In addition, if the motion vector is obtained by referring both to a preceding picture and a succeeding picture of the current picture, the process is called bi-directional prediction. A commonly employed motion estimation method is a block-matching method. Because the reference block may not be completely the same with the current block, when using block-matching, it is required to calculate the difference between the current block and the reference block, which is also referred to as a prediction error. The prediction error is used for decoding the current block. The MPEG 2 standard defines three encoding types for encoding pictures: intra encoding, predictive encoding, and bi-directionally predictive encoding. An intra-coded picture (I-picture) is encoded independently without using a preceding picture or a succeeding picture. A predictive encoded picture (P-picture) is encoded by referring to a preceding reference picture, wherein the preceding reference picture should be an I-picture or a P-picture. In addition, a bi-directionally predictive picture (B-picture) is encoded using both a preceding picture and a succeeding picture. Bi-directionally predictive pictures (B-pictures) have the highest degree of compression and require both a past picture and a future picture for reconstruction during decoding. It should also be noted that B-pictures are not used as reference pictures. Because I-pictures and P-pictures can be used as a reference to decode other pictures, the I-pictures and P-pictures are also referred to as reference pictures. As B-pictures are never used to decode other pictures, B-pictures are also referred to as non-reference pictures. Note that in other video compression standards such as SMPTE VC-1, B field pictures can be used as a reference to decode other pictures. Hence, the picture encoding types belonging to either reference pictures or non-reference pictures may vary according to different video compression standards. As mentioned above, a picture is composed of a plurality of macro-blocks, and the picture is encoded macro-block by macro-block. Each macro-block has a corresponding motion type parameter representing its motion compensation type. In the MPEG 2 standard, for example, each macro-block in an I-picture is intra-coded. P-pictures can comprise intra-coded and forward motion compensated macro-blocks; and B-pictures can comprise intra-coded, forward motion compensated, backward motion compensated, and bi-directional motion compensated macro-blocks. As is well known in the art, an intra-coded macro-block is independently encoded without using other macro-blocks in a preceding picture or a succeeding picture. A forward motion compensated macro-block is encoded by using the forward prediction information of a most similar macro-block in the preceding picture. A bi-directional motion compensated macro-block is encoded by using the forward prediction information of a reference macro-block in the preceding picture and the backward prediction information of another reference macro-block in the succeeding picture. The formation of P-pictures from I-pictures, and the formation of B-pictures from a pair of past and future pictures are key features of the MPEG-2 standard. FIG. 1 shows a conventional block-matching process of motion estimation. A current picture 120 is divided into blocks as shown in FIG. 1. Each block can be any size. For example, in the MPEG standard, the current picture 120 is typically divided into macro-blocks having 16×16 pixels. Each block in the current picture 120 is encoded in terms of its difference from a block in a preceding picture 110 or a succeeding picture 130. During the block-matching process of a current block 100, the current block 100 is compared with similar-sized “candidate” blocks within a search range 115 of the preceding picture 110 or within a search range 135 of the succeeding picture 130. The candidate block of the preceding picture 110 or the succeeding picture 130 that is determined to have the smallest difference with respect to the current block 100, e.g. a block 150 of the preceding picture 110, is selected as a reference block. The motion vectors and residues between the reference block 150 and the current block 100 are computed and coded. As a result, the current block 100 can be restored during decompression using the coding of the reference block 150 as well as the motion vectors and residues for the current block 100. The motion compensation unit under the MPEG-2 Standard is the macroblock unit. The MPEG-2 standard sized macroblocks are 16×16 pixels. Motion information consists of one vector for forward predicted macroblocks, one vector for backward predicted macroblocks, and two vectors for bi-directionally predicted macroblocks. The motion information associated with each macroblock is coded differentially with respect to the motion information present in the reference macroblock. In this way a macroblock of pixels is predicted by a translation of a macroblock of pixels from a past or future picture. The difference between the source pixels and the predicted pixels is included in the corresponding bit-stream. That is, the output of the video encoder is a digital video bit-stream comprising encoded pictures that can be decoded by a decoder system. FIG. 2 shows difference between the display order and the transmission order of pictures of the MPEG-2 standard. As mentioned, the MPEG-2 standard provides temporal redundancy reduction through the use of various predictive and interpolative tools. This is illustrated in FIG. 2 with the use of three different types of frames (also referred to as pictures): “I” intra-coded pictures, “P” predicted Pictures, and “B” bi-directional interpolated pictures. As shown in FIG. 2, in order to decode encoded pictures being P-pictures or B-pictures, the picture transmission order in the digital video bit-stream is not the same as the desired picture display order. A decoder adds a correction term to the block of predicted pixels to produce the reconstructed block. Typically, a video decoder receives the digital video bit-stream and generates decoded digital video information, which is stored in an external memory area in frame buffers. As described above and illustrated in FIG. 2, each macroblock of a P-picture can be coded with respect to the closest previous I-picture, or with respect to the closest previous P-picture. That is, each macroblock of a B-picture can be coded by forward prediction from the closest past I-picture or P-picture, by backward prediction from the closest future I-picture or P-picture, or bi-directionally using both the closest past I-picture or P-picture and the closest future I-picture or P-picture. Therefore, in order to properly decode all the types of encoded pictures and display the digital video information, at least the following three frame buffers are required: 1. Past reference frame buffer 2. Future reference frame buffer 3. Decompressed B-frame buffer Each buffer must be large enough to hold a complete picture's worth of digital video data (e.g., 720×480 pixels for MPEG-2 Main Profile/Main Level). Additionally, as is well known by a person of ordinary skill in the art, both luma (short for luminance) data and chroma (short for chrominance) data require similar processing. In order to keep the cost of the video decoder products down, an important goal has been to reduce the amount of external memory (i.e., the size of the frame buffers) required to support the decode function. SUMMARY Methods and apparatuses for decoding pictures in a digital video sequence are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a method for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: decoding a first picture in the sequence; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by vector quantizing at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of a method of decoding a digital video sequence comprises: decoding a first picture in the sequence; adding a randomly generated value to at least one component of the decoded first picture; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by quantizing the at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; inverse quantizing a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of a method of decoding a digital video sequence comprises: decoding a first picture in the sequence; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by downsampling at least one component of the first picture and then quantizing the at least one downsampled component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by vector quantizing at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; a means for reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for adding a randomly generated value to at least one component of the decoded first picture, and for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by quantizing the at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; an inverse quantizer for inverse quantizing a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by downsampling at least one component of the first picture and then quantizing the at least one downsampled component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; a means for reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional block-matching process utilized to perform motion estimation. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the difference between the display order and the transmission order of pictures of the MPEG-2 Standard. FIG. 3 illustrates a YUV 4:2:0 format. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values using a YUV 4:2:0 format. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been downsampled by a 2:1 ratio in the vertical direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been downsampled by a 2:1 ratio in the horizontal direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been scalar quantized. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been vector quantized. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been both vector quantized and downsampled by a 2:1 ratio in the vertical direction. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment video playing system. FIG. 11 is a detailed block diagram of a video decoding system shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a detailed block diagram of a display control system shown in FIG. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Please refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a YUV 4:2:0 format. The term YUV represents a color-difference video signal containing one luminance component (Y) and two chrominance components (U, V), and is also commonly referred to as YCbCr, where Cb and Cr are chrominance values corresponding to U and V, respectively. The terms YUV and YCbCr can be used interchangeably. In FIG. 3, the luminance samples (Y) are represented by an X and the chrominance samples (UV) are represented by an O. As shown in FIG. 3, in the YUV 4:2:0 format, there is both a horizontal 2:1 downsampling and a vertical 2:1 downsampling of the chrominance samples UV. Thus, one pair of chrominance samples UV are shared for four pixels while each pixel includes its own luminance sample Y. The YUV 4:2:0 sampling format is the most popular one in MPEG-2 video-coding systems. For example, a typical MPEG-2 Main Profile/Main Level video stream requires only the YUV 4:2:0 format. Memory allocation for various cases will be illustrated in FIG. 4 through FIG. 9, where reconstructed pictures are with height H and width W. Please refer to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values using a typical YUV 4:2:0 format. The left hand side of the diagram shows that each pixel in a picture frame has a corresponding luminance value Y. On the other hand, every four pixels of the picture frame have a corresponding pair of chrominance values UV, which are also labeled as CbCr in FIG. 4-FIG. 9. In a YUV 4:2:0 picture, the number of chrominance samples (Cb and Cr) is one-half of the number of luminance samples in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the resulting chrominance samples CbCr are stored in the same number of bytes as a row of luminance samples Y. As shown in FIG. 4, each row of both the luminance samples Y and the chrominance samples CbCr is stored in 720 bytes of memory. Similarly, since the number of chrominance samples (Cb and Cr) is one-half of luminance samples in the vertical direction, half as many rows are required to store the resulting chrominance samples CbCr as is required to store the luminance samples Y. Since the human eye is more sensitive to brightness than color, the memory requirement for a picture, especially for a reference picture, can be reduced without a significant perceived loss in quality by further downsampling only the color or chrominance information. As a result, the memory requirement of a picture buffer can be reduced substantially by further downsampling the original 4:2:0 chrominance samples horizontally, vertically, or both horizontally and vertically. Please refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram of memory usage in an exemplary embodiment of a digital video decoding with reduced memory requirements, which shows the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture. In the case of FIG. 5, the chrominance values have been further downsampled by a 2:1 ratio in the vertical direction. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, half as many rows of chrominance samples CbCr are used, thereby requiring half as much memory for storing the chrominance samples CbCr. Note that FIG. 4 to FIG. 9 are depicted in the context of the use of a picture size of 720×480 with the 4:2:0 format, although embodiments are not limited to such a type of pictures. Please refer to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram of memory usage in another embodiment of digital video decoding with reduced memory requirements, showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been downsampled by a 2:1 ratio in the horizontal direction. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, each row of chrominance samples CbCr contains half as many chrominance samples CbCr, thereby requiring half as much memory for storing the chrominance samples CbCr. Thus, each row of the chrominance samples CbCr is stored in 360 bytes of memory. In a similar way, some embodiments of digital video decoding downsample the chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture by a 2:1 ratio in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Hence, only one-quarter of memory size is required in comparison with the original 4:2:0 chrominance samples. The memory storage size of a video frame can also be reduced without a significant perceived loss in quality by quantizing the bit representation of only the color or chrominance information. Quantization refers to the process of approximating a continuous set of values in the image data with a finite (preferably small) set of values. The input to a quantizer is the original data, and the output is always one among a finite number of levels. The quantizer is a function whose set of output values are discrete, and usually finite. Obviously, this is a process of approximation, and a good quantizer is one which represents the original signal with minimum loss or distortion. There are two types of quantization: scalar quantization and vector quantization. In scalar quantization, each input symbol is treated separately in producing the output, while in vector quantization the input symbols are clubbed together in groups called vectors, and processed to give the output. This clubbing of data and treating them as a single unit increases the optimality of the vector quantizer, but at the cost of increased computational complexity. Scalar quantization can be further divided into uniform and non-uniform quantization. Two examples of vector quantization are full search vector quantization (FSVQ) and classified vector quantization (CVQ). In the application of CVQ, blocks within a picture are first classified into shade blocks and edge blocks, and vector quantization is then performed on the shade blocks and the edge blocks, respectively. A scalar quantizer can be specified by its input partitions and output levels (also called reproduction points). If the input range is divided into levels of equal spacing, then the quantizer is termed as a uniform quantizer, and if not, it is termed as a non-uniform quantizer. A uniform quantizer can be easily specified by its lower bound and the step size. Also, implementing a uniform quantizer is easier than a non-uniform quantizer. A vector quantizer is useful for providing high compression ratios while at the same time providing accurate quantization. In the same way a quantizer partitions its input and outputs discrete levels, a dequantizer or inverse quantizer receives the output levels of a quantizer and converts them into normal data, by translating each level into a reproduction point in the actual range of data. Some embodiments of digital video decoding with reduced memory requirements apply scalar quantization of picture samples, especially of chrominance samples. A scalar quantizer, which can be either a uniform or non-uniform scalar quantizer, is used to quantize the samples before storing. Please refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been scalar quantized. As shown in FIG. 7, an original 8-bit Cb0 sample is scalar quantized as 4-bit data Cb0, and an original 8-bit Cr0 sample is also scalar quantized as 4-bit data Cr0. The 4-bit samples Cb0 and Cr0 are combined as an 8-bit byte and store in an 8-bit DRAM byte as shown in FIG. 7. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, each row of scalar quantized chrominance samples CbCr is stored using half as many bytes as non quantized chrominance samples CbCr, thereby reducing the amount of required memory by half. Thus, each row of the chrominance samples CbCr is stored in 360 bytes of memory. In the cases that chroma samples of reference picture are scalar quantized and stored, when performing a motion compensation operation to read a prediction block from the scalar quantized chroma reference picture, the read out 8-bit scalar quantized data is inverse scalar quantized to restore the 16-bit Cb0Cr0 data before the data is used as a prediction block during motion compensation. On the other hand, the display control system (not shown) also performs inverse scalar quantization to inverse quantize the read out 8-bit scalar quantized data to the 16-bit Cb0Cr0 data before rendering the data to a display device. In some embodiment, a dithering process is applied before scalar quantization of chroma samples to improve a wider range of quantized values and gain better performance. The maximum quantization error is caused when a measurement falls on the halfway point when scalar quantizing data. Since binary data is comprised of only 1s and 0s, on or off, high or low, etc., there is no halfway measurement. To help solve this problem, the dithering process is applied by adding a randomly generated value to chroma samples before performing scalar quantization on the chroma samples. Hence, dithering helps nudge values above or below the halfway point so that they can be rounded up or rounded down randomly. In this way, a greater range of quantized values can be created. Please refer to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram of memory usage in another embodiment of digital video decoding with reduced memory requirements, showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been vector quantized. Instead of scalar quantization, vector quantization can also be applied for reducing the amount of memory required to store chrominance samples. For instance, vector quantization can be applied to 4 adjacent samples of a row of a block. That is, 4 samples of a row of a block are vector quantized at the same time. The type of vector quantization used is preferably full search vector quantization (FSVQ), but can also be classified vector quantization (CVQ). As shown in FIG. 8, 4 samples of a row of a block as used as an input vector. The process for establish a FSVQ codebook is described as follows. First, typical images are collected and training vectors are derived from analyzing sets of 4 chrominance samples, i.e. Cb(n) Cr(n) Cb(n+1) Cr(n+1). Then the VQ codebook is trained using the well-known LBG algorithm and establish a FSVQ codebook. The well-known LBG algorithm is explained in “An algorithm for vector quantizer design,” by Y. Linde et al., as published in the IEEE Trans. on Communications, Vol. COM-28, no. 1, January 1980, which is herein incorporated by reference. In addition, the details of FSVQ can be found in Vector Quantization and signal Processing, by R. M. Gray and A. Gersho, as published by Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1991, which is also herein incorporated by reference. After the codebook is obtained, 4 samples of the rows of blocks (that is, input vectors) of a decoded picture are vector quantized, and the vector quantized result is stored into a picture buffer. In FIG. 8, the four horizontal adjacent 8-bit chroma samples Cb0, Cr0, Cb1, and Cr1, are treated as a 32-bit input vector. Assuming the number of entries in the VQ codebook is 256, instead of storing 32 bits in the picture buffer, only log2(256)=8 bits VQ codebook index need to be stored in the picture buffer. Hence, only ¼ of the original 32 bits of data are stored in the picture buffer. In the cases where chroma samples of reference picture are vector quantized and stored, when performing a motion compensation operation to read a prediction block from the vector quantized chroma reference picture, the read 8-bit vector quantized data are used to look up the VQ codebook to restore the inverse vector quantized 32-bit Cb(n)Cr(n)Cb(n+1)Cr(n+1) data. As shown in FIG. 8, since the original 32 bits are vector quantized to become 8 bits, each row of the chrominance samples CbCr is stored in only 180 bytes of memory. On the other hand, the display control system (not shown) also performs inverse vector quantization to inverse quantize the read out 8-bit vector quantized data to obtain the inverse vector quantized 32-bit Cb(n)Cr(n)Cb(n+1)Cr(n+1) data before rendering the data to a display device. Please refer to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram of memory usage in yet another embodiment of digital video decoding with reduced memory requirements, showing the relative number of bytes in a memory needed to store luminance and chrominance values of a YUV 4:2:0 format picture in which the chrominance values have been downsampled by a 2:1 ratio in the vertical direction and then vector quantized. FIG. 9 is identical to FIG. 8 except half as many rows of memory are required for storing the chrominance samples CbCr, thereby reducing the memory requirement by a factor of 2. As mentioned above, besides using full search vector quantization (FSVQ), classified vector quantization (CVQ) can also be used. The most serious problem in the ordinary VQ is an edge degradation problem caused by employing the conventional distortion measures such as the mean square error (MSE). Since an edge is a very significant feature perceptually in the image, a faithful coding that preserves the edge integrity is very important. Unfortunately, the MSE does not possess any edge preserving property. In order to alleviate the edge degradation in VQ, B. Ramamurthi and A. Gersho introduced a classified VQ (CVQ) technique based on a composite source model in “Classified vector quantization of image,” as published in the IEEE Trans. Commun, Vol. COM-34, pp. 1105-1115, November 1986, which is herein incorporated by reference. In the composite source model, the image is represented by the shade blocks and the blocks with an edge at a particular orientation and location. A classifier separates these two sources. Then the subblocks belong to a class are coded only with the codevectors of the same class in order to preserve the perceptual feature associated with each class. Therefore, since the CVQ technique preserves the perceptual features, such as an edge, associated with each class, the quality of reconstructed images can be improved significantly. Therefore, a block of an image can be treated as an input vector and a CVQ process can be applied to vector quantize these vectors and store the results into a picture buffer. Please refer to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment video playing system 200. For example, the video playing system 200 can be a DVD player system. FIG. 11 is a detailed block diagram of a video decoding system 250 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a detailed block diagram of a display control system 230 shown in FIG. 10. The video playing system 200 is used to decode an incoming bit-stream S into audio A and video V outputs. A bit-stream parsing system 210 receives the MPEG bit-stream S and parses the MPEG bit-stream S into two coded bit-streams: a coded audio bit-stream Ca and coded video bit-stream Cv. These two coded bit-streams Ca and Cv are then stored into a memory 280 via a memory management system 240. Then the bit-stream Ca and Cv are accessed and decoded into audio A and video V, respectively, by an audio decoding system 260 and the video decoding system 250, and the decoded audio A and the decoded video V are again stored into the memory 280 via the memory management system 240. The display control system 230 fetches the decoded video V from the memory 280, and outputs it along with the decoded audio A, for example, to a television set. A central processing system 220 is used to control and coordinate data flow among the systems, and data is transmitted among the systems through a transmission bus 270. FIG. 11 illustrates the block diagram of the video decoding system 250. The video decoding system includes a variable length decoder (VLD) 310, an inverse quantization unit (IQ) 320, an inverse discrete cosine transformer (IDCT) 330, a block reconstruction unit (BR) 340, a motion compensator (MC) 350, a compressor 360, and a decompressor 370. The VLD 310 receives the video bit-stream Cv and accordingly outputs the first decoded parameters to the IQ 320 and the IDCT 330 for the inverse quantization and inverse discrete cosine transformation operations, and the results after the transformation are then output to the BR 340. The VLD 310 also outputs the second decoded parameters to the MC 350, so that the MC 350 can retrieve prediction blocks from the compressed reference pictures stored in the memory 280 through decompressor 370 and then perform motion-compensation operations. The decompressor 370 contains an inverse quantization module 372 for inverse quantizing the chrominance samples and a chroma upsampling module 374 for performing upsampling operations on the chrominance samples. The chrominance samples of the prediction block fetched from the compressed reference picture are inverse quantized by the inverse quantization module 372, and then chroma upsampled by the chroma upsampling module 374. After that, the restored chroma prediction block can be sent to MC 350 for chrominance motion-compensation operations. As for the luminance prediction block, the decompressor 370 bypasses the luminance prediction block directly without any change and sent it to the MC 350 for luminance motion-compensation operations. A motion-compensated block is sent to the BR 340 by the MC 350. Then, the BR 340 combines both the result from the IDCT 330 and the motion-compensated block from MC 350 to create a reconstructed block of decoded pictures. The compressor 360 receives the reconstructed block from BR 340 to compress it and stores the compressed video in the memory 280. The compressor 360 contains a chroma downsampling module 362 for performing downsampling operations on chrominance samples and a quantization module 364 for quantizing the chrominance samples. As for the luminance samples of a reconstructed block, the compressor 360 bypasses them directly without any change and stores them into the memory 280. Each of the chroma downsampling module 362 and the quantization module 364 of the compressor 360 are able to reduce the size of the memory 280 that is required to store the chrominance samples. The chroma downsampling module 362 can be used by itself, the quantization module 364 can be used by itself, or both modules can be used together for further reducing the memory requirements. When the chroma downsampling module 362 is used, its counterpart namely the chroma upsampling module 374 is also used. When the quantization module 364 is used, its counterpart namely the inverse quantization module 372 is also used. Note that the quantization operation performed by the quantization module 364 may be uniform scalar quantization with a dithering process, uniform scalar quantization without a dithering process, non-uniform scalar quantization with a dithering process, non-uniform scalar quantization without a dithering process, vector quantization with a dithering process, or vector quantization without a dithering process. In cases where a dithering process is applied before quantization, the quantization module 364 further comprises a random number generator and an adder for dithering. The random number generator generates a random number randomly and the adder adds the random number to the chroma samples. Then, the quantization module 364 performs quantization on the dithered chroma samples from the output of the adder. As shown in FIG. 12, the display control system 230 contains a decompressor 410 and a display module 420. The decompressor 410 is the functional opposite of the compressor 360 shown in FIG. 11. The decompressor 410 contains an inverse quantization module 412 for performing an inverse quantization process on chrominance samples and a chroma upsampling module 414 for performing upsampling operations on chrominance samples. The decompressor 410 decompresses the compressed chrominance samples before outputting the decompressed chrominance samples to the display module 420. To achieve varying levels of compression and video quality, chroma downsampling and quantizing can be performed separately or together. In addition, these operations can be performed for both a reference picture and a non-reference picture for further reducing the memory storage requirements. The degree of the chroma downsampling can be varied for controlling the number of chrominance samples stored in memory. Furthermore, quantizing can be performed with uniform or non-uniform scalar quantization or with vector quantization are full search vector quantization (FSVQ) or classified vector quantization (CVQ). Because of the number of operations that can be performed on both the reference picture and the non-reference picture, numerous combinations of memory reduction methods can be performed. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The invention relates to digital video decoding, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for digital video decoding having reduced memory requirements. The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) MPEG-2 standard (ISO-13818) is utilized with video applications. The MPEG-2 standard describes an encoded and compressed bit-stream that has substantial bandwidth reduction. The compression is a subjective loss compression followed by a lossless compression. The encoded, compressed digital video data is subsequently decompressed and decoded by an MPEG-2 standard compliant decoder. The MPEG-2 standard specifies a bit-stream from and a decoder for a very high compression technique that achieves overall image bit-stream compression not achievable with either intraframe coding alone or interframe coding alone, while preserving the random access advantages of pure intraframe coding. The combination of block based frequency domain intraframe encoding and interpolative/predictive interframe encoding of the MPEG-2 standard results in a combination of intraframe encoding advantages and interframe encoding advantages. The MPEG-2 standard specifies predictive and interpolative interframe encoding and frequency domain intraframe encoding. Block based motion compensation is utilized for the reduction of temporal redundancy, and block based Discrete Cosine Transform based compression is utilized for the reduction of spatial redundancy. Under the MPEG- 2 standard, motion compensation is achieved by predictive coding, interpolative coding, and variable length coded motion vectors. The information relative to motion is based on a 16×16 array of pixels and is transmitted with the spatial information. Motion information is compressed with Variable Length Codes, such as Huffman codes. In general, there are some spatial similarities in chromatic, geometrical, or other characteristic values within a picture/image. In order to eliminate these spatial redundancies, it is required to identify important elements of the picture and to remove the redundant elements that are less important. For example, according to the MPEG-2 standard, a picture is compressed by eliminating the spatial redundancies by chrominance sampling, discrete cosine transform (DCT), and quantization. In addition, video data is actually formed by a continuous series of pictures, which are perceived as a moving picture due to the persistence of pictures in the vision of human eyes. Since the time interval between pictures is very short, the difference between neighboring pictures is very tiny and mostly appears as a change of location of visual objects. Therefore, the MPEG-2 standard eliminates temporal redundancies caused by the similarity between pictures to further compress the video data. In order to eliminate the temporal redundancies mentioned above, a process referred to as motion compensation is employed in the MPEG-2 standard. Motion compensation relates to the redundancy between pictures. Before performing motion compensation, a current picture to be processed is typically divided into 16'16 pixel sized macroblocks (MB). For each current macroblock, a most similar prediction block of a reference picture is then determined by comparing the current macroblock with “candidate” macroblocks of a preceding picture or a succeeding picture. The most similar prediction block is treated as a reference block and the location difference between the current block and the reference block is then recorded as a motion vector. The above process of obtaining the motion vector is referred to as motion estimation. If the picture to which the reference block belongs is prior to the current picture, the process is called forward prediction. If the reference picture is posterior to the current picture, the process is called backward prediction. In addition, if the motion vector is obtained by referring both to a preceding picture and a succeeding picture of the current picture, the process is called bi-directional prediction. A commonly employed motion estimation method is a block-matching method. Because the reference block may not be completely the same with the current block, when using block-matching, it is required to calculate the difference between the current block and the reference block, which is also referred to as a prediction error. The prediction error is used for decoding the current block. The MPEG 2 standard defines three encoding types for encoding pictures: intra encoding, predictive encoding, and bi-directionally predictive encoding. An intra-coded picture (I-picture) is encoded independently without using a preceding picture or a succeeding picture. A predictive encoded picture (P-picture) is encoded by referring to a preceding reference picture, wherein the preceding reference picture should be an I-picture or a P-picture. In addition, a bi-directionally predictive picture (B-picture) is encoded using both a preceding picture and a succeeding picture. Bi-directionally predictive pictures (B-pictures) have the highest degree of compression and require both a past picture and a future picture for reconstruction during decoding. It should also be noted that B-pictures are not used as reference pictures. Because I-pictures and P-pictures can be used as a reference to decode other pictures, the I-pictures and P-pictures are also referred to as reference pictures. As B-pictures are never used to decode other pictures, B-pictures are also referred to as non-reference pictures. Note that in other video compression standards such as SMPTE VC-1, B field pictures can be used as a reference to decode other pictures. Hence, the picture encoding types belonging to either reference pictures or non-reference pictures may vary according to different video compression standards. As mentioned above, a picture is composed of a plurality of macro-blocks, and the picture is encoded macro-block by macro-block. Each macro-block has a corresponding motion type parameter representing its motion compensation type. In the MPEG 2 standard, for example, each macro-block in an I-picture is intra-coded. P-pictures can comprise intra-coded and forward motion compensated macro-blocks; and B-pictures can comprise intra-coded, forward motion compensated, backward motion compensated, and bi-directional motion compensated macro-blocks. As is well known in the art, an intra-coded macro-block is independently encoded without using other macro-blocks in a preceding picture or a succeeding picture. A forward motion compensated macro-block is encoded by using the forward prediction information of a most similar macro-block in the preceding picture. A bi-directional motion compensated macro-block is encoded by using the forward prediction information of a reference macro-block in the preceding picture and the backward prediction information of another reference macro-block in the succeeding picture. The formation of P-pictures from I-pictures, and the formation of B-pictures from a pair of past and future pictures are key features of the MPEG-2 standard. FIG. 1 shows a conventional block-matching process of motion estimation. A current picture 120 is divided into blocks as shown in FIG. 1 . Each block can be any size. For example, in the MPEG standard, the current picture 120 is typically divided into macro-blocks having 16×16 pixels. Each block in the current picture 120 is encoded in terms of its difference from a block in a preceding picture 110 or a succeeding picture 130 . During the block-matching process of a current block 100 , the current block 100 is compared with similar-sized “candidate” blocks within a search range 115 of the preceding picture 110 or within a search range 135 of the succeeding picture 130 . The candidate block of the preceding picture 110 or the succeeding picture 130 that is determined to have the smallest difference with respect to the current block 100 , e.g. a block 150 of the preceding picture 110 , is selected as a reference block. The motion vectors and residues between the reference block 150 and the current block 100 are computed and coded. As a result, the current block 100 can be restored during decompression using the coding of the reference block 150 as well as the motion vectors and residues for the current block 100 . The motion compensation unit under the MPEG-2 Standard is the macroblock unit. The MPEG-2 standard sized macroblocks are 16×16 pixels. Motion information consists of one vector for forward predicted macroblocks, one vector for backward predicted macroblocks, and two vectors for bi-directionally predicted macroblocks. The motion information associated with each macroblock is coded differentially with respect to the motion information present in the reference macroblock. In this way a macroblock of pixels is predicted by a translation of a macroblock of pixels from a past or future picture. The difference between the source pixels and the predicted pixels is included in the corresponding bit-stream. That is, the output of the video encoder is a digital video bit-stream comprising encoded pictures that can be decoded by a decoder system. FIG. 2 shows difference between the display order and the transmission order of pictures of the MPEG-2 standard. As mentioned, the MPEG-2 standard provides temporal redundancy reduction through the use of various predictive and interpolative tools. This is illustrated in FIG. 2 with the use of three different types of frames (also referred to as pictures): “I” intra-coded pictures, “P” predicted Pictures, and “B” bi-directional interpolated pictures. As shown in FIG. 2 , in order to decode encoded pictures being P-pictures or B-pictures, the picture transmission order in the digital video bit-stream is not the same as the desired picture display order. A decoder adds a correction term to the block of predicted pixels to produce the reconstructed block. Typically, a video decoder receives the digital video bit-stream and generates decoded digital video information, which is stored in an external memory area in frame buffers. As described above and illustrated in FIG. 2 , each macroblock of a P-picture can be coded with respect to the closest previous I-picture, or with respect to the closest previous P-picture. That is, each macroblock of a B-picture can be coded by forward prediction from the closest past I-picture or P-picture, by backward prediction from the closest future I-picture or P-picture, or bi-directionally using both the closest past I-picture or P-picture and the closest future I-picture or P-picture. Therefore, in order to properly decode all the types of encoded pictures and display the digital video information, at least the following three frame buffers are required: 1. Past reference frame buffer 2. Future reference frame buffer 3. Decompressed B-frame buffer Each buffer must be large enough to hold a complete picture's worth of digital video data (e.g., 720×480 pixels for MPEG-2 Main Profile/Main Level). Additionally, as is well known by a person of ordinary skill in the art, both luma (short for luminance) data and chroma (short for chrominance) data require similar processing. In order to keep the cost of the video decoder products down, an important goal has been to reduce the amount of external memory (i.e., the size of the frame buffers) required to support the decode function. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Methods and apparatuses for decoding pictures in a digital video sequence are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a method for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: decoding a first picture in the sequence; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by vector quantizing at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of a method of decoding a digital video sequence comprises: decoding a first picture in the sequence; adding a randomly generated value to at least one component of the decoded first picture; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by quantizing the at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; inverse quantizing a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of a method of decoding a digital video sequence comprises: decoding a first picture in the sequence; reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by downsampling at least one component of the first picture and then quantizing the at least one downsampled component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture to a memory; reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by vector quantizing at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; a means for reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for adding a randomly generated value to at least one component of the decoded first picture, and for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by quantizing the at least one component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; an inverse quantizer for inverse quantizing a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for decoding a digital video sequence comprises: a first decoding means for decoding a first picture in the sequence; a data size reducing means for reducing a data size of the decoded first picture by downsampling at least one component of the first picture and then quantizing the at least one downsampled component of the first picture, the quantized component selected from the luminance and chrominance components of the first picture; a memory for storing a reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; a means for reading a region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture; and a second decoding means for decoding a region of interest of a second picture in the sequence according to the region of interest of the reduced data size representation of the decoded first picture. | 20050218 | 20121016 | 20060824 | 74548.0 | H04B166 | 0 | DIEP, NHON THANH | METHOD OF DECODING A DIGITAL VIDEO SEQUENCE AND RELATED APPARATUS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04B | 2,005 |
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10,906,646 | ACCEPTED | Tilt Sensor Apparatus and Method Therefor | A tilt sensor apparatus (36) includes one or more tilt sensors (42). Each tilt sensor (42) includes a conductive element (64) entrapped within an opening (46) formed through a middle planar substrate (38). The opening is surrounded by an opening wall (52) which is entirely covered by a conductor (54). A conductive star pattern (100′) is formed on a top planar substrate (40), and a conductive star pattern (100″) is formed on a bottom planar substrate (44). The star patterns (100) are positioned at opposing ends of the opening (46). The conductive element moves within the opening (46) as the apparatus (36) is tilted. An interrupt-driven control circuit (124) is configured to indicate a change in orientation only when a short is first detected across a contact pair (54/56, 54/60) that corresponds to an orientation opposite to a currently-indicated orientation. | 1. A tilt sensor apparatus (36) comprising: a first planar substrate (44) having a top surface (58) on which a first conductive layer (56) resides, said first conductive layer being formed into a bottom pattern (100″) having alternating conductive regions (104) and void regions (106), wherein said conductive regions of said bottom pattern are electrically coupled together; a second planar substrate (38) overlying said top surface of said first substrate, said second substrate having an opening (46) overlying said pattern and surrounded by an opening wall (52) and having a intra-substrate conductor (54) on said opening wall, said intra-substrate conductor continuously occupying an annular tangential-contact band (112) in said opening wall; a third planar substrate (40) having a bottom surface (62) on which a third conductive layer resides (60), said third substrate overlying said second substrate; and a conductive element (64) positioned within said opening and configured to move within said opening to short said first conductive layer to said intra-substrate conductor when resting on said first substrate and in contact with said annular tangential-contact band. 2. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said third conductive layer is formed into a top pattern (100′) having alternating conductive and void regions, wherein said conductive regions of said top pattern are electrically coupled together; said annular tangential-contact band is a first annular tangential-contact band; and said intra-substrate conductor continuously occupies a second annular tangential-contact band in said opening wall, said second annular tangential-contact band being positioned on said opening wall where said conductive element most nearly touches said opening wall when resting on said third substrate. 3. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said top pattern is positioned relative to said bottom pattern so that said elongated conductive regions of said top pattern overlie said void regions of said bottom pattern. 4. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conductive element is substantially spherical. 5. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said opening has a frusto-conical shape. 6. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said opening is horizontally elongated. 7. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein: said bottom pattern is a first bottom pattern; said first conductive layer is formed into a second bottom pattern having alternating conductive and void regions, wherein said conductive regions of said second bottom pattern are electrically coupled together; and said first and second bottom patterns are spaced apart to prevent said conducting element from simultaneously contacting both of said first and second bottom patterns and electrically isolated from one another. 8. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein: said conductive element causes said tilt sensor apparatus to exist in a first state (140) in which a short is formed between said first bottom pattern and said intra-substrate conductor, a second state (144) in which a short is formed between said second bottom pattern and said intra-substrate conductor, and a third state (142) in which no short is formed between either said first or second bottom patterns and said intra-substrate conductor; and said tilt sensor apparatus additionally comprises a control circuit (124) coupled to said first and second bottom patterns, said control circuit being configured to continuously indicate a first-orientation until said second state is detected, then indicate a second orientation, and to continuously indicate said second orientation until said first state is detected, then indicate said first orientation. 9. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a battery (66) vertically aligned with said second substrate and in contact with one of said first and third conductive layers. 10. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said first conductive layer exhibits a first predetermined thickness; said second substrate has a conductive layer facing said first conductive layer, said second substrate conductive layer exhibiting a second predetermined thickness of greater than or equal to zero; and said second substrate is spaced apart from said first substrate by a distance of no more than a sum of said first and second predetermined thicknesses. 11. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said intra-substrate conductor substantially covers said entire opening wall. 12. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bottom pattern is a star pattern having a central conductive region and elongated conductive regions extending radially from said central region and having said void regions located between said elongated regions. 13. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said elongated conductive regions and said conductive element are mutually dimensioned so that said conductive element can simultaneously contact any adjacent two of said elongated conductive regions and said annular tangential-contact band of said intra-substrate conductor while avoiding contact with said first substrate in said void region between said adjacent two of said elongated conductive regions. 14. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said tilt sensor apparatus exists in a first state in which a short is formed between said first conductive layer and said intra-substrate conductor, a second state in which a short is formed between said intra-substrate conductor and said third conductive layer, and a third state in which no short is formed between either said first or third conductive layers and said intra-substrate conductor; and said tilt sensor apparatus additionally comprises a control circuit coupled to said first, and third conductive layers and to said intra-substrate conductor, said control circuit being configured to continuously indicate a first orientation until said second state is detected, then indicate a second orientation, and to continuously indicate said second orientation until said first state is detected, then indicate said first orientation. 15. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein said control circuit comprises: a power consuming element (126) selectively coupled to said first conductive layer; and a control element (134) coupled to said power consuming element and configured to couple said power consuming element to said first conductive layer when said control circuit indicates said second orientation and to decouple said power consuming element from said first conductive layer when said control circuit indicates said first orientation. 16. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said opening is a first opening, and said opening wall is a first opening wall; said second substrate has a second opening surrounded by a second-opening wall and has an intra-substrate conductor on said second opening wall, said second opening overlying said first substrate and underlying said third conductive layer of said third substrate; and said tilt sensor apparatus additionally comprises a second conductive element positioned within said second opening and configured to freely move within said second opening to short said intra-substrate conductor in said second opening to said third conductive layer. 17. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein: said first and second opening walls exhibit substantially identical angles; said first conductive layer underlies said second opening; said third conductive layer overlies said first opening; said first conductive layer underlying said first opening is electrically coupled to said first conductive layer underlying said second opening; said third conductive layer overlying said first opening is electrically coupled to said third conductor overlying said second opening; and said intra-substrate conductors in said first and second openings are electrically coupled together. 18. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein said first and second opening walls exhibit different angles so that said tilt sensor apparatus senses two different angles of tilt. 19. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conductive element has a diameter less than two-thirds the thickness of said second substrate. 20. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said opening exhibits a predetermined diameter at said annular tangential-contact band; and said conductive element has a diameter which is less than 80% of said predetermined diameter. 21. A tilt sensor apparatus (36) comprising: a first planar substrate (44) having a top surface (58) on which a first conductor (56) resides; a second planar substrate (38) overlying said top surface of said first substrate, said second substrate having an opening (46) surrounded by an opening wall (52) and having a second conductor (54) on said opening wall; a third planar substrate (40) overlying said second substrate and having a bottom surface (62) on which a third conductor (60) resides; and a conductive element (64) positioned within said opening and configured to move within said opening to short said first conductor to said second conductor when resting on said first substrate, said conductive element having a diameter less than two-thirds the thickness of said second substrate. 22. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said third conductor and said conductive element are mutually configured so that said conductive element shorts said third conductor to said second conductor when resting on said third substrate. 23. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said opening is horizontally elongated. 24. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein: said first conductor is formed into a first pattern (100″) and a second pattern (100″); and said first and second patterns are spaced apart to prevent said conducting element from simultaneously contacting both of said first and second patterns and electrically isolated from one another. 25. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 21 additionally comprising a battery (66) vertically aligned with said second substrate and in contact with one of said first and third conductors. 26. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein: said first conductor is provided by a conductive layer that exhibits a first predetermined thickness; said second substrate has a conductive layer facing said first conductive layer, said second substrate conductive layer exhibiting a second predetermined thickness of greater than or equal to zero; and said second substrate is spaced apart from said first substrate by a distance of no more than a sum of said first and second predetermined thicknesses. 27. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said first conductor is formed in a star pattern which underlies said opening in said second substrate, said star pattern having a central region (102) and elongated regions (104) extending radially from said central region. 28. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein: said star pattern is a first star pattern, said central region is a first central region, and said elongated regions are first elongated regions, and voids in said first conductor reside between said first elongated regions; said third conductor is formed in a second star pattern (100′) which overlies said opening in said second substrate, said second star pattern having a second central region and second elongated regions extending radially from said second central region; and and said second star pattern is rotated relative to said first star pattern so that said second elongated regions of said second star pattern overlie said voids between said first elongated regions of said first star pattern. 29. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein: said conductive element causes said tilt sensor apparatus to exist in a first state (140) in which a short is formed between said first and second conductors, a second state (144) in which a short is formed between said second and third conductors, and a third state (142) in which no short is formed between either said first or third conductors and said second conductor; and said tilt sensor apparatus additionally comprises a control circuit (124) coupled to said first and third conductors, said control circuit being configured to continuously indicate a first orientation until said second state is detected, then indicate a second orientation, and to continuously indicate said second orientation until said first state is detected, then indicate said first orientation. 30. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein said control circuit comprises: a power consuming element (126) selectively coupled to said first conductor; and a control element (134) coupled to said power consuming element and configured to couple said power consuming element to said first conductor when said control circuit indicates said second orientation and to decouple said power consuming element from said first conductor when said control circuit indicates said first orientation. 31. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein: said opening is a first opening, and said opening wall is a first opening wall; said second substrate has a second opening surrounded by a second-opening wall and has a fourth conductor on said second opening wall, said second opening overlying said first substrate and underlying said third conductor of said third substrate; said tilt sensor apparatus additionally comprises a second conductive element positioned within said second opening and configured to freely move within said second opening to short said first and fourth conductors together when in contact with said first conductor and to short said fourth and third conductors together when in contact with said third conductor. 32. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 32 wherein: said first and second opening walls each approach said first substrate at substantially identical angles and said first and second opening walls each approach said third substrate at substantially identical angles; said first conductor underlies said second opening; said third conductor overlies said first opening; said first conductor underlying said first opening is electrically coupled to said first conductor underlying said second opening; said third conductor overlying said first opening is electrically coupled to said third conductor overlying said second opening; and said second conductor is electrically coupled to said fourth conductor. 33. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 32 wherein said first and second opening walls extend at different angles between annular tangential-contact bands in said first and second opening walls so that said tilt sensor apparatus senses two different angles of tilt. 34. A tilt sensor apparatus (36) comprising: a first planar substrate (44) having a top surface (58) on which a first conductor (56) resides; a second planar substrate (38) overlying said top surface of said first substrate, said second substrate having an opening (46) surrounded by an opening wall (52) and having a second conductor (54) on said opening wall; a third planar substrate (40) overlying said second substrate and having a bottom surface (62) on which a third conductor (60) resides; a conductive element (64) positioned within said opening and configured to move within said opening to short said first and second conductors together when resting on said first substrate; and a battery (66) vertically aligned with said second substrate and in contact with one of said first and third conductors. 35. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein said conductive element shorts said second and third conductors together when resting on said third substrate. 36. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein: said battery has opposing polarity terminals (70,72) located on opposing top and bottom sides of said battery; and one of said terminals is electrically coupled between said first and third substrates through said second substrate. 37. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 37 additionally comprising a control circuit (74) physically mounted on one of said first and third substrates and electrically coupled to each of said opposite polarity terminals of said battery and to said first, second, and third conductors. 38. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 38 wherein said control circuit comprises a software-programmable device (124) configured to operate an asset tag (24) which times a duration a container in which bulk product (20) is stored is tilted, said duration describing a quantity of said product dispensed from said container (22), and which communicates said duration to a central facility (138). 39. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein: said first conductive layer exhibits a first predetermined thickness; said second substrate has a conductive layer facing said first conductive layer, said second substrate conductive layer exhibiting a second predetermined thickness of greater than or equal to zero; and said second substrate is spaced apart from said first substrate by a distance of no more than a sum of said first and second predetermined thicknesses. 40. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein said first conductor is formed in a star pattern (100″) which underlies said opening in said second substrate, said star pattern having a central region (102) and elongated regions (104) extending radially from said central region. 41. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein: said conductive element causes said tilt sensor apparatus to exist in a first state (140) in which a short is formed between said first and second conductors, a second state (144) in which a short is formed between said second and third conductors, and a third state (142) in which no short is formed between either said first or third conductors and said second conductor; and said tilt sensor apparatus additionally comprises a control circuit (124) coupled to said first and third conductors, said control circuit being configured to continuously indicate a first orientation until said second state is detected, then indicate a second orientation, and to continuously indicate said second orientation until said first state is detected, then indicate said first orientation. 42. A tilt sensor apparatus as claimed in claim 35 wherein: said opening is a first opening, and said opening wall is a first opening wall; said second substrate has a second opening surrounded by a second opening wall and has a fourth conductor on said second opening wall, said second opening overlying said first substrate and underlying said third conductor of said third substrate; and said tilt sensor apparatus additionally comprises a second conductive element positioned within said second opening and configured to freely move within said second opening to short said fourth and third conductors together when resting on said third substrate. 43. A method of operating a low power tilt sensor (42) having a first pair of contacts (54/56), a second pair of contacts (54/60), and a conductive element (64) that moves under the acceleration of gravity (27) to short said first pair of contacts when said tilt sensor is tilted in a first orientation (32) and to short said second pair of contacts when said tilt sensor is tilted in a second orientation (26), said method comprising: sensing (146) a shorted condition at said first pair of contacts; generating (154) a first-orientation indicator in response to said sensing activity; decoupling (156) a power-consuming element (126) coupled to said first pair of contacts in response to said sensing activity; coupling (158) a power-consuming element to said second pair of contacts in response to said sensing activity; and monitoring, in response to said coupling activity, said second pair of contacts for a shorted condition. 44. A method as claimed in claim 44 additionally comprising detecting said shorting of said second pair of contacts in response to said monitoring activity; generating a second-orientation indicator in response to said detecting activity; decoupling said second power consuming element from said second pair of contacts in response to said detecting activity; coupling said first power consuming element to said first pair of contacts in response to said detecting activity; and monitoring said first pair of contacts for a shorted condition. 45. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said second-orientation indicator is an inverse of said first-orientation indicator. 46. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said monitoring activity detects, in a software-programmable device (124), an interrupt caused by said shorted condition on said first pair of contacts. 47. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said monitoring activity comprises: placing a software-programmable device in a sleep mode in which said software-programmable device consumes less power than when in an awake mode; and placing said software-programmable device in said awake mode in response to said shorted condition on said first pair of contacts. 48. A method as claimed in claim 44 additionally comprising coupling one of said first pair of contacts to one of said second pair of contacts and to a node adapted to receive a common potential. 49. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said generating activity comprises: maintaining said first-orientation indicator when said first pair of contacts becomes open; and removing said first-orientation indicator when said monitoring activity encounters said shorted condition for said second pair of contacts. | RELATED INVENTION The present invention claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to “Inventory Systems and Methods,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/551,191, filed 8 Mar. 2004, and to “Inventory Systems and Methods,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/650,307, filed 3 Feb. 2005, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. The present invention is a continuation-in-part of “Asset Tag with Event Detection Capabilities,” Ser. No. 10/795,720, filed 8 Mar. 2004, having at least one inventor in common herewith, which is incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to tilt sensors and more specifically to tilt sensors having conductive elements that move under the influence of gravity and that electrically short various contacts depending on the orientation of the sensor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many applications detect an orientation of a device relative to the acceleration of gravity. One such application is an asset tag that detects the tilting of a container in which bulk product is stored to signal that the bulk product is being dispensed from the container. In this application, as in many others, the asset tag may be battery powered and is desirably as small as possible. Moreover, in this application, as in many others, for a system to be effective many asset tags may be used, and costs for a single asset tag are desirably as low as possible because those costs are multiplied by the number of asset tags that are used in an entire system. In this asset tag application, as well as in other applications, tilt sensors are used to sense the orientation of the devices in which the tilt sensors are mounted. Traditionally, mercury switches have been adapted to serve as tilt sensors. But mercury switches are undesirable for a variety of reasons. Mercury switches pose a health hazard due to the presence of mercury. Moreover, mercury switches tend to be undesirably large and far too expensive for many applications. In applications where a need exists to sense more than one tilt angle, the large size and excessive expense problems are multiplied by the number of sensors that may be used in a single device. An alternative to mercury switches may be found in solid sensors. Solid sensors are characterized by entrapping a solid, non-mercurous, conductive element, typically but not always spherically shaped, within a chamber. In one version of a solid sensor, the conductive element operates in conjunction with various electrical contacts that are also in the chamber. As the sensor is tilted, the acceleration of gravity causes the conductive element to move within the chamber, where it occasionally electrically shorts at least some of the contacts together. Solid sensors are highly desirably to the extent that they solve the health hazard problem posed by mercury switches. But the conventional solid sensors do not include a low power, small, inexpensive, and reliable unit. Some solid sensors include active semiconductor components, such as optical emitters and detectors, that must remain energized in order for orientation to be monitored. Such devices consume far too much power for many low power applications. In addition, some solid sensors are configured with power-consuming circuitry, such as pull-up resistors, that in at least one orientation continuously consume a significant amount of power. These devices also consume too much power for many low power applications, and are particularly undesirable for applications where the use of more than one tilt sensor would be beneficial. Conventional solid sensors are built using a stand-alone housing that may be mounted on a printed wiring board (PWB) but that extends above the printed wiring board more than most other components. When the sensor housing is larger than other electrical components, the sensor housing becomes a major factor in determining the size of the device, such as an asset tag, in which the sensor is used. This is an undesirable size characteristic because the sensor, more than the other components, prevents the device from being smaller. And, this size characteristic is exacerbated where the use of more than one tilt sensor would be desirable. In addition, in battery-powered applications, tilt sensors that consume too much power cause either an undesirably large battery to be used or require the device to include special battery compartments where replaceable batteries are located. Larger batteries and special compartments for replaceable batteries lead to larger devices. And, the use of replaceable batteries, and particularly batteries that require frequent replacement, is undesirable in many applications due to the nuisance factor, the costs of replacement batteries, and the excessive unreliable operational time that must be endured when battery reserves are low. The stability and/or reliability of conventional solid sensors has been a challenging problem. The sensor's solid conductive element should readily move under the influence of gravity so that desired tilt orientations may be detected. But this feature makes a continuous, robust electrical short between contacts difficult to make and maintain. Consequently, solid sensors tend to exhibit frequent false-open errors. False-open errors occur when the orientation of the sensor is such that a short between certain contacts should occur but does not. The false-open condition may appear only momentarily. In fact, solid sensors can be so sensitive to movement and so unable to make and maintain a continuous robust electrical short that they are often configured as motion detectors or jitter switches rather than tilt sensors. In this configuration mere movement, even without altering tilt angle, causes the conductive element to produce a number of spurious shorts and opens between contacts. Many solid sensors are configured to heighten this effect. One way the spurious output may be heightened is to miniaturize the sensor so that the conductive element has less distance to travel within its chamber between locations where it produces contact shorts and opens. Unfortunately, while such miniaturization may be desirable for motion sensing, it tends to make solid sensors less reliable and useful when used as tilt sensors. Some conventional solid sensors have addressed the stability and reliability problems posed for tilt sensing. But the conventional solutions have resulted in larger, more complex, more expensive components. Typically, complex structures may be included in the chamber with the conductive element to implement internal baffles, flanges, and detents with the aim of reducing spurious signals in the presence of mere movement that does not amount to tilting. In many applications where tilt sensors are needed these solutions are undesirable due to the expense and size. And, these solutions are particularly undesirable for applications where the use of more than one tilt sensor would be beneficial. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that an improved tilt sensor apparatus and method therefor are provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors that consume very little power is provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors and occupying only a little space is provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors and being inexpensive to manufacture is provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors and providing a reliable and robust indication of tilt angle is provided. A portion of these and/or other advantages are realized in one form by a tilt sensor apparatus which includes first, second, and third planar substrates and a conductive element. The first planar substrate has a top surface on which a first conductive layer resides. The first conductive layer is formed into a bottom pattern having alternating conductive and void regions. The conductive regions of the bottom pattern are electrically coupled together. The second planar substrate overlies the top surface of the first substrate. The second substrate has an opening overlying the pattern and surrounded by an opening wall, and the second substrate has an inter-substrate conductor on the opening wall, where the inter-substrate conductor continuously occupies first and second annular tangential-contact bands in the opening wall. The third planar substrate overlies the second substrate and has a bottom surface on which a third conductive layer resides. The conductive element is positioned within the opening and configured to move within the opening to short the first conductive layer to the inter-substrate conductor when resting on the first substrate and in contact with the annular tangential-contact band. At least a portion of the above and/or other advantages are realized in another form by a tilt sensor apparatus which includes first, second, and third planar substrates, a conductive element, and a battery. The first planar substrate has a top surface on which a first conductor resides. The second planar substrate overlies the top surface of the first substrate. The second substrate has an opening surrounded by an opening wall, and the second substrate has a second conductor on the opening wall. The third planar substrate overlies the second substrate and has bottom surface on which a third conductor resides. The conductive element is positioned within the opening and is configured to move within the opening to short the first and second conductors together when resting on said first substrate. The battery is vertically aligned with the second substrate and in contact with one of the first and third conductors. At least a portion of the above and/or other advantages are realized in yet another form by a method of operating a low power tilt sensor having a first pair of contacts, a second pair of contacts, and a conductive element that moves under the acceleration of gravity to short the first pair of contacts when said tilt sensor is tilted in a first orientation and to short the second pair of contacts when said tilt sensor is tilted in a second orientation. The method calls for sensing a shorted condition at the first pair of contacts. A first-orientation indicator is generated in response to the sensing activity. A power-consuming element that is coupled to the first pair of contacts is decoupled in response to the sensing activity. And, a power-consuming element is coupled to the second pair of contacts in response to the sensing activity. In response to the coupling activity, the second pair of contacts is monitored for a shorted condition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and: FIG. 1 shows a sequence depicting the dispensing of a bulk product from a container; FIG. 2 shows a top view of a portion of a tilt sensor apparatus, looking at a middle substrate, with a top substrate shown in phantom; FIG. 3 shows a side view of the tilt sensor apparatus of FIG. 2, specifically depicting first and second tilt sensors; FIG. 4 shows a side view of a third tilt sensor from the tilt sensor apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 shows a conductive star pattern which is used on upper and lower substrates in the tilt sensor apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 6 shows juxtaposed conductive star patterns from top and bottom substrates; FIG. 7 shows a cut-away view of a cavity around which a single tilt sensor from the tilt sensor apparatus of FIG. 2 is formed; FIG. 8 shows a side view of a spherical conductive element juxtaposed with conductive traces; FIG. 9 shows a top view of middle substrate for an alternate embodiment of a tilt sensor apparatus configured in accordance with the teaching of the present invention; FIG. 10 shows a schematic block diagram of a device which includes the tilt sensor apparatus of FIG. 2 or 9; FIG. 11 shows a state diagram which characterizes any tilt sensor from the tilt sensor apparatus of FIG. 2 or FIG. 9; and FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of a process the device of FIG. 10 performs in connection with the tilt sensor apparatus of FIG. 2 or 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows one of many different applications where a tilt sensor apparatus configured in accordance with the teaching of the present invention may be used. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a sequence of events depicting the dispensation of a bulk product 20 in the form of a liquid from a container 22 in the form of a bottle. In accordance with this application, product 20 is dispensed by a user, such as a bartender or other product server, when the user pours product 20 from container 22 by tilting container 22. FIG. 1 depicts three different orientations for a container 22 that is equipped with an asset tag 24. Asset tag 24 is a battery powered, electronic device that includes a tilt sensor apparatus, discussed in detail below. In an upright orientation 26, no product 20 is being dispensed from container 22. The acceleration of gravity 27 keeps product 20 in the lower portion of container 22. When it is desired to dispense product 20 from container 22, container 22 is tilted away from its upright orientation 26. Desirably, container 22 is quickly tilted to a pour orientation 28, which is greater than an angle 30 of approximately 135° displaced from upright orientation 26. So long as the tilt angle remains greater than approximately 135°, product 20 is dispensed at a roughly consistent dispensation rate regardless of the precise tilt angle. Asset tag 24 is configured to time the duration container 22 spends at a tilt angle greater than angle 30 so that the amount of product 20 dispensed can be calculated by multiplying this duration by a dispensation rate. But in order for pour orientation 28 to be reached from upright orientation 26, container 22 is first tilted to and through an intermediate orientation 32. In the preferred embodiment, intermediate orientation 32 begins at an angle 34 of around a 90° displacement from upright orientation 26 and extends to angle 30. Likewise, around the completion of the dispensation of product 20, container 22 is again tilted to and through intermediate orientation 32 as container 22 is repositioned back to upright orientation 26. Some product 20 may be dispensed while container 22 is tilted in intermediate orientation 32, depending on the amount of product 20 in container 22, its viscosity, and other factors. But the dispensation rate is likely to be erratic and lower than the dispensation rate when container 22 is in pour orientation 28. Most bar-industry professionals consider a pour to be proper only if container 22 is tilted to pour orientation 28. In order to accurately describe the amount of product 20 dispensed from container 22 and to gain knowledge about the occurrences of improper pours, asset tag 24 detects the duration spent in intermediate orientation 32 and the duration spent in pour orientation 28. These two orientations are sensed by the tilt sensor apparatus mounted within asset tag 24. Desirably, the timing information describing the pour event is communicated from asset tag 24 to a central facility, where the central facility then performs various inventory, financial, and/or management functions. While FIG. 1 depicts a dispensation from a bottle type of container, those skilled in the art will appreciate that dispensations may also occur from other types of containers to which asset tags 24 may be coupled. Moreover, a container is broadly construed to mean any device or object from which product 20 may be dispensed, and specifically includes such devices as the tap handles associated with containers from which on-tap beverages are dispensed. Asset tags 24 may come in a variety of sizes and shapes and be configured to attach to a variety of different containers 22 and to different locations on containers 22, including at the bottom of bottles. And, tilt sensor apparatuses configured in accordance with the teaching provided herein may be used in a wide variety of applications other than asset tags, whether such applications are battery-powered or not. FIG. 2 shows a top view of a portion of a tilt sensor apparatus 36, looking at a middle substrate 38, with an upper substrate 40 shown in phantom. FIG. 3 shows a side view of first and second tilt sensors from tilt sensor apparatus 36, and FIG. 4 shows a side view of a third tilt sensor. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the specific embodiment of tilt sensor apparatus 36 depicted in these figures includes three individual tilt sensors 42, but that number is not a requirement of the present invention. Tilt sensor apparatus 36 may include one or more tilt sensors 42. For the asset tag 24 application (FIG. 1), two individual tilt sensors 42′ are coupled in parallel and both detect an approximately 90° or greater tilt angle, and one individual tilt sensor 42″ detects an approximately 135° or greater tilt angle. Two tilt sensors 42′ are coupled in parallel to improve reliability and accuracy. Tilt sensors 42′ are depicted in the side view of FIG. 3, and tilt sensor 42″ is depicted in the side view of FIG. 4. Due to the small size and inexpensive nature of tilt sensor apparatus 36, no significant disadvantage results from including as few or as many individual tilt sensors 42 as may be beneficial for the application in which tilt sensor apparatus 36 is being applied. Tilt sensor apparatus 36 includes mechanical features and/or electrical features. The mechanical features are based around a stack of three substrates, namely a lower insulating, planar substrate 44, middle insulating, planar substrate 38, and upper insulating, planar substrate 40. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while tilt sensor apparatus 36 is configured to be influenced by the acceleration of gravity 27, directional terms used herein, such as top, upper, middle, bottom, lower, upright, overlie, underlie, over, under, vertical, horizontal, and the like, are used in a relative sense only and that the meaning of these terms is consistent with the views illustrated in the figures. This relative use of directional terms is being adopted so that the reader may readily understand the invention taught herein. Nothing requires tilt sensor apparatus 36 to be manufactured, used, or sold in only one orientation where these directional terms are consistent with the direction of gravity 27, and nothing requires tilt sensor apparatus 36 to be manufactured, used, or sold only in an orientation consistent with the views illustrated in the figures. Substrates 44, 38, and 40 are all formed from conventional printed wiring board (PWB) materials in the preferred embodiment, and are all manufactured using conventional printed wiring board materials and techniques. The use of such materials and techniques promotes the inexpensive manufacturing nature of tilt sensor apparatus 36. For each tilt sensor 42, a through opening 46, also called a chamber or cavity, is formed from a bottom surface 48 of middle substrate 38 through middle substrate 38 to a top surface 50 of middle substrate 38. An opening wall 52 surrounds opening 46 and extends between bottom and top surfaces 48 and 50. An intra-substrate conductor 54 resides on opening wall 52. Opening 46 overlies a conductor 56 on a top surface 58 of lower substrate 44, and underlies a conductor 60 on a bottom surface 62 of upper substrate 40. A conductive element 64 is entrapped within opening 46. When in the upright orientation 26 depicted in FIG. 1, conductive element 64 rests on lower substrate 44 and shorts conductor 56 to conductor 54. As tilt sensor apparatus 36 is tilted past angle 34 (FIG. 1) for tilt sensors 42′ and past angle 30 (FIG. 1) for tilt sensor 42″, conductive elements 64 move under the influence of gravity 27 (FIG. 1), where they come to rest on upper substrate 40 and short the respective instances of conductors 60 to conductor 54. In the preferred embodiment, conductive element 64 is desirably shaped substantially in the form of a sphere so that it may freely roll along conductors 54, 56, and 60 as tilt sensor apparatus 36 is tilted. One or more of conductive elements 64 in tilt sensor apparatus 36 may be constructed from a magnetic material so that a magnetic field may be applied to tilt sensor apparatus 36 to force one or more tilt sensors 42 into known states, regardless of tilt angle. But the use of a magnetic conductive element 64 is not a requirement and may desirably be omitted in applications where it is beneficial that tilt sensor 36 be insensitive to magnetic fields. In the preferred embodiments, conductive element 64 is desirably gold plated to improve the likelihood of making shorting contacts between pairs of conductors 54/56 and 54/60 and to reduce false-open errors. In accordance with conventional PWB manufacturing techniques, opening 46 and conductive element 64 are desirably maintained as clean as reasonably possible during the manufacturing process, without employing the more expensive clean-room techniques. Thus, some small amount of contamination may be present with conductive element 64 in opening 46. In order to minimize the likelihood of such contamination preventing the shorting of pairs of contacts 54/56 and 54/60 and to reduce false-open errors, it is desirable that the kinetic energy of conductive element 64 be as high as reasonably possible when conductive element 64 impacts contact pair 54/56 and contact pair 54/60. Kinetic energy may be increased by making the distance conductive element 64 can travel within opening 46 as large as possible. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the thickness of middle substrate 38, which controls this distance, is desirably more than three times the radius of conductive element 64, causing conductive element to move a distance of greater than its radius between positions where it makes contact with contact pair 54/56 and with contact pair 54/60. In other words, the diameter of conductive element 64 is less than ⅔ of the thickness of middle substrate 38. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of conductive element 64 is around 1.5 mm and middle substrate 38 is around 2.4 mm thick. While conductive element 64 may be reduced in size in alternate embodiments, such reduction in size reduces the mass and therefore the kinetic energy of conductive element 64 as it makes contact. And, the costs of being required to handle, manipulate, and track smaller items can increase manufacturing costs. Tilt sensor apparatus 36 is an electrical device, which is powered by a battery 66 in the preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, battery 66 is a single, non-replaceable, coin or button type of lithium battery with a smallest dimension 68 of its height at less than 8 mm, and at around 3.3 mm in the currently most-preferred embodiment. Battery 66, though small when compared to other batteries, may be larger than other electrical components associated with tilt sensor apparatus 36 and with asset tag 24 (FIG. 1). To the extent that battery 66 is needed to power the electrical circuits associated with tilt sensor apparatus 36, space is also provided to accommodate battery 66. In the preferred embodiment, the same space needed to accommodate the height of battery 66 is used by middle substrate 38 so that no additional height need be provided to accommodate the mechanical features of tilt sensor apparatus 36. In other words, middle substrate 38 is vertically aligned with battery 66. The vertical alignment of middle substrate 38 with battery 66 causes the mechanical features of tilt sensor apparatus 36 to occupy no more vertical height than battery 66 and prevents tilt sensor apparatus 36 from extending in height beyond other electrical components that may be associated with tilt sensor apparatus 36. Moreover, the amount of height available to middle substrate 38 due to its vertical alignment with battery 66 allows opening 46 to be sufficiently long to permit conductive element 64 to travel farther than its radius to short contact pairs 54/56 and 54/60. Battery 66 is configured to have a negative polarity terminal 70 on its top side and a positive polarity terminal 72 on its bottom side. One or more electrical components 74 associated with tilt sensor apparatus 36 are mounted on a top side of upper substrate 40. Electrical components 74 electrically couple to both of the opposite polarity battery terminals 70 and 72. In the preferred embodiment, negative terminal 70 directly contacts conductor 60 on bottom surface 62 of upper substrate 40, where it is coupled to the top surface of upper substrate 40 through plated feed-throughs 76 and to electrical components 74 via conductors 78 on the top surface of upper substrate 40. A thin, conductive, metallic spring plate 80 is positioned underneath battery 66 in contact with positive terminal 72 and has members which push battery 66 upward to hold negative terminal 70 in contact with conductor 60 on bottom surface 62 of upper substrate 40. Although not shown, portions of a rigid housing reside both underneath spring plate 80 and above upper substrate 40 so that spring plate 80, battery 66, and upper substrate 40 are clamped to one another within the housing by spring plate 80. Spring plate 80 extends laterally beyond battery 66, underneath middle substrate 38 and lower substrate 44. Spring plate 80 also has fingers that push lower substrate 44 and middle substrate 38 upward toward upper substrate 40. This causes middle substrate 38 to be clamped in place between lower substrate 44 and upper substrate 40. This clamping causes middle substrate 38 to be closely positioned immediately over lower substrate 44 and closely positioned immediately under upper substrate 40. Desirably, middle substrate 38 is spaced apart from lower substrate 44 and from upper substrate 40 by distances of no more than the thicknesses of conductors 56 and 60 on substrates 44 and 40, respectively, plus any conductor which may be on top and bottom surfaces 50 and 48 of middle substrate 38. Spring plate 80 also contacts pads 82 located on the bottom of lower substrate 44, which electrically couple to pads 84 located on top surface 58 of lower substrate 44 by feed-throughs 86. Pads 84 are formed from conductor 56, and are in physical contact with pads 88 formed on bottom surface 48 of middle substrate 38. Pads 88 electrically couple to pads 90 on upper surface 50 of middle substrate 38 by feed-throughs 92, and pads 90 are in physical contact with pads 94 on bottom surface 62 of upper substrate 40. Pads 94 are formed in conductor 60. Pads 94 electrically couple to pads 96 on the top side of upper substrate 40 by feed-throughs 98 and to electrical component 74. Accordingly, electrical component 74 is electrically coupled to negative terminal 72 of battery 66 by being electrically coupled through middle substrate 38, which simultaneously serves to provide openings 46 for tilt sensor apparatus 36. Tilt sensor apparatus 36 is formed using the same components that provide an electrical connection to the far side of battery 66 for additional space savings. Although not specifically shown in the figures, conductor 54 on opening wall 52 may alternatively be used to electrically couple one of battery terminals 70 and 72 to the electrical component 74. As shown in FIG. 2, middle substrate 38 has a thin central region. Lower substrate 44 has a similar shape. These thin central regions allow lower and middle substrates 44 and 38 to flex. Consequently, four or more conductive paths similar to the conductive paths formed using feed-throughs 86, 92, 98 may be formed through lower and middle substrates 44 and 38 to upper substrate 40. Not all of these conductive paths are required to directly couple to one of battery terminals 70 and 72. Any less-than-perfect planar unevenness between the substrates may be accommodated by flexure of lower and middle substrates 44 and 38 under the upward force provided by spring plate 80. Consequently, adequate electrical contacts can be provided for more than three vertical conductive paths due to the flexure of lower and middle substrates 44 and 38. Conductors 56 and 60 are preferably provided by thin conductive layers on lower and upper substrates 44 and 40, respectively. The thicknesses of these conductive layers are exaggerated in the figures. In the preferred embodiment, conventional techniques, such as etching, are used to remove portions of conductors 56 and 60 and pattern conductors 56 and 60 into desired shapes, where some of the shapes in each conductor 56 and 60 are electrically isolated from one another. FIG. 5 shows a conductive star pattern 100. Star patterns 100 are used on lower and upper substrates 44 and 40 in tilt sensor apparatus 36. Star pattern 100 is electrically isolated from other patterns that may be formed in the conductive layers that provide conductors 56 and 60. In particular, star pattern 100 has a central conductive region 102 from which a plurality of elongated conductive regions 104 radially extend. Insulating void regions 106 reside between adjacent pairs of elongated conductive regions 104. A feed-through 108 provides an electrically conductive path to the opposite side of the substrate on which star pattern 100 is formed. FIG. 5 also depicts the outline of opening wall 52 and of conductor 54 thereon relative to star pattern 100. Star pattern 100 fits within the central portion of opening 46, which is surrounded by wall 52, but does not extend to wall 52. In particular the conductive layers that provide conductors 56 and 60 are absent where opening wall 52 most closely approaches lower and upper substrates 44 and 40, respectively. Due to this absence of conductors 56 and 60 in this region, electrical shorting between conductor 54 and star patterns 100 should occur only through the operation of conductive element 64. FIG. 5 also depicts an annular tangential-contact band 110. Tangential-contact band 110 is the portion of star pattern 100 which is contacted by contact element 64 when contact element 64 is also in contact with conductor 54 on opening wall 52. Tangential-contact band 110 desirably intersects each of elongated conductive regions 104 and does not extend to central conductive region 102. Elongated conductive regions 104 may, but need not, extend radially farther toward opening wall 50 than tangential-contact band 110 because conductive element 64 is blocked from making contact outside of tangential-contact band 100 by conductor 54 on opening wall 52. FIG. 6 shows juxtaposed conductive top and bottom star patterns 100′ and 100′″ for an individual tilt sensor 42′. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, top and bottom star patterns 100′ and 100′″ are formed on top and bottom substrates 40 and 44 from conductors 60 and 56, respectively. Star patterns 100′ and 100′″ are positioned at opposing ends of opening 46. Star patterns 100′ and 100′″ are also rotated relative to one another so that elongated conductive regions 104 of top star pattern 100′ overlie void regions 106 of bottom star pattern 100′″, and void regions 106 of top star pattern 100′ overlie elongated conductive regions 104 of bottom star pattern 100′″. In the preferred embodiment, eight elongated conductive regions 104 are provided and equally distributed around central conductive region 102 in approximately 45° increments. Top star pattern 100′ is rotated relative to bottom star pattern 100′″ approximately one-half of this increment (i.e., 22.5°). This rotation is provided so that conductive element 64 traverses a more complex path in moving between star patterns 100. The more complex path provides greater opportunities for conductive element 64 to encounter and dislodge minute particles of contamination that may be present in opening 46, providing a greater likelihood of making a shorting contact between contact pairs 54/56 and 54/60 and reducing the likelihood of false-open errors. FIG. 7 shows a cut-away view of cavity 46 around which a single tilt sensor 42′ from the tilt sensor apparatus 36 is formed. FIG. 7 illustrates that in the preferred embodiment, annular tangential-contact bands 112 are continuously occupied by conductor 54 and do not exhibit a pattern of void and conductive regions. Annular tangential-contact bands 112 represent the regions of opening wall 52 and conductor 54 where conductive element 64 makes contact when also resting on a star pattern 100 of a substrate 40 or 44. By making conductor 54 continuously occupy tangential-contact bands 112, tilt sensor 42′ provides a more stable output. Mere movement that is not a tilting movement has less likelihood of producing a spurious output that might lead to a false-open condition. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the entirety of opening wall 52 is continuously occupied by conductor 54, and conductor 54 may extend both on top of top surface 50 of middle substrate 38 and beneath bottom surface 48 of middle substrate 38. This configuration electrically shorts contact bands 112 together. As discussed below, the shorting between contact bands 112 poses no problem in the preferred embodiment. The continuous occupation of opening wall 52 by conductor 54 is also compatible with conventional PWB manufacturing processes for plated-through holes and is extremely inexpensive. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness of conductor 54 is exaggerated in the figures. The use of an individual tilt sensor 42′ structure that results from an inexpensive process enables tilt sensor apparatus 36 to include as many tilt sensors 42 as may be beneficial to the application in which tilt sensors are being provided. While FIG. 7 depicts only tilt sensor 42′, tilt sensor 42″ (FIG. 4) and/or other tilt sensors 42 that may sense still other angles are desirably configured in a similar manner. FIG. 4 depicts annular tangential-contact bands 112 for tilt sensor 42″. As shown in FIG. 4, walls 52 extend between top surface 50 of middle substrate 38 and bottom surface 48 of middle substrate 38 at a different angle (e.g., 45° or 135°, depending on the reference) from the perpendicular depictions of FIGS. 2 and 7. That different angle permits tilt sensor 42″ to sense orientation 28 (FIG. 1) while tilt sensors 42′ collectively sense orientation 32 (FIG. 1). But there is no need for walls 52 to maintain this angle outward from annular tangential-contact bands 112 because conductive element 64 makes no contact with walls 52 in this outer region. Thus, FIG. 4 shows that a portion of walls 52 may exhibit a different angle, such as perpendicular, to save space that otherwise might be required on bottom surface 48 of middle substrate 38. The portion of walls 52 residing between annular tangential-contact bands 112 causes opening 46 to exhibit a frusto-conical shape within annular tangential-contact bands 112 for tilt sensors 42 that sense tilt angles other than 90°. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, the frusto-conical shape of opening 46 in tilt sensor 42″ and the cylindrical shape of opening 46 for tilt sensors 42′ are substantially symmetrical about their axes, which allow each of tilt sensors 42 in the preferred embodiment to sense a solid tilt angle. In other words, tilt sensor apparatus 36 senses the same tilt angles, whether the angles are to the left, right, forward, or backward from upright orientation 26 (FIG. 1). In the preferred embodiment, opening 46 in the vicinity of annular tangential-contact bands 112 has a minimum diameter 114 that is 1.25 times greater than the diameter of contact element 64. Thus, for the preferred embodiment with a 1.5 mm diameter conductive element 64, opening 46 at annular tangential-contact bands 112 exhibits at least a 1.875 mm diameter, and more preferably exhibits around a 2.25 mm diameter. This diameter for opening 46 gives contact element 64 sufficient room to freely move within opening 46 and allows annular tangential-contact band 110 (FIG. 5) to traverse both elongated conductive regions 104 and void regions 106 in star patterns 100. But there is no need for opening 46 to observe the minimum diameter outside of annular tangential-contact bands 112, and opening 46 at top surface 50 of middle substrate 38 may very well exhibit a somewhat smaller diameter to save space on top surface 50 or to ease manufacturing processes. FIG. 8 shows a exaggerated side view of a spherical conductive element 64 juxtaposed with elongated conductive regions 104 and void regions 106 of a star pattern 100. FIG. 8 applies to either top star pattern 100′ or bottom star pattern 100′″. Referring to FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, conductive element 64 is urged to come to rest within opening 46 when a contact point 115 on the surface of conductive element 64 contacts conductor 54 in an annular tangential-contact band 112. In addition, conductive element 64 comes to rest on edges of two, adjacent elongated conductive regions 104, with a portion of conductive element extending into the void region 106 between the two adjacent elongated conductive regions 104. While the outside of conductive element 64 dips into void region 106, it avoids contact with surface 58 or 62 of the respective lower or upper substrate 44 or 40. Thus, conductive element 64 contacts two points on the star pattern 100. In order for this arrangement to result, the thicknesses of the conductive layers from which elongated conductive regions 104 are patterned are mutually dimensioned with the diameter of conductive element 64, and with the diameter of opening 46 which establishes the location of annular tangential contact band 110. By having conductive element 64 rest on two points in star pattern 100, the chances of making a successful electrical contact are improved over a design that achieved contact at only one point. Moreover, contamination 116 tends to have more difficulty adhering to the edges of elongated conductive regions 104 than in the flat portions of conductors 56 or 60, and contamination 116 is easily dislodged from the edges by the movement of conductive element 64. The use of the edges of elongated conductive regions 104 to make contact with conductive element 64 also promotes good electrical contact between conductive regions 104 and conductive element 64 because the edges are more immune to contamination 116. FIG. 9 shows a top view of middle substrate 38 for an alternate embodiment of a tilt sensor apparatus 36 configured in accordance with the teaching of the present invention. In particular, tilt sensor apparatus 36 includes two tilt sensors 42. The two tilt sensors 42 are coupled in parallel as were tilt sensors 42′, discussed above, but each tilt sensor 42 senses a 0° tilt angle in this embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 9 may be useful for attachment to a tap handle which is at a slightly negative tilt angle when the tap is closed and at a positive angle when dispensing a beverage. In the FIG. 9 embodiment, opening 46 is horizontally elongated so that conductive element 64 may travel a considerable horizontal distance. In addition, two of star patterns 100′″ formed from conductor 56 are each located on top surface 58 of lower substrate 44 and spaced apart from one another by a distance that prevents contact element 64 (FIG. 3) from contacting both of star patterns 100′″ simultaneously. Additional star patterns 100′ may, but are not required to, be located on bottom surface 62 of upper substrate 40 (FIG. 3). Intra-substrate conductor 54 resides on opening wall 46 as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2-8, and the other features of this alternative embodiment are also substantially as described above in connection with FIGS. 2-8. When tilt sensor apparatus 36 is tilted at a negative angle, conductive element 64 shorts one of star patterns 100″ formed from conductor 56 to intra-substrate conductor 54. When tilt sensor apparatus 36 is tilted at a positive angle, conductive element 64 rolls to the other side of elongated opening 46, where it then shorts the other of star patterns 100″ formed from conductor 56 to intra-substrate conductor 54. In still other embodiments (not shown), star patterns 100 may be omitted from one side of opening 46. For example, when two tilt sensors 42′ are coupled in parallel, then top star pattern 100′ may be omitted from one opening while bottom star pattern 100″ may be omitted from the other. Some reliability may be sacrificed in this embodiment, but the redundancy achieved from operating two tilt sensors 42′ in parallel allows the same basic functionality to be provided. Even when tilt sensors 42 are not coupled in parallel, one of the star patterns 100 may be omitted. For example, in the embodiment discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2-8, bottom star pattern 100″ may be omitted from tilt sensor 42″. The functionality is somewhat different, but the difference may be of little importance in applications where other tilt sensors, such as tilt sensors 42′ are present. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary schematic block diagram depicting a device 118, such as an asset tag 24, which includes a tilt sensor apparatus 36 configured generally as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2-9. FIG. 10 shows that exemplary device 118 includes two 90° tilt sensors 42′ and one 135° tilt sensor 42″, but it might alternatively or additionally include 0° tilt sensors. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanical features of tilt sensors 42′ and 42″ are similar to those discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2-9. For convenience, FIG. 10 schematically depicts each tilt sensor 42 somewhat like a double-pole switch. One pair of contacts, i.e., contact pair 54/56, is closed or shorted when device 118 is upright. This pair of contacts is labeled “UC” in FIG. 10. Another pair of contacts is provided by contact pair 54/60. Contact pair 54/60 is open when device 118 is upright, but closed or shorted when device 118 is tilted beyond the tilt sensor's angle. This pair of contacts is labeled “TC” in FIG. 10. Conductors 54 from all tilt sensors 42 and negative terminal 70 from battery 66 couple to a terminal 120 adapted to receive a common potential, referred to hereinafter as ground. Thus, the shorting together of annular tangential-contact bands 112 (FIG. 7) by conductor 54 continuously occupying the entirety of opening wall 52 poses no problem because the configuration of device 118 depicted in FIG. 10 does not require separate pairs of contacts in any of tilt sensors 42. Positive terminal 72 of battery 66 couples to an input/output (I/O) section 122 and to a software-programmable device 124. Within I/O section 122, power-consuming elements 126 and 128, shown in FIG. 10 as pull-up resistors, respectively couple to first ports of controllable switching elements 130 and 132 and through an asynchronous edge detector circuit 133 to interrupt inputs of software-programmable device 124. Edge detector circuit 133 allows brief (e.g., less than 1 microsecond), spurious indications of tilt or no-tilt conditions to be captured and to cause an interrupt for software-programmable device 124. A second port of switching element 130 couples to the star patterns 100′″ formed from conductor 56 for each of tilt sensors 42′, and a second port of switching element 132 couples to the star pattern 100′″ formed from conductor 56 for tilt sensor 42″. A third port of switching element 130 couples to the star patterns 100′ formed from conductor 60 for each of tilt sensors 42′, and a third port of switching element 132 couples to the star pattern 100′ formed from conductor 60 for tilt sensor 42″. A control register 134 receives data from software-programmable device 124 and provides control outputs which operate switching elements 130 and 132. Thus, switching elements 130 and 132 selectively couple their first ports to their second or third ports under the control of data provided by software-programmable device 124. A data or I/O output of software-programmable device 124 also couples to an interface circuit 136, through which data are communicated to a central facility 138. Interface circuit 136 may implement any electronic communication scheme, including radio-frequency schemes, bidirectional schemes, optical schemes, infrared schemes, inductive schemes, capacitive schemes, acoustic schemes, magnetic schemes, and schemes based on direct physical connection between contacts in device 118 and another device which may serve as central facility 138 or which may transport data to central facility 138. Any of the numerous types of computer and data processing devices known to those skilled in the art may serve as central facility 138, regardless of location. Central facility 138 may be distributed so as to provide functions that are performed at different devices, and such devices may or may not be remotely located from one another or from device 118. FIG. 11 shows a state diagram which characterizes the operation of any single tilt sensor 42 from tilt sensor apparatus 36. In particular, FIG. 11 indicates that tilt sensor 42 may exist at any given moment in any one of three states, including a first-short state 140, a no-short state 142, and a second-short state 144. First-short state 140 occurs when conductive element 64 shorts conductor 54 to conductor 60, and second-short state 144 occurs when conductive element 64 shorts conductor 54 to conductor 56. No-short state 142 occurs whenever conductive element 64 fails to produce a short at either the contact pair 54/60 or contact pair 54/56. FIG. 11 indicates that tilt sensor 42 may transition from first-short state 140 to no-short state 142, and vice-versa, or tilt sensor 42 may transition from no-short state 142 to second-short state 144, and vice-versa, but tilt sensor 42 may not transition directly between first-short state 140 and second-short state 144, or vice-versa. Tilt sensor 42 may not transition between first-short state 140 and second-short state 144 because of the large distance conductive element 64 needs to travel between the opposing ends of opening 46. Tilt sensor 42 may spend a considerable amount of time in no-short state 142, and the instances of no-short state 142 may occur at any time whether or not a tilt is in progress. But, in order for tilt sensor 42 to provide a stable and reliable indication of tilt, it is desirable that no-short state 142 be substantially ignored. That way, tilt sensor 42 is much less sensitive to mere movement but reliably senses tilts. FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of a process 146 that device 118 follows under the control of software-programmable device 124. Referring to FIGS. 10-12, in the preferred embodiment software-programming device 124 may be provided by any of a wide variety of microcontrollers, microprocessors, or the like. In a manner well understood by those skilled in the art, software-programming device 124 is configured to respond to programming instructions which are stored in a memory portion (not shown) of software-programming device 124. Process 146 is configured to be invoked upon the occurrence of an interrupt. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an interrupt may cause software-programmable device 124 to cease any process currently being executed and execute programming instructions provided for the interrupt. In the preferred embodiment, software-programmable device 124 is desirably in a sleep mode prior to the receipt of an interrupt. A sleep mode represents a lower power mode of operation where software-programmable device 124 performs reduced levels of activity. The sleep mode may be contrasted with an awake mode, where software-programmable device 124 engages in increased levels of activity and consumes more power. Also prior to an interrupt, switching elements 130 and 132 are controlled so that power-consuming elements 126 and 128 are coupled to the contact pair of each tilt sensor 42 that must be open in a currently-indicated orientation for device 118. In upright orientation 26, the TC pair must be open and the UC pair may be either shorted or open. In a tilted orientation, the UC pair must be open and the TC pair may be either shorted or open. Accordingly, power-consuming elements 126 and 128 consume substantially no power because the open contact pair to which they couple does not conduct substantial amounts of current. Likewise, the closed contact pair does not conduct substantial amounts of current because power-consuming elements 126 and 128 are decoupled from those contact pairs due to the operation of switching elements 130 and 132. Prior to an interrupt, power-consuming elements 126 and 128 hold the interrupt inputs in a known condition (e.g., a logical high state). An interrupt occurs when device 118 is tilted so that the open contact pair of a tilt sensor 42 is shorted by its conductive element 64. When the short occurs, the corresponding power-consuming element 126 or 128 then conducts current through the shorted contact pair to ground terminal 120 and consumes significantly more power. When an interrupt occurs, process 146 first performs a task 148 to cause software-programmable device 124 to enter its awake mode. In the preferred embodiment, task 146 is completed within 100 microseconds following a short in an contact pair. Task 146 may be implemented by hardware rather than software in a manner understood by those skilled in the art. After task 148, a task 150, which may be performed either by hardware or software, identifies the interrupting tilt sensor 142. For the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, an interrupt may be generated by either the 90° tilt sensors 42′ coupled in parallel or by 135° tilt sensor 42″. Subsequent tasks may be identical but for the identity of the interrupting sensor 42, regardless of which sensor 42 is identified in task 150. Following task 150, a query task 152 determines which orientation was last indicated by process 146 for the subject sensor. While the subsequent tasks may be identical regardless of the last-indicated orientation, FIG. 12 depicts two distinct program flow paths for ease of understanding. A task 154′ or 154″ is then performed to toggle an orientation-indication flag, which causes process 146 to now indicate a tilted state if the previous state was upright, or to indicate an upright state if the previous state was tilted. Thus, unlike tilt sensor 42 which exists in three states, the orientation indicator exhibits only two states, each of which is the inverse of the other. Following task 154, a task 156′ or 156″ decouples the associated power-consuming element 126 or 128 from the circuit path of the interrupting contact pair. Due to this decoupling, the subject power-consuming element 126 or 128 no longer consumes a significant amount of power. Thus, power-consuming elements 126 and 128 consume significant amounts of power only briefly and only from the instant when a short first occurs at a given contact pair until task 156 is performed. When the previous orientation was upright and the current orientation is now indicated as being tilted, the power-consuming element 126 or 128 is decoupled from the contact pair 54/60. When the previous orientation was tilted and the current orientation is now indicated as being upright, the power-consuming element 126 or 128 is decoupled from contact pair 54/56. Following task 156, a task 158′ or 158″ is performed to couple the associated power-consuming element 126 or 128 to the circuit path of the non-interrupting contact pair in the subject tilt sensor 42. This circuit path now has an open contact pair, and the power-consuming element 126 or 128 does not consume a significant amount of power. When the previous orientation was upright and the current orientation is now indicated as being tilted, the power-consuming element 126 or 128 is coupled to contact pair 54/56. When the previous orientation was tilted and the current orientation is now indicated as being upright, the power-consuming element 126 or 128 is coupled to contact pair 54/60. Next, an optional task 160′ or 160″ configures, if necessary, the interrupt structure of software-programmable device 124 to respond in the future to the non-interrupting contact pair of the subject tilt sensor 42, but not to respond to the interrupting contact pair. Task 160 may not strictly be necessary in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10 because the decoupling and coupling of power-consuming elements 126 or 128 above in tasks 156 and 158 accomplish this function. When the previous orientation was upright and the current orientation is now indicated as being tilted, the non-interrupting contact pair is contact pair 54/56. When the previous orientation was tilted and the current orientation is now indicated as being upright, the non-interrupting contact pair is contact pair 54/60. At this point device 118 is set-up to monitor the non-interrupting contact pair for a future interrupt. The orientation-indicator flag will continue to indicate its current state (either first-short state 140 or second-short state 144) regardless of any excursions into and back from no-short state 142. Following task 160, a task 162 is performed to perform any asset tag 24 or other functions that may be useful to the application for which device 118 is provided. For the asset tag 24 application, software timers are initiated and disabled upon the detection of entry into and exit from orientations 28 and 32 (FIG. 1). These orientations are indicated by the orientation-indicator flags discussed above. And, from time to time various communication functions are performed to cause data describing the durations asset tag 24 spends in orientations 28 and 32 to be sent to central facility 138. These and other functions may be performed during task 162. As indicated by ellipsis in FIG. 12, any number of additional tasks may be performed by device 118 as may be desired for the application. But, eventually device 118 completes such tasks and enters its lower power sleep mode, at which point process 146 is considered complete. Accordingly, I/O section 122 and software-programmable device 124 (FIG. 10) collectively form a control circuit configured to continuously indicate an upright orientation 26 until first-short state 140 is detected, then indicate a tilted orientation 28 or 32, and to continuously indicate the tilted orientation until the a second-short state 144 is detected, then to indicate upright orientation 26 again. While software-programmable device 124 may be provided by a wide variety of microcontrollers and microprocessors, both I/O section 122 and software-programmable device 124 may also be implemented using a single component, which is indicated as electrical component 74 in FIG. 2. In one embodiment a PIC16F630 or similar microcontroller manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. of Chandler, Ariz., USA, serves as both I/O section 122 and software-programmable device 124. In this embodiment, instead of switching a single power-consuming element between two different circuit paths, separate pull-up elements are switched in to and out from different circuit paths. And, separate circuit paths are provided to separate I/O pins that also serve as interrupts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it makes no difference whether the same or different power-consuming elements are coupled into and out from the various circuit paths and whether a larger or smaller number of physical interrupt pins are used. In summary, the present invention provides an improved tilt sensor apparatus and method therefor. The tilt sensor apparatus may include one or more tilt sensors. The tilt sensor apparatus consumes very little power due, at least in part, to the coupling and decoupling of power-consuming elements to and from circuit paths that pass through the tilt sensors and the use of an interrupt to wake a software-programmable device from a sleep mode when a sensed tilt angle is detected. The tilt sensor apparatus requires little space due, at least in part, to the alignment of an opening in which a conductive element is entrapped with a battery and/or the removal of tilt sensors from the surface of a printed wiring board (PWB) on which other circuit components are mounted. The tilt sensor apparatus is also inexpensive to manufacture because it uses a single inexpensive component in the form of a conductive element along with features formed in PWBs using conventional PWB processing techniques. And, the tilt sensor apparatus provides a reliable and robust indication of tilt angles due to the coupling of tilt sensors in parallel, the use of a control circuit which is insensitive to a no-short state, and the use of mechanical features that increase kinetic energy in the conductive element and which form reliable contacts with stationary conductors. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, while a specific embodiment related to an asset tag having particular requirements is disclosed herein, tilt sensor apparatuses configured in accordance with the teaching provided herein may be used in a wide variety of different applications, and those tilt sensors may be configured to sense different angles than those disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art may devise equivalent tilt sensor apparatuses with different dimensions than described above. These and other changes and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Many applications detect an orientation of a device relative to the acceleration of gravity. One such application is an asset tag that detects the tilting of a container in which bulk product is stored to signal that the bulk product is being dispensed from the container. In this application, as in many others, the asset tag may be battery powered and is desirably as small as possible. Moreover, in this application, as in many others, for a system to be effective many asset tags may be used, and costs for a single asset tag are desirably as low as possible because those costs are multiplied by the number of asset tags that are used in an entire system. In this asset tag application, as well as in other applications, tilt sensors are used to sense the orientation of the devices in which the tilt sensors are mounted. Traditionally, mercury switches have been adapted to serve as tilt sensors. But mercury switches are undesirable for a variety of reasons. Mercury switches pose a health hazard due to the presence of mercury. Moreover, mercury switches tend to be undesirably large and far too expensive for many applications. In applications where a need exists to sense more than one tilt angle, the large size and excessive expense problems are multiplied by the number of sensors that may be used in a single device. An alternative to mercury switches may be found in solid sensors. Solid sensors are characterized by entrapping a solid, non-mercurous, conductive element, typically but not always spherically shaped, within a chamber. In one version of a solid sensor, the conductive element operates in conjunction with various electrical contacts that are also in the chamber. As the sensor is tilted, the acceleration of gravity causes the conductive element to move within the chamber, where it occasionally electrically shorts at least some of the contacts together. Solid sensors are highly desirably to the extent that they solve the health hazard problem posed by mercury switches. But the conventional solid sensors do not include a low power, small, inexpensive, and reliable unit. Some solid sensors include active semiconductor components, such as optical emitters and detectors, that must remain energized in order for orientation to be monitored. Such devices consume far too much power for many low power applications. In addition, some solid sensors are configured with power-consuming circuitry, such as pull-up resistors, that in at least one orientation continuously consume a significant amount of power. These devices also consume too much power for many low power applications, and are particularly undesirable for applications where the use of more than one tilt sensor would be beneficial. Conventional solid sensors are built using a stand-alone housing that may be mounted on a printed wiring board (PWB) but that extends above the printed wiring board more than most other components. When the sensor housing is larger than other electrical components, the sensor housing becomes a major factor in determining the size of the device, such as an asset tag, in which the sensor is used. This is an undesirable size characteristic because the sensor, more than the other components, prevents the device from being smaller. And, this size characteristic is exacerbated where the use of more than one tilt sensor would be desirable. In addition, in battery-powered applications, tilt sensors that consume too much power cause either an undesirably large battery to be used or require the device to include special battery compartments where replaceable batteries are located. Larger batteries and special compartments for replaceable batteries lead to larger devices. And, the use of replaceable batteries, and particularly batteries that require frequent replacement, is undesirable in many applications due to the nuisance factor, the costs of replacement batteries, and the excessive unreliable operational time that must be endured when battery reserves are low. The stability and/or reliability of conventional solid sensors has been a challenging problem. The sensor's solid conductive element should readily move under the influence of gravity so that desired tilt orientations may be detected. But this feature makes a continuous, robust electrical short between contacts difficult to make and maintain. Consequently, solid sensors tend to exhibit frequent false-open errors. False-open errors occur when the orientation of the sensor is such that a short between certain contacts should occur but does not. The false-open condition may appear only momentarily. In fact, solid sensors can be so sensitive to movement and so unable to make and maintain a continuous robust electrical short that they are often configured as motion detectors or jitter switches rather than tilt sensors. In this configuration mere movement, even without altering tilt angle, causes the conductive element to produce a number of spurious shorts and opens between contacts. Many solid sensors are configured to heighten this effect. One way the spurious output may be heightened is to miniaturize the sensor so that the conductive element has less distance to travel within its chamber between locations where it produces contact shorts and opens. Unfortunately, while such miniaturization may be desirable for motion sensing, it tends to make solid sensors less reliable and useful when used as tilt sensors. Some conventional solid sensors have addressed the stability and reliability problems posed for tilt sensing. But the conventional solutions have resulted in larger, more complex, more expensive components. Typically, complex structures may be included in the chamber with the conductive element to implement internal baffles, flanges, and detents with the aim of reducing spurious signals in the presence of mere movement that does not amount to tilting. In many applications where tilt sensors are needed these solutions are undesirable due to the expense and size. And, these solutions are particularly undesirable for applications where the use of more than one tilt sensor would be beneficial. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that an improved tilt sensor apparatus and method therefor are provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors that consume very little power is provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors and occupying only a little space is provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors and being inexpensive to manufacture is provided. Another advantage is that a tilt sensor apparatus having one or more sensors and providing a reliable and robust indication of tilt angle is provided. A portion of these and/or other advantages are realized in one form by a tilt sensor apparatus which includes first, second, and third planar substrates and a conductive element. The first planar substrate has a top surface on which a first conductive layer resides. The first conductive layer is formed into a bottom pattern having alternating conductive and void regions. The conductive regions of the bottom pattern are electrically coupled together. The second planar substrate overlies the top surface of the first substrate. The second substrate has an opening overlying the pattern and surrounded by an opening wall, and the second substrate has an inter-substrate conductor on the opening wall, where the inter-substrate conductor continuously occupies first and second annular tangential-contact bands in the opening wall. The third planar substrate overlies the second substrate and has a bottom surface on which a third conductive layer resides. The conductive element is positioned within the opening and configured to move within the opening to short the first conductive layer to the inter-substrate conductor when resting on the first substrate and in contact with the annular tangential-contact band. At least a portion of the above and/or other advantages are realized in another form by a tilt sensor apparatus which includes first, second, and third planar substrates, a conductive element, and a battery. The first planar substrate has a top surface on which a first conductor resides. The second planar substrate overlies the top surface of the first substrate. The second substrate has an opening surrounded by an opening wall, and the second substrate has a second conductor on the opening wall. The third planar substrate overlies the second substrate and has bottom surface on which a third conductor resides. The conductive element is positioned within the opening and is configured to move within the opening to short the first and second conductors together when resting on said first substrate. The battery is vertically aligned with the second substrate and in contact with one of the first and third conductors. At least a portion of the above and/or other advantages are realized in yet another form by a method of operating a low power tilt sensor having a first pair of contacts, a second pair of contacts, and a conductive element that moves under the acceleration of gravity to short the first pair of contacts when said tilt sensor is tilted in a first orientation and to short the second pair of contacts when said tilt sensor is tilted in a second orientation. The method calls for sensing a shorted condition at the first pair of contacts. A first-orientation indicator is generated in response to the sensing activity. A power-consuming element that is coupled to the first pair of contacts is decoupled in response to the sensing activity. And, a power-consuming element is coupled to the second pair of contacts in response to the sensing activity. In response to the coupling activity, the second pair of contacts is monitored for a shorted condition. | 20050228 | 20060808 | 20050908 | 74058.0 | 1 | TRIEU, VAN THANH | TILT SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREFOR | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,719 | ACCEPTED | STORAGE SYSTEM AND PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR TANKS | A gauge protector that fits over the regulator assembly of a tank and includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. | 1. A gauge protector for use with a tank having a regulator and a gauge comprising: a first portion engaging the gauge; a second portion preventing movement of the first portion; said first portion and said second portion being rigidly connected to one another. 2. The gauge protector of claim 1 further including a handle to be gripped to facilitate carrying of the tank. 3. The gauge protector of claim 1 wherein the first portion surrounds the gauge. 4. The gauge protector of claim 1 wherein the second portion engages the regulator. 5. The gauge protector of claim 4 wherein the second portion surrounds the regulator. 6. The gauge protector of claim 2 wherein the handle is connected to the first portion. 7. The gauge protector of claim 2 wherein the handle has a hand grip. 8. The gauge protector of claim 2 wherein the handle has a compartment for storing an article. 9. The gauge protector of claim 2 wherein the handle includes an area for temporarily holding a torch handle. 10. The gauge protector of claim 1 said first and second portion being made of molded plastic. 11. The gauge protector of claim 1, further including an aperture for receiving a hose, said hose being connected to the regulator. 12. The gauge protector of claim 1 said second portion defining an aperture, said aperture receiving a portion of the regulator. 13. The gauge protector of claim 1 said second portion being connected to said first portion via a passage. 14. The gauge protector of claim 13 wherein said passage receives a portion of said regulator. 15. The gauge protector of claim 1 wherein a member secures the gauge protector to said regulator. 16. The gauge protector of claim 15 wherein the member threadably engages the gauge protector and the regulator. 17. The gauge protector of claim 15 wherein the member threadably engages the gauge protector. | BACKGROUND The invention relates generally to pressurized liquid or gas storage tanks and more particularly to an improved storage system and protective device for such tanks. Tanks for storing and dispensing pressurized gas and/or liquid are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and other applications. A typical tank comprises a hollow cylinder made of steel or other rigid impermeable material that stores the gas or liquid under relatively high pressure. A regulator assembly is in fluid flow communication with the tank and includes a regulator to control the flow of fluid from the tank and a gauge to monitor the fluid level and/or pressure. The tank may be provided with a separate valve for controlling fluid flow from the tank to the regulator assembly. A supply hose is connected to the output port of the regulator assembly for dispensing the fluid. The gauge is relatively fragile and can be damaged or unseated from the regulator assembly if it collides with an object. Often storage tanks are used in an environment where the fluid stored in the tank is used in conjunction with other equipment for performing a particular function. Example environments are plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical work where the tank may store a liquid fuel such as acetylene or propane. Such applications require related equipment such as brazing rods, pipe fittings, solder, flux, hand tools, torch heads or the like. Because the typical filled storage tank is heavy and difficult to transport and a wide variety of related equipment may be required at the work site, it has been difficult for a worker to easily and conveniently transport the storage tank and associated equipment. Thus, an improved storage system and protective device for use with pressurized tanks is desired. SUMMARY The storage system of the invention comprises a tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon that is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The free edge of the body portion includes an elastic band for fitting the edge of the body portion tightly to the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. Additionally, a gauge protector may be provided that fits over the regulator assembly. The gauge protector is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS plastic. The gauge protector includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. A handle may be formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket may be used independently from one another or may be used together on the same tank. When used together, the gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related accessories and tools. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 2 is a back view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the hose storage assembly used in the tank jacket of the invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gauge protector of the invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the gauge protector of the invention. FIG. 8 is a section view of the gauge protector of FIG. 7 mounted on a regulator assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the storage system 1 of the invention is shown in use with a storage tank 2 having a fill/dispense port 3 on which is mounted regulator assembly 4. Regulator assembly 4 includes a regulator 5 and gauge 6. A hose 8 is in fluid flow communication with regulator 5 for dispensing the fluid stored in tank 2. While in the illustrated embodiment tank 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape, the storage system of the invention can be used with tanks having any size and shape. Storage system 1 consists of a jacket 10 made of a durable and flexible material such as nylon, cordura, cotton, polyester, leather, denim, other synthetic materials or other materials that provide the necessary durability and flexibility. In one embodiment the material is a flame retardant material. Jacket 10 has a top portion 12 that terminates in a circular rim 14 and defines a centrally located hole 18. Extending from top portion 12 is a body portion 16 that extends around the entire periphery of the top portion so as to create an interior cavity dimensioned to receive tank 2. The bottom free edge 20 of body portion 16 is open such that the tank can be inserted into the cavity formed by body portion 16 and top portion 14 through the bottom of the jacket 10. In use the tank 2 may be stood vertically and the jacket 10 slipped over top of the tank. The shape of top portion 12 is determined by the shape of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment tank 2 is cylindrical and top portion 12 is shaped and sized to match the outer dimension of tank 2 such that the body portion 16 closely fits over the exterior of the tank. If a tank with a different shape is used, the storage system would likewise be shaped to conform to the shape and size of the tank. Likewise, the hole 18 is shown in the center of the top portion 12 to accommodate the centrally located fill/dispense port 3 of tank 2. If the fill/dispense port is located in a different position on a different type of tank, hole 18 would be repositioned so as to be coextensive with the port. Referring to FIG. 3, an elastic band 21 is provided along the free end of body portion 16. Elastic band 21 may be disposed in a pocket or hem formed at the free edge of body portion 16. The elastic band 21 is provided to help retain the jacket on the tank and to conform the free end of the jacket to the exterior surface of the tank. The elastic band 21 also helps to prevent debris or other foreign matter from entering the space between the tank 2 and the jacket 10 and minimizes the chance that the free end of the jacket will be inadvertently snagged. The jacket 10 supports a hose storage assembly 30 on which the hose 8 is stored when not in use. Hose storage assembly 30 consists of a base member 32 that is connected to the side portion 16 by adhesive, stitching or other suitable fastener. If desired the base 32 may be removably connected to the side portion 16 such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other releaseable fastener. Base 32 is dimensioned so as to have an interior dimension and shape that is substantially the same as the outer dimension of the jacket and that conforms to the outer shape and dimension of the tank 2 such that the base 32 will surround the tank when the storage system 1 is mounted on the tank. Extending from the base is an upper flange 34 and a lower flange 36. Upper flange 34 an lower flange 36 extend from the base a distance sufficient to create a volume of space therebetween that can accommodate the hose when the hose is wound around base 32. Hose 8 extends from the regulator assembly 4 through a hole 39 formed in upper flange 34 and into the space between upper flange 34 and lower flange 36 such that the hose can be wrapped around base 32. The hose storage assembly is arranged such that hose 8 is wrapped around the tank 2. In other words, the axis around which hose 8 is wrapped is coextensive with the longitudinal axis of tank 2. In this manner the hose 8 can be safely and securely stored while minimizing the space the hose occupies in the stored position. The bottom flange 36 includes a plurality of notches 38 that extend from the exterior edge of the bottom flange to an interior position. After the hose is wound on reel assembly 30, the free end of the hose can be inserted into one of the notches 38 to prevent the hose from unwinding. Notches are provided spaced around the periphery of bottom flange 36 such that the end of the hose can be secured in a notch regardless of where on the hose storage assembly the free end of the hose is positioned. As best shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment each notch 38 has a narrow throat portion 40 that leads into a slightly wider receptacle portion 42. The throat portion 40 is dimensioned such that the hose, which is typically constructed of a flexible material, is deformed as it is squeezed through throat portion 40. In this manner the hose will not inadvertently fall out of the notch. The receptacle portion 42 holds the hose without applying continuous pressure on the hose. The throat portion 40 could also be made flexible such as by using a deformable material or a flexible arrangement to facilitate insertion of the hose. In the illustrated embodiment, jacket 10 supports an elongated vertical pocket 50 that may store brazing rods or other elongated articles. In one embodiment pocket 50 may be made of the same material as jacket 10. Brazing rods are typically stored in an elongated plastic container 52 where the rods and storage container, when inserted in the pocket 50 may extend beyond the hose storage assembly 30. To accommodate the brazing rods or other elongated articles, the hose storage assembly is formed with a gap 44 that allows the elongated article to extend beyond the hose storage assembly if necessary as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment the gap is formed by making the hose storage assembly of a single piece that does not form a completely closed circle, i.e. the hose storage assembly has a “C” shape in plan view. Alternatively the reel assembly could be formed of two separate pieces that when secured on the body will not completely circumscribe the periphery of the jacket 10 to create gap 44. Moreover, the hose storage assembly could completely circumscribe the periphery of jacket 10 and gap 44 be provided by aligned apertures in the top and bottom flanges 34 and 36 that allow passage of an elongated article stored in pocket 50. In operation, if an elongated article is stored in pocket 50, the hose 8 will wrap around the outside of the stored article when the hose is in the stored position as shown in the Figures. In addition to pocket 50 other storage compartments may be provided on body 10 to facilitate the storage and transport of tools, accessories, equipment or the like. A plurality of vertical pockets 60 may be provided on the front of jacket 10. Pockets 60 are formed of a single piece of molded plastic formed to conform to the shape of the side portion 14. The molded plastic pockets provide durable receptacles for tools such as torch heads 62. Located on one side of the jacket 10 are a plurality of pockets sized and configured to retain tools and accessories used by a worker. For example pockets 66 may be used to store solder, pocket 68 may store flux, pockets 70 may store markers, pocket 72 may store channel pliers and pocket 74 may store pipe cutters. The opposite side of jacket 10 may include mesh bags 73 with closing flaps 73a that are held shut by hook and loop fasteners or other releaseable fastener. The mesh bags may retain accessories such as pipe fittings or the like. Other pockets may be provided on the opposite side for retaining a striker and/or additional brazing rods. The pockets and other storage compartments may be permanently secured to the jacket such as by adhesive, rivets, or stitching or they may be releasably secured to the jacket such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or the like. Referring to FIG. 6, the illustrated embodiment of the gauge protector 100 of the invention comprises an integral, unitary structure molded of ABS plastic or other rigid material. The gauge protector 100 may also be made of other rigid materials such as steel and need not be an integral structure as the various elements of the gauge protector could be manufactured separately and assembled to create a unitary structure. In the illustrated embodiment, gauge protector 100 includes a first housing section 102 having a back wall 104 and a side wall 106 extending from back wall 104 to create cavity 105. Back wall 104 defines an aperture 108 for receiving the conduit of regulator and side wall 106 defines an aperture 110 for receiving hose. A threaded hole 103 is formed in side wall 106 for receiving a threaded securing member such as a bolt as will hereinafter be described. Gauge protector 100 includes a second housing section 112 that has a circular back wall 115 and an annular wall 116 extending from back wall 115 to define cavity 114 for closely receiving gauge 6. First housing section 102 and second housing section 112 are rigidly connected by portions 117 such that a passage 121 extends between cavity 105 and cavity 114. Referring to FIG. 7 another embodiment of the gauge protector is shown generally at 130. Gauge protector 130 is the same as gauge protector 100 except that handle 132 is provided on the gauge protector to facilitate the carrying of the tank. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 7 as are used in FIG. 6 to identify the same elements as previously described with reference to FIG. 6. Handle 132 includes support members 134 and 136 that connect the second housing section 112 to the hand grip 138. Hand grip 138 is a rigid structure that can be gripped by a person to carry tank 2. A soft cushion 140 may be molded in the hand grip 138 to enhance the comfort of the grip. A slotted recess forming compartment 142 may be provided in hand grip 138 to retain the tank key. Portion 144 of hand grip 138 can be used to hold a torch head handle. Specifically, portion 144 consists of a recessed area 146 bounded by hand grip portion 148 and prongs 150. The torch head handle can be hung on recessed area 146 for convenient temporary storage when the tank is in use. FIG. 8 shows how gauge protector 130 is mounted on the regulator assembly 4. To install gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 4, regulator assembly 4 is removed from valve stem 151 at locking nut 152. Regulator assemble 4 is inserted into the front of gauge protector 130 such that conduit 154 is inserted into aperture 108 until regulator 5 is received in cavity 105 and gauge 6 is received in cavity 114. Side wall 106 engages and closely surrounds the regulator 5 and side wall 116 engages and closely surrounds gauge 6. Conduit 156 that connects the regulator 5 to gauge 6 is closely received between portions 117 in passage 121. Side wall 116 is dimensioned such that it extends beyond the front face and back side of gauge 6. Once the regulator assembly is retained in gauge protector 130, the regulator assembly is reattached to valve stem 151 using locking nut 152. A threaded member such as bolt 113 is threadably engaged with threaded hole 103 and engages regulator 5 to retain the gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 130. In one embodiment threaded member 113 threadably engages a threaded hole 119 formed in regulator 5. In another embodiment the threaded member 113 may simply engage the outer surface of regulator 5 to retain the gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 4 under the pressure of threaded member 113 against the regulator assembly 4. Aperture 110 is aligned with the port 158 on regulator 5 for receiving hose 8 such that hose 8 can be inserted through aperture 110 and connected to port 158. After the gauge protector 130 is mounted on regulator assembly 4, tank 2 can be easily carried using handle 132. Gauge protector 100 minimizes damage to the gauge. Specifically, gauge protector minimizes the likelihood that a blow to the gauge will cause the gauge to become unseated from the regulator or otherwise damaged. Side wall 116 and side wall 106 are shaped and dimensioned to closely fit over and surround regulator 5 and gauge 6 such that gauge protector provides shock protection for the gauge itself and adds structural rigidity between the gauge and the regulator to minimize the possibility that the gauge will become unseated from the regulator. The interface between the hose 8 and aperture 110, the interface between conduit 156 and portions 117, the friction fit between regulator 5 and sidewalls 106 and the engagement of threaded member 113 with regulator assembly 4 prevent the gauge protector from moving relative to gauge 6. As a result a collision with the gauge will be absorbed at least in part by the gauge protector and elements of the regulator. This minimizes the chance that the gauge 6 will become unseated from the regulator 5. It is to be understood that some regulator assemblies may have shapes that differ somewhat from the illustrated regulator assembly. In such a case the specific shape and configuration of the gauge protector will change to accommodate the size and shape of the regulator assembly and gauge. The gauge protector should be arranged such that it surrounds the regulator and gauge and provides structural rigidity between these components. The gauge protectors 130 and 100 may be used with or without jacket storage system 1. Likewise storage system 1 may be used with or without gauge protectors 130 or 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 gauge protector 130 is used with storage system 1. Using gauge protector 130 and storage system 1 on the same tank provides a simple apparatus for carrying a tank and its assorted accessories and related tools while providing protection for the gauge and tank. Associated accessories can be stored in the storage compartments provided on jacket 10 and the tank and the stored accessories can be conveniently carried using handle 132. The system of the invention facilitates the storage and transport of accessories and tools used with a compressed fluid storage tank and provides protection for the gauge and tank. While embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The invention relates generally to pressurized liquid or gas storage tanks and more particularly to an improved storage system and protective device for such tanks. Tanks for storing and dispensing pressurized gas and/or liquid are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and other applications. A typical tank comprises a hollow cylinder made of steel or other rigid impermeable material that stores the gas or liquid under relatively high pressure. A regulator assembly is in fluid flow communication with the tank and includes a regulator to control the flow of fluid from the tank and a gauge to monitor the fluid level and/or pressure. The tank may be provided with a separate valve for controlling fluid flow from the tank to the regulator assembly. A supply hose is connected to the output port of the regulator assembly for dispensing the fluid. The gauge is relatively fragile and can be damaged or unseated from the regulator assembly if it collides with an object. Often storage tanks are used in an environment where the fluid stored in the tank is used in conjunction with other equipment for performing a particular function. Example environments are plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical work where the tank may store a liquid fuel such as acetylene or propane. Such applications require related equipment such as brazing rods, pipe fittings, solder, flux, hand tools, torch heads or the like. Because the typical filled storage tank is heavy and difficult to transport and a wide variety of related equipment may be required at the work site, it has been difficult for a worker to easily and conveniently transport the storage tank and associated equipment. Thus, an improved storage system and protective device for use with pressurized tanks is desired. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The storage system of the invention comprises a tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon that is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The free edge of the body portion includes an elastic band for fitting the edge of the body portion tightly to the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. Additionally, a gauge protector may be provided that fits over the regulator assembly. The gauge protector is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS plastic. The gauge protector includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. A handle may be formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket may be used independently from one another or may be used together on the same tank. When used together, the gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related accessories and tools. | 20050303 | 20070327 | 20060907 | 99855.0 | B65H7502 | 1 | CHAMBERS, A MICHAEL | STORAGE SYSTEM AND PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR TANKS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65H | 2,005 |
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10,906,720 | ACCEPTED | STORAGE SYSTEM AND PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR TANKS | A tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. | 1. A storage system for use with a tank having a regulator assembly and a hose comprising: a flexible jacket dimensioned to fit over the storage tank; a hose storage assembly fixed to the body for storing a wound hose; and a pocket carried by the body for storing an accessory. 2. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said flexible body substantially covers the tank. 3. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the flexible body includes a top portion defining a hole said top portion covering the top of the tank and a side portion substantially covering the sides of the tank, said side portion terminating in a free end for receiving the tank. 4. The storage system of claim 3 wherein the free end includes a member for securing the body to the tank. 5. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the hose storage assembly is disposed such that the wound hose surrounds the tank. 6. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the hose assembly consists of a first flange and a second flange defining a space therebetween sufficient to retain the hose in the wound state. 7. The storage system of claim 6 wherein the first flange includes a means for retaining the hose on the hose storage assembly. 8. The storage system of claim 6 wherein the first flange includes a notch for receiving the hose. 9. The storage system of claim 6 wherein the first flange includes a plurality of notches for receiving the hose disposed around the periphery of the first flange. 10. The storage system of claim 6 wherein the hose storage assembly includes a gap. 11. The storage system of claim 10 wherein said gap receives an elongated article carried by the storage assembly. 12. The storage system of claim 11 wherein the hose surrounds the elongated article in the wound state. 13. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the body is formed of nylon. 14. The storage system of claim 1 further including a plurality of pockets. 15. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the pocket is formed of molded plastic secured to the body. 16. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the pocket is releasably attached to the body. 17. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the hose storage assembly is releasably attached to the body. 18. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the hole is aligned with a fill/dispense port of the tank. 19. A storage system for use with a tank having a regulator assembly and a hose comprising: a flexible jacket dimensioned to fit over the storage tank and defining a hole for receiving the regulator assembly; and a pocket carried by the body for storing an accessory. | BACKGROUND The invention relates generally to pressurized liquid or gas storage tanks and more particularly to an improved storage system and protective device for such tanks. Tanks for storing and dispensing pressurized gas and/or liquid are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and other applications. A typical tank comprises a hollow cylinder made of steel or other rigid impermeable material that stores the gas or liquid under relatively high pressure. A regulator assembly is in fluid flow communication with the tank and includes a regulator to control the flow of fluid from the tank and a gauge to monitor the fluid level and/or pressure. The tank may be provided with a separate valve for controlling fluid flow from the tank to the regulator assembly. A supply hose is connected to the output port of the regulator assembly for dispensing the fluid. The gauge is relatively fragile and can be damaged or unseated from the regulator assembly if it collides with an object. Often storage tanks are used in an environment where the fluid stored in the tank is used in conjunction with other equipment for performing a particular function. Example environments are plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical work where the tank may store a liquid fuel such as acetylene or propane. Such applications require related equipment such as brazing rods, pipe fittings, solder, flux, hand tools, torch heads or the like. Because the typical filled storage tank is heavy and difficult to transport and a wide variety of related equipment may be required at the work site, it has been difficult for a worker to easily and conveniently transport the storage tank and associated equipment. Thus, an improved storage system and protective device for use with pressurized tanks is desired. SUMMARY The storage system of the invention comprises a tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon that is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The free edge of the body portion includes an elastic band for fitting the edge of the body portion tightly to the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. Additionally, a gauge protector may be provided that fits over the regulator assembly. The gauge protector is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS plastic. The gauge protector includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. A handle may be formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket may be used independently from one another or may be used together on the same tank. When used together, the gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related accessories and tools. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 2 is a back view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the hose storage assembly used in the tank jacket of the invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gauge protector of the invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the gauge protector of the invention. FIG. 8 is a section view of the gauge protector of FIG. 7 mounted on a regulator assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the storage system 1 of the invention is shown in use with a storage tank 2 having a fill/dispense port 3 on which is mounted regulator assembly 4. Regulator assembly 4 includes a regulator 5 and gauge 6. A hose 8 is in fluid flow communication with regulator 5 for dispensing the fluid stored in tank 2. While in the illustrated embodiment tank 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape, the storage system of the invention can be used with tanks having any size and shape. Storage system 1 consists of a jacket 10 made of a durable and flexible material such as nylon, cordura, cotton, polyester, leather, denim, other synthetic materials or other materials that provide the necessary durability and flexibility. In one embodiment the material is a flame retardant material. Jacket 10 has a top portion 12 that terminates in a circular rim 14 and defines a centrally located hole 18. Extending from top portion 12 is a body portion 16 that extends around the entire periphery of the top portion so as to create an interior cavity dimensioned to receive tank 2. The bottom free edge 20 of body portion 16 is open such that the tank can be inserted into the cavity formed by body portion 16 and top portion 14 through the bottom of the jacket 10. In use the tank 2 may be stood vertically and the jacket 10 slipped over top of the tank. The shape of top portion 12 is determined by the shape of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment tank 2 is cylindrical and top portion 12 is shaped and sized to match the outer dimension of tank 2 such that the body portion 16 closely fits over the exterior of the tank. If a tank with a different shape is used, the storage system would likewise be shaped to conform to the shape and size of the tank. Likewise, the hole 18 is shown in the center of the top portion 12 to accommodate the centrally located fill/dispense port 3 of tank 2. If the fill/dispense port is located in a different position on a different type of tank, hole 18 would be repositioned so as to be coextensive with the port. Referring to FIG. 3, an elastic band 21 is provided along the free end of body portion 16. Elastic band 21 may be disposed in a pocket or hem formed at the free edge of body portion 16. The elastic band 21 is provided to help retain the jacket on the tank and to conform the free end of the jacket to the exterior surface of the tank. The elastic band 21 also helps to prevent debris or other foreign matter from entering the space between the tank 2 and the jacket 10 and minimizes the chance that the free end of the jacket will be inadvertently snagged. The jacket 10 supports a hose storage assembly 30 on which the hose 8 is stored when not in use. Hose storage assembly 30 consists of a base member 32 that is connected to the side portion 16 by adhesive, stitching or other suitable fastener. If desired the base 32 may be removably connected to the side portion 16 such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other releaseable fastener. Base 32 is dimensioned so as to have an interior dimension and shape that is substantially the same as the outer dimension of the jacket and that conforms to the outer shape and dimension of the tank 2 such that the base 32 will surround the tank when the storage system 1 is mounted on the tank. Extending from the base is an upper flange 34 and a lower flange 36. Upper flange 34 an lower flange 36 extend from the base a distance sufficient to create a volume of space therebetween that can accommodate the hose when the hose is wound around base 32. Hose 8 extends from the regulator assembly 4 through a hole 39 formed in upper flange 34 and into the space between upper flange 34 and lower flange 36 such that the hose can be wrapped around base 32. The hose storage assembly is arranged such that hose 8 is wrapped around the tank 2. In other words, the axis around which hose 8 is wrapped is coextensive with the longitudinal axis of tank 2. In this manner the hose 8 can be safely and securely stored while minimizing the space the hose occupies in the stored position. The bottom flange 36 includes a plurality of notches 38 that extend from the exterior edge of the bottom flange to an interior position. After the hose is wound on reel assembly 30, the free end of the hose can be inserted into one of the notches 38 to prevent the hose from unwinding. Notches are provided spaced around the periphery of bottom flange 36 such that the end of the hose can be secured in a notch regardless of where on the hose storage assembly the free end of the hose is positioned. As best shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment each notch 38 has a narrow throat portion 40 that leads into a slightly wider receptacle portion 42. The throat portion 40 is dimensioned such that the hose, which is typically constructed of a flexible material, is deformed as it is squeezed through throat portion 40. In this manner the hose will not inadvertently fall out of the notch. The receptacle portion 42 holds the hose without applying continuous pressure on the hose. The throat portion 40 could also be made flexible such as by using a deformable material or a flexible arrangement to facilitate insertion of the hose. In the illustrated embodiment, jacket 10 supports an elongated vertical pocket 50 that may store brazing rods or other elongated articles. In one embodiment pocket 50 may be made of the same material as jacket 10. Brazing rods are typically stored in an elongated plastic container 52 where the rods and storage container, when inserted in the pocket 50 may extend beyond the hose storage assembly 30. To accommodate the brazing rods or other elongated articles, the hose storage assembly is formed with a gap 44 that allows the elongated article to extend beyond the hose storage assembly if necessary as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment the gap is formed by making the hose storage assembly of a single piece that does not form a completely closed circle, i.e. the hose storage assembly has a “C” shape in plan view. Alternatively the reel assembly could be formed of two separate pieces that when secured on the body will not completely circumscribe the periphery of the jacket 10 to create gap 44. Moreover, the hose storage assembly could completely circumscribe the periphery of jacket 10 and gap 44 be provided by aligned apertures in the top and bottom flanges 34 and 36 that allow passage of an elongated article stored in pocket 50. In operation, if an elongated article is stored in pocket 50, the hose 8 will wrap around the outside of the stored article when the hose is in the stored position as shown in the Figures. In addition to pocket 50 other storage compartments may be provided on body 10 to facilitate the storage and transport of tools, accessories, equipment or the like. A plurality of vertical pockets 60 may be provided on the front of jacket 10. Pockets 60 are formed of a single piece of molded plastic formed to conform to the shape of the side portion 14. The molded plastic pockets provide durable receptacles for tools such as torch heads 62. Located on one side of the jacket 10 are a plurality of pockets sized and configured to retain tools and accessories used by a worker. For example pockets 66 may be used to store solder, pocket 68 may store flux, pockets 70 may store markers, pocket 72 may store channel pliers and pocket 74 may store pipe cutters. The opposite side of jacket 10 may include mesh bags 73 with closing flaps 73a that are held shut by hook and loop fasteners or other releaseable fastener. The mesh bags may retain accessories such as pipe fittings or the like. Other pockets may be provided on the opposite side for retaining a striker and/or additional brazing rods. The pockets and other storage compartments may be permanently secured to the jacket such as by adhesive, rivets, or stitching or they may be releasably secured to the jacket such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or the like. Referring to FIG. 6, the illustrated embodiment of the gauge protector 100 of the invention comprises an integral, unitary structure molded of ABS plastic or other rigid material. The gauge protector 100 may also be made of other rigid materials such as steel and need not be an integral structure as the various elements of the gauge protector could be manufactured separately and assembled to create a unitary structure. In the illustrated embodiment, gauge protector 100 includes a first housing section 102 having a back wall 104 and a side wall 106 extending from back wall 104 to create cavity 105. Back wall 104 defines an aperture 108 for receiving the conduit of regulator and side wall 106 defines an aperture 110 for receiving hose. A threaded hole 103 is formed in side wall 106 for receiving a threaded securing member such as a bolt as will hereinafter be described. Gauge protector 100 includes a second housing section 112 that has a circular back wall 115 and an annular wall 116 extending from back wall 115 to define cavity 114 for closely receiving gauge 6. First housing section 102 and second housing section 112 are rigidly connected by portions 117 such that a passage 121 extends between cavity 105 and cavity 114. Referring to FIG. 7 another embodiment of the gauge protector is shown generally at 130. Gauge protector 130 is the same as gauge protector 100 except that handle 132 is provided on the gauge protector to facilitate the carrying of the tank. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 7 as are used in FIG. 6 to identify the same elements as previously described with reference to FIG. 6. Handle 132 includes support members 134 and 136 that connect the second housing section 112 to the hand grip 138. Hand grip 138 is a rigid structure that can be gripped by a person to carry tank 2. A soft cushion 140 may be molded in the hand grip 138 to enhance the comfort of the grip. A slotted recess forming compartment 142 may be provided in hand grip 138 to retain the tank key. Portion 144 of hand grip 138 can be used to hold a torch head handle. Specifically, portion 144 consists of a recessed area 146 bounded by hand grip portion 148 and prongs 150. The torch head handle can be hung on recessed area 146 for convenient temporary storage when the tank is in use. FIG. 8 shows how gauge protector 130 is mounted on the regulator assembly 4. To install gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 4, regulator assembly 4 is removed from valve stem 151 at locking nut 152. Regulator assemble 4 is inserted into the front of gauge protector 130 such that conduit 154 is inserted into aperture 108 until regulator 5 is received in cavity 105 and gauge 6 is received in cavity 114. Side wall 106 engages and closely surrounds the regulator 5 and side wall 116 engages and closely surrounds gauge 6. Conduit 156 that connects the regulator 5 to gauge 6 is closely received between portions 117 in passage 121. Side wall 116 is dimensioned such that it extends beyond the front face and back side of gauge 6. Once the regulator assembly is retained in gauge protector 130, the regulator assembly is reattached to valve stem 151 using locking nut 152. A threaded member such as bolt 113 is threadably engaged with threaded hole 103 and engages regulator 5 to retain the gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 130. In one embodiment threaded member 113 threadably engages a threaded hole 119 formed in regulator 5. In another embodiment the threaded member 113 may simply engage the outer surface of regulator 5 to retain the gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 4 under the pressure of threaded member 113 against the regulator assembly 4. Aperture 110 is aligned with the port 158 on regulator 5 for receiving hose 8 such that hose 8 can be inserted through aperture 110 and connected to port 158. After the gauge protector 130 is mounted on regulator assembly 4, tank 2 can be easily carried using handle 132. Gauge protector 100 minimizes damage to the gauge. Specifically, gauge protector minimizes the liklihood that a blow to the gauge will cause the gauge to become unseated from the regulator or otherwise damaged. Side wall 116 and side wall 106 are shaped and dimensioned to closely fit over and surround regulator 5 and gauge 6 such that gauge protector provides shock protection for the gauge itself and adds structural rigidity between the gauge and the regulator to minimize the possibility that the gauge will become unseated from the regulator. The interface between the hose 8 and aperture 110, the interface between conduit 156 and portions 117 and the friction fit between regulator 5 and sidewalls 106 and the engagement of threaded member 113 with regulator assembly 4 prevent the gauge protector from moving. As a result a collision with the gauge will be absorbed at least in part by the gauge protector and elements of the regulator. This minimizes the chance that the gauge 6 will become unseated from the regulator 5. It is to be understood that some regulator assemblies may have shapes that differ somewhat from the illustrated regulator assembly. In such a case the specific shape and configuration of the gauge protector will change to accommodate the size and shape of the regulator assembly and gauge. The gauge protector should be arranged such that it surrounds the regulator and gauge and provides structural rigidity between these components. The gauge protectors 130 and 100 may be used with or without jacket storage system 1. Likewise storage system 1 may be used with or without gauge protectors 130 or 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 gauge protector 130 is used with storage system 1. Using gauge protector 130 and storage system 1 on the same tank provides a simple apparatus for carrying a tank and its assorted accessories and related tools while providing protection for the gauge and tank. Associated accessories can be stored in the storage compartments provided on jacket 10 and the tank and the stored accessories can be conveniently carried using handle 132. The system of the invention facilitates the storage and transport of accessories and tools used with a compressed fluid storage tank and provides protection for the gauge and tank. While embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The invention relates generally to pressurized liquid or gas storage tanks and more particularly to an improved storage system and protective device for such tanks. Tanks for storing and dispensing pressurized gas and/or liquid are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and other applications. A typical tank comprises a hollow cylinder made of steel or other rigid impermeable material that stores the gas or liquid under relatively high pressure. A regulator assembly is in fluid flow communication with the tank and includes a regulator to control the flow of fluid from the tank and a gauge to monitor the fluid level and/or pressure. The tank may be provided with a separate valve for controlling fluid flow from the tank to the regulator assembly. A supply hose is connected to the output port of the regulator assembly for dispensing the fluid. The gauge is relatively fragile and can be damaged or unseated from the regulator assembly if it collides with an object. Often storage tanks are used in an environment where the fluid stored in the tank is used in conjunction with other equipment for performing a particular function. Example environments are plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical work where the tank may store a liquid fuel such as acetylene or propane. Such applications require related equipment such as brazing rods, pipe fittings, solder, flux, hand tools, torch heads or the like. Because the typical filled storage tank is heavy and difficult to transport and a wide variety of related equipment may be required at the work site, it has been difficult for a worker to easily and conveniently transport the storage tank and associated equipment. Thus, an improved storage system and protective device for use with pressurized tanks is desired. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The storage system of the invention comprises a tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon that is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The free edge of the body portion includes an elastic band for fitting the edge of the body portion tightly to the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. Additionally, a gauge protector may be provided that fits over the regulator assembly. The gauge protector is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS plastic. The gauge protector includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. A handle may be formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket may be used independently from one another or may be used together on the same tank. When used together, the gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related accessories and tools. | 20050303 | 20080826 | 20060907 | 97658.0 | B65H7502 | 1 | LEE, CLOUD K | STORAGE SYSTEM AND PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR TANKS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65H | 2,005 |
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10,906,721 | ACCEPTED | STORAGE SYSTEM AND PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR TANKS | A tank jacket fits over the outside of a storage tank. The jacket includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. A gauge protector fits over the regulator assembly and includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. A handle is formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related equipment. | 1. A storage system for use with a tank comprising: a flexible jacket dimensioned to fit over the storage tank; a pocket carried by the jacket for storing equipment; and a handle separate from said jacket connected to said tank. 2. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said flexible body substantially covers the tank. 3. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the flexible body includes a top portion defining a hole said top portion covering the top of the tank and a side portion substantially covering the sides of the tank, said side portion terminating in a free end for receiving the tank. 4. The storage system of claim 3 wherein the free end includes an member for securing the body to the tank. 5. The storage system of claim 1 including a hose and a hose storage assembly mounted on the jacket and disposed such that the wound hose surrounds the tank. 6. The storage system of claim 5 wherein the hose assembly consists of a first flange and a second flange defining a space therebetween sufficient to retain the wound hose. 7. The storage system of claim 6 wherein the first flange includes a means for retaining the hose on the hose storage assembly. 8. The storage system of claim 6 wherein the first flange includes a notch for receiving the hose. 9. The storage system of claim 6 wherein the first flange includes a plurality of notches for receiving the hose disposed around the periphery of the first flange. 10. The storage system of claim 5 wherein the hose storage assembly includes a gap. 11. The storage system of claim 10 wherein said gap receives an elongated article carried by the storage assembly. 12. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the body is formed of nylon. 13. The storage system of claim 1 further including a plurality of pockets. 14. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the pocket is formed of molded plastic secured to the body. 15. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the pocket is releasably attached to the body. 16. The storage system of claim 5 wherein the hose storage assembly is releasably attached to the body. 17. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the handle is connected to a gauge protector. 18. The storage system of claim 17 wherein said gauge protector comprises a first portion engaging a gauge; a second portion rigidly connected to the first portion and preventing movement of the first portion. 19. The storage system of claim 18 wherein the first portion surrounds the gauge. 20. The storage system of claim 18 wherein the second portion engages the regulator. 21. The storage system of claim 18 wherein the second portion surrounds the regulator. 22. The storage system of claim 18 wherein the handle is connected to the first portion. 23. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the handle has a hand grip. 24. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the handle has a compartment for storing an article. 25. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the handle includes an area for holding a torch handle. | BACKGROUND The invention relates generally to pressurized liquid or gas storage tanks and more particularly to an improved storage system and protective device for such tanks. Tanks for storing and dispensing pressurized gas and/or liquid are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and other applications. A typical tank comprises a hollow cylinder made of steel or other rigid impermeable material that stores the gas or liquid under relatively high pressure. A regulator assembly is in fluid flow communication with the tank and includes a regulator to control the flow of fluid from the tank and a gauge to monitor the fluid level and/or pressure. The tank may be provided with a separate valve for controlling fluid flow from the tank to the regulator assembly. A supply hose is connected to the output port of the regulator assembly for dispensing the fluid. The gauge is relatively fragile and can be damaged or unseated from the regulator assembly if it collides with an object. Often storage tanks are used in an environment where the fluid stored in the tank is used in conjunction with other equipment for performing a particular function. Example environments are plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical work where the tank may store a liquid fuel such as acetylene or propane. Such applications require related equipment such as brazing rods, pipe fittings, solder, flux, hand tools, torch heads or the like. Because the typical filled storage tank is heavy and difficult to transport and a wide variety of related equipment may be required at the work site, it has been difficult for a worker to easily and conveniently transport the storage tank and associated equipment. Thus, an improved storage system and protective device for use with pressurized tanks is desired. SUMMARY The storage system of the invention comprises a tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon that is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The free edge of the body portion includes an elastic band for fitting the edge of the body portion tightly to the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. Additionally, a gauge protector may be provided that fits over the regulator assembly. The gauge protector is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS plastic. The gauge protector includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. A handle may be formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket may be used independently from one another or may be used together on the same tank. When used together, the gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related accessories and tools. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 2 is a back view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the tank jacket and gauge protector of the invention mounted on a tank. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the hose storage assembly used in the tank jacket of the invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the gauge protector of the invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the gauge protector of the invention. FIG. 8 is a section view of the gauge protector of FIG. 7 mounted on a regulator assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the storage system 1 of the invention is shown in use with a storage tank 2 having a fill/dispense port 3 on which is mounted regulator assembly 4. Regulator assembly 4 includes a regulator 5 and gauge 6. A hose 8 is in fluid flow communication with regulator 5 for dispensing the fluid stored in tank 2. While in the illustrated embodiment tank 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape, the storage system of the invention can be used with tanks having any size and shape. Storage system 1 consists of a jacket 10 made of a durable and flexible material such as nylon, cordura, cotton, polyester, leather, denim, other synthetic materials or other materials that provide the necessary durability and flexibility. In one embodiment the material is a flame retardant material. Jacket 10 has a top portion 12 that terminates in a circular rim 14 and defines a centrally located hole 18. Extending from top portion 12 is a body portion 16 that extends around the entire periphery of the top portion so as to create an interior cavity dimensioned to receive tank 2. The bottom free edge 20 of body portion 16 is open such that the tank can be inserted into the cavity formed by body portion 16 and top portion 14 through the bottom of the jacket 10. In use the tank 2 may be stood vertically and the jacket 10 slipped over top of the tank. The shape of top portion 12 is determined by the shape of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment tank 2 is cylindrical and top portion 12 is shaped and sized to match the outer dimension of tank 2 such that the body portion 16 closely fits over the exterior of the tank. If a tank with a different shape is used, the storage system would likewise be shaped to conform to the shape and size of the tank. Likewise, the hole 18 is shown in the center of the top portion 12 to accommodate the centrally located fill/dispense port 3 of tank 2. If the fill/dispense port is located in a different position on a different type of tank, hole 18 would be repositioned so as to be coextensive with the port. Referring to FIG. 3, an elastic band 21 is provided along the free end of body portion 16. Elastic band 21 may be disposed in a pocket or hem formed at the free edge of body portion 16. The elastic band 21 is provided to help retain the jacket on the tank and to conform the free end of the jacket to the exterior surface of the tank. The elastic band 21 also helps to prevent debris or other foreign matter from entering the space between the tank 2 and the jacket 10 and minimizes the chance that the free end of the jacket will be inadvertently snagged. The jacket 10 supports a hose storage assembly 30 on which the hose 8 is stored when not in use. Hose storage assembly 30 consists of a base member 32 that is connected to the side portion 16 by adhesive, stitching or other suitable fastener. If desired the base 32 may be removably connected to the side portion 16 such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other releaseable fastener. Base 32 is dimensioned so as to have an interior dimension and shape that is substantially the same as the outer dimension of the jacket and that conforms to the outer shape and dimension of the tank 2 such that the base 32 will surround the tank when the storage system 1 is mounted on the tank. Extending from the base is an upper flange 34 and a lower flange 36. Upper flange 34 an lower flange 36 extend from the base a distance sufficient to create a volume of space therebetween that can accommodate the hose when the hose is wound around base 32. Hose 8 extends from the regulator assembly 4 through a hole 39 formed in upper flange 34 and into the space between upper flange 34 and lower flange 36 such that the hose can be wrapped around base 32. The hose storage assembly is arranged such that hose 8 is wrapped around the tank 2. In other words, the axis around which hose 8 is wrapped is coextensive with the longitudinal axis of tank 2. In this manner the hose 8 can be safely and securely stored while minimizing the space the hose occupies in the stored position. The bottom flange 36 includes a plurality of notches 38 that extend from the exterior edge of the bottom flange to an interior position. After the hose is wound on reel assembly 30, the free end of the hose can be inserted into one of the notches 38 to prevent the hose from unwinding. Notches are provided spaced around the periphery of bottom flange 36 such that the end of the hose can be secured in a notch regardless of where on the hose storage assembly the free end of the hose is positioned. As best shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment each notch 38 has a narrow throat portion 40 that leads into a slightly wider receptacle portion 42. The throat portion 40 is dimensioned such that the hose, which is typically constructed of a flexible material, is deformed as it is squeezed through throat portion 40. In this manner the hose will not inadvertently fall out of the notch. The receptacle portion 42 holds the hose without applying continuous pressure on the hose. The throat portion 40 could also be made flexible such as by using a deformable material or a flexible arrangement to facilitate insertion of the hose. In the illustrated embodiment, jacket 10 supports an elongated vertical pocket 50 that may store brazing rods or other elongated articles. In one embodiment pocket 50 may be made of the same material as jacket 10. Brazing rods are typically stored in an elongated plastic container 52 where the rods and storage container, when inserted in the pocket 50 may extend beyond the hose storage assembly 30. To accommodate the brazing rods or other elongated articles, the hose storage assembly is formed with a gap 44 that allows the elongated article to extend beyond the hose storage assembly if necessary as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment the gap is formed by making the hose storage assembly of a single piece that does not form a completely closed circle, i.e. the hose storage assembly has a “C” shape in plan view. Alternatively the reel assembly could be formed of two separate pieces that when secured on the body will not completely circumscribe the periphery of the jacket 10 to create gap 44. Moreover, the hose storage assembly could completely circumscribe the periphery of jacket 10 and gap 44 be provided by aligned apertures in the top and bottom flanges 34 and 36 that allow passage of an elongated article stored in pocket 50. In operation, if an elongated article is stored in pocket 50, the hose 8 will wrap around the outside of the stored article when the hose is in the stored position as shown in the Figures. In addition to pocket 50 other storage compartments may be provided on body 10 to facilitate the storage and transport of tools, accessories, equipment or the like. A plurality of vertical pockets 60 may be provided on the front of jacket 10. Pockets 60 are formed of a single piece of molded plastic formed to conform to the shape of the side portion 14. The molded plastic pockets provide durable receptacles for tools such as torch heads 62. Located on one side of the jacket 10 are a plurality of pockets sized and configured to retain tools and accessories used by a worker. For example pockets 66 may be used to store solder, pocket 68 may store flux, pockets 70 may store markers, pocket 72 may store channel pliers and pocket 74 may store pipe cutters. The opposite side of jacket 10 may include mesh bags 73 with closing flaps 73a that are held shut by hook and loop fasteners or other releaseable fastener. The mesh bags may retain accessories such as pipe fittings or the like. Other pockets may be provided on the opposite side for retaining a striker and/or additional brazing rods. The pockets and other storage compartments may be permanently secured to the jacket such as by adhesive, rivets, or stitching or they may be releasably secured to the jacket such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or the like. Referring to FIG. 6, the illustrated embodiment of the gauge protector 100 of the invention comprises an integral, unitary structure molded of ABS plastic or other rigid material. The gauge protector 100 may also be made of other rigid materials such as steel and need not be an integral structure as the various elements of the gauge protector could be manufactured separately and assembled to create a unitary structure. In the illustrated embodiment, gauge protector 100 includes a first housing section 102 having a back wall 104 and a side wall 106 extending from back wall 104 to create cavity 105. Back wall 104 defines an aperture 108 for receiving the conduit of regulator and side wall 106 defines an aperture 110 for receiving hose. A threaded hole 103 is formed in side wall 106 for receiving a threaded securing member such as a bolt as will hereinafter be described. Gauge protector 100 includes a second housing section 112 that has a circular back wall 115 and an annular wall 116 extending from back wall 115 to define cavity 114 for closely receiving gauge 6. First housing section 102 and second housing section 112 are rigidly connected by portions 117 such that a passage 121 extends between cavity 105 and cavity 114. Referring to FIG. 7 another embodiment of the gauge protector is shown generally at 130. Gauge protector 130 is the same as gauge protector 100 except that handle 132 is provided on the gauge protector to facilitate the carrying of the tank. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 7 as are used in FIG. 6 to identify the same elements as previously described with reference to FIG. 6. Handle 132 includes support members 134 and 136 that connect the second housing section 112 to the hand grip 138. Hand grip 138 is a rigid structure that can be gripped by a person to carry tank 2. A soft cushion 140 may be molded in the hand grip 138 to enhance the comfort of the grip. A slotted recess forming compartment 142 may be provided in hand grip 138 to retain the tank key. Portion 144 of hand grip 138 can be used to hold a torch head handle. Specifically, portion 144 consists of a recessed area 146 bounded by hand grip portion 148 and prongs 150. The torch head handle can be hung on recessed area 146 for convenient temporary storage when the tank is in use. FIG. 8 shows how gauge protector 130 is mounted on the regulator assembly 4. To install gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 4, regulator assembly 4 is removed from valve stem 151 at locking nut 152. Regulator assemble 4 is inserted into the front of gauge protector 130 such that conduit 154 is inserted into aperture 108 until regulator 5 is received in cavity 105 and gauge 6 is received in cavity 114. Side wall 106 engages and closely surrounds the regulator 5 and side wall 116 engages and closely surrounds gauge 6. Conduit 156 that connects the regulator 5 to gauge 6 is closely received between portions 117 in passage 121. Side wall 116 is dimensioned such that it extends beyond the front face and back side of gauge 6. Once the regulator assembly is retained in gauge protector 130, the regulator assembly is reattached to valve stem 151 using locking nut 152. A threaded member such as bolt 113 is threadably engaged with threaded hole 103 and engages regulator 5 to retain the gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 130. In one embodiment threaded member 113 threadably engages a threaded hole 119 formed in regulator 5. In another embodiment the threaded member 113 may simply engage the outer surface of regulator 5 to retain the gauge protector 130 on regulator assembly 4 under the pressure of threaded member 113 against the regulator assembly 4. Aperture 110 is aligned with the port 158 on regulator 5 for receiving hose 8 such that hose 8 can be inserted through aperture 110 and connected to port 158. After the gauge protector 130 is mounted on regulator assembly 4, tank 2 can be easily carried using handle 132. Gauge protector 100 minimizes damage to the gauge. Specifically, gauge protector minimizes the liklihood that a blow to the gauge will cause the gauge to become unseated from the regulator or otherwise damaged. Side wall 116 and side wall 106 are shaped and dimensioned to closely fit over and surround regulator 5 and gauge 6 such that gauge protector provides shock protection for the gauge itself and adds structural rigidity between the gauge and the regulator to minimize the possibility that the gauge will become unseated from the regulator. The interface between the hose 8 and aperture 110, the interface between conduit 156 and portions 117 and the friction fit between regulator 5 and sidewalls 106 and the engagement of threaded member 113 with regulator assembly 4 prevent the gauge protector from moving. As a result a collision with the gauge will be absorbed at least in part by the gauge protector and elements of the regulator. This minimizes the chance that the gauge 6 will become unseated from the regulator 5. It is to be understood that some regulator assemblies may have shapes that differ somewhat from the illustrated regulator assembly. In such a case the specific shape and configuration of the gauge protector will change to accommodate the size and shape of the regulator assembly and gauge. The gauge protector should be arranged such that it surrounds the regulator and gauge and provides structural rigidity between these components. The gauge protectors 130 and 100 may be used with or without jacket storage system 1. Likewise storage system 1 may be used with or without gauge protectors 130 or 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 gauge protector 130 is used with storage system 1. Using gauge protector 130 and storage system 1 on the same tank provides a simple apparatus for carrying a tank and its assorted accessories and related tools while providing protection for the gauge and tank. Associated accessories can be stored in the storage compartments provided on jacket 10 and the tank and the stored accessories can be conveniently carried using handle 132. The system of the invention facilitates the storage and transport of accessories and tools used with a compressed fluid storage tank and provides protection for the gauge and tank. While embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The invention relates generally to pressurized liquid or gas storage tanks and more particularly to an improved storage system and protective device for such tanks. Tanks for storing and dispensing pressurized gas and/or liquid are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and other applications. A typical tank comprises a hollow cylinder made of steel or other rigid impermeable material that stores the gas or liquid under relatively high pressure. A regulator assembly is in fluid flow communication with the tank and includes a regulator to control the flow of fluid from the tank and a gauge to monitor the fluid level and/or pressure. The tank may be provided with a separate valve for controlling fluid flow from the tank to the regulator assembly. A supply hose is connected to the output port of the regulator assembly for dispensing the fluid. The gauge is relatively fragile and can be damaged or unseated from the regulator assembly if it collides with an object. Often storage tanks are used in an environment where the fluid stored in the tank is used in conjunction with other equipment for performing a particular function. Example environments are plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical work where the tank may store a liquid fuel such as acetylene or propane. Such applications require related equipment such as brazing rods, pipe fittings, solder, flux, hand tools, torch heads or the like. Because the typical filled storage tank is heavy and difficult to transport and a wide variety of related equipment may be required at the work site, it has been difficult for a worker to easily and conveniently transport the storage tank and associated equipment. Thus, an improved storage system and protective device for use with pressurized tanks is desired. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The storage system of the invention comprises a tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon that is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The free edge of the body portion includes an elastic band for fitting the edge of the body portion tightly to the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. Additionally, a gauge protector may be provided that fits over the regulator assembly. The gauge protector is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS plastic. The gauge protector includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. A handle may be formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket may be used independently from one another or may be used together on the same tank. When used together, the gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related accessories and tools. | 20050303 | 20080520 | 20060907 | 97658.0 | B65H7502 | 1 | LEE, CLOUD K | STORAGE SYSTEM AND PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR TANKS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65H | 2,005 |
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10,906,753 | ACCEPTED | DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR MULTI-MATERIAL TUBE STRUCTURES | The present invention provides an improved tubular structure which uses the properties of different materials, such as stiffness, strength, and density are exploited in a manner which combines the most attractive characteristics of existing metal and composite tubes into a metal/composite tube which contains performance characteristics (stiffness, strength or weight) not possible with pure metal or composite materials. For example, an improved tube is suitably created with a conventional metallic tube structure (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium or the like). The original tube is modified with a secondary operation such as machining, punching, laser cutting or the like to remove various portions of the original tube wall, resulting in a tube with some pattern of “holes” or “cutaway” sections, thus resulting in a lighter tube. The tube is then suitably “fused” with composite material. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the metal piece is placed in a mold assembly and composite materials are molded inside the metal tube resulting in a part metal and part composite tube that has beneficial characteristics of each material. | 1. A tubular structure, comprising a substantially cylindrical metal tube, having a wall with a series of apertures and a composite material placed therewithin, wherein said composite material is contiguous with an inner surface of said wall of said metal tube. 2. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein each of said apertures have substantially the same shape. 3. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein said apertures are substantially symmetrical to one another. 4. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein said composite material extends through said apertures. 5. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein said metal tube has an outer surface defining an outer plane and wherein said composite material extends through said apertures a distance such that an outer surface of said portion of said composite material extending through said aperture is contiguous with said outer plane. 6. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein said apertures have a diamond shape. 7. A tubular structure according to claim 1, further comprising an inner sleeve. 8. A composite structure, comprising an outer structure with at least one outer wall that at least partially enclose a volume, said outer structure having a series of apertures, and a composite material placed on an inner side of said outer structure, wherein said composite material is contiguous with said inner surface. 9. A composite structure according to claim 8, wherein each of said apertures have substantially the same shape. 10. A composite structure according to claim 8, wherein said apertures are substantially symmetrical to one another. 11. A composite structure according to claim 8, wherein said composite material extends through said apertures. 12. A composite structure according to claim 8, wherein said outer structure has an outer surface defining an outer plane and wherein said composite material extends through said apertures a distance such that an outer surface of said portion of said composite material extending through said aperture is contiguous with said outer plane. 13. A composite structure according to claim 12, wherein said outer structure has a rectangular shape. 14. A composite structure according to claim 13, wherein said apertures are located on at least two opposing walls of said rectangular shaped outer structure. 15. A composite structure according to claim 12, wherein said outer structure has an octagonal shape. 16. A composite structure according to claim 15, wherein said apertures are located on at least two opposing walls of said octagonal shaped outer structure. 17. A composite structure according to claim 12, further comprising an inner sleeve. 18. An improved tubular structure, comprising: a substantially cylindrical metal tube having an outer surface defining an outer plane and having a series of symmetrical diamond shaped apertures in a wall of said metal tube; a composite material placed within said metal tube, wherein said composite material is contiguous with an inner surface of said wall of said metal tube, and wherein said composite material extends through said apertures a distance such that an outer surface of said portion of said composite material extending through said aperture is contiguous with said outer plane. 19. A method for manufacturing an improved composite structure, comprising: providing a substantially cylindrical metal tube having a wall defining an outer surface which defines an outer plane; placing a series of apertures in said wall of said metal tube; placing a composite material within said metal tube; placing an elastomeric bladder within said composite material; pressurizing said elastomeric material such that said composite material, such that said composite material expands to be contiguous with an inner surface of said wall of said metal tube and such that said composite material extends through said apertures a distance such that an outer surface of said portion of said composite material extending through said aperture is contiguous with said outer plane. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising placing said metal tube and composite material and elastomeric bladder combination in a mold prior to pressurizing said elastomeric bladder. 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein said apertures are substantially symmetrical on said metal tube. 22. The method according to claim 19, wherein said apertures are substantially diamond shaped. 23. The method according to claim 19, further comprising placing an inner sleeve within said composite material. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/361,618 entitled “Design and Manufacturing Method for Multi-Material Tube Structures,” filed on Mar. 4, 2002 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/379,357 entitled “Design and Manufacturing Method for Multi-Material Tube Structures,” filed on Mar. 4, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates generally to high performance tubular technology exhibiting lighter and stronger properties as well as improved stiffness (longitudinally or torsionally). The characteristics of the invention are particularly useful in tube and tube-like structures, such as golf shafts, lacrosse sticks, bicycles and bike components, ski poles, hockey sticks, softball/baseball bats, automotive and motorcycle frames and similar components. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Current tubular technology used in various sporting goods, automotive, aerospace and similar applications can generally be divided into two major technologies: (1) metals such as steel, aluminum or titanium and (2) composites such as graphite/epoxy, fiberglass, and/or other fiber/resin combinations. Additionally, sub-categories of these technologies exist which can vary by processing, such as casting, forging or extruding metals, or flag wrapping, filament winding or molding composites. The application the technology will be used in typically dictates the specific materials and processes ultimately used. In addition to desired performance criteria, such as weight, strength or stiffness, other factors also come into the equation such as cost, cosmetic attributes and marketing appeal, as well as manufacturing issues and constraints. Notably, differing materials have differing inherent strengths and weaknesses and product design engineers generally try to exploit particular properties to overcome weaknesses in the materials. For example, “Chrome-Moly” steel is an excellent material for many tube related products. It is strong, relatively inexpensive, available in many sizes and variations and has a well-developed reputation with manufacturers and designers. However, it is also a heavy material and is considered “old” technology for many new products/markets. Thus, technology which better exploits the attractive properties of materials, while diminishes the effects of less desirable properties, and methods for manufacturing the same, are desirable. SUMMARY OF INVENTION While the way in which the present invention addresses the disadvantages of the prior art will be discussed in greater detail below, in general, the present invention provides tubular technology which offers significant advantages over prior art tubular technology. For example, in accordance with the present invention, properties of different materials, such as stiffness, strength, and density are exploited in a manner which combines the most attractive characteristics of existing metal and composite tubes into a metal/composite tube which contains performance characteristics (stiffness, strength or weight) not possible with pure metal or composite materials. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved tube is suitably created with a conventional metallic tube structure (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium or the like). The original tube is modified with a secondary operation such as machining, punching, laser cutting or the like to remove various portions of the original tube wall, resulting in a tube with some pattern of “holes” or “cutaway” sections, thus resulting in a lighter tube. The tube is then suitably “fused” with composite material. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the metal piece is placed in a mold assembly and composite materials are molded inside the metal tube resulting in a part metal and part composite tube that has beneficial characteristics of each material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present invention, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims in connection with the drawing figures, wherein: FIG. 1 is a conventional metal tube used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exemplary framing tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a framing tube and composite material in a mold in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the surface and transition points between framing tube and composite material in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a framing tube and composite combination with an inner composite sleeve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a bike frame used in describing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating deflection versus load curve illustrating properties of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with other conventional materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is of exemplary embodiment of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, in the context of the present invention the method and apparatus hereof find particular use in connection with tubular structures found in sporting goods (golf shafts, etc.) and frames (bicycles and the like). However, generally speaking, numerous applications of the present invention may be realized. For example, though “tubular” structures are generally referred to herein to mean generally cylindrical structures (e.g., golf shafts, ski poles and the like), it will be appreciated that other non-cylindrical at least partially hollow shapes (e.g., a golf club heads, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks) which incorporate the present invention may likewise be used. Accordingly, as used herein, “tubular” means any shaped structure, typically comprising walls which at least partially enclose a volume. Likewise, numerous manners of orienting and manufacturing tubular structures in accordance with the present invention may be used, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention. That being said, in accordance with the present invention, in general, various materials are combined to obtain the most attractive characteristics of existing (or as yet unknown) metal and composite materials into a new metal/composite tube which contains performance characteristics (stiffness, strength or weight) not possible with pure metal or composite materials. In this context, the properties of different materials, including stiffness, strength, and density are considered in accordance with the present invention. As used herein, they are referred to using the following common letter designations and have approximate values for a few sample materials listed: Material Letter Typical Properties For: Property: Designation 4130 Steel: 0-75-T6A1 Graphite/Epoxy Stiffness E 30 Msi 10 Msi 19 Msi Strength σ 190 Ksi 83 Ksi 230 Ksi Density ρ 0.289 1b/1n3 0.10 1b/1n3 0.057 1b/1n3 As the table shows, different materials have properties that vary greatly. While, materials engineers use several other characteristics to fully define the behavior of specific materials, in the context of the present invention the foregoing criteria are used to illustrate the benefits of the present invention. Additionally, briefly, associated processes for manufacturing “tubes” from these various materials is not explained herein, however, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that various conventional metal and/or composite forming techniques may be used in accordance with the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrates the components and steps involved in manufacturing an improved tube 5 in accordance with the present invention. For example, an improved tube in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises, a conventional tubular structure made of steel, aluminum, titanium or the like having suitably solid, continuous walls is provided 10. Briefly, however, as mentioned above, conventional tubular structure 10 may alternative comprise any number of non-cylindrical shapes. For example, structure 10, may comprise nearly any structure which has at least one wall which at least partially encloses a volume. For example, a golf club head, while not “cylindrical,” has a wall in the shape of a typical golf club head, and the wall encloses a volume, thus resulting in a hollow structure having the shape of a golf club head. Likewise, structure 10 may comprise a “tubular” structure having a rectangular, square, triangular, octagonal or other cross section, as well as any combination of the same. Such shapes are commonly found in hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, tennis racquets and other sporting equipment as well as in framing for various vehicles (bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, etc.) and structures (houses, building and the like). All fall within the scope of the present invention and may likewise be substituted in the context of the present invention. Next, tube 10 is modified with a secondary operation such as machining, punching, laser cutting or the like to remove portions of tube 10 wall, resulting in a framing tube 12 with some pattern of holes or apertures 14 (also referred to herein as “cutaway” sections). Next, composite materials 16 are molded inside tube 12 (e.g., within a mold assembly) resulting in a part metal, part composite tube. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the orientation and amount of the material remaining in tube 12, the orientation and amount of composite material 16 used, suitably allows various properties of each material to be enhanced in improved tube 5. For example, because composite material 16 is typically lighter, stronger and stiffer than most metals improved tube 5 is also lighter, stiffer, or stronger. In accordance with another beneficial aspect of the present invention, the configuration of improved tube 5 is visible on the surface of tube 5 and may provide for the placement of various indicia (e.g., product name, specifications and the like) on the outer surface of tube 5. Of course, as will be appreciated, the pattern of apertures 14 may vary depending on the particular properties desired. Likewise the amount of and orientation of composite material 16 that replace the removed sections may vary as well. That said, in the present exemplary embodiment, apertures 14 are substantially diamond shaped and arranged in a substantially symmetrical pattern about metal tube 10. That said, apertures 14 may take any number of shapes, sizes and configurations, and though diamond shapes are described herein, such shapes are exemplary in nature only, and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. With more particularity, and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a particular example of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. As mentioned above, metal tube type structure 10 is provided and symmetrical, diamond-shaped apertures 14 are created in the walls of tube 10 by the removal of material from tube 10, which, in turn, lowers tube's 10 weight and produces a framing tube 12 with a cosmetically pleasing exterior “look.” Next, a conventional composite material 16 (e.g., plastic, graphite or the like), having a generally tubular shape (or otherwise similar shape as framing tube 12) is placed within framing tube 12. Composite 16 is then pressurized or otherwise caused to expand (e.g., through placement in an autoclave) and is thus bonded to framing tube 12, creating one integrated component-improved tube 5. Of course, various steps for fabricating improved tube 5, now known or as yet unknown, may also be used. For example, with reference now to FIG. 3, framing tube 12 and composite material 16 combination may be placed into a female mold 18 and the above steps repeated. Generally, mold 18 comprises any suitably rigid device having an inner diameter configured in the general shape of improved tube 5. Such molds are commonly known and often comprises two halves 18A, B such as those illustrated in FIG. 3. As such, molds 18 assist in creating a desired finish on the outer surface of improved tube 5. Other improvements to the fabrication may also be realized. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the molding process may comprise placing layers of composite material 16 over an inflatable bladder (not shown, but commonly made of nylon, latex, silicone or the like), placing the bladder and composite combination 16 within framing tube 12 and pressurizing the bladder to consolidate (i.e., squeeze) composite material 16 against the inner surface of framing tube 12. As is generally known, this inflation method may use various pressurization techniques including a process called “trapped rubber molding” where the composite layers are wrapped around a rubber (usually silicone) mandrel, placed in a high temperature oven, and heated. In any event, it should thus be appreciated that any number of “molding” operation such as those now known or as yet unknown may be used in the context of the present invention. In instances such as those described above, a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for the bladder and composite material 16 (or mold 18) is much higher than framing tube 12 and a differential pressure is created consolidating composite material 16 and framing tube 12 into a substantially finished product; improved tube 5. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the internal pressure forces composite material 16 against the inner surface of framing tube 12, bonding the two materials together and forcing a portion of composite material through apertures 14 and pushing the layers directly against the surface of mold 18. Improved tube 5 is then removed from the mold assembly and composite material 16 is visible through apertures 14. Thus, in this embodiment, improved tube 5 has a substantially consistent outside diameter. Additionally, with reference now to FIG. 4, in accordance still further aspects of the present invention, improved tube 5 may be suitably machined, ground or otherwise processed to clean up any minor transition discontinuities (a portion 20 where composite material 16 meets framing tube 12) between the two materials. In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, and with reference to FIG. 5, improved tube 5 may further comprise an inner composite sleeve 17 which is suitably integrated with framing tube 10 and composite material 16. For example, inner sleeve 17 may comprise a section of composite material similar to composite material 16 which is placed within framing tube 10 and composite material 16. Generally, inner sleeve 17 will have a thickness similar to the thickness of framing tube 10 and/or composite material 16 and comprise the same material as composite material 16. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that inner sleeve 17 may alternatively comprise other materials than composite material 16 and may have different dimensions than framing tube 10 and/or composite material 16. Still referring to inner sleeve 17, fabrication of improved tube 5 typically remains similar to improved tubes 5 lacking inner sleeve 17. For example, inner sleeve 17 may be integrated during the “pressurization” step of bonding composite material 16 and framing tube 10. Alternatively, inner sleeve 17 may be integrated in separate pressurization step after composite material 16 and framing tube 10 have been fabricated. Likewise, depending on the particular application an elastomeric bladder may or may not be used in the foregoing steps. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use in a bicycle frame. For example, the frame that makes up the base structure of a bicycle is made up of various tubular structures and typically resembles that shown in FIG. 3, having a top tube 22, a seat tube 24, a seat stay tube 26, a chain stay tube 28 and a down tube 30. As is generally known, an ideal bicycle frame is light, vertically compliant (for rider comfort) and torsionally rigid (for maximum energy conversion). Preferably, each tube is individually designed to perform a particular role (support, rigidity, impact absorption, etc.) in the frame assembly. The behavior of each of these tubes (or any tube) can be fully characterized by their weight, longitudinal bend/stiffness profile (an “EI” curve) and torsional twist/stiffness profile (a “GJ” curve). Because of the unique properties of the various engineering materials available (such as those mentioned above), improved tubes 5 in accordance with the present invention can be designed and built that add new performance attributes to each tube. For example, in one embodiment, by removing approximately 0.5 lbs of titanium material from the down tube 30 of a bicycle frame and replacing it with a “comparable” volume of carbon/epoxy material oriented to optimize the torsional rigidity, the weight of down tube 30 can be lowered about 0.32 lbs. For example, titanium has a density of about 0.16 lbs/in3 and a typical carbon/epoxy's density is about 0.057 lbs/in3. As is well known weight (W) equals the volume (V) multiplied by the density (ρ); thus, 0.5 lb of titanium equates to a volume of 3.125 in3. WT=VCρT, or VT=WT/ρT=0.5 lbs/0.16 lbs.=3.125 in3 Then if we replace that same volume (3.125 in3) of titanium with carbon epoxy the new weight is: WC=VCρC=(3.125 in3)(0.057 lbs/in3)=0.178 lbs. A reduction of 0.5 lbs−0.178 lbs=0.32 lbs (or in this instance about 64%), which is desirable in bicycle applications is possible. Because carbon/epoxy material is also stiffer than the titanium (EC=19 Msi v. ET=16 Msi) improved tube 5 is also stiffer, particularly torsionally, due to the orientation of fibers in material 16 of improved tube 5. Similar approaches may be used for any beam defined by stiffness (long tubular or torsional) and weight criteria. In accordance with the present invention, improved tube 5 exploits the fact that composite materials (such as carbon/epoxy) have higher stiffness per weight than metals and can therefore be designed to enhance metal designs. In accordance with additional aspects of the present invention, improved tube 5 also suitably retains many of the positive attributes of metal tubes, such as the ability to be welded into assemblies, or fitted with internal/external threads for attaching fittings and couplers, while obtaining the ability to exploit benefits of composites such as their infinite design flexibility. With hundreds of fibers and resins, the “composite” part of improved tube 5 can be tailored or engineered for many unique benefits. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 7, the composite element of the tube can be made of tough, high strain materials such as Kevlar™ to produce lightweight tubes with safe, non-catastrophic failure modes. Stated otherwise, improved tube 5 can withstand higher loads with less deflection. In summary, the ability to independently vary the longitudinal torsional and mass distribution properties allow improved tubes 5 to achieve performance attributes not possible with conventional metal or composite tubes such as: Lighter golf shafts with conventional stiffness/torque values. Stronger strut assemblies with metal ends and composite middles. Softball bats with higher circumferential stiffness (less deflection) to help improve energy conversion during impact. Bike frames that are lighter yet stiffer. Of course, it should be appreciated that although the examples listed have emphasized “tubes,” the present invention is equally applicable to other “shapes” as well, which use of a dimensionally similar metal piece, machined with various openings or cutaways which reduce weight and reveal the inner diameter, and then combine it with some molded composites materials/process to yield a structure in accordance with the present invention. For examples, non-tube related products include: Golf club heads such as hollow wood heads Monocoque bike frame assemblies Aircraft fuselages The flexible “molding” nature of composite materials help make this invention possible. The adhesive systems of modern composite material systems allow one to “co-cure” composite materials 16 while simultaneously bonding them to framing tube 12. Finally, in the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to the problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>Current tubular technology used in various sporting goods, automotive, aerospace and similar applications can generally be divided into two major technologies: (1) metals such as steel, aluminum or titanium and (2) composites such as graphite/epoxy, fiberglass, and/or other fiber/resin combinations. Additionally, sub-categories of these technologies exist which can vary by processing, such as casting, forging or extruding metals, or flag wrapping, filament winding or molding composites. The application the technology will be used in typically dictates the specific materials and processes ultimately used. In addition to desired performance criteria, such as weight, strength or stiffness, other factors also come into the equation such as cost, cosmetic attributes and marketing appeal, as well as manufacturing issues and constraints. Notably, differing materials have differing inherent strengths and weaknesses and product design engineers generally try to exploit particular properties to overcome weaknesses in the materials. For example, “Chrome-Moly” steel is an excellent material for many tube related products. It is strong, relatively inexpensive, available in many sizes and variations and has a well-developed reputation with manufacturers and designers. However, it is also a heavy material and is considered “old” technology for many new products/markets. Thus, technology which better exploits the attractive properties of materials, while diminishes the effects of less desirable properties, and methods for manufacturing the same, are desirable. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>While the way in which the present invention addresses the disadvantages of the prior art will be discussed in greater detail below, in general, the present invention provides tubular technology which offers significant advantages over prior art tubular technology. For example, in accordance with the present invention, properties of different materials, such as stiffness, strength, and density are exploited in a manner which combines the most attractive characteristics of existing metal and composite tubes into a metal/composite tube which contains performance characteristics (stiffness, strength or weight) not possible with pure metal or composite materials. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved tube is suitably created with a conventional metallic tube structure (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium or the like). The original tube is modified with a secondary operation such as machining, punching, laser cutting or the like to remove various portions of the original tube wall, resulting in a tube with some pattern of “holes” or “cutaway” sections, thus resulting in a lighter tube. The tube is then suitably “fused” with composite material. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the metal piece is placed in a mold assembly and composite materials are molded inside the metal tube resulting in a part metal and part composite tube that has beneficial characteristics of each material. | 20050304 | 20070424 | 20050728 | 63900.0 | 1 | BRINSON, PATRICK F | DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR MULTI-MATERIAL TUBE STRUCTURES | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,763 | ACCEPTED | Electronic Alignment System | An electronic alignment system is disclosed. The system has at least two accelerometers, mounted in the device in such a manner that the accelerometers are mutually perpendicular to one another. An electrical connection electrically connects the accelerometers, a computing and processing device, a memory device, a feedback device, and a power source. A three axis reference frame is used as a basis for determining the angle of rotation of the device about an axis. Two accelerometers are required to determine a first angle of rotation. Adding a third accelerometer allows for the calculation of a second angle of rotation. Distance sensors can determine distance to a work piece, how far the device has traveled relative to a work piece, areas and volumes, and a third angle of rotation. Gyroscopes can also determine a third angle of rotation. The device may also include light projectors. | 1. An electronic alignment device comprising: at least two accelerometers, said accelerometers being mutually perpendicular to one another, a computing and processing device, said computing and processing device having computer implemented means for initializing said electronic alignment device, initializing said accelerometers, calibrating said accelerometers, calculating at least one angle of rotation about an axis in a reference frame, reading and writing data from and to a memory device, and sending data to a feedback device, means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said computing and processing device, said feedback device, said memory device and a power source. 2. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said electronic alignment device comprises three accelerometers. 3. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprises means for communicating with an external computing device. 4. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said electronic alignment device further comprises a first distance sensor, said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for initializing said first distance sensor, and calculating a first distance, and wherein said means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said computing and processing device, said feedback device, said memory device and a power source further electrically connects said first distance sensor. 5. The electronic alignment device according to claim 4, wherein said first distance sensor comprises an infrared distance sensor. 6. The electronic alignment device according to claim 4, wherein said first distance sensor comprises an ultrasonic distance sensor. 7. The electronic alignment device according to claim 4, wherein said first distance sensor comprises a laser distance sensor. 8. The electronic alignment device according to claim 4, wherein said device further comprises a second distance sensor pointed in the same direction as said first distance sensor, said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for initializing said second distance sensor, calculating a second distance, and determining an angle of rotation about an axis of said reference frame from said first distance and said second distance, and wherein said means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said computing and processing device, said feedback device, said memory device and a power source further electrically connects said second distance sensor. 9. The electronic alignment device according to claim 8, wherein said second distance sensor comprises an infrared distance sensor. 10. The electronic alignment device according to claim 8, wherein said second distance sensor comprises an ultrasonic distance sensor. 11. The electronic alignment device according to claim 8, wherein said second distance sensor comprises a laser distance sensor. 12. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprises at least one gyroscope, said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for initializing said gyroscope and determining an angle of rotation about an axis of said reference frame from said gyroscope, and wherein said means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said computing and processing device, said feedback device, said memory device and a power source further electrically connects said gyroscope. 13. The electronic alignment device according to claim 12, wherein said at least one gyroscope comprises at least one MEMS gyroscope. 14. The electronic alignment device according to claim 8, wherein said electronic alignment device comprises three accelerometers. 15. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said accelerometers are MEMS accelerometers. 16. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said electronic alignment device further comprises at least two distance sensors, said distance sensors being mutually perpendicular, said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for initializing said distance sensors, determining a distance from each of said distance sensors, and determining an area from the product of said determined distances, and wherein said means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said computing and processing device, said feedback device, said memory device and a power source further electrically connects said distance sensors. 17. The electronic alignment device according to claim 16, further comprising means for projecting lines of visible light from said device, wherein said light projecting means are aligned with said distance sensors. 18. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said electronic alignment device further comprises three distance sensors, said distance sensors being mutually perpendicular, said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for initializing said distance sensors, determining a distance from each of said distance sensors, and determining a volume from the product of said determined distances, and wherein said means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said computing and processing device, said feedback device, said memory device and a power source further electrically connects said distance sensors. 19. The electronic alignment device according to claim 18, further comprising means for projecting lines of visible light from said device, wherein said light projecting means are aligned with said distance sensors. 20. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said power source is a battery. 21. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said feedback device comprises an audible feedback device. 22. The electronic alignment device according to claim 21, wherein said audio feedback device comprises a buzzer. 23. The electronic alignment device according to claim 21, wherein said audio feedback device comprises a tone. 24. The electronic alignment device according to claim 21, wherein said audio feedback device comprises a synthesized voice. 25. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said feedback device comprises a video feedback device. 26. The electronic alignment device according to claim 25, wherein said video feedback device comprises a liquid crystal display. 27. The electronic alignment device according to claim 25, wherein said video feedback device comprises at least one light emitting diode. 28. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said feedback device comprises a tactile feedback device. 29. The electronic alignment device according to claim 28, wherein said tactile feedback device comprises a Braille pad. 30. The electronic alignment device according to claim 28, wherein said tactile feedback device comprises coded vibrations. 31. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for establishing a zero point for said reference frame. 32. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for operating menu functions for a user to control said device. 33. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for converting a measurement from a first system of units to a second system of units. 34. The electronic alignment device according to claim 33, wherein said first system of units is the System International (SI) system of units and said second system of units is the English system of units. 35. The electronic alignment device according to claim 33, wherein said first system of units is the English system of units and said second system of units is the System International (SI) system of units. 36. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for performing calculations on measurements from said accelerometers. 37. The electronic alignment device according to claim 4, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for performing calculations on measurements from said accelerometers and said first distance sensor. 38. The electronic alignment device according to claim 8, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for performing calculations on measurements from said accelerometers, said first distance sensor, and said second distance sensor. 39. The electronic alignment device according to claim 12, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for performing calculations on measurements from said accelerometers and said gyroscope. 40. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said device is removeably mounted to a tool. 41. The electronic alignment device according to claim 40, wherein said power supply is shared with said tool. 42. The electronic alignment device according to claim 40, wherein said tool is a drill. 43. The electronic alignment device according to claim 40, wherein said tool is a saw. 44. The electronic alignment device according to claim 40, wherein said tool is a level. 45. The electronic alignment device according to claim 40, wherein said tool is a protractor. 46. The electronic alignment device according to claim 40, wherein said tool is a stud sensor. 47. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said device is integral to a tool. 48. The electronic alignment device according to claim 47, wherein said power supply is shared with said tool. 49. The electronic alignment device according to claim 47, wherein said tool is a drill. 50. The electronic alignment device according to claim 47, wherein said tool is a powder activated driver. 51. The electronic alignment device according to claim 47, wherein said tool is a saw. 52. The electronic alignment device according to claim 47, wherein said tool is a level. 53. The electronic alignment device according to claim 47, wherein said tool is a protractor. 54. The electronic alignment device according to claim 47, wherein said tool is a stud sensor. 55. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprises means for projecting at least one line of visible light from said device. 56. The electronic alignment device according to claim 55, wherein said means for projecting at least one line of visible light from said device comprises a laser. 57. The electronic alignment device according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprises at least one conventional bubble level. 58. An electronic alignment device comprising: at least two distance sensors, said distance sensors being mutually perpendicular, a computing and processing device, said computing and processing device having computer implemented means for initializing said electronic alignment device, initializing said distance sensors, calibrating said distance sensors, determining a distance from each of said distance sensors, determining an area from the product of said determined distances, reading and writing data from and to a memory device, and sending data to a feedback device, and means for electrically connecting said distance sensors, said computing and processing device, said feedback device, said memory device and a power source. 59. The electronic alignment device according to claim 58, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for performing calculations on measurements from said distance sensors. 60. The electronic alignment device according to claim 58, wherein said device further comprises means for communicating with an external computing device. 61. The electronic alignment device according to claim 58, wherein said distance sensors comprise an infrared distance sensor. 62. The electronic alignment device according to claim 58, wherein said distance sensors comprise an ultrasonic distance sensor. 63. The electronic alignment device according to claim 58, wherein said distance sensors comprise a laser distance sensor. 64. The electronic alignment device according to claim 58, wherein said device comprises three distance sensors, said distance sensors being mutually perpendicular, said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means determining a volume from the product of said determined distances. 65. The electronic alignment device according to claim 64, wherein said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for performing calculations on measurements from said distance sensors. 66. The electronic alignment device according to claim 64, wherein said distance sensors comprise an infrared distance sensor. 67. The electronic alignment device according to claim 64, wherein said distance sensors comprise an ultrasonic distance sensor. 68. The electronic alignment device according to claim 64, wherein said distance sensors comprise a laser distance sensor. 69. A method for aligning a device relative to a reference frame, comprising: calculating an angle relative to an axis of said reference frame from output signals from at least two perpendicularly mounted accelerometers, and providing feedback to a user of said device based on said angle. 70. The method for aligning a device relative to a reference frame according to claim 69, further comprising determining a first distance to an object using a first distance sensor, and providing feedback to said user based on said first distance. 71. The method for aligning a device relative to a reference frame according to claim 69, further comprising determining a second distance to said object using a second distance sensor, and determining an angle of rotation about an axis of said reference frame from said first distance and said second distance. 72. An electronic alignment apparatus comprising: a housing, input and control means externally mounted on said housing, a feedback device operatively mounted in said apparatus, at least two accelerometers, said accelerometers being mutually perpendicular to one another, said accelerometers internally mounted in said housing, first and second distance sensors pointed in the same direction, said distance sensors operatively mounted in said housing, a computing and processing device, said computing and processing device having computer implemented means for initializing said apparatus, initializing said accelerometers, initializing said sensors, calibrating said accelerometers, calculating first and second distances, calculating an angle of rotation about a first axis in a reference frame, calculating an angle of rotation about a second axis in said reference frame, reading and writing data from and to a memory device, receiving input from input and control means, and sending data to said display device, said computing and processing device internally mounted in said housing, and means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said distance sensors, said computing and processing device, said memory device, said display and a power source, said electrically connecting means internally mounted in said housing. 73. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said apparatus further comprises means for communicating with an external computing device. 74. An electronic alignment apparatus comprising: a housing, input and control means externally mounted on said housing, a feedback device operatively mounted in said apparatus, at least two accelerometers, said accelerometers being mutually perpendicular to one another, said accelerometers internally mounted in said housing, a gyroscope, said gyroscope operatively mounted in said housing, a computing and processing device, said computing and processing device having computer implemented means for initializing said apparatus, initializing said accelerometers, initializing said gyroscope, calibrating said accelerometers, calculating an angle of rotation about a first axis in a reference frame, calculating an angle of rotation about a second axis in said reference frame, reading and writing data from and to a memory device, receiving input from said input and control means, and sending data to said display device, said computing and processing device internally mounted in said housing, and means for electrically connecting said accelerometers, said gyroscope, said computing and processing device, said memory device, said display and a power source, said electrically connecting means internally mounted in said housing. 75. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said apparatus further comprises means for communicating with an external computing device. 76. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said apparatus comprises three accelerometers, said accelerometers being mutually perpendicular to one another, and said computing and processing device further comprises computer implemented means for calculating an angle of rotation about a third axis in said reference frame. 77. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said housing further comprises means for attaching said apparatus to an object. 78. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said attachment means comprises a magnet. 79. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said attachment means comprises a threaded portion for receiving a threaded member. 80. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said apparatus further comprises means for projecting at least one line of visible light from said apparatus. 81. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 80, wherein said means for projecting at least one line of visible light from said apparatus comprises a laser. 82. The electronic alignment apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said apparatus further comprises at least one conventional bubble level. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/568,595, filed May 6, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART The present invention relates to leveling and alignment devices, and more specifically to an electronic alignment device, such as a level, and a method for aligning a device with respect to the axes of a reference frame. In the fields of engineering, surveying, construction, and architecture, it is common practice to use a measurement tool to capture parameters about an object or structure, such as distance, angle, pitch, or width. These measurements are subsequently subjected to various computations or calculations, with the intent of deriving meaningful design or construction related parameters. Similar tools and devices have been developed to assist members of other fields. Comparable tools and devices have also been developed to assist the “do-it-yourselfer” with home repair and improvement projects. Levels and leveling devices have been used quite extensively in the fields mentioned above. Typical examples of levels include spirit, bubble, and bullseye levels. In these types of levels, a glass or see-through plastic container is partially filled with a fluid and then sealed. Since the container is not completely filled, there remains in the container a small pocket or bubble of air or gas. The air, being less dense than the liquid, automatically floats to the highest position in the container. Tilting of the container will result in a corresponding movement of the air pocket. This movement can be calibrated to correspond to identify when the level is at a desired angle relative to a horizontal or vertical line or plane. The accuracy is dependent on how well the user can align the air pocket within the container to reference marks on the container. Besides simple levels, that is a device where a container of the type described above is attached to an object having at least one flat side, levels of the type described above have been incorporated into tools or other devices. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,839, issued to Wolf, which discloses a power hand drill having two circular bubble type levels mounted on the drill housing. In Wolf, one bubble level is perpendicular to the axis of the drill and one bubble level is normal to the axis of the drill. In addition to the accuracy problems of these types of levels, discussed above, Wolf has the added disadvantage that the user must watch two separate bubble levels at one time to maintain proper alignment during drilling. Additionally, the bubble levels will only help to align the drill vertically and horizontally with respect to Earth's gravity. The bubble levels on the drill in Wolf cannot be used for alignment to anything but true vertical and true horizontal. Other devices have been created to help align tools, particularly drills. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,395, issued to Heintzeman, discloses a laser device mounted on the casing of a drill such that the laser is in line with the drill bit. A bubble level is also included to help align the drill vertically or horizontally. While the laser may be useful in aligning the drill tip to a particular point, the use of levels restricts alignment of the drill to true vertical and horizontal. Measuring the depth of a drill hole or the distance an object or tool has moved is also helpful to the skilled artisan. Typically depth of a drill hole is determined from markings on the drill bit. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,706, issued to Ura, which discloses a medical drill bit with one or more colored bands to indicate drilling depth. Alternatively, a stop mechanism is used, where a user sets a guide, offset from the drill bit, at a predetermined length, such that when the drill bit has traveled a desired distance into the work material, the guide touches the work material. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,451, issued to Thurler, et al., which discloses a depth stop assembly for a portable electric drill. A more complex system for positioning a drill bit is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,802, issued to Kienzel, III et al. Kienzel, III discloses a computer assisted surgery system for accurate positioning of a drill bit into a body part. The system includes a drill guide and a drill with attached localizing emitters whose locations are determined by a localizing device. During drilling, the drill bit is inserted through the bore of the drill guide and the position of the drill bit is calculated from measured position data of both the drill guide and the drill. While such a system may be useful in the medical field, the system is not convenient for use outside the controlled area of the surgical suite. A digital level is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,329, issued to Smallidge. The Smallidge level operates on the same principle as the spirit and bubble levels discussed above with digital electronics added in. The Smallidge level uses a hermetically sealed bladder partially filled with an electrically conductive liquid and partially filled with a gas. The electrically conductive liquid is free to align itself within the bladder in response to the inclined of a surface. Current probes placed within the hermetically sealed bladder measure the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive liquid, and electronic circuitry converts this measured resistance into an electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to slope. Another digital level is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,662, issued to Butler et al. The Butler level, or inclinometer, has a sensing unit for providing a varying capacitance signal depending on the orientation of the inclinometer. An oscillator circuit unit includes the sensor unit as a capacitive element for providing a signal having a period and a frequency depending on the capacitance of the sensor unit. A unit is provided for determining the period of the signal. A look-up table unit stores a predetermined relationship between the period of the signal and the angle of orientation of the inclinometer. A comparison unit then compares the period of the signal to the period stored in the look-up table unit and selects the corresponding angle which is the angle of orientation of the inclinometer. The angle is then displayed on the inclinometer display. Recently, another type of alignment device has been widely marketed. These products art generally referred to as “laser levels”. These “laser levels” are characterized by a light source that is projected in a beam or fan-like fashion along a wall or other object. U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,446, issued to Bijawat et al., disclosed a level having a laser beam source. Bijawat discloses a level that comprises a body, a body orientation detector, a laser beam source, a laser beam configuring lens, and a manually engageable lens switch. The body orientation indicator is carried by the body and constructed and arranged to indicate an orientation of the body. The laser beam source is carried by the body and constructed and arranged to emit a laser beam from the body to a location on a surface remote from the body, the laser beam being directed at a predetermined orientation with respect to the body to interrelate the orientation of the body with respect to the location on the surface remote from the body. The laser beam configuring lens assembly is carried by the body and movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the laser beam source. The laser beam configuring lens assembly splits the laser beam emitted by the laser beam source into a cross-hair beam configuration when the laser beam configuring lens is in the first position, and enables the beam to be transmitted as a point beam that projects a point of illumination onto the remote surface when the laser beam configuring lens assembly is in the second position. The manually-engageable lens switch is carried by the body and coupled to the laser beam configuring lens assembly. The lens switch is manually movable to move the laser beam configuring lens assembly between the first and second positions thereof. Also becoming increasing popular are products generally referred to as “project calculators”. Project calculators are used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers to determine material needs and other information for specific types of home improvement and construction projects. As of yet, these project calculators have not been incorporated into devices that make the measurements. Thus the user is forced to make measurements with one or more tools, record the information into the project calculator, and then perform the necessary calculation on the calculator. Other recent developments in the tool industry include electronic distance measurement devices. These devices use sound or light to measure distances. These devices are intended to replace the traditional measuring tape or similar distance measuring devices. Advanced models of these distance measuring devices have a memory function and can perform basic mathematic operations on measurements, such as multiplying two distance measurements to get an area. However, these devices typically only measure one distance at a time, thus the user must make separate measurements for each distance. Making multiple measurements increases the risk of measurement error and adds multiple steps to the measurement process. However, there remains a need for a device that can help align an object, a tool, or other device, not just vertically and horizontally, but with respect to any axis in space. There also remains a need for a device that can make multiple distance measurements simultaneously. There also remains a need for a device that can improve upon project calculation device and incorporate project calculation features into measurement and alignment devices. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a device that can determine angles of rotation about the axes of a three axis reference frame. It would be advantageous to provide a device that can also determine how far the device is from a static object and determine how far the device has traveled relative to a work surface or work piece. It would also be advantageous to provide a distance measuring device that can measure multiple distances simultaneously. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide a device that integrates measurement capture capabilities with a computational engine that allows the device to acquire measurements and convert them into useful parameters. SUMMARY In view of the deficiencies described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that can determine the angles of rotation about the axes of a reference frame. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system that can measure a distance from a work piece or work surface and, if applicable, determine how far the device has moved relative to the work piece or work surface. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a distance measuring device that can measure multiple distances simultaneously. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that integrates measurement capture capabilities with a computational engine that allows the device to acquire measurements and convert them into design, construction, or other useful parameters. The present invention is an electronic alignment device having at least two accelerometers, where the accelerometers are mounted in device in such a manner that the accelerometers are mutually perpendicular to one another. The accelerometers are electrically connected to a microcontroller, or other computing and processing device. A printed circuit board, or other electrical connection means, electrically connects the accelerometers, the microcontroller, a memory device, a feedback device, and a power source. The accelerometers are used to measure the relative direction to the gravitational force of the Earth. A full 360 degrees of orientation can be measured by using two accelerometers that are mounted perpendicularly to one another. Three mutually perpendicular accelerometers are required to measure rotation about two axes. The accelerometers can each be packaged individually or in an assembly having multiple accelerometers. A three axis reference frame is used as a basis for determining the angle of rotation of the device about an axis. Pitch is rotation about an axis that runs laterally through the body of the device. Roll is rotation about an axis that runs longitudinally through the body of the device. Yaw is rotation about an axis that runs vertically through the body of the device. Two accelerometers are required to determine a first angle of rotation, for example, pitch. Adding a third accelerometer allows for the calculation of a second angle of rotation, e.g., roll or yaw (depending on the orientation of device and the reference frame). The accelerometers in the present invention can be conventional single or multiple axis accelerometers or preferably single or multiple axis micro-electro-mechanical system accelerometers. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through micro-fabrication technology. MEMS accelerometers are advantageous because they can be incorporated directly onto or into a small silicon chip at relatively low cost. To improve performance, thermal compensated accelerometers may be used. A third angle of rotation may be determined using a variety of systems and methods. In various embodiments gyroscopes, known in the art, are used to determine a third angle of rotation. The gyroscopes can be MEMS gyroscopes or other types known in the art. In other various preferred embodiments, distance sensors are used to determine a third angle of rotation. A first distance sensor can be used in a static condition to determine a first distance, such as the distance from the sensor to a work piece. Changes in the first distance, a dynamic condition, can be used to determine how far the device has traveled relative to the work piece. This information can be used, for example, to determine the depth of a drill hole. A second distance sensor, pointed in the same direction as the first distance sensor, can be used to determine a second distance. Relative changes in the first and second distances are used to calculate the third angle of rotation about an axis of the reference frame. Distance sensors are not dependant on Earth's gravity, and thus the distance sensors can be used to determine rotation in any orientation. Distance sensors can be of any type known in the art. Preferably the distance sensors are one of three types, either infrared distance sensors, ultrasonic distance sensors, or laser distance sensors. In various embodiments, distance sensors may also be used to measure distances, areas, and volumes. To measure volume, three distance sensors, each aligned with one of the three axes of the reference frame. One distance sensor can measure distance along each axis. The product of the distances results in a volume. Any two distances can be used to calculate an area. Optionally, laser or other light projecting devices that project one or more lines of visible light from the device may be incorporated into the device and aligned with the distance sensors to help align the device and show the user where the measurements will be taken. The microcontroller is the computing and processing unit for the device. The microcontroller has computer code operable in the microcontroller that provides computer implemented means for initializing the device, initializing the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes, resetting or establishing a zero point for the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes, calibrating the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes, calculating angles of rotation about the axes of the reference frame, calculating distances, reading and writing data to the memory device, and driving the feedback device. Optionally, the microcontroller has computer code that provides computer implemented means for a computational engine for engineering, survey, construction, architectural, and other calculations. The computational engine allows the device to acquire measurements from the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes and convert them into design, construction, or other useful parameters. For example, the microcontroller can include calculations for determining pitch of a roof, twist and or deflection of a beam, and elevation change between survey markers from accelerometer and distance sensor measurements. Other calculations can include, but are not limited to, volume of a room, penetration rate of a drill, material estimation for painting, roofing or siding, angle of a table saw blade, hand tool sharpening angles, step or stringer layout, or rafter and joist design. Additionally, the microcontroller can include computer code that provides computer implemented means for converting units of measure into other units, such as radians to degrees or SI units to English units and vice versa. The computer code can include a data lookup table or other means known in the art for accessing stored information. Lookup table information can include data specific to fields or endeavors, such as cabinet making, framing, roofing, siding, painting, decorating, tiling, machining, landscaping, construction, automotive repair, recreational vehicle operation, or hobby modeling, just to name a few. For example, in the construction field, lookup table data may include, but is not limited to board design values, girder spans, R-values, surveyor conversion charts, properties of materials, or measurement conversions. The feedback device can be any one or any combination of visual, audible, or tactile feedback mechanisms. Visual feedback can be in any one or any combination of alpha, numeric, graphical or indicator formats. In various embodiments, a liquid crystal display displays the angles of rotation and or the distance measurements. A light emitting diode array or other visual feedback means known in the art may also be used to give visual feedback. Audible feedback can be in the form of buzzers or tones that activate when predetermined conditions are met, such as a certain distance of travel has been made or the device has rotated more than a predetermined amount about one or more of the axes of rotation. Voice synthesis may also be used for audible feedback. Tactile feedback can be in to form of a Braille pad, coded vibrations, or other tactile feedback means known in the art. The power source is preferably a battery of some type known in the art, which would be integral to the device. Having an integral power source eliminates the need for the device to be tethered to a power source via a power cord. The device of the present invention can be incorporated as an integral part of another apparatus. For example, the present invention may be built into a drill, level, saw, powder activated driver, or protractor by a manufacturer. Alternately, device can be a stand alone unit, for use with or for mounting on another apparatus, such as a drill or conventional bubble type level. In these instances the device can be built into a housing. Preferably the housing has a removable portion for accessing the power source, such as for replacing a battery. Preferably the housing has a feedback device, such as a display capable of showing numbers, letters, or symbols. Ideally the feedback device display is positioned to allow for easy viewing when the device is being used. Optionally, feedback device display can tilt and or swivel for optimal viewing. The housing can also incorporate buttons and or switches, or other input and control means known in the art, that are used to turn the device on and off and to access available menu functions programmed into the microcontroller or computing and processing means. Furthermore, the housing can include means for attaching the device to a tool or object. The attachment means can include, but is not limited to, magnets located on one or more surfaces of the housing, or threaded portions for receiving a threaded members. In various embodiments, additional features can be added, singularly or in combination, to the device. For example, device may include laser or other light projecting devices that project one or more lines of visible light from the device. Such lines can be used to effectively extend the edges of device as well as assist in aligning the device with one or more other objects. Additionally, one or more traditional spirit or bubble levels can be included in the device. Inclusion of traditional spirit or bubble level can help a user make preliminary alignments, serve as a redundant measurement technique, and or serve as a visual confirmation of the device operation to a new user. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of an electronic alignment device according to the present invention having a section thereof cut away. FIG. 1b shows an alternate perspective view of an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a three axis reference frame in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an infrared distance sensor as part of an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 shows and ultrasonic distance sensor as part of an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 5a shows a portable drill having an electronic alignment device according to the present invention mounted thereon in a first position. FIG. 5b shows a portable drill having an electronic alignment device according to the present invention mounted thereon in a second position. FIG. 6 shows a portable drill having an electronic alignment device according to the present invention built into a drill. FIG. 7 shows an electronic alignment device according to the present invention having light projecting means included thereon. FIG. 8 shows an electronic alignment device according to the present invention configured to determine distances along three axes. FIG. 9a shows a process for controlling an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 9b shows a process for capturing raw acceleration data for an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 9c shows a process for selectively filtering acceleration data for an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 9d shows a process for initial setup of an electronic alignment device for an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 9e shows a process for field calibration of an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows an electronic alignment device according to the present invention as part of an electronic protractor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. The present invention is an electronic alignment device 100 having at least two accelerometers, where the accelerometers 110 are mounted in device 100 in such a manner that the accelerometers 110 are mutually perpendicular to one another. FIGS. 1a and 1b show an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. The accelerometers 110 are electrically connected to a microcontroller 120, or other computing and processing device known in the art. A printed circuit board 130, or other electrical connection means, electrically connects the accelerometers 110, the microcontroller 120, a memory device 140, such as an EEPROM or other memory device known in the art, a feedback device 150, and a power source 160. The skilled artisan will appreciate that items such as the printed circuit board 130, the microcontroller 120, and memory device 140 can be replaced by other electronic components that provide similar functionality, including, but not limited to, integrated circuits. In various preferred embodiments, the memory device 140 has non-volatile persistent memory capabilities. The accelerometers 110 are used to measure the relative direction to the gravitational force of the Earth. A full 360 degrees of orientation can be measured by using two accelerometers 110 that are mounted perpendicularly to one another. As used herein, the term accelerometer 110 is refers to a device capable measuring static or dynamic acceleration in a single direction. Static acceleration is produced by the force of gravity and dynamic acceleration is produced by movement. Two accelerometers 110, perpendicular to one another, are required to measure rotation about a single axis. Three mutually perpendicular accelerometers 110 are required to measure rotation about two axes. Accelerometers 110 can each be packaged individually or in an assembly having multiple accelerometers 110. A three axis reference frame 170 is used as a basis for determining the angle of rotation of the device 100 about an axis. FIG. 2 shows a three axis reference frame 170 in accordance with the present invention. Pitch 180 is rotation about an axis that runs laterally 190 through the body of the device 100. Roll 200 is rotation about an axis that runs longitudinally 210 through the body of the device 100. Yaw 220 is rotation about an axis that runs vertically 230 through the body of the device 100. Two accelerometers 110 are required to determine a first angle of rotation, for example, pitch 180. Adding a third accelerometer 110 allows for the calculation of a second angle of rotation, e.g., roll 200 or yaw 220 (depending on the orientation of device 100 and the reference frame 170). The accelerometers 110 in the present invention can be conventional single or multiple axis accelerometers or preferably single or multiple axis micro-electro-mechanical system accelerometers. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through micro-fabrication technology. MEMS accelerometers are advantageous because they can be incorporated directly onto or into a small silicon chip at relatively low cost. To improve performance, thermal compensated accelerometers may be used. Thermal MEMS accelerometers have a high shock tolerance, are more resistant to contamination factors, and tend to have lower failure rates in comparison to other devices. A third angle of rotation may be determined using a variety of systems and methods. In various embodiments gyroscopes (not shown), known in the art, are used to determine a third angle of rotation. For example, the gyroscopes may be MEMS gyroscopes or other types of gyroscopes known in the art. Gyroscopes are not dependant on Earth's gravity, and thus gyroscopes can be used to determine rotation in any orientation. In other various preferred embodiments, distance sensors are used to determine a third angle of rotation. A first distance sensor 240 can be used in a static condition to determine a first distance, such as the distance from the sensor 240 to a work piece. Changes in the first distance, a dynamic condition, can be used to determine how far the device 100 has traveled relative to the work piece. This information can be used, for example, to determine the depth of a drill hole. A second distance sensor 240, pointed in the same direction as the first distance sensor, can be used to determine a second distance. Relative changes in the first and second distances are used to calculate the third angle of rotation about an axis of the reference frame 170. Distance sensors 240 are not dependant on Earth's gravity, and thus the distance sensors 240 can be used to determine rotation in any orientation. Distance sensors 240 can be of any type known in the art. Preferably the distance sensors 240 are one of three types, either infrared (1R) distance sensors 250, ultrasonic distance sensors 280, or laser distance sensors (not shown). FIG. 3 shows an IR distance sensor 250 as part of an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. An IR distance sensor 250 uses non-visible light to measure distance from an object 260. IR distance sensors 250 use triangulation and a small linear CCD array (not shown) to measure the distance from objects 260 in the sensor's 250 field of view. A pulse of IR light is emitted by an emitter (not shown). The light pulse travels out in the field of view until it hits an object 260 and is reflected back to a detector (not shown) in the sensor 250. A triangle 270 is created between the emitter, the object 260, and the detector. The angles in the triangle 270 vary based on the distance to the object 260. The detector has a receiver that includes a precision lens (not shown) that transmits the reflected pulse into various portions of the CCD array based on the angles of the triangle 270. The CCD array can determine what angle the reflected light came back at and from that angle it can calculate the distance to the object 260. FIG. 4 shows an ultrasonic distance sensor 280 as part of an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. An ultrasonic distance sensor 280 uses high frequency sound to measure to distance to an object 260. An ultrasonic sound pulse 290 is generated from a transmitter 285. A corresponding ultrasonic receiver (not shown) listens for an echo of the pulse 290 to be reflected back after the pulse hits an object 260. The time between the pulse 290 from the transmitter 285 and the reception of the echo by the receiver determines the distance to the object 260. Laser distance sensors (not shown) work in substantially the same way as the ultrasonic distance sensors 280, the obvious difference being the use of laser light rather than a sound pulse 290. In various embodiments, distance sensors 240 may also be used to measure distances, areas, and volumes. To measure volume, three distance sensors 240, each aligned with one of the three axes of the reference frame 170. One distance sensor 240 can measure distance along each axis. FIG. 8 shows an electronic alignment device according to the present invention configured to determine distances along three axes. The product of the distances results in a volume. Any two distances can be used to calculate an area. By measuring the distances simultaneously, the user avoids the problems of previous measuring devices and gets a better result since the user can be assured that the measurements were taken from the same location. In other various embodiments the accelerometers 110 may be eliminated from the device, resulting in a three dimensional distance measuring apparatus without electronic alignment. Optionally, laser 300 or other light projecting devices that project one or more lines of visible light from the device 100 may be incorporated into the device 100 and aligned with the distance sensors 240 to help align the device 100 and show the user where the measurements will be taken. The microcontroller 120 is the computing and processing unit for the device 100. The microcontroller 120 has computer code operable in the microcontroller 120 that provides computer implemented means for initializing the device 100, initializing the accelerometers 110, distance sensors 240 and or gyroscopes, resetting or establishing a zero point for the accelerometers 110, distance sensors 240 and or gyroscopes, calibrating the accelerometers 110, distance sensors 240 and or gyroscopes, calculating angles of rotation about the axes of the reference frame 170, calculating distances, reading and writing data to the memory device 140, and driving the feedback device 150. FIG. 9a shows a process 400 for controlling an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. At Step 410 acceleration data from the accelerometers 110 is captured. Step 410 is further explained below as it relates to FIG. 9b, which shows a process for capturing raw acceleration data for an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. At step 420 a noise filter function is performed on the acceleration data from step 410. Step 420 is further explained below as it relates to FIG. 9c, which shows a process for selectively filtering acceleration data for an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. At step 430 a determination is made whether the factory configuration is needed. If yes, a factory configuration is performed at step 440, which is further explained below as it relates to FIG. 9d, which shows a process for initial setup of an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. This process is typically performed on the device 100 once at the completion of manufacture and testing. If no, a determination is made at step 450 to conduct a field calibration. If yes, a field calibration is performed at step 460, which is further explained below as it relates to FIG. 9e, which shows a process for field calibration of an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. This process can be performed by users of the device 100. If no at step 450, offset and sensitivity compensations are applied to accelerometer 110 data at step 470. Accelerometer 110 offset and sensitivity compensations are stored in the memory device 140 during the factory configuration, step 440. In the case of digital accelerometers 110, the offset value typically represents the zero gravity (0G) duty cycle. The sensitivity values typically represent the maximum and minimum duty cycles (+1G and −1G respectively). The acceleration values on each axis are calculated for offset and sensitivity in the same formula: ACCELERATION=(DUTY CYCLE−OFFSET)/SENSITIVITY. Some accelerometers 110 require offset compensation and sensitivity compensation due to temperature changes. Temperature offset compensation and temperature sensitivity compensation can also be applied in this step. In other embodiments, other calculation techniques, known in the art, may be used to determine orientation of device 100 about an axis of rotation. At step 480 the acceleration data on each axis is converted to an angle, ANGLE(measured). In various embodiments, an ARCTANGENT calculation is used on the output of each accelerometer 110 to determine the orientation with respect to the Earth's gravity. The ARCTANGENT of the output of one accelerometer 110 (e.g., “Output 1”) over another accelerometer 110 (e.g., “Output 2”). For example: ANGLE(measured)=ARCTAN(Output 1/Output 2) results in the orientation of device 100 about an axis of rotation perpendicular to both accelerometers 110. In other embodiments, other calculation techniques, known in the art, may be used to determine orientation of device 100 about an axis of rotation. At step 490 mounting compensation is applied to the angular data from step 480 above. Mounting compensation compensates for differences between the mounting of the accelerometers 110 and the plumb or level position of the device 100. For example, due to wear, damage, usage, or the like, the alignment between of the accelerometers 110 relative to the device 100 may change over time. The mounting offset values determined through the field calibration in step 460 synchronize the mounting of the accelerometers 110 to the plumb or level position of the device 100. Mounting offset values are stored as angles during field calibration in step 460. The reported angle, ANGLE(reported) is determined as a function of the measured angle adjusted by the mounting offset. As a related function, there can be provisions for a user to “zero” the device 100 at an orientation that is off of the axes of the reference fame 170. For example, the user may want to “zero” the device 100 at a forty-five degree angle to the horizontal. The reported angle would be given relative to this user defined “zero” point. At step 500 the reported angle can be converted from a known format, such as degrees, into another desired format, such as slope or percent of slope. Other formats may also be used. As further discussed below, additional calculations and computations may also be made on the accelerometer 110 data. Following step 500, the process returns to step 410 to capture new data from the accelerometers 110. As mentioned above, at step 410 acceleration data from the accelerometers 110 is captured. FIG. 9b shows a process for capturing raw acceleration data for an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. Raw accelerations, or the effect of gravity, are captured on each accelerometer 110. The following example is based on a two-axis (X and Y) digital accelerometer 110 configuration. A three-axis accelerometer 110 configuration would require additional steps for the third axis. Furthermore, depending on the type of accelerometer 110, accelerations are captured as voltage levels (analog accelerometers 110) or duty cycles (digital accelerometers 110). At step 510 the duty cycle for a first accelerometer 110 is captured. Digital accelerometers 110 provide acceleration data on each axis as a duty cycle. For example, if an accelerometer 110 is capable of measuring 1G, a fifty percent duty cycle represents 0G, which would represent an axis parallel to the ground. A one hundred percent duty cycle would represent 1G, which is an axis perpendicular to the ground. At step 520, the period for the first accelerometer 110 is captured, where period represents the time to complete one duty cycle. At steps 530 and 540, duty cycle and period for the second accelerometer 110 are captured. As mentioned above, at step 420 a noise filter can be applied to the raw acceleration data. FIG. 9c shows a process for selectively filtering acceleration data for an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. The raw acceleration data is received from step 550. At step 560, a determination is made whether to filter the acceleration data. In various preferred embodiments, the raw acceleration data is compared to a weighted average of acceleration data sets. If the new raw acceleration data are substantially different from the weighted average, then it is assumed that the orientation of the accelerometers 110 has changed dramatically and the noise filter is bypassed and the raw acceleration data is output at step 580. If the new acceleration data is substantially similar to the weighted average, then it is assumed that orientation of the accelerometers 110 has changed only slightly, if at all, and a noise filter, in this case a weighted average, is applied to the acceleration data and the filtered acceleration data is output at step 590. Other forms of noise filters, whether they are implemented though hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, may also be used. As mentioned above at step 440, a factory configuration may be performed on the device 100. FIG. 9d shows a process for initial setup of an electronic alignment device 100 for an electronic alignment device according to the present invention. Described herein is an example configuration for a two-axis (X and Y) accelerometer 110. This provides 360 degrees of resolution about a single axis. Other implementations may include resolution about additional axes and require additional configuration steps. At step 600, the user is instructed to position the device 100 upright. At step 610 the value of the Y axis is captured in its minimum value position. At step 620 the user is instructed to rotate the device 100 ninety degrees to right. At step 630 the value of the X axis is captured at its maximum value. At step 640 the user is instructed to rotate the device 100 an additional ninety degrees to the right to the 180 degree position. At step 650 the value of the Y axis is captured at its maximum value. At step 660 the user is instructed to rotate the device 100 an additional ninety degrees to the 270 degree position. At step 670 the value of the X axis is captured at its minimum value. At step 680 the factory offset values for each axis are determined as the average of the minimum and maximum values for that axis. The offset compensation values are stored in memory device 140. Some accelerometers 110 also require offset compensation due to temperature changes. Temperature offset compensation values can optionally be stored here. At step 690 the factory sensitivity values for each axis are determined as one-half of the difference of the maximum and minimum values for each axis. The sensitivity values are stored in memory device 140. Some accelerometers 110 also require sensitivity compensation due to temperature changes. Temperature sensitivity values can optionally be stored here. Other methods and processes of factory configuration and calibration may also be used, including, but not limited to other methods and processes of determining factory offset values and factory sensitivity values. As mentioned above at step 460, a field calibration may be performed on the device 100. FIG. 9e shows a process for field calibration of an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention. As with the factory configuration discussed above, described herein is an example field calibration for a two-axis (X and Y) accelerometer 110 configuration. This provides 360 degrees of resolution about a single axis. Other implementations may include resolution about additional axes and require additional calibration steps. At step 700, the user is instructed to position the device 100 upright. At step 710 the position of the device 100 is captured (capture position 1). At step 720 the user is instructed to spin the device 100 180 degrees. At step 730 the position of the device 100 is captured again (capture position 2). At step 740 the mounting offset value is determined as the average of the two capture positions. The field calibration process is used to account for errors in accelerometer 110 mounting. Since the mounting offset can change with usage, the field calibration process can be done by users of the device 100 to re-zero the device 100. Field calibration can also allows changes in temperature to be factored into the accelerometer 110 data if it is not accounted for elsewhere. Other methods and processes of field configuration and calibration may also be used, including, but not limited to other methods and processes of determining mounting offset values. Optionally, the microcontroller 120 has computer code that provides computer implemented means for a computational engine for engineering, survey, construction, architectural, and other calculations. The computational engine allows the device 100 to acquire measurements from the accelerometers 110, distance sensors 240 and or gyroscopes, perform calculations on the measurements, and convert them into design, construction, or other useful parameters. For example, the microcontroller 120 can include calculations for determining pitch of a roof, twist and or deflection of a beam, and elevation change between survey markers from accelerometer 110, distance sensor 240 and or gyroscope measurements. Other calculations can include, but are not limited to, volume of a room, penetration rate of a drill, material estimation for painting, roofing or siding, angle of a table saw blade, hand tool sharpening angles, step or stringer layout, or rafter and joist design. Additionally, the microcontroller 120 can include computer code that provides computer implemented means for converting units of measure into other units, such as radians to degrees or SI units to English units and vice versa. The computer code can include a data lookup table or other means known in the art for accessing stored information. Lookup table information can include data specific to fields or endeavors, such as cabinet making, framing, roofing, siding, painting, decorating, tiling, machining, landscaping, construction, automotive repair, recreational vehicle operation, or hobby modeling, just to name a few. For example, in the construction field, lookup table data may include, but is not limited to board design values, girder spans, R-values, surveyor conversion charts, properties of materials, or measurement conversions. In various embodiments, the device 100 may include hardware and software that allows the device 100 to communicate with an external computer (not shown) or computing device. The communication hardware and software can include, but is not limited to, a wire line connector, wireless infrared port, or wireless radio frequency devices using communication protocols known in the art. The communication hardware and software can allow the updating, revising or configuring of the computer code operating in the microcontroller 120. The communication hardware and software can also allow the updating, revising or configuring of other user settings in the device 100, microcontroller 120, or memory device 140. The communication hardware and software can also provide for the transfer of data stored on the device 100 to the external computer for further manipulation, calculations, or archiving. The feedback device 150 can be any one or any combination of visual, audible, or tactile feedback mechanisms. Visual feedback can be in any one or any combination of alpha, numeric, graphical or indicator formats. In various embodiments, a liquid crystal display 310 (LCD) displays the angles of rotation and or the distance measurements. A light emitting diode (LED) array 320 or other visual feedback means known in the art may also be used to give visual feedback. Audible feedback can be in the form of buzzers or tones that activate when predetermined conditions are met, such as a certain distance of travel has been made or the device 100 has rotated more than a predetermined amount about one or more of the axes of rotation. Voice synthesis may also be used for audible feedback. Tactile feedback can be in to form of a Braille pad, coded vibrations, or other tactile feedback means known in the art. The power source 160 is preferably a battery of some type known in the art, which would be integral to the device 100. Having an integral power source 160 eliminates the need for the device 100 to be tethered to a power source 160 via a power cord (not shown). The device 100 of the present invention can be incorporated as an integral part of another apparatus. For example, the present invention may be built into a drill, level, saw, powder activated driver, stud sensor, or protractor by a manufacturer. Alternately, device 100 can be a stand alone unit, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, for use with or for mounting on another apparatus, such as a drill, conventional bubble type level, or other tools and devices, including, but not limited to the tools listed above. FIGS. 5a and 5b show a portable drill having an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention mounted thereon in first and second position respectively. In these instances the device 100 can be built into a housing 330. Preferably the housing 330 has a removable portion for accessing the power source 160, such as for replacing a battery. Preferably the housing 330 has a feedback device 150, such as a display capable of showing numbers, letters, or symbols. Ideally the feedback device 150 display is positioned to allow for easy viewing when the device 100 is being used. Optionally, feedback device 150 display can tilt and or swivel for optimal viewing. The housing 330 can also incorporate buttons 340 and or switches 350, or other input and control means known in the art, that are used to turn the device 100 on and off and to access available menu functions programmed into the microcontroller 120 or computing and processing means. Furthermore, the housing 330 can include means for attaching the device 100 to a tool or object 260. The attachment means can include, but is not limited to, magnets (not shown) located on one or more surfaces of the housing 330, or threaded portions (not shown) for receiving threaded members (not shown). In various embodiments, additional features can be added, singularly or in combination, to the device 100. For example, device 100 may include laser or other light projecting devices that project one or more lines of visible light from the device 100. FIG. 7 shows an electronic alignment device 100 according to the present invention having light projecting means, such as a laser 300, included thereon. Such lines can be used to effectively extend the edges of device 100 as well as assist in aligning the device with one or more other objects. Additionally, one or more traditional spirit or bubble levels 370 can be included in the device. Inclusion of traditional spirit or bubble level can help a user make preliminary alignments, serve as a redundant measurement technique, and or serve as a visual confirmation of the operation device 100 to a new user. FIG. 10 shows an electronic alignment device according to the present invention as part of an electronic protractor. When used as an electronic protractor, the device 100 can be used, for example, as a guide for finding and scribing a desired angle 380 on an object 260. While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>In view of the deficiencies described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that can determine the angles of rotation about the axes of a reference frame. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system that can measure a distance from a work piece or work surface and, if applicable, determine how far the device has moved relative to the work piece or work surface. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a distance measuring device that can measure multiple distances simultaneously. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that integrates measurement capture capabilities with a computational engine that allows the device to acquire measurements and convert them into design, construction, or other useful parameters. The present invention is an electronic alignment device having at least two accelerometers, where the accelerometers are mounted in device in such a manner that the accelerometers are mutually perpendicular to one another. The accelerometers are electrically connected to a microcontroller, or other computing and processing device. A printed circuit board, or other electrical connection means, electrically connects the accelerometers, the microcontroller, a memory device, a feedback device, and a power source. The accelerometers are used to measure the relative direction to the gravitational force of the Earth. A full 360 degrees of orientation can be measured by using two accelerometers that are mounted perpendicularly to one another. Three mutually perpendicular accelerometers are required to measure rotation about two axes. The accelerometers can each be packaged individually or in an assembly having multiple accelerometers. A three axis reference frame is used as a basis for determining the angle of rotation of the device about an axis. Pitch is rotation about an axis that runs laterally through the body of the device. Roll is rotation about an axis that runs longitudinally through the body of the device. Yaw is rotation about an axis that runs vertically through the body of the device. Two accelerometers are required to determine a first angle of rotation, for example, pitch. Adding a third accelerometer allows for the calculation of a second angle of rotation, e.g., roll or yaw (depending on the orientation of device and the reference frame). The accelerometers in the present invention can be conventional single or multiple axis accelerometers or preferably single or multiple axis micro-electro-mechanical system accelerometers. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through micro-fabrication technology. MEMS accelerometers are advantageous because they can be incorporated directly onto or into a small silicon chip at relatively low cost. To improve performance, thermal compensated accelerometers may be used. A third angle of rotation may be determined using a variety of systems and methods. In various embodiments gyroscopes, known in the art, are used to determine a third angle of rotation. The gyroscopes can be MEMS gyroscopes or other types known in the art. In other various preferred embodiments, distance sensors are used to determine a third angle of rotation. A first distance sensor can be used in a static condition to determine a first distance, such as the distance from the sensor to a work piece. Changes in the first distance, a dynamic condition, can be used to determine how far the device has traveled relative to the work piece. This information can be used, for example, to determine the depth of a drill hole. A second distance sensor, pointed in the same direction as the first distance sensor, can be used to determine a second distance. Relative changes in the first and second distances are used to calculate the third angle of rotation about an axis of the reference frame. Distance sensors are not dependant on Earth's gravity, and thus the distance sensors can be used to determine rotation in any orientation. Distance sensors can be of any type known in the art. Preferably the distance sensors are one of three types, either infrared distance sensors, ultrasonic distance sensors, or laser distance sensors. In various embodiments, distance sensors may also be used to measure distances, areas, and volumes. To measure volume, three distance sensors, each aligned with one of the three axes of the reference frame. One distance sensor can measure distance along each axis. The product of the distances results in a volume. Any two distances can be used to calculate an area. Optionally, laser or other light projecting devices that project one or more lines of visible light from the device may be incorporated into the device and aligned with the distance sensors to help align the device and show the user where the measurements will be taken. The microcontroller is the computing and processing unit for the device. The microcontroller has computer code operable in the microcontroller that provides computer implemented means for initializing the device, initializing the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes, resetting or establishing a zero point for the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes, calibrating the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes, calculating angles of rotation about the axes of the reference frame, calculating distances, reading and writing data to the memory device, and driving the feedback device. Optionally, the microcontroller has computer code that provides computer implemented means for a computational engine for engineering, survey, construction, architectural, and other calculations. The computational engine allows the device to acquire measurements from the accelerometers, distance sensors and or gyroscopes and convert them into design, construction, or other useful parameters. For example, the microcontroller can include calculations for determining pitch of a roof, twist and or deflection of a beam, and elevation change between survey markers from accelerometer and distance sensor measurements. Other calculations can include, but are not limited to, volume of a room, penetration rate of a drill, material estimation for painting, roofing or siding, angle of a table saw blade, hand tool sharpening angles, step or stringer layout, or rafter and joist design. Additionally, the microcontroller can include computer code that provides computer implemented means for converting units of measure into other units, such as radians to degrees or SI units to English units and vice versa. The computer code can include a data lookup table or other means known in the art for accessing stored information. Lookup table information can include data specific to fields or endeavors, such as cabinet making, framing, roofing, siding, painting, decorating, tiling, machining, landscaping, construction, automotive repair, recreational vehicle operation, or hobby modeling, just to name a few. For example, in the construction field, lookup table data may include, but is not limited to board design values, girder spans, R-values, surveyor conversion charts, properties of materials, or measurement conversions. The feedback device can be any one or any combination of visual, audible, or tactile feedback mechanisms. Visual feedback can be in any one or any combination of alpha, numeric, graphical or indicator formats. In various embodiments, a liquid crystal display displays the angles of rotation and or the distance measurements. A light emitting diode array or other visual feedback means known in the art may also be used to give visual feedback. Audible feedback can be in the form of buzzers or tones that activate when predetermined conditions are met, such as a certain distance of travel has been made or the device has rotated more than a predetermined amount about one or more of the axes of rotation. Voice synthesis may also be used for audible feedback. Tactile feedback can be in to form of a Braille pad, coded vibrations, or other tactile feedback means known in the art. The power source is preferably a battery of some type known in the art, which would be integral to the device. Having an integral power source eliminates the need for the device to be tethered to a power source via a power cord. The device of the present invention can be incorporated as an integral part of another apparatus. For example, the present invention may be built into a drill, level, saw, powder activated driver, or protractor by a manufacturer. Alternately, device can be a stand alone unit, for use with or for mounting on another apparatus, such as a drill or conventional bubble type level. In these instances the device can be built into a housing. Preferably the housing has a removable portion for accessing the power source, such as for replacing a battery. Preferably the housing has a feedback device, such as a display capable of showing numbers, letters, or symbols. Ideally the feedback device display is positioned to allow for easy viewing when the device is being used. Optionally, feedback device display can tilt and or swivel for optimal viewing. The housing can also incorporate buttons and or switches, or other input and control means known in the art, that are used to turn the device on and off and to access available menu functions programmed into the microcontroller or computing and processing means. Furthermore, the housing can include means for attaching the device to a tool or object. The attachment means can include, but is not limited to, magnets located on one or more surfaces of the housing, or threaded portions for receiving a threaded members. In various embodiments, additional features can be added, singularly or in combination, to the device. For example, device may include laser or other light projecting devices that project one or more lines of visible light from the device. Such lines can be used to effectively extend the edges of device as well as assist in aligning the device with one or more other objects. Additionally, one or more traditional spirit or bubble levels can be included in the device. Inclusion of traditional spirit or bubble level can help a user make preliminary alignments, serve as a redundant measurement technique, and or serve as a visual confirmation of the device operation to a new user. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like features. | 20050304 | 20081104 | 20051110 | 62201.0 | 3 | BAHTA, KIDEST | ELECTRONIC ALIGNMENT SYSTEM | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,776 | ACCEPTED | Play Apparatus | Play facility that can be safely played on by preschoolers, and that can be set up indoors. The play facility (1) includes hollow play structures (2) and (8) having a play surface on which a play participant can engage in play, the play surface being a vertical, oblique, or stair-shaped surface, with members (3), (9) constituting at least the play surface being made of a transparent material; liquid spouting units (20), (21) for spouting a pressurized liquid L against a surface on an inner side of the transparent member (3), (9), the liquid spouting units (20), (21) being disposed at an upper position within the hollow portion of the play structure (2), (8); and a liquid supply system (15) for pressurizing the liquid L collected in a bottom region inside the hollow portion of the play structure (2), (8) and supplying the pressurized liquid to the liquid spouting units (20), (21). | 1. A play facility comprising: a hollow play structure having a play surface on which play participants can engage in play, the play surface being a vertical surface, an oblique surface, or a stair-shaped surface, and a member constituting at least the play surface being made of a transparent material; a liquid spouting means for spouting a pressurized liquid against a surface on an inner side of the transparent member, the liquid spouting means being disposed at an upper position within the hollow portion of the play structure; and a liquid supply means for pressurizing liquid collected in a bottom region inside the hollow portion of the play structure and supplying the pressurized liquid to the liquid spouting means. 2. The play facility according to claim 1, wherein the play surface of the play structure is an oblique surface for enabling play participants to slide down the play surface. 3. The play facility according to claim 1, wherein the play surface of the play structure is a vertical surface or an oblique surface, and a plurality of protrusions are affixed on the play surface. 4. The play facility according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said liquid spouting means are lined up at a predetermined spacing from an upper position to a lower position within the hollow portion of the play structure. 5. The play facility according to claim 1, further comprising an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, wherein light illuminating the inside of the hollow portion passes through the transparent member and is visible from outside. 6. The play facility according to claim 2, further comprising an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, wherein light illuminating the inside of the hollow portion passes through the transparent member and is visible from outside. 7. The play facility according to claim 3, further comprising an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, wherein light illuminating the inside of the hollow portion passes through the transparent member and is visible from outside. 8. The play facility according to claim 4, further comprising an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, wherein light illuminating the inside of the hollow portion passes through the transparent member and is visible from outside. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to play facilities for installation in children's areas in amusement parks, department stores, supermarkets, or the like. 2. Description of the Related Art One conventionally known play facility, which can be set up in amusement parks or the like, is the so-called “water slide,” wherein a slide having a sliding surface down which a play participant can slide is provided with a water-pumping system that lets water flow down the sliding surface of the slide, so that the play participant can slide down the sliding surface together with the flowing water. (Cf. Japanese Unexamined Pat. App. Pub. No. 2000-167254A.) In such water slides, the frictional resistance between the play participant and the sliding surface is reduced when the play participant slides down a sliding surface on which water flows, so that the sliding speed of the play participant is accelerated, thus letting the play participant experience the excitement of speeding down the slide while being immersed in the flowing water. Nevertheless, while conventional water slides demonstrate such effects, their downside is that their overall configuration is very bulky, and it is virtually impossible to install them in indoor children's areas of department stores, supermarkets, etc., and another problem with them is that they can be used only in summer. Also, since the sliding speed can be very fast, they are suitable for children above a certain height, but not for preschoolers. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a play facility that can be safely used by preschoolers and that can be set up indoors. In order to achieve the above-noted objects of the present invention, a play facility in accordance with the present invention comprises: a hollow play structure having a play surface on which a play participant can engage in play, the play surface being a vertical surface, an oblique surface or a stair-shaped surface, and a member constituting at least the play surface being made of a transparent material; a liquid spouting means for spouting a pressurized liquid against a surface on an inner side of the transparent member, the liquid spouting means being disposed at an upper position within the hollow portion of the play structure; and a liquid supply means for pressurizing liquid collected in a bottom region inside the hollow portion of the play structure and supplying the pressurized liquid to the liquid spouting means. With this play facility, first, a predetermined amount of liquid is supplied to and collected in the region at the bottom in the hollow portion of the play structure. Then, the collected liquid is pressurized by the liquid supply means and supplied to the liquid spouting means, which spouts the liquid against the inner surface of the transparent member constituting the play surface. The spouted liquid slows down along the inner surface of the transparent member, and it can be seen from the outside through the transparent member how the liquid flows down. The play participant can engage in play on the play surface while viewing the river-like flow of the liquid through the transparent member, and can imagine to be playing in a stream or in a waterfall flowing over a cliff, without directly coming in contact with the liquid. Consequently, play is possible not only in summer, but throughout the year. Moreover, the liquid flows inside the hollow portion of the play structure, so that there is no risk of the liquid leaking to the outside, and it is possible to set up the play facility in an indoor children's area or the like without taking any special measures against leakage. The play structure may be configured such that the play surface is an oblique surface, and the play participant can slide down on the play surface. This configuration of the play structure corresponds to a slide, so that the play participant can experience a sensation akin to that on a waterslide in which the play participant slides down in a stream of water. This configuration can also be safely enjoyed by preschoolers. The play structure can also be configured such that the play surface is a vertical surface or an oblique surface, and a plurality of protrusions are affixed on the play surface. The protrusions may resemble logs or small rocks, for example. If they are log-shaped, then they can be laid out to form a ladder, and if they are shaped like small rocks, then they may be laid out in an irregular arrangement. Thus, the play participant can experience a sensation as if rock-climbing in a waterfall flowing along a cliff. It is also possible to have a plurality of the liquid spouting means lined up at a predetermined spacing from an upper position to a lower position within the hollow portion of the play structure. Thus, a flow of liquid can be formed without interruption along the entire inner face of the transparent member, which is particularly effective in the case of the stair-shaped play surface. The play facility may further comprise an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, wherein light illuminating the inside of the hollow portion passes through the transparent member and is visible from outside. Thus, the illuminated liquid stream is accentuated by this illumination, which, together with the effect of the illumination, gives a playful air to the facility. As explained in detail above, with the present invention, the play surface of the hollow play structure is made from a transparent member, and a pressurized liquid is spouted against the inner face of this transparent member, so that the play participant can engage in play on the play surface while viewing a liquid stream akin to the flow of a river or a waterfall through the transparent member. Also, without directly coming in contact with the liquid, the play participant can experience a sensation as if playing in a river stream or in a waterfall flowing over a cliff. Also, play is not limited to summer but possible throughout the year, and the play facility can be set up in an indoor children's area or the like. Further, by lining up a plurality of the liquid spouting means from an upper position to a lower position at a predetermined spacing within the hollow portion of the play structure, a flow of liquid can be formed without interruption along the entire inner face of the transparent member. And by providing an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, the illuminated liquid stream is accentuated by this illumination, which, together with the effect of the illumination, gives a playful air to the facility. From the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a is a lateral cross-sectional view of a play facility according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the play facility in FIG. 1, taken from the direction of arrow A; FIG. 3 is a rear view of the play facility in FIG. 1, taken from the direction of arrow B; FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a play facility according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a play facility according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a rear view of the play facility in FIG. 5, taken from the direction of arrow C; FIG. 7 is a rear view of a play facility according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, taken from the same direction as FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a play facility according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken in arrow direction along the line D-D in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following is a description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a play facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the play facility in FIG. 1, taken from the direction of arrow A. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the play facility in FIG. 1, taken from the direction of arrow B. As shown in FIG. 1, the play facility 1 of this example includes a first play structure 2, a second play structure 8, a liquid supplying system 15, liquid spouting nozzles 20 and 21, and illumination lamps 22 and 23. The first play structure 2 is provided with an airtight hollow structure made of an upper oblique member 3 and a lower oblique member 4, a bottom member 5, and two side members 6. The upper oblique member 3 and the lower oblique member 4 are arranged one above the other at a predetermined spacing in vertical direction, and are both substantially S-shaped in their lateral cross section. The bottom member 5 is fixed to the lower ends of the upper oblique member 3 and the lower oblique member 4. The two side members 6 are fixed to the two lateral ends of the upper oblique member 3 and the lower oblique member 4, respectively. Side guards 7 are erected on either side of the upper perspective member 3. The second play structure 8 is provided with an airtight hollow structure made of a stair-shaped upper member 9, a lower member 10, a bottom member 11, and two side members 12. The lower member 10 is arranged obliquely at a predetermined spacing below the upper member 9. The bottom member 11 is fixed to the lower ends of the upper member 9 and the lower member 10. The two side members 12 are fixed to the two lateral ends of the upper member 9 and the lower member 10, respectively. Also, handrails 13 are erected on either side of the upper member 9. The first play structure 2 and the second play structure 8 are joined together at their upper portion such that their hollow portions are in communication, and this joint is supported by a hollow support pillar 14. The liquid spouting nozzle 20 is disposed near the upper end inside the hollow portion of the first play structure 2, and the liquid spouting nozzle 21 is disposed near the upper end inside the hollow portion of the second play structure 8. The lower ends of the first play structure 2 and the second play structure 8 are both in contact with the underlying ground G. Also, the upper oblique member 3, the lower oblique member 4, the bottom member 5, and side members 6 of the first play structure 2, as well as the upper member 9, the lower member 10, the bottom member 11, and the side members 12 of the second support structure 8 are all made of transparent members, such as acrylic plates. The liquid supplying system 15 is made of a pump 16, water intake ducts 17 and 18, and a water supply duct 19. The pump 16 is provided at the bottom inside the hollow portion of the support pillar 14. Piercing the lower oblique member 4 of the first play structure 2, one end of the water intake duct 17 is connected to the region at the bottom inside the hollow portion of the first play structure 2, and piercing the support pillar 14, the other end of the water intake duct 17 is connected to pump 16. Similarly, piercing the lower member 10 of the second play structure 8, one end of the water intake duct 18 is connected to the region at the bottom inside the hollow portion of the second play structure 8, and piercing the support pillar 14, the other end of the water intake duct 18 is connected to pump 16. One end of the water supply duct 19, which is arranged inside the hollow portion of the support pillar 14, is connected to the pump 16, and the other end branches into two ducts, with one duct 19′ being connected to the liquid spouting nozzle 20, and the other duct 19″ being connected to the liquid spouting nozzle 21. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid spouting nozzles 20 and 21 are made of tubes that are laid out in the sideways direction of the first play structure 2 and the second play structure 8, and spouting holes are drilled at predetermined spacing along the longitudinal direction of those tubes. The liquid is spouted from the spouting holes of the liquid spouting nozzle 20 toward the rear surface of the upper oblique member 3 and from the spouting holes of the liquid spouting nozzle 21 toward the rear surface of the upper member 9. The illumination lamps 22 are attached to the lower side of the lower oblique member 4, and similarly, the illumination lamps 23 are attached to the lower side of the lower member 10. Power is supplied to the illumination lamps 22 and 23 from a power supply (not shown in the drawings), thus lighting the lamps. With the play facility 1 according to this example configured as described above, a predetermined amount of liquid (for example water) L is supplied to and collected in the regions at the bottom in the hollow portion of the first play structure 2 and the second play structure 8. Then, power is supplied to light the illumination lamps 22 and 23, and the pump 16 is driven. Thus, the liquid L held in the first play structure 2 and the second play structure 8 is sucked into the pump 16 through the water intake ducts 17 and 18, is pressurized by the pump 16, and supplied through the supply duct 19 to the liquid spouting nozzles 20 and 21. The liquid L supplied to the liquid spouting nozzle 20 is spouted from the spouting holes against the rear surface of the upper oblique member 3, and the spouted liquid L runs downward along the rear surface of the upper oblique member 3, so that it can be seen from outside through the upper oblique member 3 how the liquid runs down the upper oblique member 3. Similarly, the liquid L supplied to the liquid spouting nozzle 21 is spouted from the spouting holes against the rear surface of the upper member 9, and the spouted liquid L runs downward along the rear surface of the upper member 9, so that it can be seen from outside through the upper member 9 how the liquid runs down the upper member 9. Moreover, by lighting the illumination lamps 22, the inside of the hollow portion of the first play structure 2 is illuminated through the lower oblique member 4, and the liquid running down the upper oblique member 3 is accentuated by this illumination, which, together with the effect of the illumination, gives a playful air to the facility. Also in the second play structure 8, the inside of the hollow portion is illuminated through the lower member 10 by lighting the illumination lamps 23, and the liquid running down along the upper member 9 is accentuated by this illumination, which, together with the effect of the illumination, gives a playful air to the facility. Having set up the playing environment in this manner, the play participant can enjoy the facility as follows: First, the play participant walks up the stair-shaped upper member 9 of the second play structure 8, and having reached the top, sits down and slides down the upper oblique member 3 of the first play structure 2 while still in the sitting position. While sliding down, the play participant can observe the river-like flow of the liquid through the upper member 9 and the upper oblique member 3, and can imagine himself or herself to be walking or sliding through a stream or in a waterfall over bare rocks. In particular for younger children such as preschoolers this will be a new sensation that they have not experienced so far, and will therefore double the fun. Also, the stream of liquid is generated inside the hollows of the first and second play structure 2 and 8, which are hollow, so that the play participant will not get wet during play, which means that play is possible throughout the year and not only in summer. Also, with the play facility 1 of this example, there is no risk of the liquid leaking to the outside, and it is possible to set up the play facility in an indoor children's area or the like without taking any special measures against leakages. The foregoing was an explanation of an embodiment of the present invention, but there is no limitation to the specific configurations that can be adopted for the present invention. For example, in the foregoing example, the liquid spouting nozzles 20 and 21 are arranged near the upper end within the hollow portion of the first and second play structures 2 and 8, but there is no limitation to this, and it is also possible to draw out the branched second water supply duct 19′ obliquely downward along the upper side of the lower member 10 and connect a plurality of liquid spouting nozzles 21 at predetermined spacings to this water supply duct 19′, as shown in FIG. 4. With this configuration, a flow of liquid can be formed without interruption along the entire rear face of the upper member 9, which is particularly effective in the case of the stair-shaped upper member 9. The structure of the first and the second play structures 2 and 8 may also be as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which show a modified example of the second play structure 8 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the play facility in FIG. 5, taken from the direction of arrow C. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second play structure 30 shown in the figures is provided with an airtight hollow structure made of an upper oblique member 31, a lower oblique member 32, a bottom member 33, and two side members 34. The upper oblique member 31 and the lower oblique member 32 are arranged obliquely in parallel at a predetermined spacing. The bottom member 33 is fixed to the lower ends of the upper oblique member 31 and the lower oblique member 32. The two side members 34 are fixed to the two lateral ends of the upper oblique member 31 and the lower oblique member 32, respectively. Also, a plurality of rod-shaped (log-shaped) protrusions 35 are fixed in a ladder-like manner to the surface (play surface) of the upper oblique member 31. Thus, the play participant can climb up while placing hands and feet on the rod-shaped protrusions 35, and can experience a sensation as if rock-climbing in a waterfall flowing along a cliff. Alternatively, it is also possible to affix protrusions 36 shaped like small rocks in an irregular pattern, as shown in FIG. 7, instead of the rod-shaped protrusions 35. Also in this case, the play participant can climb up while placing hands and feet on the small rock-shaped protrusions 36, and can experience a sensation as if rock-climbing in a waterfall flowing along a cliff. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation to the shape of the illumination lamps 22 and 23, and it is also possible to make them waterproof and place them inside the hollow portion of the first and second play structures 2 and 8. Also, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a configuration without the lower oblique members 4, 32, the support pillar 14 and the water intake duct 17 is also possible, in which a liquid spouting portion 40 is provided instead of the liquid spouting nozzles 20 and 21, a water supply duct 46 is provided instead of the water supply duct 19, and a bottom member 47 is provided instead of the bottom members 5 and 33. It should be noted that FIG. 8 is a lateral cross-sectional view showing a play facility according to this alternative embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken in arrow direction along the line D-D in FIG. 8. The first play structure 2 and the second play structure 30 are configured so that the upper oblique members 3 and 31, the side members 6 and 34, and the bottom member 47 form an internally connected hollow and airtight space, and a predetermined amount of the liquid L is collected at the bottom thereof. Moreover, the illumination lamps 22 and 23 are supported by the side members 6 and 34, which ore covered by cover members as appropriate. The liquid spouting portion 40 is arranged near the portion joining the first play structure 2 and the second play structure 30 together. The liquid spouting portion 40 is made of an L-shaped first spouting member 41, an L-shaped second spouting member 42, and a partitioning member 43. The L-shaped first spouting member 41 is fixed to the lower face of the upper oblique member 3 and is supported between the two side members 34. The second spouting member 42 is affixed to the lower face of the upper oblique member 31, is supported between the two side members 6, and its one end is connected to one end of the first spouting member 41. The partitioning member 43 is disposed between the lower face of the ends where the upper oblique members 3 and 31 are joined together and the upper face of the ends of the spouting members 41 and 42. The partitioning member 43 partitions the space formed by the spouting members 41 and 42, the oblique members 3 and 31 and the side members 6 and 34 into two spaces (a first space 44 and a second space 45). On the other sides of the spouting members 41 and 42 slit-shaped cutouts 41a and 42a are formed along the width direction of the play structures 2 and 30. Moreover, one end of the water supply duct 46 is connected to the pump 16, and the other end of the water supply duct 46 is branched into two ducts 46′ and 46′. The front end of one duct 46′ connected through the first spouting member 41 to the first space 44, and the front end of the other duct 46′ is connected through the second spouting member 42 to the second space 45. With this liquid spouting portion 40, the liquid L is supplied from the pump 16 through the water supply duct 46 into the spaces 44 and 55, and when the pressure on the liquid L in these spaces 44 and 45 increases, the liquid L is spouted from the cutouts 41a and 42a of the liquid members 41 and 42 against the rear faces of the upper oblique members 3 and 31. Consequently, also with this configuration of the play facility, it is possible to attain the above-described effects. Moreover, since the lower oblique members 4 and 32, the support pillar 14 and the water supply duct 17 have been omitted, the configuration of the facility can be simplified. Thus, the play facility according to the present invention can be safely used by preschoolers, and can be set up indoors without particular difficulties. Only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention. To those skilled in the art, however, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Technical Field The present invention relates to play facilities for installation in children's areas in amusement parks, department stores, supermarkets, or the like. 2. Description of the Related Art One conventionally known play facility, which can be set up in amusement parks or the like, is the so-called “water slide,” wherein a slide having a sliding surface down which a play participant can slide is provided with a water-pumping system that lets water flow down the sliding surface of the slide, so that the play participant can slide down the sliding surface together with the flowing water. (Cf. Japanese Unexamined Pat. App. Pub. No. 2000-167254A.) In such water slides, the frictional resistance between the play participant and the sliding surface is reduced when the play participant slides down a sliding surface on which water flows, so that the sliding speed of the play participant is accelerated, thus letting the play participant experience the excitement of speeding down the slide while being immersed in the flowing water. Nevertheless, while conventional water slides demonstrate such effects, their downside is that their overall configuration is very bulky, and it is virtually impossible to install them in indoor children's areas of department stores, supermarkets, etc., and another problem with them is that they can be used only in summer. Also, since the sliding speed can be very fast, they are suitable for children above a certain height, but not for preschoolers. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In view of the above-described situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a play facility that can be safely used by preschoolers and that can be set up indoors. In order to achieve the above-noted objects of the present invention, a play facility in accordance with the present invention comprises: a hollow play structure having a play surface on which a play participant can engage in play, the play surface being a vertical surface, an oblique surface or a stair-shaped surface, and a member constituting at least the play surface being made of a transparent material; a liquid spouting means for spouting a pressurized liquid against a surface on an inner side of the transparent member, the liquid spouting means being disposed at an upper position within the hollow portion of the play structure; and a liquid supply means for pressurizing liquid collected in a bottom region inside the hollow portion of the play structure and supplying the pressurized liquid to the liquid spouting means. With this play facility, first, a predetermined amount of liquid is supplied to and collected in the region at the bottom in the hollow portion of the play structure. Then, the collected liquid is pressurized by the liquid supply means and supplied to the liquid spouting means, which spouts the liquid against the inner surface of the transparent member constituting the play surface. The spouted liquid slows down along the inner surface of the transparent member, and it can be seen from the outside through the transparent member how the liquid flows down. The play participant can engage in play on the play surface while viewing the river-like flow of the liquid through the transparent member, and can imagine to be playing in a stream or in a waterfall flowing over a cliff, without directly coming in contact with the liquid. Consequently, play is possible not only in summer, but throughout the year. Moreover, the liquid flows inside the hollow portion of the play structure, so that there is no risk of the liquid leaking to the outside, and it is possible to set up the play facility in an indoor children's area or the like without taking any special measures against leakage. The play structure may be configured such that the play surface is an oblique surface, and the play participant can slide down on the play surface. This configuration of the play structure corresponds to a slide, so that the play participant can experience a sensation akin to that on a waterslide in which the play participant slides down in a stream of water. This configuration can also be safely enjoyed by preschoolers. The play structure can also be configured such that the play surface is a vertical surface or an oblique surface, and a plurality of protrusions are affixed on the play surface. The protrusions may resemble logs or small rocks, for example. If they are log-shaped, then they can be laid out to form a ladder, and if they are shaped like small rocks, then they may be laid out in an irregular arrangement. Thus, the play participant can experience a sensation as if rock-climbing in a waterfall flowing along a cliff. It is also possible to have a plurality of the liquid spouting means lined up at a predetermined spacing from an upper position to a lower position within the hollow portion of the play structure. Thus, a flow of liquid can be formed without interruption along the entire inner face of the transparent member, which is particularly effective in the case of the stair-shaped play surface. The play facility may further comprise an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, wherein light illuminating the inside of the hollow portion passes through the transparent member and is visible from outside. Thus, the illuminated liquid stream is accentuated by this illumination, which, together with the effect of the illumination, gives a playful air to the facility. As explained in detail above, with the present invention, the play surface of the hollow play structure is made from a transparent member, and a pressurized liquid is spouted against the inner face of this transparent member, so that the play participant can engage in play on the play surface while viewing a liquid stream akin to the flow of a river or a waterfall through the transparent member. Also, without directly coming in contact with the liquid, the play participant can experience a sensation as if playing in a river stream or in a waterfall flowing over a cliff. Also, play is not limited to summer but possible throughout the year, and the play facility can be set up in an indoor children's area or the like. Further, by lining up a plurality of the liquid spouting means from an upper position to a lower position at a predetermined spacing within the hollow portion of the play structure, a flow of liquid can be formed without interruption along the entire inner face of the transparent member. And by providing an illumination means for illuminating the inside of the hollow portion of the play structure, the illuminated liquid stream is accentuated by this illumination, which, together with the effect of the illumination, gives a playful air to the facility. From the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. | 20050307 | 20081007 | 20060907 | 98852.0 | A63H2910 | 1 | RADA, ALEX P | PLAY APPARATUS | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | A63H | 2,005 |
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10,906,800 | ACCEPTED | HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING HAZARD MITIGATION | A hazard mitigation system to detect an object in a highway-railway grade crossing. A structure is provided that includes a fixed foundation and a surface layer that is cushionably placed above the foundation, such that the structure is located between tracks at the crossing. At least one sensor is mounted between the surface layer and the foundation. This sensor senses the weight of the object upon the surface layer and provides a sensor signal representative of that weight. A control unit receives the sensor signal, processes it to determine whether the object represents a potential hazard, and, if so generates a warning signal. The sensor can particularly include a pressure or strain gage, or a fiber optic sensor. When a fiber optic sensor is employed, it can particularly include a fiber Bragg grating. | 1. A system for hazard mitigation related to an object in a highway-railway grade crossing, wherein the railway has a pair of tracks at the crossing, comprising: a structure including a fixed foundation and a surface layer cushionably placed above said foundation, wherein said structure is located between the pair of tracks at the crossing; at least one sensor mounted between said surface layer and said foundation, wherein said sensor senses the weight of the object upon said surface layer and provides a sensor signal representative of said weight; and a control unit to receive said sensor signal, to process said sensor signal to determine whether the object represents a potential hazard, and, if so to generate a warning signal. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor includes a pressure gage. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor includes a strain gage. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein said strain gage is fixedly mounted with respect to said foundation and said sensor further includes a tension wire fixedly connected at one end and at the other end to said strain gage such that movement of said surface layer due to the weight of the object activates said sensor to provide said sensor signal. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said tension wire is of a low thermal expansion material. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein: said sensor includes a fiber optic sensor; and said control unit includes a light source to provide a light beam to said sensor, wherein said light beam includes at least one wavelength chosen based on a response characteristic of said fiber optic sensor. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein said fiber optic sensor is a member of the set consisting of athermal type devices and devices having a normalizing mechanism that compensates for temperature variation. 8. The system of claim 6, wherein: multiple said sensors are employed in the system; and said multiple said sensors are interconnected with optical fiber in a configuration that is a member of the set consisting of serial connections, parallel connections, and combinations thereof. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said light source includes a narrow line-width tunable laser. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein said light source provides said light beam having a broadband spectrum of wavelengths consisting of all the wavelengths of said multiple said sensors. 11. The system of claim 6, wherein said fiber optic sensor includes at least one member of the set consisting of Fabry-Perot gratings, Mach-Zehnder interferometers, Fizeau interferometers, and Michelson interferometers. 12. The system of claim 6, wherein said fiber optic sensor includes a fiber Bragg grating. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein: said control unit includes a signal comparator, a processor, a data storage, and a communications system; and wherein said signal comparator evaluates said sensor signal based on pre-stored data in said data storage; and said control unit directs said signal comparator, monitors said sensor signal, determines whether the object represents a potential hazard based on externally obtained contemporaneous information about the crossing, generates said warning signal, and directs said communications system to externally communicate said warning signal, thereby permitting a human operator or an automated system to act based on said warning signal. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said control unit further includes a weather station including at least one member of the set consisting of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, barometric pressure sensors, and rain gauges. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein said communications system includes a wireless telecommunications device. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/521,189, filed Mar. 6, 2004 and hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to railway safety, and more particularly to such in highway-railway grade crossings. BACKGROUND ART Highway-rail grade crossings are a major safety concern for governments, the railway and general transportation industries, communities, and common citizens. Many accidents happen around the world each year and many lives are lost in these accidents. Governments, local communities, and railway companies spend millions of dollars each year improving the safety of highway-rail crossings. Methods such as laser beam scanning, ultrasonic wave reflection, video cameras, etc. have been used for detecting objects at highway-rail crossings. However, none of these provide effective solutions. For example, a common shortcoming for all of these is that the sensitivity and accuracy are greatly reduced during bad weather conditions. In addition, effective video techniques require human observation at all times. In this invention, the inventor proposes to use sensors (such as pressure gauges, electrical/mechanical strain gauges, or fiber optic sensors) under the pavement or another platform at a railway grade crossing to detect objects that are stationary in or moving across the grade crossing. With this approach, the presence of such an object triggers a warning signal that the engineer of an approaching train can receive visually or via a telecommunications channel at a safe distance, and take appropriate action if the object is not out of the crossing within a safe period of time. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for highway-rail grade crossing hazard mitigation. Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a system for mitigating the potential hazard caused by an object in a highway-railway grade crossing. A structure is provided that includes a fixed foundation and a surface layer that is cushionably placed above the foundation. This structure is located between tracks at the crossing. At least one sensor is mounted between the surface layer and the foundation, to sense the weight of the object upon the surface layer and provide a sensor signal representative of that weight. A provided control unit receives the sensor signal, process it to determine whether the object represents a potential hazard, and, if so, then generates a warning signal. An advantage of the present invention is that it can detect and report objects that vary considerably in weight, and thus objects that are both themselves put at hazard by a train entering the grade crossing or objects that put a train at hazard by entering the grade crossing. Another advantage of the invention is that it can detect and report objects that are stationary in or moving across the grade crossing. Another advantage of the invention is that it may be flexibly configured, to detect overall or localized effects by objects, and it particularly facilitates monitoring multiple crossings or sections of crossings with multiple sensors. Another advantage of the invention is that the sensors it employs may be robust and made particularly able to withstand and continue to function well in the variety of adverse environments typically encountered at grade crossings. And another advantage of the invention is that it may employ fiber optic technology, rendering critical elements of the system irrelevant with respect to creating or being affected by electrical interference, permitting economical optical rather than electrical connection of the key sensor elements in the system, and permitting such connection at considerable distance from ultimate sensor signal processing and warning signal generation elements of the system. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the figures of the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended tables and figures of drawings in which: TABLE 1 is a listing of the results of calculations of frequency shift for various grade crossing lengths vs. the amount of sagging. FIG. 1 is a cross sectional schematic of a basic configuration of a hazard mitigation system in accord with the current invention. FIG. 2 depicts an example hazard mitigation system using a mechanical strain gauge in a support structure of spring loaded crossbars. FIGS. 3a-b depict before and during cases of an alternate hazard mitigation system that uses two mechanical strain gauges in a rubber cushion structure. FIGS. 4a-c depict before, during, and during cases of an another alternate hazard mitigation system that uses three mechanical strain gauges in an arrangement between a flexible steel plate surface layer and a hollow post foundation. FIGS. 5a-b are simplified schematics depicting the structure and operation of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) unit that can be used in fiber optic sensors in the hazard mitigation system, wherein FIG. 5a shows the FBG unit before a force is exerted and FIG. 5b shows it after the force is exerted. FIG. 6 is a schematic showing how an ensemble of fiber optic sensors based on FBG units can be connected in a parallel configuration. FIG. 7 is a schematic showing how an ensemble of fiber optic sensors based on FBG units can be connected in a serial or Daisy chain configuration. FIG. 8a shows a side cross-sectional and partially cut-away view of a grade crossing structure including a spring-frame based detection layer, and FIG. 8b shows a top plan view of the configuration in FIG. 8a with the top cover removed. FIG. 9a-b show before and during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure including a rubber cushion that is compressed and activates external sensors when a load is applied by an object. FIG. 10a-b show before and during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure including a rubber pad that is compressed and activates an internal sensor when a load is applied by an object. FIG. 11a-c show before, during, and other during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure that consists of a flexible steel plate that activates sensors when a load is applied by an object. FIG. 12 presents a geometric representation of sagging at a grade crossing due to the weight of an object. And FIG. 13 is a schematic showing a simplified top view of a complete exemplary configuration of the inventive hazard mitigation system. In the various figures of the drawings, like references are used to denote like or similar elements or steps. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention is apparatus and methods for highway-rail grade crossing hazard mitigation. As illustrated in the various drawings herein, and particularly in the view of FIG. 1, preferred embodiments of the invention are depicted by the general reference character 10. FIG. 1 is a cross sectional schematic of a basic configuration of a hazard mitigation system 10 in accord with the current invention. The hazard mitigation system 10 is used at a railway grade crossing 12 where a roadway 14 crosses tracks 16. In particular, the crossing 12 has pavement or another form of platform (collectively, platform 18) that permits traffic on the roadway 14 to cross over the tracks 16. The platform 18 can be of various forms. FIG. 1 depicts one simplified example having a surface layer 18a that can be of concrete, rubber, or other suitable materials, and here is of steel. FIG. 1 further depicts the platform 18 having a foundation 18b of concrete, although other materials may also be suitable as well. The hazard mitigation system 10 includes one or, typically, more sensors 20 that are placed to detect an object 22 (stylistically represented in FIG. 1 by an arrowed line) on the platform 18. When such an object 22 is in the crossing 12 its weight exerts a downward force (pressure) on the surface layer 18a of the platform 18, which in turn transfers this force to the sensors 20. The sensors 20 then measure the amount of force and produce a signal that is representative of the weight of the object 22. This signal is sent to a nearby processor (see e.g., FIG. 13). In preferred configurations, the processor calculates the estimated moving speed of the object 22 and determines if conditions will be safe for a train (or any other mechanism running on the tracks 16) to approach the crossing 12. If the speed of the object 22, if any, is determined to be slow enough to jeopardize the object 22 or an oncoming train, the processor can then issue a warning to the train engineer or other suitable parties. The sensors 20 employed by the hazard mitigation system 10 may be of three general types: pressure gauges 20a, mechanical strain gauges 20b, and fiber optic sensors 20c. FIG. 1 shows three pressure gauges 20a being used for detecting an object 22 (or objects 22) in the crossing 12. In configurations of this type, one or more pressure gauges 20a can be placed directly under the surface layer 18a of the platform 18 as shown. Each pressure gauge 20a measures the local pressure near it and, depending on the nature of the surface layer 18a, the weight of the object 22 can either be distributed evenly over the entire surface layer 18a or localized to one or more parts of it. If the weight is evenly distributed, what the pressure gauges 20a measures becomes an average of the weight of the object 22. If the weight is localized, the respective part or parts of the surface produce local pressures (i.e., the surface layer 18a is effectively divided into many discrete units) and each pressure gauge 20a measures the pressure within its own locality (see also, e.g., FIGS. 4a-c). Since most pressure gauges 20a are made from electronic devices, electrical wires are needed to connect them to a power source and to the processor (see e.g., FIG. 13). In general, a minimum of three conductive wires are needed for this: +V, ground, and signal. The processor used preferably includes a mini or microcomputer to direct measurement command issuance, data acquisition, perform calculations, activate warning signal, and handle telecommunication functions. The processor, power supply, and optional other apparatus are preferably contained in a card cage (i.e., they occupy or comprise a housed control unit) that can be placed in the zone around the grade crossing, in a near-by train station, or at a centralized or other convenient location. The various considerations for placement include, without limitation, electrical power delivery, acquired signal delivery, protection from random or deliberate equipment abuse, etc. Details of warning activation, data acquisition, and telecommunications functions are discussed presently. FIGS. 2-4 are cross sectional schematics showing some examples of strain gauges 20b (electrical or mechanical) being used by the hazard mitigation system 10 for detection of objects 22. An important aspect in all of these examples is that the weight of an object 22 on the platform 18 activates one or more of the strain gauges 20b. FIG. 2 depicts an example hazard mitigation system 10 using a strain gauge 20b in a support structure 30 including crossbars 32 connected by a spring 34. A tension wire 36 is attached at one end to the support structure 30 so that the strain gauge 20b is activated. The platform 18 here again includes a surface layer 18a and a foundation 18b, with both now being steel tubs filled with concrete. The tension wire 36 used is preferably a low thermal expansion type (e.g., of Invar or Kovar), and will typically be pre-tensioned as appropriate to ensure that a desired range of weights for various objects 22 triggers the strain gauge 20b being used. Only one support structure 30 and strain gauge 20b are shown in FIG. 2, but more can also be used (see e.g., FIG. 8b). FIGS. 3a-b depict before and during cases of an alternate example hazard mitigation system 10 being used to detect an object 22 on the platform 18. This embodiment use two strain gauges 20b in a cushion structure 40 that can be as simple as the rubber cushion 42, shown. The strain gauges 20b are mounted on opposite sides of the foundation 18b, and are each operated by a tension wire 44 that is attached to the surface layer 18a (here a rigid steel plate). The strain gauges 20b are shown here “wired,” having electrical wiring 46 to power them and return signals from them to a processor (not shown). The tension wire 44 used here is also preferably a low thermal expansion type that is pre-tensioned as desired. Only one cushion structure 40 is shown, but more can be used or more than two strain gauge 20b can be mounted on one in straightforward manner. FIGS. 4a-c depict before, during, and during cases of an another alternate example hazard mitigation system 10 being used to detect objects 22 on the platform 18. This embodiment uses three strain gauges 20b in a mounting arrangement 50 between a flexible steel plate serving as a surface layer 18a and hollow posts forming a foundation 18b. The strain gauges 20b are mounted on the posts in the foundation 18b and are attached to the surface layer 18a by appropriate tension wires 52. Although these examples in FIGS. 2-4 are much more sophisticated mechanically than the configuration in FIG. 1, by comparison it can be appreciated that the same basic principles are being employed. Configurations of the invention using any of the three types of sensors 20 may be applied similarly to ensure that a crossing 12 is cleared when a train is approaching. In view of this similarity, and because those in the railway industry are probably least familiar with fiber optics technology, we have reserved more detailed discussion of exemplary configurations for one using fiber optic sensors. Other than the sensor technology used, however, the underlying principles and structural considerations are essentially the same for all configurations of the invention, and large portions of the following discussion therefore apply in straightforward manner to all of the configurations. I. The Fiber Optic Sensor and Detector For the following discussion of example some configurations of the inventive hazard mitigation system 10 employing fiber optics technology, the overall mechanism is treated as consisting of three general parts: a fiber optic sensor and detector; a grade crossing structure; and a signal generation, propagation, and notification processor. An alternate to electrical sensors (e.g., the pressure gauges 20a, discussed above) or mechanical sensors (e.g., the strain gauges 20b, also discussed above) is fiber optic sensors 20c. These have light propagated in optical fiber and do not require electricity in signal transmission. In addition, one optical fiber can carry many signals and distribute them to multiple sensors. This greatly reduces the quantity of wiring need and eliminates the risk of electrical interference. Another advantage is that optical fiber does not rust or easily degrade in humid environments. In addition, light signals can be multiplexed and de-multiplexed in very convenient ways. Several types of fiber optics based sensors can be used here. Some examples include the fiber Bragg grating, the fiber optic Fabry-Perot grating, the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the Fizeau interferometer, and fiber optic Michelson interferometer, etc. All of these types of fiber optics based sensors permit comparing optical frequency shift before and after a sensor 20 has encountered a physical dimension change due to the weight of an object 22. To simplify this discussion, only the example of the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is used in the fiber optic sensors 20c described next. Once the principles of configurations using that type of sensor-technology are grasped, those of ordinary skill in the art should be able to determine when it is appropriate and how to employ the other types of fiber optic sensors. The fiber optic sensors 20c employed here can be a FBG type mounted on or embedded in the platform 18 at a railway grade crossing 12, with an adequate number of such sensors 20 used to permit the entire grade crossing 12 to be monitored. FIGS. 5a-b are simplified schematics depicting the structure and operation of a FBG unit 100 that can be used in the fiber optic sensors 20c of the hazard mitigation system 10. FIG. 5a shows the FBG unit 100 before a force is exerted, and FIG. 5b shows the FBG unit 100 after the force is exerted. For simplicity, the FBG unit 100 here is one having an FBG zone 102 that is integral to an optical fiber 104 held in mounting blocks 106. FBGs are frequently manufactured in optical fibers in this manner. Alternately, they can be discrete and then connected by optical fibers. In view of the total number and the typically different lengths of optical fiber needed, discrete FBGs with connecting optical fibers may be used in many embodiments of the hazard mitigation system 10. This is essentially a matter of design choice. For use, a light source, usually a laser at the processor (see e.g., FIGS. 6-7, discussed presently), produces a light beam 108 having one or more light wavelengths, e.g., λ1, λ2, . . . λn . . . λx in FIGS. 5a-b. For the hazard mitigation system 10 the FBG unit 100 is mounted to a structure so that it is initially in resonance with a wavelength in the light beam 108, e.g., λn. This light beam 108 is sent out via the optical fiber 104 to the FBG zone 102. As summarized in FIGS. 5a-b, when a particular light wavelength is in resonance with a particular FBG zone 102 the portion of the light beam 108 of that wavelength (λn) is reflected back as a reflected beam 108a along the original path from which it came. Any other light wavelengths, e.g., λ1, λ2, . . . λx, will not be in resonance and instead pass as a passed beam 108b through the FBG zone 102. If a beam splitter or coupler has been provided in the path of the original/reflected light (the beams 108, 108a), it can divert all or part of the reflected beam 108a to a photodetector, where a signal related to the light reflected in the particular FBG unit 100 is then produced. (See e.g., FIGS. 6-7.) The phenomenon responsible for this follows the Bragg condition: λB=2neffΛ, where neff is the relative index of refraction between high (e.g., erbium doped) and low (the original optical fiber) materials. The physical length of the high-low period is Λ and λB is the resonant wavelength. When the FBG unit 100 is stretched (or compressed) along its longitudinal direction (in FIG. 5b this is done by moving the left mounting block 106), A changes accordingly. For example, assuming the stretch of the optical fiber 104 at the FBG zone 102 causes Λ to change by 10-5, the resonant wavelength changes proportionally, which is equivalent to a 2 GHz shift in optical frequency. Such a significant shift can easily be detected. For instance, Fibera, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. makes equipment suitable for this. The present inventor has abundant experience producing fiber optic sensors that have sensitivity suitable to detect weight levels ranging from those of low-weight objects (e.g., a dog) to heavy objects (e.g., a truck). Many railway grade crossings 12 experience wide variations in temperature, and the process of detecting objects with FBG units 100 will therefore often need to be temperature independent. Various approaches may be used to provide for this. Athermal FBGs are available and can be used, or non-athermal FBGs can be used and “normalized.” For instance, the temperature can be conventionally measured and compensated for by the processor. Or two FBGs can be placed close together and used in a differential manner. Both FBG zones 102 are then equally affected by temperature but only one is stressed by the weight of an object 22, and any net difference between what is detected represents the weight of the object 22 in the crossing 12. Accordingly, to employ its characteristic nature usefully here, a FBG unit 100 is arranged so that when an external longitudinal force is applied, the pitch of the FBG zone 102 changes and causes the resonance wavelength of the FBG unit 100 to also change. A detector then can detect this wavelength change and provides a signal that is representative of the magnitude of the change. In the case of the present invention, the source of the force is the weight of an object 22 on the railway grade crossing 12. In many fiber optic sensor based configurations, it is desirable and can be expected that multiple sensors 20 will be used. The connection of the sensors 20 can then be in parallel, in a serial or “Daisy chain” configuration, or in various combinations of these. The inventor anticipates that in most cases both parallel and Daisy chain configurations will be used together, to make an overall configuration more effective. FIG. 6 is a schematic showing how an ensemble of fiber optic sensors 20c based on FBG units 100 can be connected in parallel configuration 200, and FIG. 7 is a schematic showing how an ensemble of fiber optic sensors 20c based on FBG units 100 can be connected in a serial or Daisy chain configuration 202. These particular examples are of technology employed by the inventor in other applications and the sets of elements shown in these examples are not put forth as being novel. Rather, the present invention encompasses the application of sets of elements like those in FIGS. 6-7 in combination with the other elements and principles of operation set forth herein for the hazard mitigation system 10. A light source 204 used in these particular examples is intensity and frequency stabilized, having a laser 206, a frequency locker 208, and a stabilization unit 210. The light source 204 provides light used by multiple sensor modules 212 and filter modules 214. In FIG. 6 a demultiplexer (DMUX 216) separates the multiple light wavelengths used. In the configuration in FIG. 7 such separation is not necessary. The sensor modules 212 here each consist of a FBG unit 100, a temperature sensor 218, an intensity monitor 220, and an erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA 222). The filter modules 214 here work in intensity mode, and each consists of a Fabry-Perot interference filter (FPIF 224) and a photodetector 226 (PD). The FPIF 224 is arranged to be in resonance with the frequency locker 208. Both the sensor modules 212 and the filter modules 214 here are sophisticated types that permit considerable correction for signal attenuation, variation, and degradation that are not attributable to the weight of an object 22, and thus permit determining the weight with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. In many applications, such degrees of accuracy may not be needed and simpler units can be used then. II. The Grade Crossing Structure. FIGS. 8-11 are schematics showing some examples of structures at railway grade crossings 12 that are in accord with the present invention. For our purposes now these structures are treated as consisting of a surface layer, a detection layer, and a foundation. Generally, the detection layer can be viewed as including a cushioning mechanism that can be constructed from any materials as long as it has the right balance between elasticity and stiffness so that a heavily loaded truck (acting as an object 22) can pass through the crossing 12 without too much sagging, yet produce adequate deformation to the detection layer so that one or more sensors 20 (in the following examples, fiber optic sensor 20c) receive the force. The cushioning mechanism then recovers to its un-deformed condition after the object 22 has passed through the crossing 12. Some example candidates for the cushioning mechanism, without limitation, can be steel springs, steel beams, air-spaced enclosed steel casings, etc. As will be seen in the following examples, the space in-between can then be either empty or filled with rubber-like or other suitable materials. FIG. 8a shows a side cross-sectional and partially cut-away view of a grade crossing structure 300 that consists of a steel tub filled with concrete surface layer 302, a spring-frame based detection layer 304, and a steel tub filled with concrete foundation 306. The surface layer 302 and foundation 306 can, of course be constructed from the same materials commonly seen today, that is, usually a concrete base or wooden ties. Other materials such as steel can also be used and the decision of the material is purely one of practical design for the specific circumstances and can be made by a civil engineer. The detection layer 304 includes one or more cushioning mechanisms 308 formed by a set of steel crossbars 310 that are connected and pre-loaded by a spring 312. The detection layer 304 here also includes one fiber optic sensor 20c mounted on each cushioning mechanism 308. This is shown in highly stylized manner. In an actual implementation, the FBG zone 102 would actually be small, probably totally invisible to the human eye, and the FBG unit 100 and optical fibers 104 would be clad in an opaque material to keep light out. The fiber optic sensor 20c is particularly attached to the crossbars 310 so that it can be stretched or compressed when the cushioning mechanism 308 is under pressure from an object 22. FIG. 8b shows a top plan view of the configuration in FIG. 8a with the top cover (surface layer 302) removed. Here it can be seen how multiple sets of the cushioning mechanism 308 can be used to either share the load evenly or to be discretely positioned to measure local loads individually. FIG. 9a-b show before and during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure 350 that consists of a steel top plate based surface layer 352, a detection layer 354, and a fixed concrete block based foundation 356. With this approach, a cushioning mechanism 358 can be used that is simply a rubber cushion 360 that is compressed when a load is applied by an object 22. Since the fiber optic sensors 20c used here are attached to the steel top plate surface layer 352 and also to the concrete block foundation 356, at one end a fiber optic sensor 20c is compressed along with the cushion 360. At the other end, another fiber optic sensor 20c there stretches along with the cushion 360 as well. FIG. 10a-b show before and during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure 400 that consists of a concrete slab based surface layer 402, a detection layer 404, and a concrete slab based foundation 406. The detection layer 404 here includes a rubber pad 408 (or equivalent, acting as a cushion mechanism) that is either sandwiched between the two concrete slabs of the surface layer 402 and the foundation 406, or directly under a single concrete slab (not shown here). The optical fiber 104 of the fiber optic sensor 20c used here is tightly attached to the peripheral sides of the rubber pad 408. When the concrete slab surface layer 402 is free of weight, the fiber optic sensor 20c is in its neutral condition. When the weight of an object 22 (e.g., a van) is applied to the surface layer 402, the pad 408 is compressed vertically and expands horizontally according to the well known Poisson equation. This causes the fiber optic sensor 20c to stretch, which changes its resonant wavelength in a detectable manner. FIG. 11a-c show before, during, and other during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure 450 that consists of a flexible steel plate based surface layer 452, a detection layer 454, and a solid steel beam based foundation 456. Of course, the surface layer 452 can be of any material that suitably bends when a load is applied and the foundation 456 can be of hollow steel tubing, concrete pylons, wooden posts, etc. The “cushion mechanism” here is effectively integral to the flexible surface layer 452. The detection layer 454 in this embodiment of the hazard mitigation system 10 is essentially just fiber optic sensors 20c attached to the surface layer 452. Bending at a local section of the surface layer 452 produce a strain at the local fiber optic sensor 20c, which changes its resonant wavelength in a detectable manner. A straightforward variation of this approach (not shown) is to instead attach the fiber optic sensors 20c to the foundation 456 in a manner that they are also stressed by bending of the surface layer 452. FIG. 12 presents a geometric representation of sagging at a grade crossing 12 due to the weight of an object 22. Assuming AB=5 m is the length of the grade crossing 12 where a fiber optic sensor 20c is attached and is sagged by an amount of 2 mm from location C to location D. The length for the arc ADB can then be calculated as OD*2*arcsin(CD/AC)=ACˆ2*arcsin(CD/AC)/CD=5.0000016 meters. This means the pitch of the FBG zone 102 in the FBG unit 100 is stretched by 1.6*10ˆ−6/5=3.2*10ˆ−7, which is a 64 Mhz frequency shift. This frequency shift can then be measured with suitable electronic circuitry. TABLE 1 shows the results of calculations of frequency shift for various grade crossing lengths vs. the amount of sagging. III. Signal Generation, Propagation, and Notification. There are many advantages to using the fiber optic sensors 20c. The light beam 108 can propagate through optical fiber 104 for a very long distance without the need for repeaters. Signal propagation distances up to 100 kilometers have been demonstrated in the telecommunications industry. The fiber optic sensors 20c also do not generate any electrical interference that can affect train operation or communications. Similarly, unlike electrical type sensors, electrical systems on a train or otherwise present nearby do not affect the fiber optic sensors 20c. They function 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The use of an all-optical device makes fiber optic sensor based configurations of the hazard mitigation system 10 durable and reliable. The telecommunications industry has demonstrated that fiber optic signal transmission systems can have expected lifetimes of over 20 years. This makes fiber optic sensors 20c very attractive for monitoring at grade crossings 12 because it reduces the need for maintenance and repair. FIG. 13 is a schematic showing a simplified top view of a complete exemplary configuration 500 of the inventive hazard mitigation system 10. A light beam is generated by a light source located in the card cage (control unit 502). The light source can be either a broadband light with its spectrum consisting of all the wavelengths of the various FBGs installed in the grade crossing 12, or it can be a narrow line-width tunable laser. When a broadband light source (e.g., an LED) is used, all wavelengths are emitted simultaneously to pass through the optical fiber 104 and reach the installed fiber optic sensors 20c. Each FBG therein then reflects light from within the provided spectrum at its resonant wavelength. In the return path, between the FBGs and a detector back in the control unit 502, a tunable filter is installed (see e.g., FIGS. 6-7). This tunable filter sweeps through the spectrum of the light source, and allow only one wavelength to pass at a time. Since the wavelength of each FBG will have been recorded during installation, comparison by the processor of recorded information and detected signal magnitudes permits knowing the condition at each location where a FBG is installed. If a narrow line-width tunable laser is used, it is tuned through its light wavelength gain profile and light is reflected when the tuned wavelength comes into resonance with one of the installed FBGs. In both cases, the reflected light is detected by the detector or receiver, which is also located in the control unit 502. The resonance wavelengths of the FBGs are designed to be within the bandwidth of the light source spectrum. They are also adequately distinct from each other so there is no overlap during operation, with or without a load being present. When an object 22 (human being, vehicle, animal, etc.) is in the crossing 12 its weight (gravity force) causes the detection layer to deform. The more weight present, the more deformation occurs. This deformation causes the pitches of the nearby FBGs to change, resulting in shifting of the resonant wavelengths of these FBGs. By comparing the amount of shift in a resonance wavelength from the reflected light, one can determine the estimated location and weight of the object 22. This wavelength shift phenomenon can be expected to usually be sensed moving from one side of a grade crossing 12 to the other. If the movement is fast, it can reasonably be concluded that the object 22 is a vehicle. And if the movement is slow, it is probably a human being or an animal. If the movement stops in the middle of the grade crossing 12, something special is happening and it may be appropriate for the processor to issue a warning signal. The preferred control unit 502 consists of a signal comparator, processor, data storage, weather station (optional), and data communications system. These can all be essentially conventional. The signal comparator evaluates the reflected wavelength from each fiber optic sensor 20c and compares it with information about the original resonance wavelength. If the difference is significant, a warning signal can be issued. The raw data of the reflected wavelengths is saved in the data storage for archive and possible later analysis purposes. The processor, typically a microprocessor, ensures that the light source is functioning properly; sets the intensity of the light source; sweeps the tunable filter if a broadband light source is used; sweeps the wavelength if a tunable laser is used; activates the data storage; issues a warning signal when the FBGs indicate the existence of an object in the grade crossing zone; acts on commands received from railway staff via a communications channel; and records temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure (if a weather station is installed). The data storage device can be a hard disc drive, a CD-R, DVD-R or other optically writable drive, or any suitable data storage unit able to reliable handle data at the expected rate and quantity needed here. The weather station can include any or all of the following: temperature sensors, humidity sensors, barometric pressure sensors, and rain gauges. The data communications system can be any appropriate telecom transmission device, and can be wireless if desired. The purpose of this communications system is to allow the railway staff or other appropriate parties to review the condition of each grade crossing 12, to issue commends to and monitor each processor at particular stations, and to permit the retrieval of data from potentially many grade crossing locations. There are several ways warning signal notification can be achieved. The simplest way is already widely used in the railway industry. As shown in FIG. 13, warning lights 504 can be installed at designated distances from a grade crossing 12. Such warning lights 504 installed at more than one distance can be used so that various levels of urgency can be observed by a train engineer. The warning lights 504 can be arranged similar to street stoplights for automobiles. A green light at the first tier observing position can indicate that a crossing 12 is clear, and that the train can proceed at full speed. A yellow light at the same location can indicate that an object 22 is passing through the crossing 12 but with adequate speed to be clear when the train actually approaches the crossing 12. And a red light at the same location can indicate that an object 22 is blocking or stationary in the crossing 12. At a closer observing position (a second tier observation position), even a moving object 22 without adequate speed can trigger the red light warning to the train engineer to stop the train. With appropriate selection of distances, this will provide adequate braking distance for the train to fully stop before reaching the grade crossing 12. In sum, the use of multiple tiers of observation positions gives the train engineer abundant opportunities to evaluate the safety condition at a crossing 12 and to take proper action before arriving there. The control unit 502 (e.g., in a card cage) can be installed either near a grade crossing 12 or in a nearby train station. It will usually be more economical if the hardware is installed near the crossing 12, since data retrieval and command issuance can be accomplished by wireless telecommunications. In most cases, electrical power for the inventive hazard mitigation system 10 can be acquired from a power source already present for another purpose. Of course, the control unit 502 even can be made quite compact and can be mounted on a signal light post. More sophisticated notification mechanisms may be used in the hazard mitigation system 10, including ones that can send warning signals to the train engineer via a wireless telephone device, or send the warning to a nearby train station to let the station controller issue a warning signal to the train engineer. All these mechanisms can be used and are mainly dependent on the budget of the train company or government body responsible for railway grade crossing safety. Since this invention depends on the weight of the object 22, it is not affected by weather conditions. It is also durable and reliable. More importantly, its implementation is simple and its installation and upkeep should easily be within the capability of ordinary railway maintenance workers. While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>Highway-rail grade crossings are a major safety concern for governments, the railway and general transportation industries, communities, and common citizens. Many accidents happen around the world each year and many lives are lost in these accidents. Governments, local communities, and railway companies spend millions of dollars each year improving the safety of highway-rail crossings. Methods such as laser beam scanning, ultrasonic wave reflection, video cameras, etc. have been used for detecting objects at highway-rail crossings. However, none of these provide effective solutions. For example, a common shortcoming for all of these is that the sensitivity and accuracy are greatly reduced during bad weather conditions. In addition, effective video techniques require human observation at all times. In this invention, the inventor proposes to use sensors (such as pressure gauges, electrical/mechanical strain gauges, or fiber optic sensors) under the pavement or another platform at a railway grade crossing to detect objects that are stationary in or moving across the grade crossing. With this approach, the presence of such an object triggers a warning signal that the engineer of an approaching train can receive visually or via a telecommunications channel at a safe distance, and take appropriate action if the object is not out of the crossing within a safe period of time. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended tables and figures of drawings in which: TABLE 1 is a listing of the results of calculations of frequency shift for various grade crossing lengths vs. the amount of sagging. FIG. 1 is a cross sectional schematic of a basic configuration of a hazard mitigation system in accord with the current invention. FIG. 2 depicts an example hazard mitigation system using a mechanical strain gauge in a support structure of spring loaded crossbars. FIGS. 3 a - b depict before and during cases of an alternate hazard mitigation system that uses two mechanical strain gauges in a rubber cushion structure. FIGS. 4 a - c depict before, during, and during cases of an another alternate hazard mitigation system that uses three mechanical strain gauges in an arrangement between a flexible steel plate surface layer and a hollow post foundation. FIGS. 5 a - b are simplified schematics depicting the structure and operation of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) unit that can be used in fiber optic sensors in the hazard mitigation system, wherein FIG. 5 a shows the FBG unit before a force is exerted and FIG. 5 b shows it after the force is exerted. FIG. 6 is a schematic showing how an ensemble of fiber optic sensors based on FBG units can be connected in a parallel configuration. FIG. 7 is a schematic showing how an ensemble of fiber optic sensors based on FBG units can be connected in a serial or Daisy chain configuration. FIG. 8 a shows a side cross-sectional and partially cut-away view of a grade crossing structure including a spring-frame based detection layer, and FIG. 8 b shows a top plan view of the configuration in FIG. 8 a with the top cover removed. FIG. 9 a - b show before and during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure including a rubber cushion that is compressed and activates external sensors when a load is applied by an object. FIG. 10 a - b show before and during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure including a rubber pad that is compressed and activates an internal sensor when a load is applied by an object. FIG. 11 a - c show before, during, and other during side cross-sectional views of a grade crossing structure that consists of a flexible steel plate that activates sensors when a load is applied by an object. FIG. 12 presents a geometric representation of sagging at a grade crossing due to the weight of an object. And FIG. 13 is a schematic showing a simplified top view of a complete exemplary configuration of the inventive hazard mitigation system. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? In the various figures of the drawings, like references are used to denote like or similar elements or steps. | 20050307 | 20070911 | 20060202 | 69185.0 | E01B2100 | 0 | MEHMOOD, JENNIFER | HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING HAZARD MITIGATION | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | E01B | 2,005 |
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10,906,806 | ACCEPTED | RF Communications Apparatus and Manufacturing Method Therefor | Described herein are a transient event detector (35) comprising electrical circuitry (50) suitable to detect a transient event, and a container (34) having a wall with at least two electrically conductive contacts (23, 44) electrically connected to the electrical circuitry (50), each of the at least two electrically conductive contacts (23, 44) being electrically isolated from each other, and a movable electrically conductive piece (36) that intermittently connects at least two of the at least two electrically conductive contacts when the electrically conductive piece (36) is in motion. An RF circuit (54) couples to a loop antenna (25) having a tuning capacitor (26) formed as conductive pads (26′, 26″) juxtaposed on opposing sides of a planar dielectric substrate (92). The tuning capacitor (26) has a hole (27) through it, and the hole has a size that is selected to cause the loop antenna (25) to exhibit a desired resonance frequency. | 1. A radio-frequency (RF) communications apparatus (10) comprising: a planar dielectric substrate (92); an RF circuit (54) mounted on said planar dielectric substrate; a conductive loop (56) formed as a first conductive trace on said planar dielectric substrate, said conductive loop having a feed point (96) coupled to said RF circuit by a second conductive trace (97) on said planar dielectric substrate; and a tuning capacitor (26) formed as first and second juxtaposed conductive pads (26′, 26″) located on opposing sides of said planar dielectric substrate, said first conductive pad being in contact with a first portion (94) of said conductive loop and said second conductive pad being in contact with a second portion (99) of said conductive loop so that said conductive loop and said tuning capacitor together form a loop antenna (25), said tuning capacitor having a hole (27), said hole having a size selected to tune said loop antenna. 2. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conductive loop is formed around a periphery of said planar dielectric substrate. 3. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said RF circuit is located in an interior region (25′) of said conductive loop. 4. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said second portion of said conductive loop contacts said second pad of said tuning capacitor by way of a conductively plated via (28) through said planar dielectric substrate; said tuning capacitor hole passes through said first and second conductive pads; and said tuning capacitor hole is not conductively plated through said planar dielectric substrate. 5. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said RF circuit extends a first distance perpendicular to said planar dielectric substrate; and said RF communications apparatus additionally comprises a conductive mast (58) positioned proximate said conductive loop and extending greater than said first distance perpendicular to said planar dielectric substrate. 6. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein: said conductive mast is positioned within an interior region of said conductive loop; said conductive mast traverses said planar dielectric substrate; and said conductive mast extends greater than said first distance on each of opposing sides of said planar dielectric substrate. 7. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said planar dielectric substrate has a dielectric constant greater than 4. 8. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said planar dielectric substrate exhibits a thickness of less than 3.2 mm; and said RF circuit is configured to process an RF signal exhibiting a frequency between 200 MHz and 800 MHz. 9. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said planar dielectric substrate is a fiberglass epoxy laminate. 10. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said RF circuit is a transmitter; and said RF communications apparatus does not include a receiver. 11. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a non-replaceable battery (88) coupled to said RF circuit. 12. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said RF communications apparatus is configured as an asset tag. 13. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein: said asset tag is configured for attachment to a bottle (68); and said asset tag includes a conductive pour spout (58) which traverses said planar substrate within an interior region of said conductive loop and serves as a mast which electromagnetically couples to said loop antenna. 14. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein: said asset tag is configured to be attached to a container from which bulk product (66) is dispensed by tilting said container; said apparatus additionally comprises a control circuit (402) coupled to said RF circuit; said apparatus additionally comprises a tilt sensor (406) coupled to said control circuit; and said control circuit is configured to determine a duration for which said container is tilted, said duration describing a quantity of said bulk product dispensed from said container, and to cause data describing said duration to be transmitted through said RF circuit and said loop antenna. 15. A method of manufacturing a radio-frequency (RF) communications apparatus comprising: forming (140) conductive patterns (22) on a printed wiring board (82) to include a loop antenna (25) having a tuning capacitor (26) with first and second conductive pads (26′, 26″) juxtaposed on opposing sides of said printed wiring board and a conductive loop (56) having first and second portions (94, 99) respectively contacting said first and second conductive pads; measuring capacitance (230) of a feature (190) on said printed wiring board, said feature exhibiting a capacitance proportional to a capacitance exhibited by said tuning capacitor; selecting (234) a hole size in response to said measuring activity; and forming (236) a hole through said tuning capacitor, said hole exhibiting said hole size. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein: said forming activity additionally forms an isolated capacitor (190) having first and second conductive pads (190′, 190″) juxtaposed on opposing sides of said printed wiring board, said isolated capacitor being electrically isolated from said loop antenna, and said isolated capacitor forming said feature for which said capacitance is measured in said measuring activity. 17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said isolated capacitor is physically located proximate said tuning capacitor. 18. A method as claimed in claim 16 additionally comprising, after said measuring activity, trimming (290) said printed wiring board to remove said isolated capacitor. 19. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein: said method additionally comprises, after said patterns-forming activity, installing components (210) which couple to said conductive patterns and which form an RF circuit (54) configured to process an RF signal that exhibits a predetermined frequency; said printed wiring board exhibits a dielectric constant and a thickness that, prior to said hole-forming activity, causes said loop antenna to have a resonant frequency lower than said predetermined frequency; and said hole-forming activity causes said resonant frequency to increase to said predetermined frequency. 20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein said dielectric constant is greater than 4 and said thickness is less than 3.2 mm. 21. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein said predetermined frequency is between 200 MHz and 800 MHz. 22. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein: said patterns-forming activity concurrently forms conductive patterns for a plurality of printed wiring boards on a common panel, wherein each of said printed wiring boards includes a tuning capacitor; and said measuring activity measures capacitance of features of fewer than all of said plurality of printed wiring boards in said common panel. 23. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein: measured printed wiring boards are the ones of said plurality of printed wiring boards in said common panel for which capacitance features are measured in said measuring activity; unmeasured printed wiring boards are the ones of said plurality of printed wiring boards in said common panel for which capacitance features are not measured in said measuring activity; and said method additionally comprises estimating capacitances (232) of features of said unmeasured printed wiring boards based on locations of said unmeasured printed wiring boards relative to measured printed wiring boards in said common panel. 24. A method as claimed in claim 15 additionally comprising: drilling (130) vias (28) through said printed wiring board prior to performing said hole-forming activity; and plating (135) said vias to form separate conductive electrical connections between opposing sides of said printed wiring board at each of said vias, said plating activity occurring after said drilling activity and prior to said hole-forming activity. 25. A method as claimed in claim 15 additionally comprising: making an opening (17) through said printed wiring board within an interior region of said conductive loop; and installing a conductive mast (58) which traverses said printed wiring board through said opening. 26. A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein: said feature whose capacitance is measured in said measuring activity is located where said opening is formed; said making activity occurs after said measuring activity; and said making activity removes said feature from said printed wiring board. 27. A method as claimed in claim 15 additionally comprising trimming (280) said printed wiring board so that said loop antenna is then located at a periphery of said printed wiring board. 28. A radio-frequency (RF) communications apparatus (10) for use as an asset tag configured to be attached to a container (68) from which bulk product (66) is dispensed by tilting said container, said apparatus comprising: a planar dielectric substrate (92); an RF circuit (54) mounted on said planar dielectric substrate; a conductive loop (56) formed as a first conductive trace on said planar dielectric substrate, said conductive loop having a feed point (96) coupled to said RF circuit by a second conductive trace (97) on said planar dielectric substrate; a tuning capacitor (26) formed as first and second juxtaposed conductive pads (26′, 26″) located on opposing sides of said planar dielectric substrate, said first conductive pad being in contact with a first portion (94) of said conductive loop and said second conductive pad being in contact with a second portion (99) of said conductive loop so that said conductive loop and said tuning capacitor together form a loop antenna (25), said tuning capacitor having a hole (27), said hole having a size selected to tune said loop antenna; a tilt sensor (406); and a control circuit (402) coupled to said RF circuit and to said tilt sensor, said control circuit being configured to determine a duration for which said container is tilted, said duration describing a quantity of said bulk product dispensed from said container, and to cause data describing said duration to be transmitted through said RF circuit and said loop antenna. 29. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein: said conductive loop is formed around a periphery of said planar dielectric substrate; and said RF circuit is located in an interior region of said conductive loop. 30. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 28 additionally comprising a non-replaceable battery (88) coupled to said RF circuit. 31. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein: said second portion of said conductive loop contacts said second pad of said tuning capacitor by way of a conductively plated via (28) through said planar dielectric substrate; said tuning capacitor hole passes through said first and second conductive pads; and said tuning capacitor hole is not conductively plated through said planar dielectric substrate. 32. An RF communications apparatus as claimed in claim 28 additionally comprising a conductive pour spout (58) which traverses said planar substrate within an interior region of said conductive loop and serves as a mast which electromagnetically couples to said loop antenna. | RELATED INVENTION The present invention claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to “Inventory Systems and Methods,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/551,191, filed 8 Mar. 2004, and to “Inventory Systems and Methods,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/650,307, filed 3 Feb. 2005, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. The present invention is a continuation-in-part of “Asset Tag with Event Detection Capabilities,” Ser. No. 10/795,720, filed 8 Mar. 2004, by at least one inventor in common herewith, which is incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to radio-frequency (RF) apparatuses which use loop antennas and which use tuning capacitors to tune the loop antennas. In addition, the present invention relates to such RF apparatuses which are configured to operate as asset monitoring tags. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The identification, measurement and/or control of physical assets are important aspects of modern business practices. Frequently, assets are misidentified, misplaced or incorrectly dispensed, thereby leading to incorrect inventory and/or receivables. A common modern method for dealing with asset control is the use of bar codes. These bar codes can be used to both identify a product and support the determination of the time and location of dispensation. Another increasingly common method for asset control is the use of radio frequency tags (RF tags). These are tags that are attached to assets and that include at least a radio transmitter and identification circuit. The identification circuit continually, periodically, or after an interrogatory is sent from a receiver, sends the identification of the product. These systems, while excellent for product identification, are not optimized for tracking events that may occur to the products. These events may be movement of the asset, tilting of the asset, acceleration of the asset, changes in temperature of the asset, breakage of the asset (or associated tag), button presses, and the like. Therefore, there is a present and continuing need for improved asset tags used for the identification, measurement and/or control of physical assets. Asset tags desirably communicate data describing the events they track to other devices for processing that data. In many situations, it is convenient to use radio-frequency (RF) transmissions to communicate the data. But conventional RF communication techniques fail to address the needs of systems that rely upon asset tags, and conventional RF communication techniques are not well suited to other types of RF communications apparatuses as well. Most electronic systems benefit from lower cost components. But systems that use asset tags as well as other types of electronic systems have a particularly heightened need for low cost components. The need for a low cost component is heightened when a particular device, such as an asset tag, is used in large numbers by a given system. In this situation, any unnecessary costs are multiplied by the number of the often-used device in the system. And, many electronic systems, including those that include asset tags, benefit from components of smaller size. When asset tags are associated with products, the asset tags need to be as small as possible so that they do not detract from the packaging and ambiance, so that they do not take up significant space that is better used by the products with which they are associated, and so that they do not interfere with the operation and manipulation of the products, their packaging, or their containers. Likewise, most electronic systems can benefit from operation with the lowest possible power consumption. But systems that rely upon asset tags and other types of electronic systems have a heightened need for low-power operation. When a device, such as an asset tag, relies upon the use of one or more batteries to provide its electrical power, the selected battery often drives many design parameters for the device. Greater battery capacity can lessen the pressures for achieving low-power operation. Greater battery capacity can be achieved by using more expensive batteries of a given size, larger batteries of a given battery technology, by using a greater number of batteries, by using rechargeable batteries, and/or by requiring occasional replacement of batteries. But each of these options is undesirable. A more expensive battery, a larger battery, or a larger number of batteries poses a cost problem. Accordingly, these are undesirable solutions when a heightened need exists for low cost. And, larger batteries or a greater number of batteries cause a battery-powered device, such as an asset tag, to be larger than it might be. Again, these are undesirable solutions when a need exists for making an RF apparatus as small as possible. Rechargeable batteries are also undesirable to the extent that they are more expensive than non-rechargeable batteries. And, expenses and size requirements are further increased by an undesirable need to recharge the batteries and to provide the associated recharging circuits and related paraphernalia. The use of replaceable batteries is also undesirable in some applications because the ongoing need to purchase replacement batteries increases costs in many electronic applications, such as those that rely upon asset tags. But replaceable batteries and/or rechargeable batteries are undesirable in asset tag and other electronic applications for other reasons as well. RF apparatuses that use rechargeable and/or replaceable batteries will be required to operate on low battery reserves from time to time. This will result in an unreliable operation. And, when the battery reserves are finally exhausted, they impose a nuisance factor on the user who is denied the services that RF apparatus should be providing and is then required to either recharge or replace batteries. In electronic systems that may use several battery-powered devices, such as systems that rely upon asset tags, this nuisance factor is a serious problem. Accordingly, asset tags and many other electronic devices can benefit from a capability to engage in RF communications, to be as small as possible, to be as inexpensive as possible, and to be powered by one or more batteries that are as small and inexpensive as possible, yet are non-replaceable if at all possible. Engaging in RF communications on tight cost, power, and space budgets is an extremely challenging task. One of the factors that exerts a substantial influence on this task is the antenna through which RF communications takes place. A loop antenna is a conductive loop which is tuned using a tuning capacitor coupled to the loop to resonate at a desired RF frequency. Conventional loop antennas exhibit many desirable characteristics for these types of applications. For example, they can be formed in a small space. And, they can be configured to exhibit a high quality factor (Q), which allows them to operate at a somewhat greater power efficiency for a given loop size. But conventional loop antennas fail to achieve the space and efficiency goals that would be beneficial for asset tags or other RF communications devices. One reason for this failure is that as loop antennas get smaller to meet tight space requirements, they then need to be operated at as high a Q as possible to maximize their power efficiency. This makes a loop antenna highly sensitive to tuning. In other words, if the tuning capacitor exhibits a capacitance as little as a couple of percent off of the ideal value which achieves resonance at a desired RF frequency, power efficiency can suffer tremendously. But, RF devices on tight power budgets cannot afford reduced power efficiency. The sensitivity to tuning of conventional high Q antennas poses another problem. Governmental regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and counterparts in other countries, restrict the amount of power that can be broadcast from an antenna. Manufacturers are required to reduce power output based on a worst likely case manufacturing sample. The sensitivity to tuning of a high Q antenna means that when the antenna cannot be consistently tuned, transmit power will need to be reduced to meet regulations, and the radio range will be reduced from what it might be if antennas could be more consistently tuned. And, the regulations tend to be more strict for high volume, mass market transmission applications. These are the same applications where cost concerns are strongly felt. Conventional loop antennas in these situations use discrete, manually-tuned, board-mounted tuning capacitors, discrete, high precision, board-mounted tuning capacitors, discrete, highly stable, board-mounted tuning capacitors, and/or discrete, pre-screened, board-mounted tuning capacitors. Discrete board-mounted capacitors are leaded or surface-mount capacitors that are mounted on a printed wiring board. But, manually-tuned and pre-screened tuning capacitors are simply not compatible with mass-market manufacturing techniques where large numbers of devices need to be manufactured on a tight cost budget. And, high precision and/or highly stable capacitors are so expensive that they also are undesirable in applications on a tight cost budget. In such situations, conventional loop antennas couple resistive elements to the loop antenna to reduce the Q to the point where a tuning capacitor that meets budgetary requirements can effectively tune the antenna. But in a battery powered device on a tight power budget, techniques that lead to such power inefficiencies are undesirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an advantage of the present invention that an improved RF communications apparatus and manufacturing method are provided. Another advantage is that an apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with a small, low cost, RF communications apparatus. Another advantage is that an apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with low cost, low power RF communications. Another advantage is that an apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with maximizing RF radio range at low cost and while meeting regulatory requirements. Another advantage is that an RF communications apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with the use of a non-replaceable battery. At least a portion of these and/or other advantages are realized in one form by a radio-frequency (RF) communications apparatus that includes a planar dielectric substrate. An RF circuit is mounted on the planar dielectric substrate. A conductive loop is formed as a first conductive trace on the planar dielectric substrate. The conductive loop has a feed point coupled to the RF circuit by a second conductive trace on the planar dielectric substrate. A tuning capacitor is formed as first and second juxtaposed conductive pads located on opposing sides of the planar dielectric substrate. The first conductive pad is in contact with a first portion of the conductive loop and the second conductive pad is in contact with a second portion of the conductive loop. The tuning capacitor and the conductive loop together form a loop antenna. The tuning capacitor has a hole that exhibits size selected to tune the loop antenna. At least a portion of the above and/or other advantages are realized in another form by a method of manufacturing a radio-frequency (RF) communications apparatus. The method calls for forming conductive patterns on a printed wiring board to include a loop antenna having a tuning capacitor with first and second conductive pads juxtaposed on opposing sides of the printed wiring board and a conductive loop having first and second portions respectively contacting the first and second conductive pads. Capacitance of a feature on the printed wiring board is measured, where the feature exhibits a capacitance proportional to the capacitance of the tuning capacitor. A hole size is then selected in response to this measured capacitance. A hole is then formed through the tuning capacitor. The hole exhibits the hole diameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures, and: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an RF apparatus configured according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a top view of a bottom printed wiring board (PWB) from the RF apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred electrical circuit trace for the top side of the bottom board; FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the bottom PWB from the RF apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred circuit trace for the bottom side of the bottom PWB; FIG. 4 is a top view of a middle PWB from the RF apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred electrical circuit trace for the top side of the middle PWB; FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the middle PWB from the RF apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred electrical circuit trace for the bottom side of the middle PWB; FIG. 6 is a top view of a top PWB from the RF apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred circuit trace for the top side of the top PWB; FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the top PWB from the RF apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred circuit trace for the bottom side of the top PWB; FIG. 8 is a simplified hardware logical block diagram of components of the RF apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a side view of a second embodiment of an RF apparatus configured according to the present invention; FIG. 10 shows a sequence depicting the dispensing of a bulk product from a container using the RF apparatus of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 shows an exploded side view of the RF apparatus of FIG. 9; FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of a printed wiring board used in the RF apparatus of FIG. 9; FIG. 13 shows a top view of the printed wiring board shown in FIG. 12; FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of an electronic circuit used in the RF apparatus of FIG. 9; FIG. 15 shows a flowchart describing earlier tasks in a preferred manufacturing process for the RF apparatuses of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 9; FIG. 16 shows a flowchart describing later tasks in a preferred manufacturing process for the RF apparatuses of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 9; FIG. 17 shows an example of an array of board locations in a panel, specifically a middle panel, for the RF apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 18 is a cut-away view of the RF apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating battery and spring contact placements; FIG. 19 is a cut-away view of the RF apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the placement of movable pieces in event detection structures; and FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the functionality of software for the RF apparatuses of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a radio-frequency (RF) apparatus or device 10 configured according to the present invention. Device 10 is useful for measuring events that occur to assets. More specifically device 10 is useful for measuring events such as motion, tipping, acceleration, temperature changes, breakage, button presses or the like using a transient event detector. And, device 10 is configured as an asset tag device 10 that is removably or permanently associatable with an asset. Device 10 functions to track physical properties of the associated asset such as location, motion, tilting, changes in temperature, breakage, or the like. But the present invention is not limited only to an asset tag configuration, and can be used in a wide variety of diverse RF apparatuses. Device 10 according to this first embodiment is formed as a composite body 15 that contains at the least one event detection and reporting circuitry 50 (FIG. 2) that further comprises at least one event detection structure 35 (FIG. 5) and an RF circuit 54, such as a radio transmitter. In one preferred embodiment, device 10, according to the present invention, further includes at least one attachment structure 17. In this preferred embodiment, the attachment structure is an aperture or opening in the body 15 that is suitably sized to receive a projecting or elongate portion of the asset, such as a neck of a bottle or the like. Other structures that are capable of being received by the aperture 17, such as a suitably sized spheres and the like, are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, other attachment structures, both chemical or mechanical, that function to associate the body 15 to an asset may be used and are also considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the body 15 specifically comprises a top section 11, a bottom section 12, and an intermediate section 13 that is sandwiched between the top and bottom sections, 11 and 12, and contains at least one cavity 14 (FIGS. 4-5) that further contains event detecting and reporting circuitry 50. Preferably, event detecting and reporting circuitry 50 is securely either built directly into the cavity 14 or built separately and then attached to an interior surface of the cavity 14 to prevent unwanted movement or breakage of the circuitry 50. In this embodiment, top section 11 is a top circuit board 41, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, bottom section 12 is a bottom circuit board 21, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, and intermediate section 13 is a middle circuit board 31, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, which are assembled to form a composite body 15. These circuit boards, 21, 31, and 41 are preferably printed wiring boards (PWB's), which, together, form a complete circuit, as detailed in the simplified hardware diagram of electrical components presented in FIG. 8. Materials other than PWB's may be used for the top, bottom and intermediate sections, 11, 12 and 13, and circuit boards other than printed circuit boards may be used for these sections, and still fall within the scope of the present invention. In order for two or more, and preferably all three PWB's, 21, 31 and 41, to form a complete electrical circuit, each board includes one or more electrical through connections, referred to generally as 32 (FIGS. 3-7). Bottom circuit board 21 includes a plurality of small apertures or vias 28 used for electrically connecting the event detection and reporting circuitry 50 to a circuit printed on one or both sides of bottom board 21. In this preferred embodiment, elements of event detection and reporting circuitry 50 are surface mounted to a top surface of the bottom board 21 (thereby defining which board is considered the bottom board). As can be seen from FIGS. 2-3, this embodiment includes circuit traces on both the top and bottom surfaces of bottom board 21. The surface mounting of elements of event detection and reporting circuitry 50 is accomplished using any of a number of readily available methods well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Middle circuit board 31 (FIGS. 4-5) includes an aperture or channel that forms cavity 14 and will ultimately contain event detection and reporting circuitry 50. Middle circuit board 31 further contains at least one event detection structure 35, which in this embodiment comprises at least one aperture 34 that will contain a movable piece 36 for each aperture 34. The at least one event detection structure 35 and/or aperture 34 is electrically connected to the top and bottom circuit boards, 41 and 21, through the apertures 32 that electrically extend through the middle board 31. As can be seen from FIGS. 4-5, the preferred embodiment includes circuit traces on both the top and bottom surfaces of middle board 31. Referring to FIGS. 6-7, the preferred circuit trace on the top surface of the top board 41 comprises a battery ground contact 43 electrically connected to a first of the at least two through holes 32′ for electrically connecting the top, middle, and bottom boards, 41, 31 and 21. The preferred circuit trace on the bottom surface of the top board 41 has at least one first printed contact pattern 44 that is electrically connected through a trace 45 to additional printed contact pattern 44 and further electrically connected to a second of the at least two through holes 32″ for electrical connection to the middle and bottom boards, 31 and 21. Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the preferred circuit trace on the top surface of bottom board 21 comprises a conductive pattern 22 that electrically connects various elements of event detection and reporting circuitry 50. The exact configuration depends upon the exact circuitry used. However, in this embodiment, the printed circuit found on the top surface further comprises at least one second contact pattern 23 that is electrically connected through a trace 24 to conductive pattern 22. Also, there is a loop antenna 25 which includes a conductive loop 56 and an antenna tuning capacitor 26. Loop antenna 25 is tuned by antenna tuning capacitor 26 and is electrically connected to the conductive pattern 22 that forms a part of a RF circuit 54 for event detection information transmission. These electrical connections to the conductive pattern 22 allow second contact pattern 23 loop antenna 25 to be utilized by event detecting and reporting circuitry 50. Although not specifically shown in FIG. 1 a switch, such as a button type single pole switch may be included by electrically attaching the switch to event detecting and reporting circuitry 50 by electrical leads that extend through at least two of the conductive vias 28 located in bottom board 21. Preferably, however, a second circuit 51 is created on a bottom surface of the bottom board 21. This second circuit 51 is in electrical contact with the circuit trace 22 through at least one of conductive vias 28. Additionally, there may be a ground plane 29, and preferably second circuit 51 and ground plane 29 form an independent switch circuit, whereby the temporary electrical shorting of the independent switch circuit (ground plane 29 to second circuit 51), such as using an electrically conductive polymer concave button, would constitute a measurable transient event. As can be seen from the simplified hardware diagram of electrical components of the RF apparatus presented in FIG. 8, the electrical circuit is preferably powered by a battery, most preferably a lithium coin cell. The battery is electrically connected to a microprocessor/transmitter that preferably has the microcontroller and transmitter physically integrated and a built in periodic wakeup mechanism, 1024 instructions of non-violate “code” memory, 41 bytes of violate “ram” memory, an RC oscillator and an integrated Real Time Reference. Electrically connected to the transmitter portion is loop antenna 25 and its associated antenna tuning capacitor 26. Also connected to the microcontroller are a crystal and, optionally, a push button that is electrically connected to an input pin of the microcontroller. Finally, there is at least one event detection structure 35 that is electronically connected to an input pin of the microcontroller. These features are discussed in more detail below in connection with a second embodiment. The at least one event detection structure 35 in this embodiment may detect any of a number of individual or multiple events. In this embodiment, event detection structure 35 is a motion/tilt sensor that includes the above-discussed aperture 34 in the middle board 31, and the first and second contact patterns 44 and 23 printed on the top and bottom circuit boards 41 and 21. These form a container for a movable, electrically conducting piece 36 such as a metal bearing or the like. The aperture 34 may assume any number of alternate shapes, such as a square hole, a rectangular hole, an octagonal hole, or the like, and still fall within the scope of the present invention so long as it is capable of forming a container for the movable, electrically conducting piece 36. In an alternate embodiment, the aperture 34 may be beveled, yielding a shape like a frustum. In this embodiment, the event detection structure 35, which is a tilt detector, is able to detect different tilt angles, depending upon the angle of the bevel. The container may be of any suitable shape sufficient to contain the movable piece, but is not limited to a singe chamber, lobe or other size/waist variation. While a single event detection structure 35 is sufficient for event detection, this embodiment utilizes four for statistical accuracy and cost efficiency. The patterns of the first and second contact patterns 44 and 23 have at least one edge, preferably two, that are electrically contactable with the electrically conducting piece 36 at any given rest position. Further, this at least one edge is positioned and sized such that the electrically conducting piece 36 is capable of making electrical contact between the at least one edge and conductive plating 38 on the inside surface of aperture 34. First and second contact patterns 44 and 23 are preferably star type patterns having a central node with at least two, and preferably eight, radially extending arms. In this embodiment, the first contact pattern 44 is rotated by 22.5 degrees relative to the second contact pattern 23 in order to maximize movement perturbation of electrically conducting piece 36. Other configurations, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, matching and/or non-matching, may be used for the first and second contact patterns 44 and 23 and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Other event detection structures 35 may be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention. In an alternate embodiment the event detection structure 35 is a motion sensor, such as can be formed by changing the contact configurations to merely measure a simple change in state. In another alternate embodiment, the event detection structure 35 is a temperature sensor, such as can be accomplished by using a thermistor or monitoring for changes in a crystal oscillator or the like. In use, device 10, according to the this embodiment of the present invention, is associated with an asset. This association may be either permanent, such as by adhesive or the like, or removable, such as placement, attachment by hook and loop fasteners, or the like. When a transient event, such as motion, tilting, acceleration, temperature change, breakage, button press or the like occurs, device 10 detects the transient event and reports the transient event using RF communications to a remote receiver through event detection and reporting circuitry 50. In this embodiment of event detection structure 35, which forms a motion/tilt detector, the transient event is a change of state that is detected when electrical continuity between conductive plating 38 and first contact pattern 44 is removed and replaced by electrical continuity between the conductive plating 38 and second contact pattern 23 (or vice-versa), such as occurs when the tag is moved or tilted. In one embodiment, electrically conductive piece 36 is light enough such that when it is at rest and in physical contact with the conductive plating 38 and either first or second contact pattern 44 or 23, there is effectively no measurable electrical current flowing and consequently, effectively no power consumed. Electrical currently briefly flows when conductive piece 36 is moved across the aperture 34 and stopped by the other side (the sudden reversal of the travel direction of the conductive piece 36 allows current to flow from the conductive plating 38 through the conductive piece 36 and to one of contact patterns 44 or 23). This allows the detector to be made much smaller than previously possible and lowers manufacturing costs. Generally, event detection structure 35 is a dynamic event detector, which is a multi-piece detector that detects a change in state caused by the movement of one of the pieces 36. In its most general form, the dynamic event detector is a container that has at least one event detection area within the container. The container holds at least one movable piece 36. An event is detected when at least one of the movable pieces 36 moves to within a predetermined distance from at least one of the event detection areas. Sufficient electrical circuitry is provided to detect a dynamic event. This circuitry discriminates the difference between the state of the movable piece at rest and bridging two contacts and the movable piece in motion and bridging two contacts, regardless of whether a rest state is measured or not. A dynamic or transient event includes, but is not limited to, a change in resistance caused by the contact of a movable piece on or near a suitable detection area, a current caused by the movement of a movable piece across a detection area, a current caused by the contact of a movable piece between two detection areas, a magnetic spin change caused by a magnetic movable piece moving near or across a detection area, a temporary change in crystal structure caused by impact of a movable piece on a detection area, a temporary change in chemical configuration, such as a cis-trans shift, caused by a movable piece, or the like. Additionally, there may be multiple different event detectors 35, such as an electrical event detector and a magnetic event detector, which may utilize either the same movable piece 36 or different movable pieces 36. As a specific example, the following description of the operation of various embodiments of the present invention relates to use of the these embodiments in an environment where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing general operating principles. Asset tag devices 10 are physically attached to assets, such as bottles of wine or to bottles of distilled spirits, perhaps using an aperture type attachment structure 17. The asset tag devices 10 are then able to detect and report transient events that occur to the bottles, such as movement, tipping, temperature changes or the like. In particular, FIG. 9 is a side view of a second embodiment of an RF apparatus or device 10 configured according to the present invention. In this embodiment, not only is device 10 configured as an RF apparatus, but device 10 is also an asset tag that is configured to be associated with assets in the form of bottles in which beverages are held. And, not only is device 10 configured as an asset tag, but device 10 in this embodiment is configured as an electronic pour spout. Pour spouts moderate the dispensation of liquids from bottles. In a typical application, a pour spout is placed in the opening of a bottle, in lieu of a bottle cap, lid, cork, or stopper. When the bottle is tilted toward an inverted position, liquid contained in the bottle flows out from the pour spout. Pour spouts aim the stream of liquid exiting the bottle in a direction that tends to be more convenient for pouring. And, they allow air into the bottle as the liquid exits so that pressure inside the bottle, and consequently liquid flow rate, remain more consistent. Moreover, pour spouts tend to reduce the rate of liquid flow exiting the bottle to a more manageable level for pouring precise amounts. An electronic pour spout integrates electronics with a pour spout. Generally, an electronic pour spout assembly is a battery-powered device that detects an event, such as the tilting of the bottle, and reports this event to a monitoring station. Referring to FIG. 9, RF apparatus 10 includes housing 15 attached to a pour spout 58 and a hollow, resilient sealing member 60, also called a cork. As discussed above, housing 15 includes electronics. And, as discussed above, pour spout 58 and sealing member 60 may mate with housing 15 at an aperture type of attachment structure 17 (FIG. 1). Pour spout 58 includes a pour tube 62 and a vent tube 64. In this embodiment, pour tube 62 and vent tube 64 are each formed from a conductive metal for electrical conductivity properties and for the rigidity achievable with thin walls, with stainless steel being a preferred material for its ability to easily maintain cleanliness. Sealing member 60 may be molded from a suitable elastomeric material. FIG. 10 shows a sequence depicting the dispensing of a bulk product 66 in the form of a liquid from a container 68 in the form of a bottle using RF apparatus 10. In accordance with this example, product 66 is dispensed by a user when the user pours product 66 from container 68 by tilting container 68. FIG. 10 depicts three different orientations for a container 68 that is equipped with RF apparatus 10 configured as an electronic pour spout type of asset tag, as shown in FIG. 9. RF apparatus 10 is a battery powered, electronic device that includes event detection structure 35 (FIG. 5) and an RF circuit 54 (FIG. 2). In an upright orientation 70, no product 66 is being dispensed from container 68. Gravity 72 keeps product 66 in the lower portion of container 68. When it is desired to dispense product 66 from container 68, container 68 is tilted away from its upright orientation 70. Desirably, container 68 is quickly tilted to a pour orientation 74, which is greater than an angle 76 of approximately 135° displaced from upright orientation 70. So long as the tilt angle remains greater than approximately 135°, product 66 is dispensed at a roughly consistent dispensation rate regardless of the precise tilt angle. RF apparatus 10 is configured to time the duration container 68 spends at a tilt angle greater than angle 76 so that the amount of product 66 dispensed can be calculated by multiplying this duration by a dispensation rate. But in order for pour orientation 74 to be reached from upright orientation 70, container 68 is first tilted to and through an intermediate orientation 77. In this embodiment, intermediate orientation 77 begins at an angle 78 of around a 90° displacement from upright orientation 70 and extends to angle 76. Likewise, around the completion of the dispensation of product 66, container 68 is again tilted to and through intermediate orientation 77 as container 68 is repositioned back to upright orientation 70. Some of product 66 may be dispensed while container 68 is tilted in intermediate orientation 77, depending on the amount of product 66 in container 68, its viscosity, and other factors. But the dispensation rate is likely to be erratic and lower than the dispensation rate when container 68 is in pour orientation 74. Most bar-industry professionals consider a pour to be proper only if container 68 is tilted to pour orientation 74. In order to accurately describe the amount of product 66 dispensed from container 68 and to gain knowledge about occurrences of improper pours, RF apparatus 10 detects the duration spent in intermediate orientation 77 and the duration spent in pour orientation 74. These two orientations are sensed by the event detection structures 35 contained within body 15 of RF apparatus 10. Desirably, the timing information describing the pour event is communicated from RF apparatus 10 to a monitoring station, where the timing information may be directly processed or passed to another data processor to perform various inventory, financial, and/or management functions. While FIG. 10 depicts a dispensation from a bottle type of container, those skilled in the art will appreciate that dispensations may also occur from other types of containers to which RF apparatus 10 may be coupled. Moreover, a container is broadly construed to mean any device or object from which product 66 may be dispensed, and specifically includes such devices as the tap handles associated with containers from which on-tap beverages are dispensed. RF apparatuses 10 may come in a variety of sizes and shapes and be configured to attach to a variety of different containers 68 and to different locations on containers 68, including at the bottom of bottles. And, RF apparatuses configured in accordance with the teaching provided herein may be used in a wide variety of RF applications other than electronic pour spouts or asset tags. As particular examples, RF apparatuses configured in accordance with the teaching provided herein may be used in connection with keyless entry devices, garage door openers, tire pressure monitors, and the like. FIG. 11 shows an exploded side view of RF apparatus 10 from FIGS. 9-10. In this embodiment, body 15 includes a rigid, molded plastic outer shell 79 having a top section 79′ and a bottom section 79″. A pliant molded plastic inner shell 80 resides inside outer shell 79 and serves to seal its interior from the exterior environment. Inner shell 80 includes a top section 80′ and a bottom section 80″ which mate together when body 15 is assembled to form the seal. Electronic circuits are located within inner shell 80. These circuits include a top PWB 82 on which conductive patterns are formed and discrete components are mounted, a middle PWB 84, and a bottom PWB 86. Top PWB 82 serves a role in this second embodiment similar to that served by bottom PWB 21 in the above-discussed first embodiment; middle PWB 84 serves a role similar to that served by middle PWB 31; and, bottom PWB 86 serves a role similar to that served by top PWB 41. Thus, middle PWB 84 and bottom PWB 86 serve to route electrical signals upward to top PWB 82 and to implement event detection structures 35, as discussed above in connection with the first embodiment. In addition, aperture 17 extends through outer and inner shells 79 and 80 and through top PWB 82. Accordingly, when assembled, electrically conductive pour spout 58 traverses top PWB 82 and extends a considerable distance on either side of PWB 82. Since pour spout 58 extends outside of body 15 on opposing sides of body 15, that considerable distance exceeds the height of any components mounted on PWB 82. A battery 88 resides underneath top PWB 82 and beside both middle PWB 84 and bottom PWB 86, and a spring plate 90 resides under battery 88 and bottom PWB 86. In this second embodiment, none of PWB's 82, 84, and 86 or battery 88 are soldered together, but spring plate 90 causes these components to maintain physical contact and electrical connections by applying a suitable clamping pressure within inner and outer shells 80 and 79. Battery 88 is a single discrete component and is desirably as small as possible. In addition, battery 88 is non-replaceable because when body 15 is assembled top and bottom outer shell sections 78′ and 78″ are permanently attached to each other, using a suitable adhesive, sonic welding, or the like. Accordingly, one of the design goals for RF communications apparatus 10 is to consume electrical power as sparingly as possible so that apparatus 10 adequately performs its functions for an entire lifetime of several years. FIG. 12 shows a bottom view, and FIG. 13 shows a top view, of an exemplary top PWB 82. Referring to FIGS. 12-13, top PWB 82 is formed from a planar dielectric substrate 92 with a conductive material, such as copper, on opposing sides. In this embodiment, RF apparatus 10 operates at an RF frequency in the range of 200-800 MHz. Over this frequency range, planar dielectric substrate 92 desirably exhibits a dielectric constant (Er) of greater than 4.0. And, planar dielectric substrate 92 is desirably less than 3.2 mm thick, and preferably around 1.6 mm thick. Tuning capacitor 26 (discussed above in connection with the first embodiment) includes conductive pads 26′ and 26″ formed from the conductive material on the opposing sides of planar dielectric substrate 92. Pads 26′ and 26″ are juxtaposed with one another on opposing sides of planar dielectric substrate 92 so that pad 26′ directly overlies pad 26″, with the material of planar dielectric substrate 92 between. This high dielectric constant and thin planar dielectric substrate 92 allow tuning capacitor 26 to be relatively small, so that RF apparatus 10 need not be larger than necessary. Fire Retardant Type 4 (FR4) is a thermoset fiberglass epoxy laminate used in the printed wiring board industry that provides one material which is suitable for use as planar dielectric substrate 92. The use of FR4 provides the advantage of making RF apparatus 10 inexpensive to manufacture. Conductive pad 26′ of tuning capacitor 26 is one of many different features formed in conductive patterns 22 on the top side of PWB 82. Conductive patterns 22 also include conductive loop 56. Conductive loop 56 and tuning capacitor 26 together form loop antenna 25. Conductive loop 56 is formed around the periphery of PWB 82, giving loop antenna 25 the greatest area of coverage possible for a given surface area of PWB 82. Greater loop areas lead to more efficient loop antennas. Conductive loop 56 includes a first portion 94 which directly contacts top conductive pad 26′ of tuning capacitor 26, feed points 96 where RF circuit 54 couples to loop antenna 25 through conductive traces 97, and a second portion 98. Second portion 98 of conductive loop 56 couples to bottom conductive pad 26″ through a conductively plated via 28 and a short transmission line 99 located on the bottom side of PWB 82. Conductive patterns 22 and associated components and aperture 17 reside in an interior region 25′ of loop antenna 25. As discussed above, conductive pour spout 58 traverses planar dielectric substrate 92 and PWB 82 (FIG. 11) at aperture 17 proximate conductive loop 56. Electrically conductive pour spout 58 acts as a conductive mast which electromagnetically couples to loop antenna 25 and alters the antenna pattern. In particular, many loop antennas exhibit a null in their radiation pattern, and the null extends in the plane of the loop antenna. But the inclusion of a conductive mast in the form of pour spout 58 alters this pattern so that improved RF coverage results. And, since this conductive mast extends a considerable distance on either side of planar dielectric substrate 92, the effect is greater. In this embodiment, the conductive mast provided by electrically conductive pour spout 58 extends in both directions a distance greater than the height of any component mounted on PWB 82, and even greater than the length of the major diameter of conductive loop 56. FIGS. 12-13 also show a single test capacitor 190 in phantom, located in aperture 17. This location is proximate antenna tuning capacitor 26. Consequently, the PWB parameters, such as dielectric constant εr and the thickness of planar dielectric substrate 92, which affect antenna tuning capacitor 26, will be nearly identical between antenna tuning capacitor 26 and test capacitor 190. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, conductive pads 190′ and 190″ are juxtaposed on the top and bottom sides of PWB 82, with planar dielectric substrate 92 between. Short feeder lines 192 may couple to conductive pads 190′ and 190″, but conductive pads 190′ and 190″ are desirably isolated from loop antenna 25 and the other circuits on printed wiring board 82. The isolated test capacitor 190 is shown in phantom in FIGS. 12-13 because it is removed from PWB 82 when aperture 17 is formed, and not present in the finished RF apparatus 10. The size of conductive pads 190′ and 190″, and hence the capacitance exhibited by test capacitor 190, is not a critical factor but should bear a predetermined proportionate relationship to the capacitance of antenna tuning capacitor 26. As discussed in more detail below, during the manufacturing process, the capacitance of isolated test capacitor 190 is measured, and that capacitance measurement is used to select a specific hole size from a selection of hole sizes. Then, a hole 27 having the selected size is formed in antenna tuning capacitor 26, through top conductive pad 26′, planar dielectric substrate 92, and bottom conductive pad 26″. While hole 27 may be formed by drilling, hole 27 need not exhibit a circular cross-sectional shape. Rather, hole 27 may formed by other techniques, such as routing, and exhibit any cross-sectional shape. Hole 27 reduces the juxtaposed surface area of conductive pads 26′ and 26″. And, hole 27 also reduces the dielectric constant of the space between pads 26′ and 26″. As a consequence, the capacitance of antenna tuning capacitor 26 is reduced. As discussed above, RF apparatus 10 desirably operates at a predetermined RF frequency in the range of 200 MHz-800 MHz. Desirably, loop antenna 25 is resonant at the predetermined frequency to achieve the maximum efficiency. With loop antenna 25 operating at nearly its maximum efficiency, the least amount of power will be consumed in providing RF communications within a predetermined radio range. And, a more deterministic radiation efficiency results, which allows a greater achieved average power while still meeting governmental regulations. This allows RF apparatus 10 to operate with a small, non-replaceable battery 88 (FIG. 10). Viewed another way, RF apparatus 10 may use only a very small amount of power and still effectively communicate over an adequate radio range when loop antenna 25 is tuned to the desired resonant frequency. The size of conductive pads 26′ and 26″ in cooperation with the dielectric constant grand the thickness of planar dielectric substrate 92 all initially cause antenna tuning capacitor 26 to exhibit a relatively high capacitance, which causes loop antenna 25 to be resonant at a frequency lower than the predetermined frequency for RF apparatus 10. Hole 27 is configured to lower the capacitance exhibited by antenna tuning capacitor 26 and increase the resonant frequency of loop antenna 25 to match the predetermined frequency as closely as reasonably possible for RF apparatus 10. In addition, while hole 27 is formed between conductive pads 26′ and 26″ juxtaposed on opposing sides of substrate 92, hole 27 is not conductively plated to form a via. Some or all other holes or apertures 28 between conductive pads juxtaposed on opposing sides of substrate 92 may be conductively plated to form vias, if desired. FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of an exemplary electronic circuit 400 used in this embodiment of RF apparatus 10. Circuit 400 includes a controller 402 which may be provided at least in part by a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other programmable device. Controller 402 couples to a clock 404, tilt sensor array 406, RF circuit 54, and a memory 408. Battery 88 provides electrical power for controller 402 and may directly or indirectly provide power for any or all other components of circuit 400. Clock 404 provides a time base for circuit 400. Tilt sensor array 406 provides one or more tilt sensors which indicate when RF apparatus 10 is in one or more predetermined tilted orientations relative to the acceleration of gravity 72 (FIG. 10). Using the time base established by clock 404, controller 402 determines the durations a container 68 spends in intermediate and pour orientations 77 and 74 (FIG. 10). In the embodiment of circuit 400 depicted in FIG. 14, RF circuit 54 is a transmitter. Electronic circuit 400 uses RF circuit 54 to transmit data to monitoring stations using a wireless, RF communication scheme. No receiver is included in circuit 400, so the communication scheme is unidirectional. This communication scheme provides advantages in accommodating a wide degree of freedom in the operation of an establishment and in keeping the operation of circuit 400 at a very low power level so that a small battery 88 may be used and need not be replaced within a life span for RF apparatus 10 of several years. RF circuit 54 couples to loop antenna 25 at feed points 96 through feed traces 97 (FIGS. 12-13) and provides upconversion and amplification functions for the data communicated by RF apparatus 10. Data describing the durations that container 68 spends in the intermediate and pour orientations 77 and 74 (FIG. 10) are transmitted through RF circuit 54 and loop antenna 25 for reception by a monitoring station and further processing. In this further processing, these durations are multiplied by variables that define pour rates to determine the amount of product 66 (FIG. 10) dispensed from container 68. Memory 408 provides a variety of functions for circuit 400. For example, memory 408 provides computer programming instructions to be executed by controller 402 in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, along with various constants and memory space for variables, tables, and buffers used by controller 402 while executing the programming instructions. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of memory 402, clock 404, RF circuit 54, and the like may be included on a common semiconductor substrate with controller 402. Controller 402 also couples to a mount detector 410. Mount detector 410 is implemented as a switch assembly that indicates whether RF apparatus 10 is mounted on a container 68 (FIG. 10). Controller 402 also couples to a user input section 412. User input section 412 is the portion of circuit 400 through which user input is provided to controller 402 and RF apparatus 10. In this embodiment of circuit 400, user input section 412 is configured as at least one, and preferably two, switches. And, controller 402 also couples to a user feedback section 414. Through user feedback section 414 controller 402 and RF apparatus 10 provide information to a user. This embodiment of user feedback section 414 includes at least one, and preferably two, light-emitting components. An exemplary process for manufacturing device 10 according to the first embodiment discussed above is presented in FIGS. 15-16. The second embodiment desirably follows a similar process, but with some tasks omitted. This process begins with three distinct panels. Each panel includes a planar dielectric substrate 92 clad with a conductive material, such as copper, on its opposing major sides. Each panel will be formed into an array of several PWB's. FIG. 17 shows an exemplary panel 131 on which are formed a plurality of middle circuit boards 31. Similar panels are also provided for bottom and top PWB's 21 and 41. Preferably, for the first embodiment the bottom panels from which bottom circuit boards 21 are formed are 30 mil, 12×9 inch (0.79 mm, 30.5 cm×22.9 cm) panels of 0.5 oz FR4 or other materials that are commonly used as circuit boards in the industry. Preferably, the middle panels 131 for the first embodiment are 160 mil 12×9 inch panels (4.1 mm, 30.5 cm×22.9 cm) of 0.5 oz FR4 or other materials that are commonly used as circuit boards in the industry. Preferably, for the first embodiment the top panels from which top circuit boards 41 are formed are 30 mil 12×9 inch (0.79 mm, 30.5 cm×22.9 cm) panels of 0.5 oz FR4 or other materials that are commonly used as circuit boards in the industry. Preferably, multiple individual panels are manipulated simultaneously in stacks, and multiple stacks of panels are also manipulated simultaneously. However, individual panels or individual stacks of panels may be manipulated separately and at different times from other panels or stacks and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, the top, middle, and bottom panels are stacked, as indicated in a task 100, and then drilled for tooling holes, as indicated in a task 110. The tooling holes allow stacks of panels and/or circuit boards to be registered or aligned to the tooling holes. The stacks of panels are then placed onto pin-registered frames for further processing, as indicated in a task 120. For the first embodiment discussed above, in a task 130 in the stack of top panels at least two electrical through connections 32 are drilled into each top board location for electrical connection between the top, middle and bottom circuit board locations, 41, 31, and 21. In the stack of middle panels, the at least two electrical through connections 32 are drilled into each middle board location for electrical connection between the top, middle and bottom circuit boards. There are also at least one, and preferably three or four apertures 34 drilled, one for each event detection structure 35. One or more of apertures 34 may be beveled as discussed above to permit the detecting of tilts at angles other than 90°. In the stack of bottom panels, electrical through connections 32 are drilled into each bottom board location for electrical connection between the top, middle and bottom circuit boards, and a plurality of vias 28 are drilled to support interconnection between conductive patterns 22 on the top and bottom sides for electrical connection to event detection and reporting circuitry 50 in each bottom board location. The second embodiment discussed above follows a similar process, but vias 28 may be drilled in any or all of the top, middle, and bottom PWB's. The above-discussed hole 27 within antenna tuning capacitor 26 is not formed in task 130. Next, in a task 135, conventional printed wiring board manufacturing techniques are followed to electroplate conductive material on the walls of the vias 28, apertures 34, and through connections 32 drilled above in task 130. The electroplating task 135 causes many separate conductive electrical connections to form between opposing sides of the panels. Then, in a task 140 the stacks of panels are separated into individual panels and circuit traces, whether located on one or both sides of the boards, are created onto individual board locations using techniques common in the circuit board industry. Usually, these techniques involve a patterning and etching process, but that is not a requirement. As a result of tasks 135 and 140, conductive patterns 22, vias 28, electrical through connections 32, and event detection structure apertures 34 are formed. The conductive patterns 22 include conductive loop 56, antenna tuning capacitor 26, isolated test capacitor 190, and the like. After task 140, the separated and circuited panels are reassembled into stacks and placed onto a routing machine using a pin registered frame in a task 150. Next, a task 160 is performed. For the first embodiment at least one, and preferably four, notches are routed into bottom and middle panel stacks around each individual bottom and middle board location, respectively. The notches in the bottom panel stacks should match and register with the notches in the middle panel stacks. Additionally, component cavity 14 is routed into each middle board location in each middle panel stack. Alternatively, this notching step could be performed on the top and middle panels. After task 160, an optional task 170 may be performed. Task 170 is performed if the above tasks were performed on macro-panels (e.g., panels larger than 12×9 inch (0.79 mm, 30.5 cm×22.9 cm) and typically sized to accommodate four 12×9 inch panels), the stacked macro-panels are cut or otherwise separated into 12×9 inch panel stacks. Next, in a task 180 the top and middle panels are re-separated from their stacks and an individual middle panel 131 is placed bottom down in a pin registered frame, and in a task 190 an adhesive, preferably two-component epoxy, is stenciled onto the top surface of the middle panel on each middle board location. Then, in a task 200 a top panel is mated on top of the middle panel using the pin registered frame to form a top/middle composite assembly. Multiple top/middle composite assemblies may be stacked and pressed for epoxy curing. After curing, the individual composite assemblies are re-separated from the stacks for further processing. Tasks 180, 190, and 200 may be omitted in the second embodiment discussed above because the top, middle, and bottom PWB's are held in contact with one another by clamping rather than by adhesives. Task 210 applies to both of the first and second embodiments discussed above. Separately, whether before, simultaneously with, or after the top/middle composite assemblies are formed, the event detecting and reporting circuitry 50, including some or all of the discrete components needed by circuit 400 (FIG. 14), is surface mounted onto each individual bottom board location 21 of the separated bottom panels (first embodiment) or onto each individual top PWB 82 (second embodiment). This process is accomplished using methods that are common to the industry. Next, in a task 220 the bottom panels (first embodiment) or top panels (second embodiment) are then placed into a pin registered programming/test fixture to program and test the surface mounted event detecting and reporting circuitry 50, including the components used by circuit 400 (FIG. 14). Circuits 50 with bad tests are noted for exclusion from use as ultimate product. The manufacturing process is continued in FIG. 16. A task 230 is performed for both of the above-described first and second embodiments to begin the subprocess of tuning antenna tuning capacitors 26. In task 230, the capacitances of at least some of isolated test capacitors 190 are measured. These capacitances will vary from panel to panel and even from PWB 82 to PWB 82 within a single panel. The variance will result, at least in part, from small variances in dielectric constant of planar dielectric substrate 92. If the measured capacitance is greater than a baseline capacitance, then a conclusion is reached that the capacitance of the associated and proximately located antenna tuning capacitor 26 is likewise high, and hole 27 therefore needs to have a diameter or size that is greater than a baseline. In the preferred embodiment, a table is empirically constructed that relates capacitances measured at isolated test capacitors 190 with sizes for hole 27 that cause loop antenna 25 to be resonate at the desired RF frequency. Once such a table is constructed, then loop antenna tuning for a vast number of RF apparatuses 10 may be accomplished merely by measuring capacitance, selecting an appropriate hole size, and drilling or otherwise forming hole 27 to have the selected size. And, inexpensive capacitance test equipment may be incorporated into an automated manufacturing process so that the measurement of task 230 is performed quickly and accurately without requiring human intervention. In one embodiment, task 230 makes a capacitance measurement at fewer than all PWB's 82 or 21 that may be present in a panel. It has been observed that the parameters that influence the capacitance of antenna tuning capacitors 26, such as dielectric constant εr and PWB thickness, tend to vary linearly over a given panel. Accordingly, in one embodiment, only isolated test capacitors 190 located in the four corners of the panel, which positions are depicted in connection with middle panel 131 in FIG. 17 at locations 192, 194, 196, and 198, are measured in task 230. These locations, except in the top or bottom PWB's, are referred to as measured PWB's herein. In this embodiment, isolated test capacitors 190 need not be formed for other PWB's on the panel, and if formed need not be tested. The other PWB's that are not tested for capacitance are referred to as unmeasured PWB's herein. The testing of fewer than all PWB's on a common panel saves time in the manufacturing process. While the preferred embodiments use an isolated test capacitor 190 within each of at least some of the PWB's on a common panel as the feature formed within conductive pattern 22 that is measured for capacitance, alternative embodiments may select other features within conductive pattern 22 whose capacitance bears a proportional relationship to the capacitance of antenna tuning capacitor 26. Referring back to FIG. 16, following task 230, a task 232 is performed to estimate the capacitance for the unmeasured PWB's on the common panel. In the preferred embodiment, the estimation is performed by interpolation, which pro-rata allocates any difference in capacitance for the measured PWB's to the unmeasured PWB's based on the relative location of the unmeasured PWB's relative to the measured PWB's. But those skilled in the art may devise other algorithms for estimating capacitance of the unmeasured PWB's based upon the capacitances determined for the measured PWB's. Then, a task 234 is performed to select a hole diameter in response to either the measured or estimated capacitance for the associated measured feature of conductive pattern 22, such as isolated test capacitor 190. As discussed above, this selection may be accomplished by a table look-up operation. Accordingly, the hole size selection is compatible with an automated manufacturing process. In one embodiment, task 234 is performed for each PWB in the common panel. In an alternate embodiment, task 234 may be performed once per panel, then a common size for hole 27 is used for all PWB's in the panel. Next, a task 236 drills or otherwise forms a hole through each of antenna tuning capacitors 26 in the common panel, where the hole exhibits the diameter or size selected above in task 234. A numerically controlled drill having a plurality of drill heads may be employed in task 236 for an automated manufacturing process, but this is not a requirement. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of drill heads is outfitted with a different size drill bit, and the selection from task 234 is fed to the drill to rotate the selected drill bit into place to form hole 27. This drilling task may be performed in a manner that is consistent with well-known PWB manufacturing processes and at very low cost. Upon the completion of task 236, antenna tuning capacitor 26 is tuned to cause loop antenna 25 to increase the resonant frequency of loop antenna 25 so that loop antenna 25 now resonates at substantially the desired RF frequency. Antenna tuning capacitor 26 exhibits a highly precise and stable capacitance value. This precise capacitance value is obtained at very low cost because no discrete components are involved. Capacitor 26 is formed using conventional printed wiring board techniques, with only the addition of capacitance-measuring and drilling operations. The capacitance-measuring and drilling operations are quick and inexpensive to perform. In one embodiment, at least two differently sized tuning capacitors 190 may be measured above in task 230 for each measured PWB and used to calculate the target size adjustment with even further improved accuracy. This allows compensation for PWB manufacturing variability, such as etching differences. Etching variability effects both tuning capacitors equally around the perimeter, but if one is larger in area than the other this variability factor can be accounted for. Next, in a task 240 either simultaneously, or before or after the event detecting and reporting circuitry 50 is surface mounted to the bottom board locations, the re-separated top/middle composite assemblies are turned over and replaced in a pin registered frame, thereby exposing the electrical component cavity 14. For each top/middle board location in the top/middle composite assembly, battery 88 is placed into the component cavity 14 and tilt/motion sensing pieces 36 are placed into their appropriate positions in the at least one aperture 34, as shown in FIGS. 18-19. After these components are appropriately placed, a task 250 is performed so that the exposed surface of the top/middle panel assembly is stenciled with two-component epoxy at each top/middle board location and a bottom panel with surface mounted circuitry 50 is mated to the top/middle composite assembly using the pin register frame thereby creating a top/middle/bottom composite assembly. Multiple top/middle/bottom composite assemblies are then stacked together and placed into a press for epoxy curing. Accordingly, battery 88 is now located within body 15, and body 15 is sealed so that battery 88 is non-replaceable. Next, a task 260 re-separates, the top/middle/bottom composite assemblies, and the electrical through connections 32 are soldered together, thereby creating an electrical connection between the top, middle and bottom board locations. Then, in a task 270 a double backed adhesive sheet, stenciled epoxy, stenciled adhesive, or other adhesive is used to adhere a polyester overlay to both top and bottom surfaces of the top/middle/bottom composite assemblies. Preferably, a pin registered frame is used. The polyester overlay for the bottom surface may include, in an alternate embodiment, a conductive button portion for shorting (activating) a switch circuit, such as previously described and illustrated above. Tasks 250, 260, and 270 apply primarily to the first embodiment discussed above. Some or all of tasks 250, 260, and 270 may be omitted for the second embodiment discussed above, where spring plate 90 is used instead of soldering for electrical connection between the top, middle, and bottom boards. After task 270, a task 280 performs a final routing operation on the top/middle/bottom board assemblies. Task 280 routes everywhere except for where the notches are located in the middle and bottom board locations, thereby creating one or more devices 10 that are attached to the panel matrix via at least one small tab connecting the top boards 41 sections to the top panel matrices. Task 280 defines the perimeter of the bottom board's 21 (first embodiment) and top PWB's 82 (second embodiment) in their panels. Thus PWB's 21 and 82 are trimmed so that loop antenna 25 then resides at the periphery of each PWB 82. Then, an optional task 290 may route an attachment structure 17, such a bottle mounting hole, into the second composite assembly at this time and any exposed interior surface may be painted to match the exterior (rubber or plastic inserts may be used instead of paint). As discussed above, isolated test capacitor 190 may have been formed in the area that is now being removed so that isolated test capacitor 190 need not take up space in the finished article. Then, a task 300 is performed to test each RF apparatus 10. Each individual RF apparatus 10 in the array may be tested by flipping the top/middle/bottom composite assembly quickly several times. A test receiver (not shown) receives and records signals for each of the RF apparatuses 10 in the array. This verifies operation of the circuitry, the transmitter signal strength, and the operation of tilt sensors formed from event detection structures 35. Preferably, this may be performed on several stacked top/middle/bottom composite assemblies simultaneously. Additional vibration and or heat/cold cycle testing can be performed at this time. The test date may optionally be recorded on each panel prior to separation of the tags from the array. After task 300, a task 310 may be performed to install the conductive mast provided by pour spout 58 and the sealer 60 (FIGS. 9-10). But pour spout 58 and sealer 60 is not required to be installed by the manufacturer and may be installed by a purchaser of RF apparatus 10. The programming of RF apparatus 10 includes several functions, as described below. First, RF apparatus 10 desirably detects each transient event, such as a pour of a bottle, and the elapsed time of each event. Second, RF apparatus 10 relays pour information and any other predetermined information reliably, accurately, and timely to one or more receivers with minimum user hassle, overhead, and expense. Third, preferably, there is a button than can be used to indicate when an associated asset is empty. This button can also be used during setup to assign RF apparatus 10 to a specific asset, a receiver, or host software. Alternately, the button can be used to transmit an information request to a receiver or host software. The preferred embodiment of RF apparatus 10 is designed with a three year functional lifetime for practical and reliability reasons. To support the limited functional lifetime, RF apparatus 10 preferably comprises an internal 32-Bit Life Timer that starts at zero and increments when RF apparatus 10 is in an unused or untilted position. This allows users to store currently unused devices 10 in a used/tilted position until they are needed. After the 32-Bit Life Timer counts little more than three years, software in RF apparatus 10 will disable functionality of RF apparatus 10. Other time durations may be used and still considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. RF apparatus 10 may have at least two discrete event detection sensors, preferably a tilt sensor and a button. To minimize the latency of data transmission to the host, when collecting event data RF apparatus 10 transmits the event detection data immediately after detection. In the case of a button press, this means as soon the button is pressed without waiting for it to be released. For a tilt event, it is after RF apparatus 10 is tilted and then untilted. Preferably, event data for a tilt event includes the length of the tilt. In alternative embodiments, only one event detection sensor may be used. Other event detection sensors may be used, such as motion, temperature, acceleration, breakage (of the asset or RF apparatus 10), tire pressure, and the like. All such options are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. This immediate data transmission is called an Immediate Mode Transmission. It may include the immediate event data as well as a multitude of other data, which may include but is not limited to, a unique preferably 32-bit tag identification number (ID), multiple (preferably 15) previous events, a current event number, a life timer value (to determine the age of RF apparatus 10), and a cyclic redundancy check (“CRC”). When RF apparatus 10 is located within a realistic range from a receiver, typically about 50 feet, then a large majority (95% or more) of Immediate Mode Transmissions will be successfully received by the receiver. Reasons for unsuccessful reception include, but are not limited to, transmission collisions with another simultaneous transmission or spurious interference from other unrelated radio energy sources. In order to prevent the loss of data, RF apparatus 10 program comprises an event buffer that stores a number of the most recent, preferably 16, events. Therefore, each Immediate Mode Transmission not only contains the most recent events but also the previous 15. Because there may be long time durations between detected events, if only Immediate Mode Transmissions were sent, then there could be a lengthy latency in transferring data if an Immediate Mode Transmission was not successfully received. Therefore, there are Beacon Mode Transmissions that are periodically transmitted, whether there are new events or not. There are two types of Beacon Mode Transmission, slow and fast, with the only difference being the frequency of transmission. Preferably, device 10 will always transmit a Slow Beacon Transmission for a first fixed duration, preferably every five minutes, when untilted. However, after an event occurs (and an Immediate Mode Transmission Occurs) RF apparatus 10 switches to Fast Beacon Mode. RF apparatus 10 then sends a Fast Beacon Transmission for a second, short duration, preferably every ten seconds, for a third intermediate duration, preferably for one minute, and then switches back to Slow Beacon Mode. This decreases any latency of any new event data being collected by the system. It also allows more accurate “time-stamping” of the detected event. Lastly, it dramatically decreases the likelihood of losing event data. Other durations may be used and still considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. Beacon Mode Transmissions provide another function in addition to handling data latency problems. It also prevents data loss from occurring when devices 10 are moved temporarily out of the range of the receiver. For example, in a single receiver system, RF apparatus 10 may be temporarily moved out of receiver range to pour a drink. Because the event is stored in the memory of RF apparatus 10, when RF apparatus 10 is brought back in range, the receiver will collect the new data during the next successful Beacon Mode Transmission. Thus, no data will be lost as long as less than 16 events occur before a successful Beacon Mode Transmission. This allows an asset to be used or stored out of range as long as it is periodically moved into receiver range. In order to facilitate the event buffer mechanism, RF apparatus 10 also maintains a (preferably 24-bit) Event Number that starts out at 0 when RF apparatus 10 is first manufactured. Each time there is a new event, this Event Number is incremented. In each transmission, Immediate and Beacon, not only are the data for the 16 stored events included in the transmission but also the entire 24-bit Event Number. This serves several purposes. First, since the 16 event buffer is continually reused in a circular fashion, the lower 4 bits of the Event Number will always be pointing to the oldest event entry in the event buffer. For instance, before any events have occurred, when RF apparatus 10 is first manufactured, the Event Number will be 0 meaning there were no events, ever, for this RF apparatus 10. After a first event, the event data will be stored in roll-over buffer location 0 and the Event Number will be incremented to 1. After the 16th new event the new data will be stored in the 16th location and the Event Number will be 16. The 17th new event is then stored in location 0 and the Event Number will be 17. Based on the Event Number, the receiver can determine how many new events are contained in RF apparatus 10. This is accomplished because the very first time a receiver receives a transmission from a particular RF apparatus 10, it records all 16 stored events and then stores the current Event Number for that RF apparatus 10. Subsequently, every time a transmission is successfully received by the receiver from that RF apparatus 10, the receiver or host software compares the Event Number in the transmission to the stored Event Number for that device. If the Event Number does not change, then there were no new events. If, for example, the Event Number increases by three, then receiver records the three new events. The Event Number is also stored with the data for that event in the host software. This facilitates multi-receiver systems because in many cases more than one receiver may store the same events from the same RF apparatuses 10. However, the host software can determine duplicates because it also keeps track of the Event Numbers. For example, if device #123 has a current Event Number of 55, and is in range of two receivers, then both receivers will have stored that the last event for device #123 was 55. If device #123 is then tilted, the Event Number will increment to 56. If both receivers successfully received a transmission from device #123, then they will both store the new event data and both update the current Event Number for device #123 to 56. When the host software collects data from the first receiver, it will verify and determine that it does not have Event Number 56 from device #123 yet. However, when it collects the data from the second receiver, it will know it already has that event data and not save the duplicate. The Event Number also allows the system to detect if more than 16 events have occurred since a successful transmission reception from RF apparatus 10. For example, if an RF apparatus 10 is taken out of realistic range of any receiver and 19 events occur and then it is brought back into range of at least one receiver, that receiver will detect that there are 19 new events but knows that only the latest 16 are in the transmission and will only store those data. After the host software collects the data from all receivers it will detect that there are 3 missing events for that RF apparatus 10. It can then generate a warning on any reports where this would be relevant. The receiver stamps and records the time each transmission is received. In addition, the receiver stamps and records a value for each event that represents the time the event occurred or may have occurred (“Possible Age”). The Immediate Mode, Slow Beacon, and Fast Beacon Transmission may be configured the same except for an identifier at the beginning that tells the receiver which type of transmission is being received. The main reason for this is to allow the receiver to time stamp the events more accurately. In order to conserve memory in RF apparatus 10, RF apparatus 10 need not keep track of the chronological time an event occurs but only the order. Because an Immediate Mode Transmission is sent right after the event and it has a field indicating to the receiver it is an Immediate Mode Transmission, the receiver time stamps the new event with a Possible Age equal to the time the transmission was received. In rare cases, the Immediate Mode Transmission may not be successfully received. If that occurs, then if the next Beacon Mode Transmission a receiver receives is a Fast Beacon Transmission, the receiver knows the latest event happened less than one minute ago. The receiver still time stamps the data with the current time but also stores a value called Possible Age indicating the event happened up to a minute before. The receiver also checks if it had heard from RF apparatus 10 less than a minute ago and sets the Possible Age to whichever is less. If an Immediate Mode Transmission is not received and the next received transmission is a Slow Beacon Transmission, then the Possible Age for the new event is set to the length of time since RF apparatus 10 was last heard from by that receiver. If there is more than one new event, then all the events before the newest event get time stamped with the current time and the Possible Age of the length of time since RF apparatus 10 was last heard from by that receiver. The additional transmission of the chronological time of the event is an option that is considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the calculation and storage of system data can be performed in RF apparatuses 10, receivers, host software, or a combination thereof, and all such options are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. RF apparatus 10 may has a 16 Event Buffer, each one byte in length to conserve memory. This means all events are desirably encoded in one byte (a number between 0 and 255). Preferably, RF apparatus 10 stores a Button Press Event as the value 255. Event times are stored with a resolution of 1/16th seconds. This means the largest duration of an event could be is 254/16ths or 15.875 seconds. To support times longer than this, the value 254 is also reserved to indicate that the time is 253/16ths or greater. The remainder of 16ths is stored in the next event. Unless this is also larger than 253/16ths. Preferably, events of up to 127 seconds are cascaded in this manner. The Event Number is incremented for each entry even though it is part of the same event. The host software combines these cascaded events into one record in the software database. In the preferred embodiment, if the time is 127 or larger only a total of 127 is stored. The host software considers this a special case that is stored as 127 or more and it would be an exception noted to the user on any relevant reports. Different numbers may be used and would be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The system can determine when an RF apparatus 10 stops being heard from. To allow for this, a receiver stores the last time it heard a transmission from an RF apparatus 10 even if no new event is transmitted. If no receiver hears from an RF apparatus 10 for a length of time that may be predefined or set by a user, preferably 15 minutes, then host software can generate a warning that the RF apparatus 10 is missing. The system may then inform the user of the last time the RF apparatus 10 was heard from. If the RF apparatus 10 is heard from again, the system may then indicate the time the RF apparatus 10 was found. This allows a user to have confidence that all assets are where they should be, that all RF apparatuses 10 are functioning, and that all data has been collected (at least all data that occurred in the last 15 minutes or other configured warning time). It is desirable that RF apparatus 10 last as long as possible with as small as possible of a battery 88. Thus, RF apparatus employs many design features to minimize power consumption. One power reduction technique is that RF apparatus 10 hardware and software are designed so that, in general, RF apparatus 10 is often “sleeping” or in a powered down mode that minimizes power consumption. However, RF apparatus 10 has a “wake timer mechanism” that “wakes” RF apparatus 10 after a predetermined duration. Preferably, this is about 1/27th of a second. If no event occurs, RF apparatus 10 wakes about each 1/27th of a second and if untilted just updates the Life Timer with the time it was sleeping. If RF apparatus 10 is currently tilted then it increments the Tilt Timer by how long it was sleeping. To facilitate lower cost, lower power usage, and smaller size, the preferred wakeup mechanism is a simple RC (resistor-capacitor) timer or RC oscillator. By itself, the RC timer is not very accurate and would be slightly different between different devices 10 and would also vary for the same device 10 based on temperature. RF apparatus 10 preferably keeps the life timer and determines tilt times as accurately as possible. Thus, RF apparatus 10 occasionally adjusts the current time constant of the RC timer. It does this by periodically comparing it to an accurate crystal oscillator. Preferably, RF apparatus 10 does this once per hour and whenever an event is detected (in order to calculate event times as accurately as possible in the cases where temperature may have changed in the last hour). This method does not increase the cost, size, or component count of RF apparatus 10 because it already has a crystal oscillator to support the radio transmitting function. The crystal oscillator takes more power than the RC timer but it only takes a few thousandths of seconds to do the comparison (and preferably only once per hour), so the overall power consumption is only minutely more than the RC timer. A potentially useful function of this RC timer/crystal synchronizing technique is RF apparatus 10 also can measure temperature variations. While stored, RF apparatus 10 can be turned over to a tilted state. While in this tilted state, RF apparatus 10 does not transmit Beacon Transmissions. In addition, after 127 seconds in a tilted state, RF apparatus 10 switches the RC timer to wake it up less often to have even lower power consumption, preferably every 2 seconds. Preferably, when RF apparatus 10 wakes up, it supplies voltage to the tilt sensor contact patterns, 23 and 44, on the top and bottom boards in the above-discussed first embodiment to determine whether a sensor is shorted. This is used to determine static tilt. However, no static short may exist while RF apparatus 10 is temporarily awake. Therefore, RF apparatus 10 also determines dynamic tilt by having a short to a sensor wake it up. Preferably, this is accomplished by having each sensor connected to the In-Out pins of the microcontroller in RF apparatus 10. RF apparatus 10 software only enables the contact configuration on the opposite side to wake it. In other words, if currently untilted, then RF apparatus 10 only enables the contact configuration on currently the “top” (tilted) side to wake it up. If RF apparatus 10 is flipped over, then a dynamic short will wake it up. RF apparatus 10 knows if it was woken up by the pin change feature so even if no static short is detected it knows it must now be tilted. It then reverses the contact configuration so that the one on the bottom (untilted) side will be the active one. This saves power because the inactive contact configuration will have no voltage applied to it so no power is wasted in the case that there is a static short. A transmission protocol for Immediate/Slow Beacon/Fast Beacon Transmissions from RF apparatus 10 may be formatted as follows: 48 bit synchronization (sync) sequence composed of “11110000 11110000 11110000 11110000 11110000 11100010”; 6-bit packet type (preferably 0); 2-bit transmission type (preferably, 00 means immediate, 01 means slow beacon, and 10 means fast beacon); 32-bit device 10 ID number; 8-bit life timer (only the most significant 8 bits of the 32-bit internal value); 8-bit timer calibration value (this may be converted to temperature by the host software because it will vary linearly with temperature); 24-bit Event Number; Sixteen 8-bit event buffer entries; 16-bit CRC in the CCITT-16 convention (used to make sure the transmission was received correctly by the receiver); and 4-bit sequence of “0011” used to be able to determine signal strength by the receiver. It does this by taking a signal strength sample during the 0's and then during the 1's and comparing the difference. Of course, different bit lengths, different amounts, different numbers, and different sequences may be used and all such options are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. Preferably, with the exception of the initial 48-bit sync sequence and the last 4-bit sequence, all actual data is Manchester Encoded. This means that each data bit is actually converted to a 2 bit Manchester sequence of “01” or “10”. A data bit of “0” is converted to a two bit “raw” sequence of “01” and a data bit of “1” is converted to a two bit “raw” sequence of “10”. This is for many reasons. First the preferred transmission method for RF apparatus 10 is On-Off-Keying (OOK). This means that radio frequency energy is being generated to transmit a “1” and no radio frequency energy is being sent to transmit a “0”. Because, from the receiver's point of view there is always background radio noise even when no device 10 in range is transmitting, the receiver “averages” the current radio frequency energy received in the last 1/100th of a second or so and then compares the instantaneous received RF energy to this average. If it is greater, than it assumes a raw bit “1” and, if lower, it assumes a raw bit “0”. Preferably, all RF apparatus 10 transmissions contain an equal number of “raw” 0's versus “raw” 1's. Converting each data bit to a “raw” two bit balanced sequence (“01” and “10”) accomplishes this. This is also the reason the transmission starts with the 48 bit balanced (equal number of “raw” 0's and 1's) sync sequence. This gives the averaging mechanism in the receiver time to stabilize. Additionally, the sync sequence used by the system will ensure that the receiver will not mistake the sync sequence for valid data. If a proper sync sequence is received, the use of Manchester Encoding helps the receiver determine whether a transmission is being successfully received. This is because the only valid “raw” sequence after the synchronization sequence will be “01” or “10” for each actual data bit. Therefore, the receiver knows there is a reception error if “00” or “11” occurs in any “raw” two bit sequence following the sync sequence, and it abandons the decoding. If all the data bits (each two bit raw sequence) are received, the transmission is further validated by the receiver using the 16-bit CRC value. Other methods of transmission and encoding may be used and are considered to fall under the scope of the present invention. Because, in the preferred embodiment, RF apparatuses 10 transmit for a very short time period (typically 1/100ths of a second) and only every five minutes or when an event occurs, collisions between two RF apparatus 10 transmissions will be rare. If a collision does occur between two transmissions, it would be expected that the system would not decode either transmission. However, the present invention is designed to more likely receive a transmission from closer RF apparatuses 10 in the event of a collision. For example, in one potential application, a user may have multiple bar areas each with multiple RF apparatuses 10 attached to bottles and at least one receiver in each bar area. Depending on how close the bar areas are to each other, a transmission from an RF apparatus 10 may be picked up by a receiver not only in that bar area but also in other bar areas. If an RF apparatus 10 is transmitting and a receiver starts to hear a transmission from another RF apparatus 10 that is further away, depending on the strength of the signal (or energy of the transmission) of the two RF apparatuses 10, the receiver will continue to decode the proximate RF apparatus 10 and ignore the distal RF apparatus 10. Conversely, if a distal RF apparatus 10 is picked up by a receiver and a proximate RF apparatus 10 starts to transmit, the distal RF apparatus's 10 transmission will be abandoned in favor of the proximate RF apparatus 10. The sync sequence used guarantees that an invalid data bit sequence will occur during the reception of the distant device when the proximate RF apparatus 10 starts to transmit. The receiver can then stop decoding the transmission from the distal RF appartaus 10 and instead decode the transmission from the proximate RF apparatus 10. Advantageously, the protocol used by the system allows a user to have more RF apparatuses 10 in an area by adding additional receivers in the area. In implementing this functionality and protocol, software with specific functionality is programmed into the circuitry 50 of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a flow chart of such functionality for either embodiment of RF apparatus 10 discussed above. The preferred software begins at a task 500 upon first power-up, which clears a 24-bit event number, clears a 32-bit Life Timer, sets the slow beacon mode in effect, and sets the untilted configuration or mode. A calibration value is calculated in a task 510. Then RF apparatus 10 goes into an untilted sleep state, depicted by a task 520, but will wakeup upon a tilt event, a button press, or after 1/27ths of a second. Upon a button press, event 522, the event is stored in the first available memory location. Block 530. After the event is stored, an Immediate Mode Transmission is triggered, thereby transmitting event data to a receiver Block 540 and RF apparatus returns back to untilted sleep state Block 520. An event 524 occurs upon 1/27th of a second time duration. Upon the occurrence of this event, the Life Timer is incremented in a task 550. Then, a task 560 checks the elapsed time. If the elapsed time is 2560 or more seconds, then program flow returns to recalculate the calibration value at task 510. If the Slow Beacon Mode is in effect and 5 minutes have elapsed, then RF apparatus 10 triggers a Slow Beacon Transmission and RF apparatus 10 returns to its sleep state at task 520. If the Fast Beacon Mode is in effect and 10 seconds have elapsed, then RF apparatus 10 checks to see if the Fast Beacon Mode should be changed to the Slow Beacon Mode (and, if so, unflag the Fast Beacon Mode and flag the Slow Beacon Mode). Next, a task 570 triggers a Fast Beacon Transmission, and RF apparatus 10 returns to its sleep state at task 520. Upon the occurrence of a tilt event 526, RF apparatus 10 clears the tilt time timer and sets the state to “tilted” in a task 580. Next a task 590 calculates a calibration value, and a task 600 causes RF apparatus 10 to enter a tilted sleep state. After 1/27ths of a second has elapsed, event 602 will occur, and in a task 610 RF apparatus 10 increments the tilt timer by 1/16th of a second, until the maximum time of 127 seconds has been reached, and returns to its tilted sleep state at task 600. After RF apparatus 10 has been untilted, an event 604 will occur, and the tilt time is checked in a task 620. If the time is less than 253 1/16ths of a second, then RF apparatus 10 stores the number of 1/16ths of a second for the event duration in a task 630, and RF apparatus triggers an Immediate Mode Transmission. If the time is more than 253 1/16ths of a second, RF apparatus 10 stores a cascaded event in a task 640 (one event for each 254 1/16ths seconds with the remainder in the last event) and RF apparatus 10 then triggers an Immediate Mode Transmission. After triggering the Immediate Mode Transmission, RF apparatus 10 returns to its sleep state at task 510. This flow is followed until the Life Timer is exceeded, the battery runs down, or the circuitry 50 is broken or destroyed. In summary, the present invention provides an improved RF communications apparatus and manufacturing method therefor. An RF communications apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with a small RF communications apparatus. And, an RF communications apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with low power operation. Moreover, an RF communications apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with the use of a non-replaceable battery. Likewise, an RF communications apparatus and method are provided that are inexpensive. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described above. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The identification, measurement and/or control of physical assets are important aspects of modern business practices. Frequently, assets are misidentified, misplaced or incorrectly dispensed, thereby leading to incorrect inventory and/or receivables. A common modern method for dealing with asset control is the use of bar codes. These bar codes can be used to both identify a product and support the determination of the time and location of dispensation. Another increasingly common method for asset control is the use of radio frequency tags (RF tags). These are tags that are attached to assets and that include at least a radio transmitter and identification circuit. The identification circuit continually, periodically, or after an interrogatory is sent from a receiver, sends the identification of the product. These systems, while excellent for product identification, are not optimized for tracking events that may occur to the products. These events may be movement of the asset, tilting of the asset, acceleration of the asset, changes in temperature of the asset, breakage of the asset (or associated tag), button presses, and the like. Therefore, there is a present and continuing need for improved asset tags used for the identification, measurement and/or control of physical assets. Asset tags desirably communicate data describing the events they track to other devices for processing that data. In many situations, it is convenient to use radio-frequency (RF) transmissions to communicate the data. But conventional RF communication techniques fail to address the needs of systems that rely upon asset tags, and conventional RF communication techniques are not well suited to other types of RF communications apparatuses as well. Most electronic systems benefit from lower cost components. But systems that use asset tags as well as other types of electronic systems have a particularly heightened need for low cost components. The need for a low cost component is heightened when a particular device, such as an asset tag, is used in large numbers by a given system. In this situation, any unnecessary costs are multiplied by the number of the often-used device in the system. And, many electronic systems, including those that include asset tags, benefit from components of smaller size. When asset tags are associated with products, the asset tags need to be as small as possible so that they do not detract from the packaging and ambiance, so that they do not take up significant space that is better used by the products with which they are associated, and so that they do not interfere with the operation and manipulation of the products, their packaging, or their containers. Likewise, most electronic systems can benefit from operation with the lowest possible power consumption. But systems that rely upon asset tags and other types of electronic systems have a heightened need for low-power operation. When a device, such as an asset tag, relies upon the use of one or more batteries to provide its electrical power, the selected battery often drives many design parameters for the device. Greater battery capacity can lessen the pressures for achieving low-power operation. Greater battery capacity can be achieved by using more expensive batteries of a given size, larger batteries of a given battery technology, by using a greater number of batteries, by using rechargeable batteries, and/or by requiring occasional replacement of batteries. But each of these options is undesirable. A more expensive battery, a larger battery, or a larger number of batteries poses a cost problem. Accordingly, these are undesirable solutions when a heightened need exists for low cost. And, larger batteries or a greater number of batteries cause a battery-powered device, such as an asset tag, to be larger than it might be. Again, these are undesirable solutions when a need exists for making an RF apparatus as small as possible. Rechargeable batteries are also undesirable to the extent that they are more expensive than non-rechargeable batteries. And, expenses and size requirements are further increased by an undesirable need to recharge the batteries and to provide the associated recharging circuits and related paraphernalia. The use of replaceable batteries is also undesirable in some applications because the ongoing need to purchase replacement batteries increases costs in many electronic applications, such as those that rely upon asset tags. But replaceable batteries and/or rechargeable batteries are undesirable in asset tag and other electronic applications for other reasons as well. RF apparatuses that use rechargeable and/or replaceable batteries will be required to operate on low battery reserves from time to time. This will result in an unreliable operation. And, when the battery reserves are finally exhausted, they impose a nuisance factor on the user who is denied the services that RF apparatus should be providing and is then required to either recharge or replace batteries. In electronic systems that may use several battery-powered devices, such as systems that rely upon asset tags, this nuisance factor is a serious problem. Accordingly, asset tags and many other electronic devices can benefit from a capability to engage in RF communications, to be as small as possible, to be as inexpensive as possible, and to be powered by one or more batteries that are as small and inexpensive as possible, yet are non-replaceable if at all possible. Engaging in RF communications on tight cost, power, and space budgets is an extremely challenging task. One of the factors that exerts a substantial influence on this task is the antenna through which RF communications takes place. A loop antenna is a conductive loop which is tuned using a tuning capacitor coupled to the loop to resonate at a desired RF frequency. Conventional loop antennas exhibit many desirable characteristics for these types of applications. For example, they can be formed in a small space. And, they can be configured to exhibit a high quality factor (Q), which allows them to operate at a somewhat greater power efficiency for a given loop size. But conventional loop antennas fail to achieve the space and efficiency goals that would be beneficial for asset tags or other RF communications devices. One reason for this failure is that as loop antennas get smaller to meet tight space requirements, they then need to be operated at as high a Q as possible to maximize their power efficiency. This makes a loop antenna highly sensitive to tuning. In other words, if the tuning capacitor exhibits a capacitance as little as a couple of percent off of the ideal value which achieves resonance at a desired RF frequency, power efficiency can suffer tremendously. But, RF devices on tight power budgets cannot afford reduced power efficiency. The sensitivity to tuning of conventional high Q antennas poses another problem. Governmental regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and counterparts in other countries, restrict the amount of power that can be broadcast from an antenna. Manufacturers are required to reduce power output based on a worst likely case manufacturing sample. The sensitivity to tuning of a high Q antenna means that when the antenna cannot be consistently tuned, transmit power will need to be reduced to meet regulations, and the radio range will be reduced from what it might be if antennas could be more consistently tuned. And, the regulations tend to be more strict for high volume, mass market transmission applications. These are the same applications where cost concerns are strongly felt. Conventional loop antennas in these situations use discrete, manually-tuned, board-mounted tuning capacitors, discrete, high precision, board-mounted tuning capacitors, discrete, highly stable, board-mounted tuning capacitors, and/or discrete, pre-screened, board-mounted tuning capacitors. Discrete board-mounted capacitors are leaded or surface-mount capacitors that are mounted on a printed wiring board. But, manually-tuned and pre-screened tuning capacitors are simply not compatible with mass-market manufacturing techniques where large numbers of devices need to be manufactured on a tight cost budget. And, high precision and/or highly stable capacitors are so expensive that they also are undesirable in applications on a tight cost budget. In such situations, conventional loop antennas couple resistive elements to the loop antenna to reduce the Q to the point where a tuning capacitor that meets budgetary requirements can effectively tune the antenna. But in a battery powered device on a tight power budget, techniques that lead to such power inefficiencies are undesirable. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is an advantage of the present invention that an improved RF communications apparatus and manufacturing method are provided. Another advantage is that an apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with a small, low cost, RF communications apparatus. Another advantage is that an apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with low cost, low power RF communications. Another advantage is that an apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with maximizing RF radio range at low cost and while meeting regulatory requirements. Another advantage is that an RF communications apparatus and method are provided that are compatible with the use of a non-replaceable battery. At least a portion of these and/or other advantages are realized in one form by a radio-frequency (RF) communications apparatus that includes a planar dielectric substrate. An RF circuit is mounted on the planar dielectric substrate. A conductive loop is formed as a first conductive trace on the planar dielectric substrate. The conductive loop has a feed point coupled to the RF circuit by a second conductive trace on the planar dielectric substrate. A tuning capacitor is formed as first and second juxtaposed conductive pads located on opposing sides of the planar dielectric substrate. The first conductive pad is in contact with a first portion of the conductive loop and the second conductive pad is in contact with a second portion of the conductive loop. The tuning capacitor and the conductive loop together form a loop antenna. The tuning capacitor has a hole that exhibits size selected to tune the loop antenna. At least a portion of the above and/or other advantages are realized in another form by a method of manufacturing a radio-frequency (RF) communications apparatus. The method calls for forming conductive patterns on a printed wiring board to include a loop antenna having a tuning capacitor with first and second conductive pads juxtaposed on opposing sides of the printed wiring board and a conductive loop having first and second portions respectively contacting the first and second conductive pads. Capacitance of a feature on the printed wiring board is measured, where the feature exhibits a capacitance proportional to the capacitance of the tuning capacitor. A hole size is then selected in response to this measured capacitance. A hole is then formed through the tuning capacitor. The hole exhibits the hole diameter. | 20050308 | 20060919 | 20050908 | 64713.0 | 1 | NGUYEN, PHUNG | RF COMMUNICATIONS APPARATUS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,884 | ACCEPTED | Illuminating Mechanism For A Lock | A lock including an illuminating device which is actuated by the rotation of a lock dial produces an illumination event. The illumination event provides sufficient light on the lock such as to allow easier operation of the lock in areas of inadequate light. The lock may include a piezo device which creates electrical current to light one or more light emitting diodes for a predetermined duration of time. | 1. A lock comprising: a lock body; a lock dial coupled to said lock body; and an illuminating mechanism disposed within said lock dial. 2. The lock of claim 1, wherein said lock dial is comprised of an opaque material and one or more semi-transparent materials. 3. The lock of claim 2, wherein said lock dial includes numbers and number markings comprised of said one or more semi-transparent materials. 4. The lock of claim 1, wherein said illuminating mechanism includes one or more light emitting diodes. 5. The lock of claim 1 further comprising a reflective surface located such that one or more light emitting diodes are located between the reflective surface and an inner surface of said lock dial. 6. The lock of claim 1, wherein said illuminating mechanism includes a piezo device. 7. The lock of claim 6, wherein said piezo device produces a charge when said lock dial is rotated relative to said lock body. 8. The lock of claim 1, wherein said illuminating mechanism includes one or more field effect transistors, one or more resistors and one or more capacitors. 9. The lock of claim 8, wherein said one or more resistors determine the rate of discharge of one or more of said capacitors, thereby determining the duration of an illumination event. 10. A lock comprising: a lock body; a lock dial coupled to said lock body; and a piezo device that generates electrical current that is used to light one or more light emitting diodes when said lock dial is rotated relative to said lock body. 11. The lock of claim 10 further comprising at least one piezo wiper which includes one or more piezo wiper springs that brush against said piezo device to produce a voltage signal. 12. The lock of claim 10 wherein said lock dial is comprised of an opaque material and one or more semi-transparent materials. 13. The lock of claim 12, wherein said lock dial includes numbers and number markings comprised of said one or more semi-transparent materials. 14. The lock of claim 10 further comprising a reflective surface located such that said one or more light emitting diodes are located between the reflective surface and an inner surface of said lock dial. 15. The lock of claim 10 wherein said one or more light emitting diodes produce an illumination event during rotation of said lock dial and for a predetermined period of time after rotation of the lock dial has stopped. 16. The lock of claim 10 further comprising one or more batteries. 17. A lock comprising: a lock body including a locking mechanism; a lock dial coupled to said lock body; a piezo device connected to a dial body; a piezo wiper including one or more piezo washer springs; and one or more light emitting diodes; wherein rotation of the lock dial produces an illumination event, wherein said one or more light emitting diodes illuminate a portion of said lock. 18. The lock of claim 17, wherein said lock dial comprises an opaque material and one or more semi-transparent materials, and wherein said one or more light emitting diodes create said illumination event by emitting light through said one or more semi-transparent materials. 19. The lock of claim 17 further comprising a means for predetermining the duration of said illumination event. 20. The lock of claim 17 wherein said piezo device, said piezo wiper and said one or more light emitting diodes are disposed within said lock dial. 21. A lock dial comprising: an opaque outer material; a semi-transparent inner material; and an illuminating mechanism disposed within said lock dial; wherein light from said illuminating mechanism emits through said semi-transparent inner material. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/521,209 filed on Mar. 11, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an improved combination lock, and more specifically to a combination lock which includes a means for illuminating a portion of the combination dial. BACKGROUND Security devices, such as locks, are used in a variety of applications to secure a variety of objects. In some instances the security device may be used in areas of low light, which may impede or complicate operation of the security device. For example, operation of a combination dial to locate the correct number of the unlocking combination or locating the keyhole for insertion of the appropriate key may be difficult in areas of low light. As such, it is desirable to provide a security device that produces sufficient light to allow easy operation of the security device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A lock including an illuminating device which is actuated by the rotation of a lock dial to produce an illumination event is disclosed. The illumination event provides sufficient light on the lock such as to allow easier operation of the lock in areas of inadequate light. In some embodiments, the lock may include a piezo device which creates electrical current to light one or more light emitting diodes for a predetermined duration of time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below serve to illustrate the principles of this invention. FIG. 1 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a lock incorporating an illuminating mechanism. FIG. 2 is a front view of the lock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the lock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of the lock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the lock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the lock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a front exploded view of the lock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a rear exploded view of the lock shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an example of a circuit for an illuminating mechanism. FIG. 10 is a second example of a circuit for an illuminating mechanism. FIG. 11 is a third example of a circuit for an illuminating mechanism. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one embodiment of a lock incorporating a illuminating mechanism for improved operability in areas of low light. The illuminating mechanism is housed within the lock body and when activated, provides light that allows the user to view the lock with sufficient light to allow for operation of the lock. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, light emits from areas, such as, for example, the numbers or number markers. Additionally, light may also emit through other features, such as a logo, the edges of the dial, or patterns formed in the dial, or any combination thereof. The light source can be used to improve operability of the lock in areas of low light and/or may provide an enhanced aesthetic appearance. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 1-4 illustrate only one exemplary embodiment of the present invention and that other embodiments incorporating the features disclosed herein are also contemplated. While the illustrative example is directed to a specific combination padlock, the features of the present invention could be applied to many other products, such as other combination locks, door locks, locker locks, padlocks or keyed locks. The lock 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6 includes the standard features of a combination lock, namely a lock body 20, a shackle 22, and a combination dial 24. The combination dial 24 includes numbers 26 and number markers 28, although other combination lock dial features may also be used. The combination lock 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6 may use any conventional locking mechanism. FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrates an exploded view of the lock 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6. The lock 10 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes dial base 30 located between the lock body 20 and the dial 24. Also illustrated is one embodiment of the illuminating mechanism. Included are a piezo device 33, a piezo wiper 35 having three piezo wiper springs 37, a print circuit board (PCB) 40, and a power source 42. The power source 42 is shown as several small coin cell lithium batteries, however it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any power source could be used. For example the power source may be batteries, fuel cells, solar power, or the like and will define the performance and several other properties or product characteristics of the lock and illuminating mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the illuminating mechanism is disposed within the lock dial 24 and thereby provides an area for the illuminating mechanism that is away from the locking mechanism. This allows the illuminating mechanism to be accessed without granting access to the locking mechanism, which would potentially compromise the integrity of the lock. Furthermore, while the dial 24 is shown as a hollow semi-spherical shape, it should be appreciated that other embodiments can incorporate other types or configurations of the lock dial. The hollow, semi-spherical dial allows for ease of incorporation of the illuminating mechanism. The piezo wiper 35 is shown as a stamped metal disk with three wiper springs 37 and a tab 43 to engage a fixed point 44 in the lock body 20. Although three wiper springs 37 are shown, it should be appreciated that only a single wiper spring 37 is needed. It should be appreciated that any number of piezo wiper springs 37 can be used, however three piezo wiper springs are preferred in order to trigger the light on with one third of a dial rotation and to provide a balanced three point surface to support the dial base 30 evenly. Furthermore, the piezo wiper springs 37 can be tangent to the centerline of the lock body or can be perpendicular in orientation. The piezo wiper 35 is fixed in location with respect to the lock body 20. The piezo device 33 is mounted to the underside of the dial base 30, by any known means including, but not limited to, snap fit, staking, adhesive or the like. The wiper springs 37 on the piezo wiper 35 brush against the piezo device 33, which produces a voltage signal, as described below. The dial base 30, zinc die cast as shown, is crimped to the lock body 20 and traps the piezo wiper 35 between dial base 30 and lock body 20. The dial base 30 rotates freely with respect to the lock body 20 in both directions. A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 40 with one or more LED's 50 is attached with the PCB to the dial base 30 via any conventional means, such as a screw 51. The use of the Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) provides illumination of a portion of the lock, such as the lock dial, thereby increasing visibility and ease of use during operation of the lock. The number and type of LED's depends on the amount of light that is desired. In some embodiments a reflector (not shown) is used to cover the PCB 40 and dial base 30, while allowing the LED(s) to pass through and reside between the dial 24 and reflector. The reflector is preferably high gloss white in color or a metallic or mirror like finish to reflect the light produced by the LED(s) toward the dial. In other embodiments, the PCB 40 is painted or coated with a reflective material. The use of a reflector or reflective coating is optional and is used to enhance or focus the light emitted from the LED(s). The dial 24 is generally composed of two contrasting materials. The outer surface, with the exception of the illuminated areas, is made from a material that is solid such that light cannot transmit through it. Plastic or zinc die cast materials are the preferred. The inner material that also protrudes to the outside surface at areas to be illuminated, such as, for example, the numbers 26, logo (not shown), number marks 28, and other desired illuminated areas, is made of semitransparent plastic, such as, for example, polycarbonate or acrylic, which are typically used for light pipe applications. The inner surface material can be either be semi-transparent colored material with a white LED or semi-transparent clear with a colored LED. As such the color of the illumination can be varied by changing LED color or inner material color. In some embodiments, the dial is composed of a single transparent material with markings, such as number on it. In other embodiments, the dial is composed of an opaque material and more than one semitransparent materials or more than one color of semitransparent material. In such embodiments, the light emitted can be multi-colored for aesthetic purposes. Two dial screws 55 are used to hold the dial 24, power source 42, and the PCB 40 assembly to the dial base 30. Screws, bolts or other removable fastening means are used in order to allow the user to gain access to the power source 42, such as, for example, to change the batteries. The dial screws could be replaced by a more permanent fixation means, such as glue, staking or other attachment means. Such other attachment means are more readily used if the power source can operate the product for an acceptable time period. Alternatively, a small removable battery door (not shown) could be integrated into the dial which would allow permanent dial attachment. Pressing or rotating a lock dial 24 activates the LED's 50. The number of LED's 50 can be varied and will be determined by the amount of illumination desired. The LED's 50 will remain activated for predetermined time period after the dial 24 is released or ceases to rotate. For example, the LED's 50 may remain illuminated for a period of two to seven seconds. In other embodiments, the LED's 50 may remain illuminated a shorter or longer duration. Due to cost and space considerations, the circuitry should be kept simple and component costs should be relatively inexpensive. In addition, due to the limited battery power, the circuitry should also consume only small amounts of current. As shown in FIG. 9, a circuit 60 with a Field Effect Transistor (FET) Q1 controls the LED(s) 50. While other mechanism can be used for controlling the LED(s) 50, a FET Q1 is preferred due to its high input impedance and allowance of a simple timing circuit that uses few components and low current draw (less then 1 uA) in the in-active state. To activate the LED's 50 when pushing the dial 24, a switch SW1 is used to charge capacitor C1. The charged capacitor C1 causes FET Q1 to turn “on” providing a low source/drain resistance which enables current to flow through LED 50. As long as SW1 is closed, or capacitor C1 is charged, Q1 remains in the “on” state. When SW1 is released capacitor C1 slowly discharges through resistor R1. The relative resistance of the resistor R1 determines the rate of capacitor discharge and thus the duration of the illumination event. When the capacitor C1 discharges to a voltage less than the gate threshold of the FET Q1, the source/drain resistance becomes a relatively high impedance, thereby stopping current and FET Q1 and LED 50 are turned off. The circuit is now ready for another event. While the circuit described above provides for a sufficient illuminating circuit, when implementing the rotating dial event wake feature, the above circuit is difficult to use because the parked position that the dial is in could be a closed-switch position. The push dial wake-up feature can also contribute to low battery life because the dial can be inadvertently held down wasting battery life. FIG. 10 details a circuit 70 that controls from a change in state versus a fixed low state. In order to achieve this a second FET Q2 is added to the circuit that is pulsed to the “on” state from a capacitor coupled signal. Because the signal is capacitor coupled through capacitor C2, FET Q2 is only momentarily on, even if SW1 or SW2 are held in the “on” state. This causes capacitor C1 that holds Q1 “on” to only momentarily be charged and never be held in the charged state. The two switches SW1 and SW2 can be integrated into the printed circuit copper and two spring contacts off the board. An alternative embodiment is the implementation of a momentary switch. In FIG. 11, the capacitor C2 and the two switches SW1 and SW2, are replaced with a piezo device 33 to create circuit 80. To activate the LED(s) 50, rotating or pushing the dial 24 bends or flexes piezo device 33. This action causes the piezo device 33 to produce a voltage of sufficient magnitude to briefly turn “on” FET Q2. Using a piezo device 33 helps power consumption by adding energy to the circuit versus a passive switch or sensor that consumes energy from the battery. This is because a piezo device 33 generates surface charges in response to applied stresses. With FET Q2 turned “on”, its source/drain resistance approaches zero thereby allowing capacitor C1 to charge. The charged capacitor causes FET Q1 to turn “on” where it now has a low source/drain resistance which enables current to flow through LED 50. With FET Q2 turned “off”, the capacitor slowly discharges through resistor R1 holding FET Q1 “on”. The discharge time sets the LED “on” time. When the capacitor discharges to a voltage less than the gate threshold of FET Q1, the FET source/drain resistance becomes a relatively high impedance, stopping current and FET Q1 and LED 50 are turned off. The circuit is now ready for another piezo event. The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Clearly, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Security devices, such as locks, are used in a variety of applications to secure a variety of objects. In some instances the security device may be used in areas of low light, which may impede or complicate operation of the security device. For example, operation of a combination dial to locate the correct number of the unlocking combination or locating the keyhole for insertion of the appropriate key may be difficult in areas of low light. As such, it is desirable to provide a security device that produces sufficient light to allow easy operation of the security device. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A lock including an illuminating device which is actuated by the rotation of a lock dial to produce an illumination event is disclosed. The illumination event provides sufficient light on the lock such as to allow easier operation of the lock in areas of inadequate light. In some embodiments, the lock may include a piezo device which creates electrical current to light one or more light emitting diodes for a predetermined duration of time. | 20050310 | 20080506 | 20050915 | 79856.0 | 0 | BANNAN, JULIE A | ILLUMINATING MECHANISM FOR A LOCK | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,894 | ACCEPTED | LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE ARRAY HAVING AN ADHESIVE LAYER | A light-emitting diode array includes a substrate, an adhesive layer formed on the substrate, and a plurality of electrically connected epitaxial light-emitting stack layer disposed on the adhesive layer. Each of the epitaxial light-emitting stack layer has a P-contact and an N-contact coplanar to the P-contact. The light-emitting diode array has improved heat ventilation characteristics. | 1. A light-emitting diode array comprising: a substrate; an adhesive layer formed on the substrate; and a plurality of electrically connected epitaxial light-emitting stack layer disposed on the adhesive layer, each of the epitaxial light-emitting stack layer comprising a P-contact and an N-contact, wherein the P-contact and the N-contact are disposed on the same side of the epitaxial light-emitting stack layer. 2. The light-emitting diode array of claim 1, wherein each of the epitaxial light-emitting stack layer further comprises: a first conductive semiconductor stack layer; a light-emitting layer formed on the first conductive semiconductor stack layer; and a second conductive semiconductor stack layer formed on the light-emitting layer. 3. The light-emitting diode array of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of insulating regions formed between any two adjacent epitaxial light-emitting stack layer for electrically isolating one of these two adjacent epitaxial light-emitting stack layer from the other. 4. The light-emitting diode array of claim 1 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the substrate and the adhesive layer. 5. The light-emitting diode array of claim 1 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the adhesive layer and the epitaxial light-emitting stack layer. 6. The light-emitting diode array of claim 4, wherein the reflective layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). 7. The light-emitting diode array of claim 5, wherein the reflective layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). 8. The light-emitting diode array of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of GaP, GaAs, Si, SiC, Al2O3, glass, quartz, GaAsP, AIN, metal, and AlGaAs. 9. The light-emitting diode array of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of polyimide (PI), benzocyclobutene (BCB), and perfluorocyclobutene (PFCB). 10. The light-emitting diode array of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is a metal adhesive layer made of metal. 11. The light-emitting diode array of claim 10 further comprising an insulating layer formed between the metal adhesive layer and the epitaxial light-emitting stack layer. 12. The light-emitting diode array of claim 10 further comprising an insulating layer formed between the metal adhesive layer and the substrate. 13. A light-emitting diode array comprising: a substrate; an adhesive layer formed on the substrate, the adhesive layer comprising a top surface and a plurality of adhesive regions disposed on the top surface; a first light-emitting stack layer formed on a first adhesive region of the plurality of adhesive regions, the first light-emitting stack layer comprising a top surface, a first first-conductivity contact region formed on the top surface, and a first second-conductivity contact region formed on the top surface; a first first-conductivity conductive contact formed on the first first-conductivity contact region; a first second-conductivity conductive contact formed on the first second-conductivity contact region; a second light-emitting stack layer formed on a second adhesive region of the plurality of adhesive regions, the second light-emitting stack layer comprising a top surface, a second first conductive contact region formed on the top surface, and a second second-conductivity contact region formed on the top surface; a second first-conductivity conductive contact formed on the second first-conductivity contact region; a second second-conductivity conductive contact formed on the second second-conductivity contact region; and a first conductive line for electrically connecting either of the conductive contacts of the first light-emitting stack layer to either of the conductive contacts of the second light-emitting stack layer. 14. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13, wherein the first-conductivity contact region is n-type, and the second-conductivity contact region is p-type. 15. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13, wherein the first light-emitting stack layer further comprises: a first first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; a first light-emitting layer formed on the first first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; and a first second-conductivity semiconductor stack layer formed on the first light-emitting layer. 16. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13, wherein the second light-emitting stack layer further comprises: a second first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; a second light-emitting layer formed on the second first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; and a second second-conductivity semiconductor stack layer formed on the second light-emitting layer. 17. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13 further comprising a insulating region formed between the first light-emitting stack layer and the second light-emitting stack layer for electrically isolating one of these two light-emitting stack layer from the other. 18. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the substrate and the adhesive layer. 19. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the adhesive layer and the first light-emitting stack layer. 20. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the adhesive layer and the second light-emitting stack layer. 21. The light-emitting diode array of claim 17, wherein the reflective layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). 22. The light-emitting diode array of claim 18, wherein the reflective layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). 23. The light-emitting diode array of claim 19, wherein the reflective layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). 24. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13, wherein the substrate comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of GaP, GaAs, Si, SiC, Al2O3, glass, quartz, GaAsP, AIN, metal, and AlGaAs. 25. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13, wherein the adhesive layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of polyimide (PI), benzocyclobutene (BCB), and perfluorocyclobutene (PFCB). 26. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13, wherein the adhesive layer is a metal adhesive layer made of metal. 27. The light-emitting diode array of claim 26 further comprising an insulating layer formed between the metal adhesive layer and the first light-emitting stack layer and between the metal adhesive layer and the second light-emitting stack layer. 28. The light-emitting diode array of claim 26 further comprising an insulating layer formed between the metal adhesive layer and the substrate. 29. The light-emitting diode array of claim 15 further comprising a transparent conductive layer formed between the adhesive layer and the first first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer. 30. The light-emitting diode array of claim 16 further comprising a transparent conductive layer formed between the adhesive layer and the second first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer. 31. The light-emitting diode array of claim 17, wherein the insulating region is in the form of a trench. 32. The light-emitting diode array of claim 17, wherein the insulating region is composed of an ion-implanted region. 33. The light-emitting diode array of claim 13 further comprising: a third light-emitting stack layer formed on a third adhesive region of the plurality of adhesive regions, the third light-emitting stack layer comprising a top surface, a third first-conductivity contact region formed on the top surface, and a third second-conductivity contact region formed on the top surface; a third first-conductivity conductive contact formed on the third first-conductivity contact region; a third second-conductivity conductive contact formed on the third second-conductivity contact region; a fourth light-emitting stack layer formed on a fourth adhesive region of the plurality of adhesive regions, the fourth light-emitting stack layer comprising a top surface, a fourth first-conductivity contact region formed on the top surface, and a fourth second-conductivity contact region formed on the top surface; a fourth first-conductivity conductive contact formed on the fourth first-conductivity contact region; a fourth second-conductivity conductive contact formed on the fourth second-conductivity contact region; and a second conductive line for electrically connecting the first first-conductivity conductive contact to the third second-conductivity conductive contact; a third conductive line for electrically connecting the second first-conductivity conductive contact to the fourth second-conductivity conductive contact; and a fourth conductive line for electrically connecting the third first-conductivity conductive contact to the fourth first-conductivity conductive contact; wherein the first conductive line connects the first second-conductivity conductive contact to the second second-conductivity conductive contact. 34. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33 further comprising an insulating region formed between the third light-emitting stack layer and the second light-emitting stack layer for electrically isolating the third light-emitting stack layer from the second light-emitting stack layer. 35. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33 further comprising an insulating region formed between the third light-emitting stack layer and the fourth light-emitting stack layer for electrically isolating the third light-emitting stack layer from the fourth light-emitting stack layer. 36. The light-emitting diode array of claim 34, wherein the insulating region is in the form of a trench. 37. The light-emitting diode array of claim 34, wherein the insulating region is composed of an ion-implanted region. 38. The light-emitting diode array of claim 35, wherein the insulating region is in the form of a trench. 39. The light-emitting diode array of claim 35, wherein the insulating region is composed of an ion-implanted region. 40. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33, wherein the first-conductivity contact region is n-type electro-polarization, and the second-conductivity contact region is p-type electro-polarization. 41. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33, wherein the third light-emitting stack layer further comprises: a third first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; a third light-emitting layer formed on the third first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; and a third second-conductivity semiconductor stack layer formed on the third light-emitting layer. 42. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33, wherein the fourth light-emitting stack layer further comprises: a fourth first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; a fourth light-emitting layer formed on the fourth first-conductivity semiconductor stack layer; and a fourth second-conductivity semiconductor stack layer formed on the fourth light-emitting layer. 43. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the substrate and the adhesive layer. 44. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the third light-emitting stack layer and the adhesive layer. 45. The light-emitting diode array of claim 33 further comprising a reflective layer formed between the fourth light-emitting stack layer and the adhesive layer. 46. The light-emitting diode array of claim 41 further comprising a transparent conductive layer formed between the adhesive layer and the third second-conductivity semiconductor stack layer. 47. The light-emitting diode array of claim 42 further comprising a transparent conductive layer formed between the adhesive layer and the fourth second-conductivity semiconductor stack layer. | BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode, and more particularly, to a light-emitting diode array having an adhesive layer. 2. Description of the Prior Art Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are employed in a wide variety of applications including optical display devices, traffic lights, data storage equipment, communications devices, illumination apparatuses, and medical treatment equipment. One of the most important goals of engineers who design LEDs is to increase the brightness of the light emitted. U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,249 discloses monolithic serial/parallel LED arrays formed on highly resistive substrates. According to the patent, a Group III-V nitride light-emitting stack layer is formed on an insulating substrate. A portion of the stack layer is etched away to form a trench, and in result to form the LED array, which includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes divided by the trench. Since the insulating substrate is not conductive, both P-contacts and N-contacts for the LED array have to be formed on the same side of the LED array. In use, two LED arrays can be connected either in series or in parallel. However, the LED array disclosed by the patent cannot be applied to a quaternary Al—In—Ga—P light-emitting diode, which comprises a conductive substrate rather than an insulating substrate, P-contacts formed on one side of the conductive substrate, and N-contacts having to be formed on the other side. Therefore, two quaternary Al—In—Ga—P light-emitting diode arrays can be connected neither in series nor in parallel. Moreover, as the size of the LED array become larger, the operating voltage of the LED array becomes higher accordingly, and heat dissipation becomes an important concern for the LED array. SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is therefore a primary objective of the claimed invention to provide an LED array having an adhesive layer to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. According to the claimed invention, the light-emitting diode array includes a substrate, a reflective layer formed on the substrate, an insulating transparent adhesive layer formed on the reflective layer, a transparent conductive layer formed on the insulating transparent adhesive layer, a first conductive semiconductor stack layer formed on the transparent conductive layer, a light-emitting layer formed on the first conductive semiconductor stack layer, and a second conductive semiconductor stack layer formed on the light-emitting layer. A trench is formed by etching away a portion of the second conductive semiconductor stack layer, the light-emitting layer, the first conductive semiconductor stack layer, the transparent conductive layer, and the insulating transparent adhesive layer sequentially, and therefore the LED array is divided into a first LED and a second LED, both of which have the substrate in common. Moreover, a transparent conductive layer exposed surface region is formed by etching both of the first LED and the second LED deeply into the transparent conductive layer. The LED array further includes an insulating layer formed surrounding the first LED and the second LED for electrically isolating the first LED from the second LED. First contacts formed on the second conductive semiconductor stack layer of the first LED and the second conductive semiconductor stack layer of the second LED respectively. Second contacts formed on the transparent conductive layer exposed surface region of the first LED and the transparent conductive layer exposed surface region of the second LED respectively, and a conductive line for electrically connecting a second contact of the first LED to a first contact of the second LED. The substrate comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of GaP, GaAs, Si, SiC, Al2O3, glass, quartz, GaAsP, AIN, metal, and AlGaAs. The insulating transparent adhesive layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of polyimide (PI), benzocyclobutene (BCB), and perfluorocyclobutene (PFCB). The reflective layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of In, Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). The light-emitting layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlGaInP, GaN, InGaN, AlInGaN, and ZnSe. The transparent conductive layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of indium-tin oxide (ITO), cadmium-tin oxide (CTO), antimony-tin oxide (ATO), zinc oxide, and zinc-tin oxide. The insulating layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of SiO2 and SiNx. The first semiconductor stack layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlInP, AIN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN. The second semiconductor stack layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlInP, AIN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN. These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross sectional schematic diagram of a light-emitting diode array having an adhesive layer of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of a schematic diagram of a plurality of serially connected LED arrays shown in FIG. 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the LED arrays shown in FIG. 2 according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top view of a schematic diagram of a plurality of serially and parallelly connected LED arrays shown in FIG. 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the LED arrays shown in FIG. 4 according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a cross sectional schematic diagram of a light-emitting diode array 100 of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention. The LED array 100 comprises a substrate 10, a reflective layer 11 formed on the substrate 10, an insulating transparent adhesive layer 12 formed on the reflective layer 11, a transparent conductive layer 13 formed on the insulating transparent adhesive layer 12, a first conductive semiconductor stack layer 14 formed on the transparent conductive layer 13, a light-emitting layer 15 formed on the first conductive semiconductor stack layer 14, a second conductive semiconductor stack layer 16 formed on the light-emitting layer 15. A trench is formed by etching away a portion of the second conductive semiconductor stack layer 16, the light-emitting layer 15, the first conductive semiconductor stack layer 14, the transparent conductive layer 13, and the insulating transparent adhesive layer 12 sequentially, and therefore the LED array 100 is divided into a first LED 110 and a second LED 120, both of which have the substrate 10 in common. Moreover, a transparent conductive layer exposed surface region is formed by etching both of the first LED 110 and the second LED 120 moderately to the transparent conductive layer 13. The LED array 100 further comprises an insulating layer 17 formed surrounding the first LED 110 and the second LED 120 for electrically isolating the first LED 110 from the second LED 120. First contacts 18 formed on the second conductive semiconductor stack layer 16 of the first LED 110 and the second conductive semiconductor stack layer 16 of the second LED 120 respectively. Second contacts 19 formed on the transparent conductive layer exposed surface region of the first LED 110 and the transparent conductive layer exposed surface region of the second LED 120 respectively, and a conductive line for electrically connecting a second contact of the first LED 110 to a first contact of the second LED 120. FIG. 2 is a top view of a schematic diagram of a plurality of LED arrays 100 connected in series according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the LED arrays shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a top view of a schematic diagram of a plurality of LED arrays 100 connected in series and in parallel according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the LED arrays shown in FIG. 4. The reflective layer 11 can be also formed between the transparent conductive layer 13 and the adhesive layer 12. The reflective layer 11 is installed to increase the luminance of the LED array 100 by reflecting light projected onto the substrate 10. However, the LED array 100 still can operate without the reflective layer 11. The insulating transparent adhesive layer 12 is installed to electrically isolate the first LED 110 and the second LED 120 from the substrate 10. The insulating transparent adhesive layer 12 can be replaced by a conductive adhesive layer made of metal or solder. However, an insulating layer providing electrical isolation has to be installed additionally between the substrate 10 and the conductive adhesive layer 12 or between the conductive adhesive layer 12 and the transparent conductive layer 13 to electrically isolate the first LED 110 and the second LED 120 from the substrate 10. The trench together with the insulating layer 17 electrically isolates the first LED 110 from the second LED 120. However, the LED array 100 can further comprise an ion-implanted region formed between the first LED 110 and the second LED 120 for electrically isolating the first LED 110 from the second LED 120. The substrate 10 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of GaP, GaAs, Si, SiC, Al2O3, glass, quartz, GaAsP, AIN, metal, and AlGaAs. The insulating transparent adhesive layer 12 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of polyimide (PI), benzocyclobutene (BCB), and perfluorocyclobutene (PFCB). The reflective layer 11 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of In, Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). The light-emitting layer 15 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlGaInP, GaN, InGaN, AlInGaN, and ZnSe. The transparent conductive layer 13 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of indium-tin oxide (ITO), cadmium-tin oxide (CTO), antimony-tin oxide (ATO), zinc oxide, and zinc-tin oxide. The insulating layer 17 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of SiO2 and SiNx. The first conductive semiconductor stack layer 14 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlInP, AIN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN. The second conductive semiconductor stack layer 16 comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlInP, AIN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN. Since the insulating transparent adhesive layer 12 has a high resistance and is capable of electrically isolating the substrate 10 from the first LED 110 and the second LED 120 when being installed between them, the first LED 110 and the second LED 120 can comprise not only a Group III-V nitride material, but also a quaternary material. Moreover, since the substrate 10 is electrically isolated from the LEDs 110 and 120, the substrate 10 can be an insulating substrate, a substrate having a high resistance, a conductive substrate, or a substrate having a high thermal conduvtivity, which has a capability to improve the heat-dissipation efficiency of the LED array 100. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode, and more particularly, to a light-emitting diode array having an adhesive layer. 2. Description of the Prior Art Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are employed in a wide variety of applications including optical display devices, traffic lights, data storage equipment, communications devices, illumination apparatuses, and medical treatment equipment. One of the most important goals of engineers who design LEDs is to increase the brightness of the light emitted. U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,249 discloses monolithic serial/parallel LED arrays formed on highly resistive substrates. According to the patent, a Group III-V nitride light-emitting stack layer is formed on an insulating substrate. A portion of the stack layer is etched away to form a trench, and in result to form the LED array, which includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes divided by the trench. Since the insulating substrate is not conductive, both P-contacts and N-contacts for the LED array have to be formed on the same side of the LED array. In use, two LED arrays can be connected either in series or in parallel. However, the LED array disclosed by the patent cannot be applied to a quaternary Al—In—Ga—P light-emitting diode, which comprises a conductive substrate rather than an insulating substrate, P-contacts formed on one side of the conductive substrate, and N-contacts having to be formed on the other side. Therefore, two quaternary Al—In—Ga—P light-emitting diode arrays can be connected neither in series nor in parallel. Moreover, as the size of the LED array become larger, the operating voltage of the LED array becomes higher accordingly, and heat dissipation becomes an important concern for the LED array. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>It is therefore a primary objective of the claimed invention to provide an LED array having an adhesive layer to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. According to the claimed invention, the light-emitting diode array includes a substrate, a reflective layer formed on the substrate, an insulating transparent adhesive layer formed on the reflective layer, a transparent conductive layer formed on the insulating transparent adhesive layer, a first conductive semiconductor stack layer formed on the transparent conductive layer, a light-emitting layer formed on the first conductive semiconductor stack layer, and a second conductive semiconductor stack layer formed on the light-emitting layer. A trench is formed by etching away a portion of the second conductive semiconductor stack layer, the light-emitting layer, the first conductive semiconductor stack layer, the transparent conductive layer, and the insulating transparent adhesive layer sequentially, and therefore the LED array is divided into a first LED and a second LED, both of which have the substrate in common. Moreover, a transparent conductive layer exposed surface region is formed by etching both of the first LED and the second LED deeply into the transparent conductive layer. The LED array further includes an insulating layer formed surrounding the first LED and the second LED for electrically isolating the first LED from the second LED. First contacts formed on the second conductive semiconductor stack layer of the first LED and the second conductive semiconductor stack layer of the second LED respectively. Second contacts formed on the transparent conductive layer exposed surface region of the first LED and the transparent conductive layer exposed surface region of the second LED respectively, and a conductive line for electrically connecting a second contact of the first LED to a first contact of the second LED. The substrate comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of GaP, GaAs, Si, SiC, Al 2 O 3 , glass, quartz, GaAsP, AIN, metal, and AlGaAs. The insulating transparent adhesive layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of polyimide (PI), benzocyclobutene (BCB), and perfluorocyclobutene (PFCB). The reflective layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of In, Sn, Al, Au, Pt, Zn, Ge, Ag, Ti, Pb, Pd, Cu, AuBe, AuGe, Ni, PbSn, AuZn, and indium-tin oxide (ITO). The light-emitting layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlGaInP, GaN, InGaN, AlInGaN, and ZnSe. The transparent conductive layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of indium-tin oxide (ITO), cadmium-tin oxide (CTO), antimony-tin oxide (ATO), zinc oxide, and zinc-tin oxide. The insulating layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of SiO 2 and SiN x . The first semiconductor stack layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlInP, AIN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN. The second semiconductor stack layer comprises at least one material selected from a material group consisting of AlInP, AIN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN. These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. | 20050311 | 20090714 | 20051013 | 69888.0 | 5 | TOLEDO, FERNANDO L | LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE ARRAY HAVING AN ADHESIVE LAYER | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,911 | ACCEPTED | SURFACE-MOUNT SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHTING APPARATUS | A lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of lamp elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light elements, on a panel or frame. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may include one or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. The panel or frame may have an opening through which a camera can view. A mounting bracket and assembly may be used for attaching the panel or frame to a camera. The lamp elements may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and may be strobed, dimmed or otherwise controlled according to manually selected or programmable patterns. Different color lamp elements may be mounted on the same panel/frame, and, in particular, daylight and tungsten colored lamp elements may be mounted on the same panel/frame and their relative intensities selectively controlled by control circuitry. | 1. A lighting system suitable to provide proper illumination for lighting of a subject in film or video, comprising: a portable frame having a mounting surface; a plurality of surface-mount semiconductor light elements disposed on said mounting surface, said semiconductor light elements emitting light within a color temperature range suitable for image capture, at least one of said semiconductor light elements individually emitting light in a daylight color temperature range or a tungsten color temperature range; and a focusing element for affecting the focus and/or direction of the light emitted by said semiconductor light elements; wherein said portable frame is adapted for being mounted to and readily disengaged from a stand. 2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element comprises a lens or filter. 3. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element comprises a plurality of discrete lenses which mate individually with said surface-mount semiconductor light elements. 4. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element is manually attachable to and detachable from the portable frame. 5. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said focusing element is adjustable. 6. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said portable frame further comprises a stand adapter bracket configured to be mounted to and readily disengaged from said stand. 7. The lighting system of claim 6, wherein said stand adapter bracket comprises a yoke for mounting said portable frame, and wherein said portable frame is configured to swivel and/or tilt when mounted to said yoke. 8. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs). 9. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein said LEDs are high output. 10. The lighting system of claim 9, wherein the rated power dissipation of said high output LEDs equals or exceeds one watt. 11. The lighting system of claim 9, wherein the rated power dissipation of said high output LEDs is approximately five watts. 12. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said at least one semiconductor light element emits light at a color temperature within a range including approximately 5500-7500 degrees Kelvin. 13. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said at least one semiconductor light element emits light at a color temperature of approximately 3200 degrees Kelvin. 14. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements each emit light at a substantially non-variable color temperature. 15. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein substantially all of said semiconductor light elements emit light at substantially the same color temperature. 16. The lighting system of claim 1, further including a color lens or color filter to adjust the light emitted from said semiconductor light elements. 17. The lighting system of claim 1, further including a diffusion lens or diffusion filter to adjust the light emitted from said semiconductor light elements. 18. The lighting system of claim 1, further comprising an intensity control circuit for adjusting the intensity of light output by the semiconductor light elements. 19. The lighting system of claim 18, wherein the illumination level of said semiconductor light elements is controlled using pulse width modulation. 20. The lighting system of claim 18, further comprising a controller configured to adjust separately the intensity levels of at least two distinct groups of semiconductor light elements. 21. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a printed circuit board, and wherein said semiconductor light elements are mounted to said printed circuit board. 22. The lighting system of claim 21, wherein said printed circuit board is thermally connected to heat dissipating extensions. 23. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said portable frame acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by said surface-mount semiconductor light elements. 24. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light elements provide a continuous source of illumination. 25. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the portable frame comprises an assembly physically encasing or mechanically attached to an integrated power source. 26. The lighting system of claim 25, wherein said integrated power source comprises a battery. 27. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said frame is substantially flat. 28. A panel light for illuminating a subject in film or video, comprising: a portable frame having a housing; a printed circuit board within or attached to said housing; a plurality of surface-mount light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on said printed circuit board, said LEDs emitting light within a color temperature range suitable for film or video image capture; and a focusing element for adjusting the focus and/or direction of the light emitted by said LEDs; wherein said portable frame comprises heat-dissipating material and is in thermal communication with said printed circuit board so as to dissipate heat generated by said surface-mount LEDs; and wherein said portable frame is adapted for being mounted to and readily disengaged from a stand. 29. The panel light of claim 28, wherein at least one of said LEDs individually emitting light in a daylight color temperature range or a tungsten color temperature range. | RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/238,973 filed Sep. 9, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/949,206 filed Sep. 7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,310, hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1) Field of the Invention The field of the present invention relates to lighting apparatus and systems as may be used in film, television, photography, and other applications. 2) Background Lighting systems are an integral part of the film and photography industries. Proper illumination is necessary when filming movies, television shows, or commercials, when shooting video clips, or when taking still photographs, whether such activities are carried out indoors or outdoors. A desired illumination effect may also be desired for live performances on stage or in any other type of setting. A primary purpose of a lighting system is to illuminate a subject to allow proper image capture or achieve a desired effect. Often it is desirable to obtain even lighting that minimizes shadows on or across the subject. It may be necessary or desired to obtain lighting that has a certain tone, warmth, or intensity. It may also be necessary or desired to have certain lighting effects, such as colorized lighting, strobed lighting, gradually brightening or dimming illumination, or different intensity illumination in different fields of view. Various conventional techniques for lighting in the film and television industries, and various illustrations of lighting equipment, are described, for example, in Lighting for Television and Film by Gerald Millerson (3rd ed. 1991), hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 96-131 and 295-349 thereof, and in Professional Lighting Handbook by Verne Carlson (2nd ed. 1991), also hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 15-40 thereof. As one example illustrating a need for an improved lighting effects system, it can be quite challenging to provide proper illumination for the lighting of faces in television and film, especially for situations where close-ups are required. Often, certain parts of the face must be seen clearly. The eyes, in particular, can provide a challenge for proper lighting. Light reflected in the eyes is known as “eye lights” or “catch lights.” Without enough reflected light, the eyes may seem dull. A substantial amount of effort has been expended in constructing lighting systems that have the proper directivity, intensity, tone, and other characteristics to result in aesthetically pleasing “eye lights” while also meeting other lighting requirements, and without adversely impacting lighting of other features. Because of the varied settings in which lighting systems are used, the conventional practice in the film, commercial, and related industries is for a lighting system, when needed, to be custom designed for each shoot. This practice allows the director or photographer to have available a lighting system that is of the necessary size, and that provides the desired intensity, warmth, tone and effects. Designing and building customized lighting systems, however, is often an expensive and time-consuming process. The most common lighting systems in film, commercial, and photographic settings use either incandescent or fluorescent light elements. However, conventional lighting systems have drawbacks or limitations which can limit their flexibility or effectiveness. For example, incandescent lights have been employed in lighting systems in which they have been arranged in various configurations, including on ring-shaped mounting frames. However, the mounting frames used in incandescent lighting systems are often large and ponderous, making them difficult to move around and otherwise work with. A major drawback of incandescent lighting systems is the amount of heat generating by the incandescent bulbs. Because of the heat intensity, subjects cannot be approached too closely without causing discomfort to the subject and possibly affecting the subject's make-up or appearance. Also, the heat from the incandescent bulbs can heat the air in the proximity of the camera; cause a “wavering” effect to appear on the film or captured image. Incandescent lighting may cause undesired side effects when filming, particularly where the intensity level is adjusted. As the intensity level of incandescent lights change, their hue changes as well. Film is especially sensitive to these changes in hue, significantly more so than the human eye. In addition to these problems or drawbacks, incandescent lighting systems typically draw quite a bit of power, especially for larger lighting systems which may be needed to provide significant wide area illumination. Incandescent lighting systems also generally require a wall outlet or similar standard source of alternating current (AC) power. Fluorescent lighting systems generate much less heat than incandescent lighting systems, but nevertheless have their own drawbacks or limitations. For example, fluorescent lighting systems, like incandescent lighting systems, are often large and cumbersome. Fluorescent bulbs are generally tube-shaped, which can limit the lighting configuration or mounting options. Circular fluorescent bulbs are also commercially available, and have been used in the past for motion picture lighting. A major drawback with fluorescent lighting systems is that the low lighting levels can be difficult or impossible to achieve due to the nature of fluorescent lights. When fluorescent lights are dimmed, they eventually begin to flicker or go out as the supplied energy reaches the excitation threshold of the gases in the fluorescent tubes. Consequently, fluorescent lights cannot be dimmed beyond a certain level, greatly limiting their flexibility. In addition, fluorescent lights suffer from the same problem as incandescent lights when their intensity level is changed; that is, they tend to change in hue as the intensity changes, and film is very sensitive to alterations in lighting hue. Typically, incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems are designed to be placed off to the side of the camera, or above or below the camera. Because of such positioning, lighting systems may provide uneven or off-center lighting, which can be undesirable in many circumstances. Because of their custom nature, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems can be difficult to adapt to different or changing needs of a particular film project or shoot. For example, if the director or photographer decides that a different lighting configuration should be used, or wants to experiment with different types of lighting, it can be difficult, time-consuming, and inconvenient to re-work or modify the customized lighting setups to provide the desired effects. Furthermore, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems are generally designed for placement off to the side of the camera, which can result in shadowing or uneven lighting. A variety of lighting apparatus have been proposed for the purpose of inspecting objects in connection with various applications, but these lighting apparatus are generally not suitable for the movie, film or photographic industries. For example, U.S. Pat. 5,690,417, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a surface illuminator for directing illumination on an object (i.e., a single focal point). The surface illuminator has a number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in concentric circles on a lamp-supporting housing having a circular bore through which a microscope or other similar instrument can be positioned. The light from the LEDs is directed to a single focal point by either of two methods. According to one technique disclosed in the patent, a collimating lens is used to angle the light from each ring of LEDs towards the single focal point. According to another technique disclosed in the patent, each ring of LEDs is angled so as to direct the light from each ring on the single focal point. Other examples of lighting apparatus used for the purpose of inspecting objects are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,223 and 5,038,258, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In both of these patents, LEDs are placed on the interior of a spherical surface, so that their optical axes intersect at a desired focal point. Lighting apparatus specially adapted for illumination of objects to be inspected are generally not suitable for the special needs of the film, commercial, or photographic industries, or with live stage performances, because the lighting needs in these fields differs substantially from what is offered by object inspection lighting apparatus. For example, movies and commercials often require illumination of a much larger area that what object inspection lighting systems typically provide, and even still photography often requires that a relatively large subject be illuminated. In contrast, narrow-focus lighting apparatuses are generally designed for an optimum working distance of only a few inches (e.g., 3 to 4 inches) with a relatively small illumination diameter. Still other LED-based lighting apparatus have been developed for various live entertainment applications, such as theaters and clubs. These lighting apparatus typically include a variety of colorized LEDs in hues such as red, green, and blue (i.e., an “RGB” combination), and sometimes include other intermixed bright colors as well. These types of apparatus are not well suited for applications requiring more precision lighting, such as film, television, and so on. Among other things, the combination of red, green, and blue (or other) colors creates an uneven lighting effect that would generally be unsuitable for most film, television, or photographic applications. Moreover, most of these LED-based lighting apparatus suffer from a number of other drawbacks, such as requiring expensive and/or inefficient power supplies, incompatibility with traditional AC dimmers, lack of ripple protection (when connected directly to an AC power supply), and lack of thermal dissipation. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a lighting apparatus or lighting effects system well suited for use in the film, commercial, and/or photographic industries, and/or with live stage performances, that overcomes one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, drawbacks, or limitations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is generally directed in one aspect to a novel lighting effects system and method as may be used, for example, in film and photography applications. In one embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of lamp elements on a panel or frame. The lamp elements may be embodied as low power lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or light emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), for example, and may be arranged on the panel or frame in a pattern so as to provide relatively even, dispersive light. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may include one or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. A power supply and various control circuitry may be provided for controlling the intensities of the various lamp elements, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, through pre-programmed patterns. In another embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of low power lights mounted on a frame having an opening through which a camera can view. The low power lights may be embodied as LEDs or LECs, for example, arranged on the frame in a pattern of concentric circles or other uniform or non-uniform pattern. The frame preferably has a circular opening through which a camera can view, and one or more mounting brackets for attaching the frame to a camera. The low power lights may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, may be controlled through pre-programmed patterns. Further embodiments, variations and enhancements are also disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a lighting effects system in accordance with one embodiment as disclosed herein, illustrating placement of a camera relative to a lighting frame. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting effects system showing various components of a preferred system. FIG. 3 is an oblique view diagram illustrating an example of attachment of one type of camera mounting assembly to a particular type of lighting assembly frame. FIG. 4 is a front view diagram of a lighting assembly frame with small, low-power lamps to provide illumination arranged in a preferred pattern. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating aspects of the lighting effect provided by a lighting assembly such as, for example, shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating various human eye features that may be of interest in providing illumination for films, commercials or photography. FIG. 7 is a diagram of a light segment as may be used, for example, with the lighting assembly of FIG. 4, along with filtering lens(es). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a filtering lens on an individual light element. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a frequency distribution of light in accordance with one lighting effects system embodiment as disclosed herein. FIGS. 10A and 10B are a block diagrams of two different types of electronic controllers as may be employed, for example, in the lighting effects system illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is an oblique view diagram of another embodiment of a lighting assembly frame as disclosed herein. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating various options and accessories as may be used in connection with the lighting assembly frame depicted in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a diagram of electronic control circuitry as may be employed, for example, with the lighting effects system illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a frequency distribution of light in accordance with another lighting effects system embodiment as disclosed herein. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view, respectively, of a portion of a lighting assembly frame. FIG. 15C is a diagram illustrating assembly of a lighting assembly frame from two halves thereof. FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view, respectively, of the backside of the lighting assembly frame portion illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, while FIGS. 16C, 16D and 16E are diagrams showing details of the lighting assembly frame portion shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 17 is a diagram of a cover as may be used in connection with the lighting effects system of FIG. 2 or the frame assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 18 is a diagram of a portion of a preferred camera mounting assembly. FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams collectively illustrating another portion of a preferred camera mounting assembly. FIG. 20 is a diagram of a retention clip for a camera mounting assembly. FIG. 21 is a diagram of a plunger used in connection with attaching a mounting assembly to a lighting frame, in accordance with one technique as disclosed herein. FIG. 22 is a diagram of a mounting assembly with components from FIGS. 18 and 19 shown assembled. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one technique for attaching a camera mounting assembly to a lighting frame. FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are diagram of components relating to another type of camera mounting assembly. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing components of FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 assembled together. FIG. 28 and 29 are diagrams of alternative embodiments of integral or semi-integral camera mounting assemblies. FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C are diagrams illustrating various alternative lamp patterns. FIG. 31 is a diagrams of an LED suitable for surface mounting. FIG. 32 is a diagram of a lighting array mounted atop a circuit board. FIG. 33 is a diagram of one embodiment of a lighting effects system having at least two different lamp colors. FIG. 34 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting effects system having at least two different lamp colors. FIG. 35 is a diagram of a lighting apparatus embodied as a panel having lighting arrays mounted thereon. FIGS. 36A and 36B are side-view diagrams of two different types of surface-mount LEDs, and FIG. 36C is an oblique image of the LED shown in FIG. 36A. FIG. 37A is a diagram of one embodiment of a lens cap for an LED, and FIGS. 37B and 37C are diagrams illustrating placement of the lens cap with respect to a particular type of LED. FIGS. 37D and 37E are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a lens cap for an LED, and placement thereof with respect to a particular type of LED. FIG. 38A is a front view diagram of a ring-shaped lighting frame assembly with surface-mount LEDs arranged on the lighting frame. FIG. 38B is a side view diagram of one embodiment of the lighting frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 36A, showing backside fins for heat dissipation. FIGS. 39 and 40 are diagrams illustrating examples of a panel light with surface mount LEDs. FIG. 41A is an oblique view diagram of a panel light illustrating backside fins and a groove for attachment to a multi-panel lighting assembly, and FIG. 41B is a diagram of a multi-panel lighting assembly illustrating attachment of the panel light shown in FIG. 41A. FIG. 42A is a diagram of a detachable integrated lens sheet for a panel light, and FIGS. 42B-42D are more detailed diagrams of portions of the integrated lens sheet. FIG. 43 is a diagram of a multi-panel lighting assembly employed on a lighting stand. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an adjustable lens cover of the type shown in FIG. 12, and an optional mechanism for securing interiorly positioned color gel(s) and/or lens filter(s). FIG. 45 is a diagram of a flexible LED strip with surface mount LEDs. FIG. 46 is a diagram of a ring-shaped lighting frame assembly with multiple fluorescent lights. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) Before describing preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention, an explanation is provided of several terms used herein. The term “lamp element” is intended to refer to any controllable luminescent device, whether it be a light-emitting diode (“LED”), light-emitting electrochemical cell (“LEC”), a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, or any other type of artificial light source. The term “semiconductor light element” or “semiconductor light emitter” refers to any lamp element that is manufactured in whole or part using semiconductor techniques, and is intended to encompass at least light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light-emitting electrochemical cell (LECs). The term “light-emitting diode” or “LED” refers to a particular class of semiconductor devices that emit visible light when electric current passes through them includes both traditional low power versions (operating in, e.g., the 20 mW range) as well as high output versions such as those operating in the range of 3 to 5 Watts, which is still substantially lower in wattage than a typical incandescent bulb, and so-called superluminescent LEDs. Many different chemistries and techniques are used in the construction of LEDs. Aluminum indium gallium phosphide and other similar materials have been used, for example, to make warm colors such as red, orange, and amber. A few other examples are: indium gallium nitride (InGaN) for blue, InGaN with a phosphor coating for white, and Indium gallium arsenide with Indium phoshide for certain infrared colors. A relatively recent LED composition uses Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) with a phosphor coating. It should be understood that the foregoing LED material compositions are mentioned not by way of limitation, but merely as examples. The term “light-emitting electrochemical cell” or LEC” refers to any of a class of light emitting optoelectronic devices comprising a polymer blend embeded between two electrodes, at least one of the two electrodes being transparent in nature. The polymeric blend may be made from a luminescent polymer, a sale, and an ion-conducting polymer, and various different colors are available. Further background regarding LECs may be found, for example, in the technical references D. H. Hwang et al, “New Luminescent Polymers for LEDs and LECs,” Macromolecular Symposia 125, 111 (1998), M. Gritsch et al, “Investigation of Local Ions Distributions in Polymer Based Light Emitting Cells,” Proc. Current Developments of Microelectronics, Bad Hofgastein (March 1999), and J. C. deMello et al, “The Electric Field Distribution in Polymer LECs,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 85(2), 421 (2000), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. The term “color temperature” refers to the temperature at which a blackbody would need to emit radiant energy in order to produce a color that is generated by the radiant energy of a given source, such as a lamp or other light source. A few color temperatures are of particular note because they relate to the film and photographic arts. A color temperature in the range of 3200° Kelvin (or 3200° K.) is sometimes referred to as “tungsten” or “tungsten balanced.” A color temperature of “tungsten” as used herein means a color temperature suitable for use with tungsten film, and, depending upon the particulars of the light source and the film in question, may generally cover the color temperature range anywhere from about 1000° Kelvin to about 4200° Kelvin. A color temperature in the range of 5500° Kelvin (or 5500° K.) is sometimes referred to as “daylight” or “daylight balanced.” Because the color of daylight changes with season, as well as changes in altitude and atmosphere, among other things, the color temperature of “daylight” is a relative description and varies depending upon the conditions. A color temperature of “daylight” as used herein means a color temperature suitable for use with daylight film, and, depending upon the particulars of the light source and the film in question, may generally cover the color temperature range anywhere from about 4200° Kelvin to about 9500° Kelvin. FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a preferred lighting effects system 100 in accordance with one embodiment as disclosed herein, illustrating placement of a camera 140 relative to a lighting frame 102. The lighting frame 102 shown in FIG. 1 may be generally ring-shaped (as shown in, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4, and later described herein), and may define a central hole 103 through which the camera 140 can view. The camera 140 itself, while illustrated in FIG. 1 as a motion picture type camera, may be embodied as any type of image capture or optical viewing device, whether analog or digital in nature. For example, the camera 140 may use film or solid state image capture circuitry (e.g., CCDs), and may be a still photography camera or a motion picture camera. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting frame 102 is physically attached to the camera 140 using a camera mounting, as further described herein. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting effects system 200 that may, if desired, be constructed in accordance with various principles illustrated in or described with respect to FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lighting effects system 200 comprises a lighting frame 202 upon which are mounted or otherwise affixed a plurality of lamps 205. Preferred arrangements of the lamps 205 are described further herein. The lighting frame 202 may include a mounting assembly receptor 220 for receiving a mounting assembly 230 (preferably removable in nature), and an electrical socket 215 for receiving a cable 213 providing electrical power to the lamps 205 from a power source 210, although in alternative embodiments battery power may be used. A power controller 212 is preferably interposed between the power source 210 and the electrical socket 215, for providing various lighting effect functions described in more detail hereinafter, such as, for example, dimming, strobing, selective activation, pulsation, and so on, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting frame 202 is ring-shaped, and the lamps 205 are arranged in a pattern around the center hole of the lighting frame 202 so as to provide the desired lighting condition—typically, the lamps 205 will be arranged in a symmetrical, regular pattern so as to provide relatively even lighting over the area of interest. The lighting frame 202 is preferably comprised of a lightweight, durable material, such as thermoplastic and/or aluminum, with a flat black finish (either paint, coating or material) so as to eliminate any reflections from the front of the lighting frame 202 that might cause ghosts to the final image. An example of a preferred lighting frame 302 is depicted from various angles in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 shows a front view of a lighting frame 302, illustrating the preferred ring-shaped nature thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a number of lamp segments 306 are arranged in a radial or arrayed pattern around the center hole 303 of the lighting frame 302. The lamp segments 306 are positioned along rays 308 emanating from a center point 307 of the lighting frame 302, and are preferably equidistant from one another (i.e., the rays 308 are preferably defined such that all of the angles between neighboring rays 308 are equal). The equidistant placement of the lamp segments 306 results in a symmetrical, even pattern that advantageously provides even lighting over an area of interest. The density of the lamp pattern may vary, and is dictated in part by the particular lighting needs. Examples of alternative lamp arrangement patterns are shown in FIGS. 30A-30C. FIGS. 30A and 30B show the lighting frame 302 with different pattern densities of lamp segments 306. FIG. 30C illustrates a lamp pattern in which pairs 309 of lamp segments 306 are arranged near adjacent to one another, while each pair 309 of lamp segments 306 is positioned further away from its neighboring pair 309 than from the other lamp segment 306 that is part of the lamp segment pair 309. The lamp patterns shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C are meant to be merely illustrative and not exhaustive. Other lamp patterns might involve, for example, triplets of lamp segments (rather than pairs or singles), or alternating single lamps with pairs and/or triplets, or lamp segments which have gradually increasing or decreasing spacing between them, or lamp segment clusters having the same or different numbers of lamp segments in each cluster, to name a few. The lamp pattern can thus be varied to suit the particular lighting needs, but is preferably symmetric at least in those situations calling for even lighting over the area of interest. Each of the lamp segments 306 preferably comprises a plurality of low power lamps 305, such as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 4. The low power lamps are preferably solid state in nature and may comprise, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), light-emitting crystals (LECs), or other low power, versatile light sources. Alternatively, fluorescent lamps may be used instead of lamp segments, as described later herein, for example, with respect to, e.g., FIG. 13. Fluorescent lights are power efficient and tend to have high concentrations or spikes of blue, green, and ultraviolet wavelength light. Most white LEDs have color spikes as well. These spikes of color combined with improper proportions of other wavelengths can render the colors of objects seen or photographed as incorrect or odd in hue. Slight color variations may be added relatively easily to the lenses of LEDs to compensate for these deficiencies without significantly impacting the overall light output. Colored LED lenses may also be used to generate a desired color (such as red, green, etc.), but, since colored lenses are subtractive in nature, the stronger the color, generally the more the output of the LED will be dimmed. White LEDs typically utilize clear or nearly clear lenses; however, in any of the embodiments described herein, a clear LED lens may be manufactured with slight subtractive characteristics in order to minimize any color spikes and/or non-linearities in the output of an LED. The number of low power lamps 305 in each lamp segment 306 may be the same or may vary among lamp segments 306. If the number of low power lamps 305 is the same in each lamp segment 306 and are spaced the same (for example, equidistant from one another) within each lamp segment 306, then the resulting pattern will be a plurality of concentric circles of low power lamps 305 radiating outward from the inner circular portion to the outer circular portion of the lighting frame 302. It will be appreciated, however, that the low power lamps 305 need not be arranged in segments 306 as illustrated in FIG. 4, but may be arranged in clusters or other patterns, whether uniform or non-uniform, over the lighting frame 302. However, a symmetrical, regular pattern of low power lamps 305 is preferred, at least where uniform lighting is desired over an area of interest. FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of a lighting frame assembly such as light frame 302 with low power lamps 305 arranged as shown in FIG. 4, in illuminating a subject 646. As shown in FIG. 5, radiating light regions 620, 621 from lamps arranged on the front surface of the lighting frame 302 (as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example) overlap one another in a manner so as to provide lighting from multiple angles. With a radial or arrayed pattern of lamp segments 306 as shown in FIG. 4, a subject 646 may be relatively evenly illuminated from every angle. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred placement of a camera 140 (including any type of image capture device, whether film based, solid state/CCD, or otherwise) with respect to a lighting frame 102 (which may be embodied, for example, as lighting frame 302). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the camera 140 may be positioned so that its lens or optical front-end peers through the central hole 103 of the lighting frame 102, thus allowing the lighting to be presented from the same angle and direction as the camera viewpoint. FIG. 6 illustrates how the lighting frame assembly with the pattern of lamp segments 306 as shown in FIG. 4 may advantageously illuminate a human subject's eyes. In FIG. 6, the iris 650 of the subject's eye 654 is illustrated showing a circular pattern of reflected light segments 652 around the iris 650. A lighting pattern of a lighting system such as illustrated in FIG. 4 can illuminate the iris 650 of the subject's eye 654 from multiple angles, thus helping provide desirable “eye lights” or “catch lights” with respect to a human subject 546, as well as providing uniform, even lighting over the area of interest. Turning once again to FIG. 3, an oblique view of the lighting frame 302 is shown illustrating an example of attachment of one type of camera mounting assembly 330 to the lighting frame 302. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a mounting assembly receptor 320 is affixed to, molded as part of, or otherwise attached to the lighting frame 302. The camera mounting assembly 330 is preferably configured so as to attach securely to the mounting assembly receptor 320. The mounting assembly receptor 320 may, for example, include a socket 323 or similar indentation adapted to receive a corresponding member 335 on the camera mounting assembly 330. The member 335 may be attached to an elongated rod or arm 332, along which a camera clamp 334 may be slidably engaged. The camera clamp 334 preferably includes a generally U-shaped clamping portion 336 which may be securely attached along the housing of a camera, and may advantageously be moved along the elongated rod or arm 332 and clamped into a suitable position using a clamping screw or other fastening mechanism. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a frontal view, respectively, of one portion of a lighting assembly frame 1502 in accordance with one or more of the concepts or principles explained with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the lighting assembly frame portion 1502 is generally ring-shaped in nature, having a central hole 1503 for allowing a camera or other image capture device to view through the lighting assembly frame. The lighting assembly frame portion 1502 may be reinforced, if desired, with ribs 1560, and may include, as noted with respect to FIG. 3, a mounting assembly receptor 1520 for receiving a camera mounting assembly (not shown in FIG. 15A), and an electrical socket 1515 for receiving a cable or wires for providing power to the lamps of the lighting assembly. The lighting frame portion 1502 illustrated in FIG. 15A comprises one half (specifically, the backside half) of a complete lighting frame assembly. A corresponding lighting frame portion 1592 (e.g., printed circuit board), as shown in FIG. 15C, may be adapted to fit securely to the lighting frame portion 1502 (e.g., injected molded poly-carbonate), and may attach thereto by, for example, exterior locking tabs 1564 and/or interior locking tabs 1567, which are shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. Alternatively, other means for fastening together the lighting frame assembly 1501 may be used, such as screws, glue, etc. Likewise, the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may comprise any suitable mechanism for securing a camera mounting assembly to the lighting frame portion 1502 of the lighting frame assembly 1501. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may comprise a raised, slightly tapered cylindrical housing, defining a hollow cylindrical chamber in which the camera mounting assembly may be fitted. If the lighting frame portion 1502 is formed of plastic, for example, then the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may be formed through an injection molding process. FIG. 18 depicts an example of a portion of a camera mounting assembly 1801 as may be affixed to the lighting frame portion 1502 using the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 1801 in FIG. 18 comprises an elongated rod or arm 1832, at the end of which is affixed an attachment member 1835 having a generally circular body portion with two wing-like protruding tabs 1838. The tabs 1838 may be fitted into two corresponding indentations 1524 in the ring-shaped top surface of the cylindrical housing of the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may then be twisted in a clockwise direction to cause the tabs 1838 to slide through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, allowing the camera mounting assembly 1801 to be slid downward, then twisted in a counter-clockwise direction and locked into place in the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may be disengaged from the lighting frame portion 1501 by manually applying pressure to release the locking tabs and twisting the camera mounting assembly 1801 in the opposite (i.e., clockwise in this example) direction from that originally used to bring it into a locking position. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may then be raised upwards and twisted in a counter-clockwise direction to cause the tabs 1838 to slide back through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, thereby completely releasing the camera mounting assembly 1801. A variety of other means may alternatively be used to affix a camera mounting assembly to the lighting frame portion 1502, but the mechanism used in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B has the advantage of not requiring additional pieces (such as screws), and being relatively simple and quick to use. A main purpose of the camera mounting assembly 1801 is to allow the lighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other image capture device, thus providing even lighting from all directions surrounding the camera or other image capture device, and allowing, for example, the lighting frame assembly to follow the motion of the camera or other image capture device as it is moved. An example of additional components allowing the camera mounting assembly 1801 to be secured to a camera are shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. In particular, FIGS. 19A and 19B depict two halves 1902, 1912 of a camera clamp which may be joined together and attached to the elongated rod or arm 1832 of the camera mounting assembly 1801, arriving at a complete camera mounting assembly such as illustrated in FIG. 3 (i.e., camera mounting assembly 330) or, in more detail, in FIG. 22. The rectangular openings 1903, 1913 in the two halves 1902 and 1912, respectively, of the camera clamp allow it to be slid onto the elongated rod or arm 1832. A spring-loaded retention clip, as shown in FIG. 20, may be used to help secure the camera clamp to the elongated rod or arm 1832. In alternative embodiments, the camera clamp (comprising the combination of two halves 1902, 1912) may be permanently affixed and/or integrally formed with the elongated rod or arm 1832. An attachment member, such as pre-molded clamping member 1916 shown in FIG. 19B, may be used to slide onto an appropriate feature of the camera (such as a Panavision® type motion picture camera), e.g., a rod or other feature of the camera. Other types of attachment members may be used, depending upon the particular nature of the camera or other image capture device. The camera mounting assembly 1801, in conjunction with the preferred camera clamp illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, thereby allow a lighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other image capture device. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one technique for attaching a camera mounting assembly to a lighting frame. As shown in FIG. 23, a lighting frame 1302 may comprise a mounting assembly receptor 1320, similar to as described with respect to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 15A-15B, for example. In connection with attaching a camera mounting assembly 2328, a spring 2305 is first positioned in the mounting assembly receptor 2320, atop of which is then placed a plunger 2308 (such as illustrated in FIG. 21). Then, the camera mounting assembly 2328 is attached, by, e.g., inserting the attachment member into the mounting assembly receptor 2320. In essence, the application of the attachment member to the mounting assembly receptor 2320 may be viewed analogously to inserting and twisting a “key” in a keyhole. The spring 2305 effectively locks the camera mounting assembly 2328 in place against the back “keyplate” surrounding the keyhole, thus allowing the camera mounting assembly 2328 to be “twist-locked” into place. The assembly structure shown in FIG. 23 allows relatively easy attachment and detachment of the camera mounting assembly 2328. Other attachment techniques may also be used. Another embodiment of a camera mounting assembly, as may be used to attach a lighting frame to a camera or other image capture device, is illustrated in FIG. 27, and various components thereof are illustrated individually in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26. With reference first to FIG. 24, two halves 2415, 2418 of a camera clamp may be joined together to form a main camera clamp body the two halves 2415, 2418 may be secured together by screws or any other suitable fastening means. A slot in the camera clamp body may be provided to allow placement of a thumbwheel 2604 (illustrated in FIG. 26) which allows tightening of a clamping member 2437. Several holes 2430 are provided in camera clamp portion 2415, which receive corresponding protrusions 2511 from an attachment member 2501, illustrated in FIG. 25, which has a generally circular body portion 2519 with two wing-like protruding tabs 2586. The completed camera mounting assembly 2701 appears as in FIG. 27. The tabs 2586 of the camera mounting assembly 2701 shown in FIG. 27 may be fitted into the two corresponding indentations 1524 in the ring-shaped top surface of the cylindrical housing of the mounting assembly receptor 1520 shown in FIG. 15, as described previously with respect to the FIG. 22 camera mounting assembly. As before, the camera mounting assembly may be twisted in a clockwise direction to cause the tabs 2586 to slide through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, allowing the camera mounting assembly 2701 to be slid downward, then twisted in a counter-clockwise direction and locked into place in the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 2701 may be disengaged from the lighting frame portion 1501 by manually applying pressure to release the locking tabs and twisting the camera mounting assembly 2701 in the opposite (i.e., clockwise in this example) direction from that originally used to bring it into a locking position. The camera mounting assembly 2701 may then be raised upwards and twisted in a counter-clockwise direction to cause the tabs 2586 to slide back through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, thereby completely releasing the camera mounting assembly 2701. As noted previously, a variety of other means may alternatively be used to affix a camera mounting assembly 2701 of FIG. 27 to the lighting frame portion 1502. As with the camera mounting assembly 1801 shown in FIG. 18, the camera mounting assembly of FIG. 27 functions to allow a lighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other image capture device, thus allowing, for example, the lighting frame assembly to follow the motion of the camera or other image capture device as it is moved. An attachment member, such as pre-molded clamping member 2437 shown in FIG. 24, may be used to slide onto an appropriate feature, such as a rod or other feature, of the camera (for example, an Arri® type motion picture camera). FIG. 28 and 29 are diagrams of alternative embodiments of camera mounting assemblies having certain integral components. FIG. 28 illustrates a camera mounting assembly 2801 as may be used, for example, to secure a lighting frame to a Panavision® type camera. As shown in FIG. 28, an attachment member 2838 (or “key”) connects with, and integrally attaches to, a camera clamp plate 2802, in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 18, but eliminating the elongated rod or arm shown therein. A pair of cylindrically-shaped lock lever “screws” 2851, 2852 enable the camera mounting assembly 2801 to attach to an appropriate feature of the camera. Lock levers 2855, 2856 connected to each of the lock lever screws 2851, 2852 can be flipped (e.g., a quarter turn) in order to lock the screws 2851, 2852 into place, thus securing the camera mounting assembly 2801 to the camera. The lock lever screws 2851, 2852 can be flipped the opposite direction to unlock the screws 2851, 2852 and thereby release the camera mounting assembly 2801 from the camera. FIG. 29 illustrates a camera mounting assembly 2901 as may be used, for example, to secure a lighting frame to an Arri® type camera. As shown in FIG. 29, an attachment member 2938 (or “key”) connects with, and attaches to, a camera clamp plate 2902, by way of, e.g., screws 2940. A cylindrically-shaped lock lever screw 2951 enables the camera mounting assembly 2901 to attach to an appropriate feature of the camera. A lock lever 2855 connected to the lock lever screw 2851 can be flipped (e.g., a quarter turn) in order to lock the screw 2851 into place, thus securing the camera mounting assembly 2901 to the camera. The lock lever screw 2851 can be flipped the opposite direction to unlock the screw 2851 and thereby release the camera mounting assembly 2901 from the camera. Additional details of the particular lighting frame portion 1501 of FIGS. 15A and 15B are illustrated in FIGS. 16A through 16E. FIGS. 16A and 16B, for example, are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view, respectively, of the backside of the lighting frame portion 1501 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In FIGS. 16A and 16B can more clearly be seen, for example, the interior locking tabs 1567 and exterior locking tabs 1564 that can be used to secure the lighting frame portion 1501 to its corresponding half, as previously described with respect to FIG. 15C. In FIG. 16C is depicted a close-up illustration of the backside of the mounting assembly receptor 1520 and electrical socket 1515 illustrated from the opposite side in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In FIGS. 16D and 16E can be seen additional details of both the mounting assembly receptor 1520 (FIG. 16D) and the interior locking tabs 1567 and exterior locking tabs 1564. As shown in FIGS. 16D and 16E, the interior locking tabs 1567 may include a protruding locking member 1570 for securing the lighting frame portion 1501 to its counterpart by, e.g., snapping it into place, and the exterior locking tabs 1564 may likewise include protruding locking members 1568 having a similar function. The frame wall 1562 between the two nearby exterior locking tabs 1564 may be reinforced with a supporting rib 1569, to provide added counter-force when the lighting frame assembly is put together. The camera mounting assemblies shown in FIGS. 18, 23, 27, 28 and 29 are merely examples of camera mounting assemblies that may be utilized in various embodiments described herein. Other camera mounting assemblies may be specifically adapted to the particular camera of interest. The mounting assembly receptor 320 (or 1520) may in one aspect be viewed as a universal receptor, allowing different camera mounting assemblies to be connected to the lighting frame, provided that they are compatible with the mounting assembly receptor (such as the example shown in FIGS. 15A-15BB and elsewhere). A single lighting frame may thus be used with any of a variety of different cameras or other image capture devices. Although examples have been explained with respect to certain camera types (that is, a Panavision® camera or an Arri® camera), the camera may be of any type, whether for film or still photograph, and may be based upon either analog or digital imaging techniques. Moreover, while preferred dimensions are illustrated in some of the figures, the mounting assemblies and components thereof may be of any appropriate size and shape. Further description will now be provided concerning various preferred light elements as may be used in connection with one or more embodiments as disclosed herein. While generally discussed with reference to FIG. 3, the various light elements described below may be used in other embodiments as well. When embodied as LEDs, the low power lamps 305 typically will emit light at approximately 7400-7500 K. degrees when at full intensity, which is white light approximating daylight conditions. However, LEDs of a different color, or one or more different colors in combination, may also be used. FIG. 9 is an energy spectrum graph showing a typical frequency distribution (in terms of light wavelength) of light output from white-light, low voltage LEDs, and illustrating a main peak at about 600 nanometers. A color correction mechanism, such as a color correction gel or lens filter, may be used to alter the color of the LED light. For example, the LED light could be converted to “tungsten daylight” (similar in hue to an incandescent bulb) by use of a color gel or colored lens. A diffusion lens or filter may also be used, by itself or in conjunction with a color gel or colored lens, to diffuse or soften the outgoing light. A diffusion lens or filter may be formed of, e.g., clear or white opaque plastic, and may be configured in a ring-shaped pattern of similar dimension to the light frame 302 to facilitate mounting thereon. FIG. 17, for example, shows a diagram of an opaque, ring-shaped cover 1701 as may be used in connection with the lighting frame assembly depicted in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a more detailed diagram of a light segment 792 (e.g., an array) as may be used, for example, in connection with the lighting frame 302 shown in FIG. 4. The light segment 792 may correspond to each of the individual light segments 306 shown in FIG. 4, and the various light elements (i.e., LEDs) 790 in FIG. 7 may correspond to the individual low power lamps 305 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 illustrates a straight row of LEDs 790 as may comprise the lighting segment 790. Although fifteen LEDs 790 are illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 7, any number of LEDs 790 may be used, subject to physical space limitations and lighting intensity requirements. In addition, a set of filtering lenses 794 (which are preferably formed as a single, collective lens comprised of individual lens elements 795 connected together) may be placed over the light segment 792 as shown, such that each lens element 795 is positioned in the light path of one of the LEDs 790. The overall effect can be, for example, to focus or spread the light according to a specifically desired pattern, such as the exemplary light pattern 796 shown in FIG. 7. A variety of other light filtering techniques may also be used. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a filtering lens element (e.g., wave guide) 876 on an individual light element (e.g., LED) 872. As shown in FIG. 8, light 874 emanates from the LED 872 in a generally even pattern, but can be focused or otherwise filtered by the filtering lens element 876. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of collectively filtering all of the LEDs 790 of the light segment 792. Various embodiments of lighting apparatus as described herein utilize different color lamp elements in order to achieve, for example, increased versatility or other benefits in a single lighting mechanism. Among the various embodiments described herein are lamp apparatuses utilizing both daylight and tungsten lamp elements for providing illumination in a controllable ratio. Such apparatuses may find particular advantage in film-related applications where it can be important to match the color of lighting with a selected film type, such as daylight or tungsten. Alternatively, or in addition, lamp elements of other colorations may be utilized. It is known, for example, to use colored lamp elements such as red, green, and blue LEDs on a single lighting fixture. Selective combinations of red, green, and blue (“RGB”) lamp elements can generally be used to generate virtually any desired color, at least in theory. Lighting systems that rely upon RGB lamp elements can potentially used as primary illumination devices for an image capture system, but suffer from drawbacks. One such problem is that the red, green, and blue colors generated by the light elements do not necessary mix completely. The discrete RGB lamp elements (e.g., LEDs) each project a localized “pool” of its individual primary color. This manifests as spots of color, or bands of individual or partially mixed colors. One of the only presently available solutions to correct for this problem is mixing the colors using a diffusion technique. Diffusion mixing can be accomplished by adding defractors, gratings, or white opal-appearing filters, for example. Unfortunately, these techniques end up reducing the overall output of the lighting apparatus and, more importantly, severely reduce the ability of the LEDs to “project” light in a direct fashion. Another problem for illumination systems which rely upon RGB color mixing is that not all of the LEDs are generally used at full power for most lighting situations. One or two of the LED color groups typically have to be dimmed in order for the desired color to be generated, which can further reduce the overall light output. When these factors are considered in combination, RGB based lighting apparatus may not be well suited for providing primary illumination for image capture applications (such as film). While the foregoing discussion has principally focused on RGB based lighting apparatus, similar problems and drawbacks may be experienced when employing lamp elements in other color combinations as well. In various embodiments as disclosed herein, a lighting apparatus is provided which utilizes two or more complementary colored lamp elements in order to achieve a variety of lighting combinations which, for example, may be particularly useful for providing illumination for film or other image capture applications. A particular example will be described with respect to a lighting apparatus using lamp elements of two different colors, herein referred to as a “bi-color” lighting apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the bi-color lighting apparatus utilizes light elements of two different colors which (unlike red, green, and blue) are separated by a relatively small difference in their shift or color balance. When reference is made herein to light elements of two different colors, the light elements may, for example, include a first group which provide light output at a first color and a second group which provide light output at a second color, or else the light elements may all output light of a single color but selected ones of the light elements may be provided with colored LED lenses or filtering to generate the second color. In a preferred embodiment, as will be described, the bi-color lighting apparatus uses lamp elements having daylight and tungsten hues (for example, 5200° K. and 3200° K. color temperatures, respectively). Other bi-color combinations may also be used and, preferably, other combinations of colors which are closely in hue or otherwise complementary in nature. One possible advantage of a bi-color lighting system as will be described in certain embodiments below is the ability to more easily blend two similar colors (e.g., 5500 K. and 3200 K. color temperature hues), particularly when compared to a tri-color (e.g., RGB) lighting system that relies upon opposing or widely disparate colors. The blending process of two similar colors is not nearly as apparent to the eye, and more importantly in certain applications, is a more suitable lighting process for film or video image capture devices. In contrast, attempting to blend 3 primary or highly saturated (and nearly opposite colors) is much more apparent to the eye. In nature one may visually perceive the blending of bi-colors, for example, from an open sky blue in the shade, to the warmth of the direct light at sunset. Such colors are generally similar, yet not the same. Their proportion in relation to each other is a naturally occurring gradient in most every naturally lit situation. This difference is the basis of most photographic and motion picture lighting hues. These hues give viewers clues as to time of day, location and season. Allowing separate control of the two different color lamp elements (such as LEDs), through two separate circuit/dimmer controls or otherwise, provides the ability to easily adjust (e.g., cross-fade, cross-dim, etc.) between the two colors because they do not have significant color shifts when dimmed and blend in a visually pleasing manner, allowing the type of color gradients that occur in nature. In addition, virtually all still and motion picture film presently used in the industry is either tungsten or daylight balanced, such that various combinations of daylight and tungsten (including all one color) are well matched directly to the most commonly used film stocks. These features make various of the lighting apparatus described herein particularly well suited for wide area still, video, and motion picture usage, especially as compared to RGB-based or other similar lighting apparatus. The above principles may also be extended to lighting systems using three or more lamp element colors. FIG. 33 is a diagram of one embodiment of a lighting effects system 3300 having at least two different lamp element colors. As illustrated in FIG. 33, the lighting effects system 3300 comprises a lighting frame mounting surface 3302 having a plurality of lamp elements 3305 which, in this example, include daylight LEDs 3304 and tungsten LEDs 3303, although different lamp elements and/or different colors could be chosen. The lighting effects system 3300 further comprises various control electronics for controlling the illumination provided by the lamp elements 3305. In particular, the lighting effects system 3300 comprises an intensity control adjustment 3342, an intensity control circuit 3345, a ratio control adjustment 3341, and a ratio control circuit 3346. The intensity control adjustment 3342 and ratio control adjustment 3341 may each be embodied as, e.g., manual control knobs, dials, switches, or other such means, or alternatively may be embodied as a digital keypad, a set of digital buttons, or the like. A visual display (not shown) such as an LCD display may be provided to allow the operator to view the settings of the intensity control adjustment 3342 and ratio control adjustment 3341. Alternatively, the ratio control adjustment 3341 and/or intensity control adjustment 3342 may comprise digital commands or values received from a computer or similar device. In operation, setting the intensity control adjustment 3342 selects the illumination level for the lamp elements 3305, while setting the ratio control adjustment 3341 selects the relative intensities between, in this example, the daylight LEDs 3304 and the tungsten LEDs 3303. The intensity control circuit 3352 and ratio control circuit 3346 may comprise analog and/or digital circuitry, and the output of the ratio control circuit 3346 modifies the incoming power supply separately for the daylight LEDs 3304 and the tungsten LEDs 3303 in a manner dictated by the setting of the ratio control adjustment 3341. Accordingly, by use of the ratio control adjustment 3341, the operator may select more daylight illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the daylight LEDs 3304 or may select more tungsten illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the tungsten LEDs 3303. To increase or decrease the overall light output intensity, the operator may adjust the intensity control adjustment 3342. The lighting effects system 3300 thereby may provide different combinations of daylight/tungsten coloration to match a wide variety of settings and circumstances, with the two colors being generally complementary in nature and thus providing a balanced, well blended illumination effect. FIG. 34 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting effects system having at least two different lamp colors. As illustrated in FIG. 34, and similar to FIG. 33, the lighting effects system 3400 comprises a lighting frame mounting surface 3402 having a plurality of lamp elements 3405 which, in this example, include daylight LEDs 3404 and tungsten LEDs 3403, although different lamp elements and/or different colors could be chosen. The lighting effects system 3400, as with that of FIG. 33, further comprises various control electronics for controlling the illumination provided by the lamp elements 3405. In particular, the lighting effects system 3400 comprises individual intensity control adjustments 3451, 3452 for daylight and tungsten lamp elements (e.g., (LEDs) 3403, 3404, and individual intensity control circuits 3456, 3457 also for the daylight and tungsten LEDs 3403, 3404. The tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451 and daylight intensity control adjustment 3452 may, similar to FIG. 33, each be embodied as, e.g., manual control knobs, dials, switches, or other such means, or alternatively may be embodied as a digital keypad, a set of digital buttons, or the like. A visual display (not shown) such as an LCD display may be provided to allow the operator to view the settings of the two intensity control adjustments 3451, 3452. Alternatively, the intensity control adjustments 3451, 3452 may comprise digital commands or values received from a computer or similar device. In operation, setting the tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451 selects the illumination level for the tungsten LEDs 3403 via the tungsten intensity control circuit 3456, and setting the daylight intensity control adjustment 3452 selects the illumination level for the daylight LEDs 3404 via the daylight intensity control circuit 3457. The relative settings of the tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451 and the daylight intensity control adjustment 3452 generally determine the relative intensities between, in this example, the daylight LEDs 3404 and the tungsten LEDs 3403. The intensity control circuits 3456, 3457 may comprise analog and/or digital circuitry, and the relative outputs of the tungsten intensity control circuit 3456 and the daylight intensity control circuit 3456 generally determine the illumination level and composition. The operator may select more daylight illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the daylight LEDs 3304 or may select more tungsten illumination by increasing the relative intensity of the tungsten LEDs 3303. The lighting effects system 3400 thereby may provide different combinations of daylight/tungsten coloration to match a wide variety of settings and circumstances, as with the FIG. 33 embodiment. Because the two different colors of LEDs (e.g., daylight and tungsten) can be controlled separately (through common or separate circuitry), and because these particular LEDs, or other similar complementary colors, do not have significant color shifts when dimmed, it would be relatively straightforward to adjust (e.g., cross-fade, cross-dim) between the two colors and, for example, provide a variety of natural light illumination effects for various types of common film stock. The lighting apparatuses of FIGS. 33 and 34 may, if desired, be physically embodied in a manner as described elsewhere herein; for example, the lighting apparatus may be embodied with a generally ring-shaped lighting frame as illustrated in and/or described with respect to FIG. 4, or with a portable frame such as generally illustrated in and/or described with respect to FIG. 35. The principles and underlying concepts associated with the embodiments of FIGS. 33 and 34 may be extended to support more than two colors of lamp elements 3305 or 3405. Moreover, the lighting apparatuses of FIGS. 33 and 34 may utilize any number of lamp elements in a bi-color or other multi-color arrangement, in any desired pattern. Returning now to the general diagram of a lighting effects system 201 illustrated in FIG. 2 (although the following comments will apply to various other embodiments such as the lighting frame assembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), the LEDs or other low power lamps 205 may be operated at a standard direct current (DC) voltage level, such as, e.g., 12 volts or 24 volts, and may be powered by a power source 210 controlled by a power controller 212 such as generally shown in FIG. 2. The power source 210 can generally comprise a standard electrical outlet (i.e., nominal 110 volt AC power line), although in various embodiments the power source 210 could also be a battery having sufficient current to drive the LEDs or other low power lamps 205. In some embodiments, the power controller 212 may be omitted, and the lighting frame 202 may be connected directly to the power source 210. Block diagrams of two different types of power controllers 212 as may be used in various embodiments as described herein are illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, respectively. With reference to FIG. 10A, a first type of power controller 1012 has an input for receiving an AC power source 1003, and outputs a plurality of power wires 1047 preferably through a cable (e.g., cable 213 shown in FIG. 2) for connection to the lighting frame 202. The power controller 1012 may further comprise a power converter 1020, the nature of which depends upon the type of power source 210. If the power source is an AC source, the power converter 1020 may comprise an AC-to-DC converter and appropriate step-down power conversion circuitry (e.g., a step-down transformer). On the other hand, if the power source is a DC source (e.g., a battery), the power converter 1020 may comprise a DC-to-DC converter, if necessary. The design and construction of power converters is well known in the field of electrical engineering, and therefore is not be described herein in detail. The power converter 1020 is preferably connected to a plurality of switches 1022, which may be solid state devices (e.g., transistors) or analog devices (e.g., relays), each switch controlling power delivered by the power converter 1020 to one of the wires 1047 output by the power controller 1012. A switch selector 1042 controls the on/off state each switch (or group) in the set of switches 1022. A manual interface 1030 is provided to allow operation of the switches 1022 according to manual selection. The manual interface 1030 may include a master power switch 1031, switch controls 1032, and, optionally, an effects selector 1033. The switch controls 1032 may include an individual manual switch, button or other selection means for each individual switch provided in the set of switches 1022, or else may comprise a control mechanism (such as knob or reduced number of manual switches, buttons or other selection means) for selecting groups of switches 1022 according to predesignated arrangements. As but one example, assuming a light arrangement such as shown in FIG. 4, a knob provided as part of the switch controls 1032 could have a first setting to select all of the light segments 306, a second setting to select every other light segment 306, and a third setting to select every fourth light segment 306, thus providing options of 100%, 50% and 25% total light output. The switch selector 1042 would then convert each knob setting to a set of control signals to the appropriate switches 1022, which in turn would control power to the wires 1047 supplying power to the light segments 306. As another example, the switch controls 1032 could include an individual manual switch, button or other selection means for each light segment 306 or group of light segments 306 in the lighting arrangement. An effects generator 1043 may optionally be included in the power controller 1012, along with an effects selector 1033 which forms part of the manual interface 1030. The effects generator 1043 may provide the ability to create various lighting effects, such as, e.g., dimming, strobing, pulsation, or pattern generation. The effects selector 1043 may affect all of the switches 1022 simultaneously, or else may affect individual switches or groups of switches 1022, depending upon the desired complexity of the lighting effects. Dimming may be accomplished, for example, through a manual control knob or multi-position switch on the effects selector 1033. The dimming control may be electronically implemented, for example, in an analog fashion through a variable resistive element, or in a digital fashion by detecting the selected manual setting and converting it to selecting power setting through, e.g., selected resistive elements in a resistive ladder circuit. Where the switches 1022 are implemented, for example, as controllable variable amplifiers, the selectable resistance may be used to control the output of each amplifier and thereby the light output by the amplifier's respective light segment 306 (or group of light segments 306). In other embodiments, the dimming control may optionally be applied to the output of switches 1022. Where dimming control is applied collectively, it may be implemented by applying the selected dimming control level to the incoming signal from the power converter 1020, which is supplied to all of the switches 1022 collectively. Other variations for implementing dimming control are also possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art of electrical engineering. Strobing may be accomplished by generating an oscillating signal and applying it as a control signal either upstream or downstream from the switch selector 1042. The frequency of oscillation may be selectable via a manual knob, switch or other selection means as part of the effects selector 1033. Pattern generation may be accomplished by, e.g., manual selection from a number of predefined patterns, or else through an interface allowing different pattern sequencing. Patterns may include, for example, strobing or flashing different groups of light segments 306 (given the example of FIG. 3) in a predefined sequence (which may be a pseudo-random sequence, if desired), strobing or flashing different low power lamps 305 of the light segments 306 in a predefined (or pseudo-random) sequence, gradually dimming or brightening the light segments 306 (individually, in groups, or collectively), or various combinations of these effects. Alternatively, rather than providing a separate effects selector 1033, certain effects may be combined with the switch controls 1032. For example, a dimmer switch (knob) could be used to both activate a light segment 306, or group of light segments 306, and also control light output via rotation of the dimmer switch (knob). FIG. 10B is a block diagram showing another example of a power controller 1052 as may be used, for example, in the lighting effects system 200 of FIG. 2 or other embodiments described herein. Like the power controller 1012 shown in FIG. 10A, the power controller 1052 shown in FIG. 10B includes a power source input 1053 connected to a power converter 1060. It further includes a set of switches 1062 receiving power from the power converter 1060, and providing power to individual wires 1097 which are conveyed, preferably by cable, to the lighting frame assembly 201 of the lighting effects system 200. The power controller 1052 also includes a switch selector 1072, which may comprise, for example, a set of registers which provide digital signals to the switches 1062 to control their on/off state. The power controller 1052 includes a processor 1074 which may be programmed to provide various lighting effects by manipulating the switch selector 1072 (for example, by changing values in registers which control the on/off states of the switches 1062). The processor 1074 may interface with a memory 1075, which may comprise a volatile or random-access memory (RAM) portion and a non-volatile portion (which may comprise, e.g., ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and/or flash-programmable ROM), the latter of which may contain programming instructions for causing the processor 1074 to execute various functions. The memory 1075 may be loaded through an I/O port 1076, which may include an electrical serial or parallel interface, and/or an infrared (IR) reader and/or bar code scanner for obtaining digital information according to techniques well known in the field of electrical engineering and/or electro-optics. An interface 1080 may also be provided for programming or otherwise interfacing with the processor 1074, or manually selecting various lighting effects options through selectable knobs, switches or other selection means, as generally explained previously with respect to FIG. 10A. The processor-based control system illustrated in FIG. 10B may also include other features and components which are generally present in a computer system. In operation, the processor 1074 reads instructions from the memory 1075 and executes them in a conventional manner. The instructions will generally cause the processor 1074 to control the switch selector by, e.g., setting various digital values in registers whose outputs control the switches 1062. The programming instructions may also provide for various lighting effects, such as dimming, strobing, pulsation, or pattern generation, for example. To accomplish dimming, the processor 1074 may be programmed select binary-encoded values to load into registers of the switch selector 1072, which in turn select a variable resistance value which controls the output from each individual or group of switches 1062. To accomplish strobing, the processor 1074 may be programmed to turn the switches 1062 on and off according to a predesignated pattern dictated by the programming instructions. The processor 1074 may make use of one or more electronic timers to provide timing between on and off events. The programming instructions may provide that the switches 1062 are turned on and off according to designated sequences, thus allowing the capability of pattern generation via the processor 1074. As mentioned before, patterns may include, for example, strobing or flashing different groups of light segments 306 (given the example of FIG. 3) in a predefined (or pseudo-random) sequence, strobing or flashing different low power lamps 305 of the light segments 306 in a predefined (or pseudo-random) sequence, gradually dimming or brightening the light segments 306 (individually, in groups, or collectively), or various combinations of these effects. Although the lighting frame 302 and lighting arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3 provides various advantages, other lighting frames and other lighting arrangements may also be used in a lighting effects system, and may be employed in connection with various techniques as described herein. Another embodiment of a lighting frame 1101, for example, is illustrated in FIG. 11. The lighting frame 1101 shown in FIG. 11 may be used in connection with a lighting effects system 201 such as shown in and previously described with respect to FIG. 2, and may be constructed according to general principles described previously with respect to FIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16E. As shown in FIG. 11, a lighting frame 1101 is generally ring-shaped and has an opening 1107 through which a camera or other image capture device can view. On the lighting frame 1101 may be mounted a plurality of lamps 1112 or in some instances even a single lamp 1112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the lamps 1112 may be embodied as slim, narrow fluorescent “cold cathode” tubes with an internal phosphorous coating emitting visible light of certain wavelength (for example, a color temperature of around 3200 deg. K. or 5500 deg. K., both of which temperatures are commonly used in film and photography applications). FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating an example of a spectral distribution of light (in terms of light wavelength) in accordance with such a lighting effects system. The lamps 1112 are preferably oriented as illustrated in FIG. 11—that is, in a radial pattern, emanating from a centerpoint 1119 of the opening 1107 in the middle of the lighting frame 1101. Where embodied as cold cathode tubes, the lamps 1112 may be of any suitable size, such as, e.g., 3 to 10 millimeters in diameter and 25 to 250 millimeters in length. Preferably, the lamps 1112 are controllable such that they can produce higher intensity or lower intensity light, and/or can be turned on or off in selected groups to adjust the overall light level provided by the lighting system. One possible means for controlling the light intensity of lamps 1112 is illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown therein, a light control system 1301 includes a selector switch 1310 which has a plurality of settings 1312, each of the settings 1312, in this example, providing a different combination of lamps 1112 (shown as elements 1322 in FIG. 13). By way of illustration, a first setting may illuminate all of the lamps 1322; a second setting may illuminate every other lamp 1322; and a third setting may illuminate every fourth lamp 1322, in each case providing a relatively even distribution of light but of a different overall intensity. For example, if 24 lamps were used, then the first setting would illuminate all 24 lamps, the second setting would illuminate 12 of the 24 lamps, and the third setting would illuminate six of the 24 lamps. The settings may correspond to any desired combination of lamps 1112. For example, each setting may be designed to control an equal number of lamps 1112, but in a different combination. The settings may be selected by any type of analog or digital input means (e.g., a manual knob, a set of switches or buttons, or a programmable interface), and any number of settings or programmable patterns may be offered. Power for the lighting control system 1301 may be supplied by a battery 1305, which may have a voltage rating of, e.g., 12 volts. The battery 1305 may be rechargeable in nature. Alternatively, or in addition, power may be provided from an alternating current (AC) source, such as a standard 120 volt electrical outlet, connected to an AC-to-DC power converter. The output of the battery 1305 may be controlled by a dimmer switch (not shown), to allow the light intensity level of lamps 1312 to be reduced. Alternatively, or in addition, dimming and/or pulsing can be controlled through a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit 1317. A first control means (e.g., a manual switch or knob, or programmable interface) (not shown) may be provided for dimming the lamps 1322. For example, a manual knob may control the conductance of a variable resistor, thus allowing more power or less power to reach the lamps 1322. In this way, the selected lamps 1322 may be brightened or dimmed, down to around 20% of their total light output. The PWM circuit 1317 may also, through a second control means (e.g., a manual switch or knob, or a programmable interface) allow pulsing of the light (i.e., a strobing effect) by adjustment of a pulse width modulation frequency. For example, a manual knob may control a variable resistive element, which in turn controls the width of pulses being generated by the PWM circuit 1317. Various techniques for generating pulses of different widths using a variable resistive element to control the selection of the width are well known in the electrical arts. Energy is preferably delivered to the various lamps 1322 in FIG. 13 through a plurality of high frequency (HF) ballasts 1325, which are capable of converting low DC voltage of the battery 1305 to high DC voltage (e.g., 800 to 1500 volts) for starting the lamp, and mid-level voltage (e.g., 170 to 250 volts) for sustaining lamp operation. Other techniques may also be used to deliver energy to the lamps 1322. While shown in a radial pattern in FIG. 13, the lamps 1322 (e.g., fluorescent tubes) may also be arranged in other patterns, such as patterns similar to those depicted, for example, in FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C. FIG. 46 illustrates one example of a pattern of arranging fluorescent tubes (in this case, circular fluorescent tubes) on a lighting frame 4602. In FIG. 46, a lighting assembly 4600 includes a ring-shaped lighting frame 4602 with two fluorescent lamps 4605, an inner (small circumference) fluorescent lamp and an outer (larger circumference) fluorescent lamp. Additional fluorescent lamps (circular or otherwise) may also be added to the lighting frame 4202, or else a single fluorescent lamp may in some cases be utilized. The lighting frame 4602 may, as previously described, be constructed of a lightweight, durable material, and it may have a bracket or other mounting mechanism for mounting to a camera frame or lens (with the camera lens preferably viewing through the generally central hole 4613 in the lighting frame 4602), and/or a bracket or other mounting mechanism for allowing the lighting frame 4602 to be connected to a yoke or stand (such as conceptually represented by arm 4619 in FIG. 46). Energy for the fluorescent lamps 4605 may be provided as previously described herein, such that the lighting assembly 4600 can provide continuous light or, if applicable, various lighting effects. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating various options and accessories as may be used in connection with the lighting assembly frame depicted in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, the lighting frame 1101 may be augmented with a diffusion filter 1205 and/or a color filter 1215, which may, if desired, be secured into place through a cover 1218 (e.g., a clear plastic cover) which locks or snaps onto the lighting frame 1101. Similar accessories may be utilized, for example, in connection with the lighting frame 302 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Illustrations of filtering techniques, through the use of waveguides and other means, are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,272,269 and 6,270,244, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIG. 44 illustrates, among other things, an adjustable lens cover 4418 similar in general nature to the cover 1218 shown in FIG. 12. In the particular example illustrated in FIG. 44, threading 4491 is provided on the outer surface of the lighting frame 4402 (which may be generally analogous to lighting frame 1101 shown in FIG. 12), and matching threading 4492 is provided on the interior surface of the adjustable lens cover 4418. The adjustable lens cover 4418 may be formed of clear plastic or a similar material and may be constructed with lenslike attributes (e.g., focal, diffusion) and/or may also be colorized if desired. The adjustable lens cover 4418 is secured to the lighting frame 4402 by twisting the cover 4418 onto the lighting frame 4402 in a screw-like fashion, thereby causing the threadings 4491, 4492 to interlock. By the number of rotations of the lens cover 4418 with respect to the lighting frame 4402, the distance of the “top” surface of the lens cover 4418 to the lighting elements 4405 on the lighting frame 4402 may be varied, thus allowing different lens effects. As further illustrated in FIG. 44, one or more coiled springs 4492 or other similar elements may be provided atop the lighting frame 4402, to secure one or more color gels 4415 or other filtering objects against the inner “top” surface of the adjustable lens frame 4418, when such objects are placed within the cover 4418 in the manner shown, for example, in FIG. 12. As an alternative to the complementary threading provided on the lens cover 4418 and the lighting frame 4402, other adjustment means may be provided. For example, the lens cover 4418 may be secured to the lighting frame 4402 by one or more adjustable screws which dictate the distance of the “top” surface of the lens cover 4418 from the lighting frame 4402. Also, slide-and-lock mechanisms may be used as well. It will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, a flexible, lightweight and functional lighting effects system is provided, whereby relatively uniform light may be used in illumination of a subject or area. The lighting effects system may, in various embodiments, allow a lighting frame to be secured to a camera or other image capture device, so as to permit the lighting system to be mobile and move in tandem with the camera or other image capture device, if desired. Also, in various embodiments, the lighting effects system may provide a variety of lighting patterns, including programmable patterns by which individual or groups of lights can be controlled for different lighting effects. The lighting frame may, in certain instances, be formed in multiple sections and hinged to allow the lighting frame to fold, or else snapped apart section by section, for ease of transport. In various alternative embodiments, the lighting frame need not be ring-shaped in nature, as shown in FIG. 3 and 4, for example, but could have other shapes as well. For example, the lighting frame may be square, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal, or could, for instance, have a partially polygonal shape. Preferably, the lighting frame is relatively thin, as compared to its overall size, although it need not be. Also, the lighting frame preferably has a hole generally centered therein to allow a camera or other image capture device to view through the frame, although in some embodiments a viewing hole may not be present. The exterior portion of the lighting frame, or at least the exterior portion thereof, is preferably made of a lightweight, durable material such as plastic and/or lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum), optionally anodized, although in various embodiments it can be made of other materials as well, including any type of metal, wood, plastic, or combination thereof. The interior lighting frame portion may advantageously comprise a printed circuit board. Other variations may pertain to the manner of attaching the lighting frame to a camera or other image capture device. Rather than using a single mounting bracket or assembly, for example, multiple mounting brackets or assemblies may be used. Also, the mounting bracket or assembly may be permanently attached or affixed to the lighting frame, and may be, for example, retractable or foldable for convenience of transportation. The lighting frame may attach either to the camera body or to the lens portion of the camera. The lighting frame may attach to the camera lens through any of a variety of means, such as by engaging an outer camera lens threading through a threading on the interior circular hole of the lighting frame, engaging an inner camera lens threading by providing a complementary threaded extension for that purpose, by a strap means to secure the lighting frame to the camera and/or stand, or by a “hose-clamp” type strap which grips the outer cylinder of the camera lens. Also, rather than attaching to the camera, the lighting frame may be portable, and may be outfitted with handles for lighting crew to manually carry or hold the lighting frame, or may be adapted to attach to a stand or fixture for providing stationary illumination. The lighting frame may also be adapted to attach to a machine arm or other contrivance for allowing the lighting effects system to be moved as needed for filming or other desired purposes. Further embodiments, variations, and modifications pertain to the type of lamp elements that may be utilized in a lighting effects system and/or the manner of constructing a lighting frame particularly well suited for placing numerous lamp elements thereon. One method of construction involves the use of surface mount LEDs of the type illustrated, for example, in FIG. 31. As shown therein, a surface mount LED 3100 comprises a body 3104 having a thermal shoe on the bottom surface 3103 and a pair of soldering tabs 3102 for securing the surface mount LED 3100 to a circuit board (e.g., an aluminum core circuit board) or other suitable surface. A lens 3101 atop the body 3104 directs the light generated by the surface mount LED 3100 outwards. While the body 3104 and the lens 3101 of the surface mount LED 3100 radiate heat, the soldering tabs 3102 as well as the thermal shoe on the bottom surface 3103 assist in conducting heat to the mounting surface (e.g., circuit board) and thus may provide advantageous heat dissipation capabilities, particularly as compared to non-surface mount LEDs which tend to dissipate heat typically through their leads. Use of surface mount LEDs provides a larger and more direct heat conduction path to the mounting surface (e.g., circuit board), and may also provide advantages in ease of fabrication and improved durability. In various embodiments as described herein, the lamp elements used in a lighting effects system or lighting apparatus may comprise high output semiconductor lights such as, for example, high output LEDs. Such high output LEDs are available from Lumileds Lighting, LLC of San Jose, Calif. under the product brand name Luxeon™. High output LEDs are presently available in white as well as colors such as green, blue, red, amber, and cyan, are fully dimmable, and generally operate at about one to several Watts (e.g., 5 Watts), outputting in certain devices approximately 24 lumens per Watt. The high output LEDs may be mounted upon, e.g., a metal printed circuit board (PCB) such as an aluminum core circuit board. High output LEDs may be used in connection with any of the embodiments previously described herein, and may provide advantages of increased lighting output with fewer lamp elements and, hence, reduced cost of construction in certain cases. However, the driving circuitry for the high output LEDs would generally need to have a higher output rating than the circuitry used for lower power LEDs. FIGS. 36A and 36B are diagrams of two other types of high output surface-mount LEDs, both of which are commercially available from Lumileds Lighting, LLC under the brand name Luxeon™. In FIG. 36A, the surface mount LED 3600 comprises an aluminum bottom plate 3611 atop of which is a printed circuit board (PCB) 3608 (e.g., a fiberglass board such as a standard FR4 board). A high output light source 3605 is mounted atop the PCB 3608. The aluminum bottom plate 3611 acts as a thermal conveyance which assists in conduction of heat to a mounting surface (e.g., circuit board) for thermal dissipation. FIG. 36C shows an oblique view of the surface mount LED 3600 shown in FIG. 36A, illustrating, in this example, the relatively wide bottom plate 3611 relative to the size of the light source 3605. The bottom plate 3611 and PCB 3608 preferably have notches 3615 through which screws may be placed to secure the surface mount LED 3600 to a mounting surface. FIG. 36B illustrates another surface mount LED 3650 that is similar in certain respects to the surface mount LED 3650 shown in FIG. 36A, with an aluminum bottom plate 3661 and printed circuit board 3658 (e.g., fiberglass board such as a standard FR4 board). However, in contrast to the surface mount LED 3600 shown in FIG. 36A, which is Lambertian (domed) in nature, the high output light source 3655 of surface mount LED 3650 is a side emitting light source. Other alternative types of surface mount LEDs, with similar or alternative mounting mechanisms, may also be utilized in various embodiments described herein. FIG. 37A is a diagram of one embodiment of a lens cap 3702 for a single LED. The lens cap 3702 may act as a focusing lens to direct the light output from an LED in a forward (or other) direction. FIG. 37B and 37C illustrate placement of the lens cap 3702 with respect to the surface mount LED 3600 of FIG. 36A. As illustrated, the protruding tabs 3704 on the base of the lens cap 3702 may be used to lock the lens cap 3702 into place by snugly residing in the holes 3615 of the base of the surface mount LED 3600. A similar type of lens cap may be used for other types of LEDs. While six tabs 3704 are shown in the example of FIGS. 37A-37C, the number of tabs, or the nature and/or shape of other alternative securing means, may depend upon the particular size, shape, and configuration of the LED base. Also, fewer tabs may be used if there is a desire leave some holes 3615 in the LED base available for receiving securing screws to hold the LED to a mounting surface. In such a case, the lens cap 3702 may be indented or otherwise shaped to allow relatively convenient access to the holes 3615 needed for attaching screws. The lens cap 3702 is illustrated as domed, but may be of any suitable shape for focusing light in a desired manner. The lens cap 3702 may have an advantage in providing local effects on an individual basis for LEDs. Also, where different color lighting elements are placed within a single high output LED 3600, the lens cap 3702 may be configured to provide local blending of the different colors according to a desired mix. FIGS. 37D and 37E are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a lens cap 3752 for an LED, and placement thereof with respect to a particular type of LED 3600. With reference first to FIG. 37E, an illustrated embodiment of lens cap 3752 is shown from an oblique viewpoint in a generally funnel shape, with a cone-like or tapered portion 3753 and a short cylindrical portion 3754 at the apex (i.e., narrow end) of the tapered portion 3753. The lens cap 3752, including the cone-like tapered portion 3753, is preferably transmissive in nature such that light travels through it substantially unimpeded. FIG. 37D, which is a side profile diagram, illustrates preferred placement of the lens cap 3752 with respect to a particular type of LED (that is, the LED 3600 illustrated in FIGS. 36A and 36C). The cylindrical portion 3754 of the lens cap 3752 rests atop the LED 3600, with the tapered portion 3753 gradually widening away from the LED 3600. A concave recess 3755 within the cylindrical portion 3754 may be provided, and is adapted to receive the curved lens 3605 of the LED 3600, as illustrated in FIG. 36D. Light from the LED 3600 enters through the short cylindrical portion 3754 of the lens cap 3752, and exits through the top surface 3759 (see FIG. 37E) thereof. The particular shape of the lens cap 3752 in FIGS. 37D and 37E serves to collect light from the LED 3600 that would otherwise emanate omnidirectionally, and focus the light in a generally conical beam emanating from the top of the lens cap 3752, thus providing a light source with greater directivity. The lens cap 3752 may be formed of, e.g., glass, plastic, or other suitable material or compound/layers of material, with any desired refractive index(es). One type of lens cap is commercially available, for example, from Lumileds Lighting, LLC. FIG. 32 is a generalized diagram of an array of surface mount LEDs 3202 (of the type such as shown, for example, in FIG. 31, 36A, or 36B) mounted atop a circuit board 3204, as may be used in various embodiments as described herein (for example, the lighting effects system illustrated in FIG. 4). The circuit board 3204 may comprise rigid fiberglass or phenolic planes with electrically conductive tracks etched on them, and/or may be metallic in nature (such as aluminum core PCBs). The term “circuit board” as used herein is meant to encompass the foregoing structures as well as various other types mounting apparatus, including flexible electrical interconnects such as conductive membranes made on thin Mylar, silicone, or other similar materials. The surface mount LEDs 3202 may be connected together in series and/or in parallel by electrical traces 3203 on the circuit board 3200. While the LEDs 3202 are illustrated in FIG. 32 as being in a straight line array, other LED patterns may also be utilized. As previously mentioned, the soldering tabs and thermal shoe on the bottom each of the surface mount LEDs 3202 generally assist in conducting heat to the circuit board 3204, thus providing advantageous heat dissipation capabilities. FIG. 35 is a diagram of a lighting apparatus 3500 embodied as a panel 3502 having lighting arrays mounted thereon or therewith, in accordance with various embodiments as described herein. As illustrated in FIG. 35, the lighting apparatus 3500 comprises a panel 3502 which is preferably flat and provides suitable surface area for mounting a set of lamp elements, such as lamp elements 3505 on circuit board assemblies 3506. The circuit board assemblies 3506 may generally be constructed in accordance with the principles described with respect to FIG. 32 above, and the lamp elements 3505 may comprise, for example, surface mount LEDs such as illustrated in FIG. 31. In the example shown, the lamp elements 3505 are generally arranged in series in a straight array formation, but the lamp elements 3505 may be arranged in other patterns as well. Likewise, the circuit board assemblies 3606 are illustrated in FIG. 35 as being arranged in a symmetrical pattern of rows thus providing relatively even illumination in many scenarios, the circuit board assemblies 360 may be arranged in other symmetrical or non-symmetrical patterns, and may be grouped or clustered as well. Furthermore, while the panel 3202 is shown in FIG. 35 as being generally rectangular in shape, the panel 3202 may take any suitable shape, including, for example, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal or semi-polygonal, or round, oval, or ring-shaped (such as illustrated in FIG. 4 for example). Surface mount technology for the LEDs used in various embodiments as disclosed herein may simplify replacement of the LEDs (allowing “drop in” replacements for example) or else may allow easy replacement of an entire row or array of LEDs should it be desired to change the color of a particular group of LEDs. Also, the LED arrays may be constructed such that the LEDs have screw-in bases or other similar physical attachment means, such that the LEDs can be easily removed and replaced. Various controls, power supply, and camera mounting means are not shown in FIG. 35, but may be employed in a manner similar to the various other embodiments as described herein. It will be appreciated that the control electronics, power supply, and other electrical components may be part of the panel 3202 or else may be separate therefrom. Furthermore, the lighting apparatus described with respect to FIG. 35 may be embodied as a bi-color or other multi-color lighting system, as described with respect to, e.g., FIGS. 33 and 34. The lighting apparatus 3500 of FIG. 35 or other various lighting effects systems and apparatuses as described herein may include means for directing light at different angles. Such means may include, for example, pivotable light arrays which physically alter the angle of the lamp elements with respect to the frame (e.g., mounting) surface. The pivoting light arrays may be either manually controllable (via, e.g., a rotatable knob or crank) or electronically controllable through standard electronic input means (e.g., buttons or control knob). Such means may alternatively include adjustable lens elements (either individual or collective for an entire lens array or other group of lamp elements) for redirecting the illumination in a desired direction. Such means may further alternatively include, for example, groups of lamp elements wherein each group has a predetermined angle or range of angles with respect to the frame surface. Each group of lamp elements may be separately controllable, so that different groups can be separately activated or de-activated, or separately intensified or dimmed. With the ability to vary the angle of the lamp elements, the lighting effects system may, for example, allow the abrupt or gradual switching from one angle of illumination to another, or from a more targeted to a more dispersive illumination pattern (or vice versa). FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate various panel light embodiments using surface mount LEDs. In FIG. 39, a panel light 3900 comprises one or more rows or arrays (in this example, two rows or arrays) of surface mount LEDs 3905 secured to a mounting surface 3902. Screws 3996 are used in this example to secure the bases of the surface mount LEDs 3905 to the mounting surface 3902. FIG. 40 is similar, with a penal light 4001 having, in this example, four rows or arrays of surface mount LEDs 4005 securing to a mounting surface 4002 with, e.g., screws 4096. The mounting surfaces 3902 or 4002 may comprise a circuit board, and thus LEDs 3905 or 4005 may be mounted directly to a circuit board type mounting surface. The circuit board may be attached to an outer frame of aluminum or another preferably lightweight material, to provide a solid structural support for the circuit board. Panel lights 3900 or 4001 such as shown in FIG. 39 and 40 may be used as relatively lightweight, portable lighting fixtures that generate less heat than incandescent lighting fixtures, and may be provided with handles for manual manipulation or with brackets or other means to connect to a yoke, stand, or other mechanical contraption. The panel lights 3900 and 4001 may use a ballast to supply power or, in some instances, may be directly connected to an AC electrical outlet (e.g., wall socket). FIG. 41A illustrates a panel light 4100 of the general type shown, for example, in FIGS. 39 and 40, further illustrating a number of heat conductive fins 4112 which serve to assist with heat dissipation. The panel light 4100 may optionally include a means for facilitating attachment to a single- or multi-panel lighting assembly. In the present example, the panel light 4100 has a pair of T-shaped cutouts 4116 located in each of the fins 4112, such that the T-shaped cutouts 4116 form a pair of straight line, T-shaped grooves through the series of fins 4112. The T-shaped cutouts 4116 may be slid over a T-shaped bar to attach the panel light 4100 to a lighting assembly. FIG. 41B is a diagram of an example of a multi-panel lighting assembly 4150, illustrating attachment of a panel light 4100 as shown in FIG. 41A to the lighting assembly 4150. In the example of FIG. 41B, the lighting assembly 4150 includes a pair of T-shaped bars 4165 which protrude from a lighting assembly frame 4160, and which are matched to the T-shaped cutouts 4116 in the lighting panel 4100 of FIG. 41A. Once the lighting panel 4100 is slid into place along the T-shaped bars 4165, they securely hold the lighting panel 4100 in place. Insulated caps (not shown), made of rubber or plastic for example, or other such means may be place on the ends of the T-shaped bars 4165 to prevent the lighting panel 4100 from sliding out of place. In the particular example shown, the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 is configured to receive up to two lighting panels 4100 of the type shown in FIG. 41A, although such an assembly may be configured to receive any number of lighting panels 4100 depending upon the particular needs of the application. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 also has another lighting panel 4167 that may be “permanently” attached to or integral with the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150, or else may likewise be attachable and detachable in the manner of lighting panel 4100. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 thereby provides a lighting operator with a variety of lighting configurations in a single unit. Other similar modular multi-panel lighting assemblies may be constructed according to the same or similar principles, having any number of panel lights in a variety of different sizes and/or shapes. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 may, in certain embodiments, be used in connection with a lighting stand such as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 43 and described elsewhere herein. Attachment of panel lights (such as, e.g., panel lights 4100) to a of a multi-panel lighting assembly (such as, e.g., multi-panel lighting assembly 4150) may be accomplished by a variety of means. For example, rather than using complementary bars 4165 and cutouts 4116, the panel light 4100 may drop down and lock into an opening in the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150. In such a case, the housing or frame of the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 may have a molded beam with traverses the outer edge of the opening in which the panel light 4100 would be positioned. Locking tabs, for example, or other such means may be used to secure the dropped-in panel light 4100 within the opening if the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150. FIG. 38A is a diagram of ring-shaped lighting panel 3800 having surface mount LEDs 3805 (such as, e.g., the high output surface mount LEDs shown in FIG. 36A or 36B) attached to a mounting surface of a frame 3802 which, as with the panel lights described before, may comprise a circuit board. The ring-shaped lighting panel 3800 may have a camera mounting bracket (not shown in FIG. 38A) and generally be utilized in a manner similar to the ring-shaped lighting assembly shown in FIG. 4 and described in various places herein. The surface mount LEDs 3805 in the example of FIG. 38A are arranged in a plurality of rows or arrays 3806 emanating from the center of the hole or cutout region 3803 of the lighting panel 3800. While a relatively dense pattern of LEDs 3805 is illustrated in FIG. 38A, the pattern may be less dense, and the LEDs 3805 need not necessarily be deployed in rows or arrays. Because the LEDs 1305 in this example are high output, the lighting panel 3800 outputs a greater total amount of light than with ordinary LEDs. Also, fewer LEDs need to be physically mounted on the lighting panel 3800, which can reduce cost of construction. FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view of the lighting panel 3800 showing the inclusion of optional fins 3812 on the backside of the frame 3802, to assist with heat dissipation. The fins 3812 are shown in cross-section, and form a set of parallel members similar to the fins 4112 shown in FIG. 41A. FIG. 42A illustrates an integrated lens cover 4200 which can be placed atop, e.g., a panel light 4202 for providing focusing for a plurality of LEDs simultaneously. The panel light 4202 has rows of LEDs 4205, similar to FIGS. 39 and 40, and the integrated lens cover 4210 may be placed atop the panel light 4202 and, e.g., snapped into place by taps 4212, or otherwise secured to the frame of the panel light 4202. FIG. 42B shows additional detail of the integrated lens cover 4210. The integrated lens cover may be formed of any suitable lightweight, durable material (such as plastic) and preferably has a number of focal lens portions 4219 which, when the unit is placed atop the panel light 4202, act as focal lenses for LEDs 4205 which are positioned directly beneath the focal lens portions 4219. The integrated focal lens 4210 may thus allow the panel light 4202 to provide more directed, focused light (e.g., in a forward direction), rather than allowing the light to diffuse in an omnidirectional fashion. Alternatively, the integrated focal lens 4210 may provide other focusing effects that can be done with lenses. The focal lens portions 4219 may be domed or semi-domed, or else any other shape sufficient to serve their intended purpose. FIGS. 42C and 42D are side profile diagrams illustrating further details of alternative embodiments of an integrated focal lens. FIG. 42C illustrates an integrated focal lens 4265 with tapered focal lenses 4251 emanating from the underside of the sheet-like surface 4250 of the integrated focal lens 4265. In the instant example, the tapered focal lenses 4251 appear as inverted cone-like projections, with small concave recesses 4252 for receiving the dome-like lenses 4255 of LEDs 4256, which are mounted to a mounting surface 4260. The tapered focal lenses 4251 may be constructed in a manner as generally described previously with respect to FIGS. 37D and 37E, and may also have a short cylindrical portion 3754 such as illustrated in those figures, for resting atop the LEDs 4256 and providing added support to the top surface 4250 of the integrated focal lens 4265. Alternatively, separate struts (not shown) may be molded to the underside of the integrated focal lens 4265 to provide such support. The integrated focal lens 4265 may, in certain embodiments, be constructed by attaching (using glue or solvent) individual, tapered focal lenses of the type illustrated in FIGS. 37D and 37E to the underside of a clear plastic sheet, and then providing securing means for the overall resulting lens device to allow it to secure to, e.g., a panel lighting fixture. FIG. 42D illustrates an alternative embodiment of an integrated focal lens 4285, with bubble-shaped or domed focal lenses 4271 on the topside of the sheet-like surface 4250 of the integrated focal lens 4285. The focal lenses 4271 may be constructed in a manner as generally described previously with respect to FIGS. 37A-37C, and may also have one or more projecting members or struts (not shown) on the underside of the integrated focal lens 4285 to provide support for the top surface 4270 thereof. Other shapes and styles of integrated focal lenses (or other lenses) may also be utilized for an integrated focal lens. FIG. 43 illustrates a panel lighting assembly 4300 in which a panel light frame 4302 is attached to a stand 4380. The panel light frame 4302 may include multiple panel light sections 4303, 4304, or may be a single unitary panel light. The stand 4380 may be of a conventional nature, with a C-shaped yoke 4381 for securing the panel light frame 4302 crossbar and allowing it to tilt for directional lighting. A twisting handle 4317 may be used to lock the panel light frame 4302 at a particular tilting angle. The C-shaped yoke 4381 may be rotatable or pivotable by placement atop a fluid head 4382, which in turn is positioned atop a stem 4384 and tripod 4386. The panel lighting assembly 4300 thus conveniently provides a variety of directional lighting options for the panel light frame 4302. In alternative embodiments, a ball-and-socket mechanism may be used to rotate/pivot an attached lighting panel, using socket joints similar to those used for, e.g., computer monitors. Likewise, in any of the foregoing embodiments, motorization may be employed to control the movement of the lighting yokes or stands. Motorized control is well known in the art for lighting apparatus (particularly in the performing arts field), and the motorized control may be either automated or manual in nature. FIG. 45 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting fixture 4500 employing semiconductor light elements. In FIG. 45 is shown a flexible strip 4502 with an array of surface mount LEDs 4505 mounted on the flexible strip 4502. The flexible strip 4502 preferably comprises a circuit board that may be comprised, for example, of a material such as mylar or composite material, of sufficient thinness to allow the circuit board to be bent and/or twisted. The circuit board may be at least partially encased in an insulated (e.g., rubberized) material or housing that is likewise flexible and thin. Heat dissipating fins (not shown in FIG. 45) may protrude from the backside of the flexible strip 4502, to assist with cooling of the surface mount LEDs 4505. While a single array of surface mount LEDs 4505 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 45, two or more arrays of LEDs 4505 may be used, and may be positioned, e.g., side by side. An electrical connector 4540 with electrical contact receptacles 4541 is also illustrated in the example of FIG. 45, for receiving an electrical cord (not shown) supplying power for the LEDs 4505. Other alternative means for providing electrical power, such as a battery located in an integrated battery housing, may also be used. Certain embodiments have been described with respect to the placement of lamp elements (e.g., LEDs) on a “mounting surface” or similar surface or area. It will be appreciated that the term “mounting surface” and other such terms encompass not only flat surfaces but also contoured, tiered, or multi-level surfaces. Further, the term covers surfaces which allow the lamp elements to project light at different angles. Various embodiments have been described as having particular utility to film and other image capture applications. However, the various embodiments may find utility in other areas as well, such as, for example, automated manufacturing, machine vision, and the like. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, many variations are possible which remain within the concept and scope of the invention. Such variations would become clear to one of ordinary skill in the art after inspection of the specification and the drawings. The invention therefore is not to be restricted except within the spirit and scope of any appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1) Field of the Invention The field of the present invention relates to lighting apparatus and systems as may be used in film, television, photography, and other applications. 2) Background Lighting systems are an integral part of the film and photography industries. Proper illumination is necessary when filming movies, television shows, or commercials, when shooting video clips, or when taking still photographs, whether such activities are carried out indoors or outdoors. A desired illumination effect may also be desired for live performances on stage or in any other type of setting. A primary purpose of a lighting system is to illuminate a subject to allow proper image capture or achieve a desired effect. Often it is desirable to obtain even lighting that minimizes shadows on or across the subject. It may be necessary or desired to obtain lighting that has a certain tone, warmth, or intensity. It may also be necessary or desired to have certain lighting effects, such as colorized lighting, strobed lighting, gradually brightening or dimming illumination, or different intensity illumination in different fields of view. Various conventional techniques for lighting in the film and television industries, and various illustrations of lighting equipment, are described, for example, in Lighting for Television and Film by Gerald Millerson (3 rd ed. 1991), hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 96-131 and 295-349 thereof, and in Professional Lighting Handbook by Verne Carlson (2 nd ed. 1991), also hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages 15-40 thereof. As one example illustrating a need for an improved lighting effects system, it can be quite challenging to provide proper illumination for the lighting of faces in television and film, especially for situations where close-ups are required. Often, certain parts of the face must be seen clearly. The eyes, in particular, can provide a challenge for proper lighting. Light reflected in the eyes is known as “eye lights” or “catch lights.” Without enough reflected light, the eyes may seem dull. A substantial amount of effort has been expended in constructing lighting systems that have the proper directivity, intensity, tone, and other characteristics to result in aesthetically pleasing “eye lights” while also meeting other lighting requirements, and without adversely impacting lighting of other features. Because of the varied settings in which lighting systems are used, the conventional practice in the film, commercial, and related industries is for a lighting system, when needed, to be custom designed for each shoot. This practice allows the director or photographer to have available a lighting system that is of the necessary size, and that provides the desired intensity, warmth, tone and effects. Designing and building customized lighting systems, however, is often an expensive and time-consuming process. The most common lighting systems in film, commercial, and photographic settings use either incandescent or fluorescent light elements. However, conventional lighting systems have drawbacks or limitations which can limit their flexibility or effectiveness. For example, incandescent lights have been employed in lighting systems in which they have been arranged in various configurations, including on ring-shaped mounting frames. However, the mounting frames used in incandescent lighting systems are often large and ponderous, making them difficult to move around and otherwise work with. A major drawback of incandescent lighting systems is the amount of heat generating by the incandescent bulbs. Because of the heat intensity, subjects cannot be approached too closely without causing discomfort to the subject and possibly affecting the subject's make-up or appearance. Also, the heat from the incandescent bulbs can heat the air in the proximity of the camera; cause a “wavering” effect to appear on the film or captured image. Incandescent lighting may cause undesired side effects when filming, particularly where the intensity level is adjusted. As the intensity level of incandescent lights change, their hue changes as well. Film is especially sensitive to these changes in hue, significantly more so than the human eye. In addition to these problems or drawbacks, incandescent lighting systems typically draw quite a bit of power, especially for larger lighting systems which may be needed to provide significant wide area illumination. Incandescent lighting systems also generally require a wall outlet or similar standard source of alternating current (AC) power. Fluorescent lighting systems generate much less heat than incandescent lighting systems, but nevertheless have their own drawbacks or limitations. For example, fluorescent lighting systems, like incandescent lighting systems, are often large and cumbersome. Fluorescent bulbs are generally tube-shaped, which can limit the lighting configuration or mounting options. Circular fluorescent bulbs are also commercially available, and have been used in the past for motion picture lighting. A major drawback with fluorescent lighting systems is that the low lighting levels can be difficult or impossible to achieve due to the nature of fluorescent lights. When fluorescent lights are dimmed, they eventually begin to flicker or go out as the supplied energy reaches the excitation threshold of the gases in the fluorescent tubes. Consequently, fluorescent lights cannot be dimmed beyond a certain level, greatly limiting their flexibility. In addition, fluorescent lights suffer from the same problem as incandescent lights when their intensity level is changed; that is, they tend to change in hue as the intensity changes, and film is very sensitive to alterations in lighting hue. Typically, incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems are designed to be placed off to the side of the camera, or above or below the camera. Because of such positioning, lighting systems may provide uneven or off-center lighting, which can be undesirable in many circumstances. Because of their custom nature, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems can be difficult to adapt to different or changing needs of a particular film project or shoot. For example, if the director or photographer decides that a different lighting configuration should be used, or wants to experiment with different types of lighting, it can be difficult, time-consuming, and inconvenient to re-work or modify the customized lighting setups to provide the desired effects. Furthermore, both incandescent lighting systems and fluorescent lighting systems are generally designed for placement off to the side of the camera, which can result in shadowing or uneven lighting. A variety of lighting apparatus have been proposed for the purpose of inspecting objects in connection with various applications, but these lighting apparatus are generally not suitable for the movie, film or photographic industries. For example, U.S. Pat. 5,690,417, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a surface illuminator for directing illumination on an object (i.e., a single focal point). The surface illuminator has a number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in concentric circles on a lamp-supporting housing having a circular bore through which a microscope or other similar instrument can be positioned. The light from the LEDs is directed to a single focal point by either of two methods. According to one technique disclosed in the patent, a collimating lens is used to angle the light from each ring of LEDs towards the single focal point. According to another technique disclosed in the patent, each ring of LEDs is angled so as to direct the light from each ring on the single focal point. Other examples of lighting apparatus used for the purpose of inspecting objects are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,223 and 5,038,258, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In both of these patents, LEDs are placed on the interior of a spherical surface, so that their optical axes intersect at a desired focal point. Lighting apparatus specially adapted for illumination of objects to be inspected are generally not suitable for the special needs of the film, commercial, or photographic industries, or with live stage performances, because the lighting needs in these fields differs substantially from what is offered by object inspection lighting apparatus. For example, movies and commercials often require illumination of a much larger area that what object inspection lighting systems typically provide, and even still photography often requires that a relatively large subject be illuminated. In contrast, narrow-focus lighting apparatuses are generally designed for an optimum working distance of only a few inches (e.g., 3 to 4 inches) with a relatively small illumination diameter. Still other LED-based lighting apparatus have been developed for various live entertainment applications, such as theaters and clubs. These lighting apparatus typically include a variety of colorized LEDs in hues such as red, green, and blue (i.e., an “RGB” combination), and sometimes include other intermixed bright colors as well. These types of apparatus are not well suited for applications requiring more precision lighting, such as film, television, and so on. Among other things, the combination of red, green, and blue (or other) colors creates an uneven lighting effect that would generally be unsuitable for most film, television, or photographic applications. Moreover, most of these LED-based lighting apparatus suffer from a number of other drawbacks, such as requiring expensive and/or inefficient power supplies, incompatibility with traditional AC dimmers, lack of ripple protection (when connected directly to an AC power supply), and lack of thermal dissipation. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a lighting apparatus or lighting effects system well suited for use in the film, commercial, and/or photographic industries, and/or with live stage performances, that overcomes one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, drawbacks, or limitations. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention is generally directed in one aspect to a novel lighting effects system and method as may be used, for example, in film and photography applications. In one embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of lamp elements on a panel or frame. The lamp elements may be embodied as low power lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or light emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), for example, and may be arranged on the panel or frame in a pattern so as to provide relatively even, dispersive light. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may include one or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. A power supply and various control circuitry may be provided for controlling the intensities of the various lamp elements, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, through pre-programmed patterns. In another embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of low power lights mounted on a frame having an opening through which a camera can view. The low power lights may be embodied as LEDs or LECs, for example, arranged on the frame in a pattern of concentric circles or other uniform or non-uniform pattern. The frame preferably has a circular opening through which a camera can view, and one or more mounting brackets for attaching the frame to a camera. The low power lights may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in some embodiments, may be controlled through pre-programmed patterns. Further embodiments, variations and enhancements are also disclosed herein. | 20050311 | 20061128 | 20050609 | 66479.0 | 2 | HUSAR, STEPHEN F | SURFACE-MOUNT SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHTING APPARATUS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,943 | ACCEPTED | COOLING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND A VEHICLE COMPRISING THE COOLING SYSTEM | A cooling system for a vehicle includes a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the latter and a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine. The system further includes a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, and an arrangement for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump. The cooling system further includes a line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the coupling means so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the coupling means is set to the disconnected position. | 1. A cooling system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine; a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine; a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle; means for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the coupling means, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the coupling means is in a disconnected position. 2. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bypass line is designed for a substantially smaller flow of coolant than a flow of coolant in the first cooling circuit. 3. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling means is operatively controlled in response to engine temperature such that when the engine temperature exceeds a predetermined value the coupling means is brought into operation and connects the second cooling circuit to the first cooling circuit. 4. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a radiator, which is arranged in the second cooling circuit and is designed for an exchange of heat with air for cooling the coolant. 5. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component comprises a hydraulic component. 6. The cooling system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hydraulic component comprises a working cylinder. 7. The cooling system as claimed in claim 5, comprising a heat-exchanger arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between hydraulic oil in a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit being coupled to the hydraulic component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit. 8. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component comprises a transmission component arranged in a vehicle transmission. 9. The cooling system as claimed in claim 8, comprising a heat-exchanger, which is arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between transmission oil in a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit being coupled to the transmission component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit. 10. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component comprises a hydraulic component and a transmission component arranged in a vehicle transmission, the system comprising a first heat-exchanger arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between hydraulic oil in a first hydraulic circuit, the first hydraulic circuit being coupled to the hydraulic component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit, and comprising a second heat-exchanger, which is arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between transmission oil in a second hydraulic circuit, the second hydraulic circuit being coupled to the transmission component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit, and wherein the first and second heat-exchanger are integrated into a single component. 11. The cooling system as claimed in claim 10, comprising a further heat-exchanger which can be connected to a further hydraulic circuit for an exchange of heat with air, the system comprising means for automatically bringing the further heat exchanger into operation when hydraulic fluid temperature in the further hydraulic circuit exceeds a specific value. 12. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a heat-exchanger which can be connected to a hydraulic circuit for an exchange of heat with air, the system comprising means for automatically bringing the heat exchanger into operation when hydraulic fluid temperature in the hydraulic circuit exceeds a specific value. 13. The cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprises a thermostat. 14. A vehicle comprising a cooling system as set forth in claim 1. 15. A cooling system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine; a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine; a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle; a thermostat for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the thermostat, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the thermostat is in a disconnected position. 16. The cooling system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the component comprises a hydraulic component. 17. The cooling system as claimed in claim 16, comprising a heat-exchanger arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between hydraulic oil in a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit being coupled to the hydraulic component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit. 18. The cooling system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the component comprises a transmission component arranged in a vehicle transmission. 19. The cooling system as claimed in claim 18, comprising a heat-exchanger, which is arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between transmission oil in a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit being coupled to the transmission component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit. 20. The cooling system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the component comprises a hydraulic component and a transmission component arranged in a vehicle transmission, the system comprising a first heat-exchanger arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between hydraulic oil in a first hydraulic circuit, the first hydraulic circuit being coupled to the hydraulic component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit, and comprising a second heat-exchanger, which is arranged in the second cooling circuit for an exchange of heat between transmission oil in a second hydraulic circuit, the second hydraulic circuit being coupled to the transmission component, and coolant in the second cooling circuit, and wherein the first and second heat-exchanger are integrated into a single component. | This application is a continuation of PCT/SE2003/001158, filed Jul. 2, 2003, and claims priority to SE 0202724-1, filed Sep. 13, 2002, both of which are incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY The present invention relates to a cooling system for a vehicle, the system comprising a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the latter, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, and means of coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump. Such a cooling system may be used, for example, in a work vehicle, such as a wheel loader, which comprises hydraulic components in the form of working cylinders, for example, for maneuvering/moving an implement. With regard to the hydraulics, it is primarily the hydraulic oil and gaskets, seals, etc. which are temperature sensitive. According to a previously known system the coupling means consists of a thermostat, which is operatively controlled by the engine temperature to cut in automatically when the engine temperature exceeds a certain value. According to this previously known system just one pump is used to provide cooling both for the vehicle engine and for the hydraulic components of the vehicle. One problem with this system is that under certain conditions the thermostat will not cut in, with the result that the hydraulic components do not receive the necessary cooling. One example of this occurs in an extremely cold climate when the vehicle is used in such a way that its hydraulic components become so hot that cooling is required, whilst the engine is not hot enough for the thermostat to cut in. The cooling system may furthermore be designed to cool transmission components in the form of gears and shafts in the vehicle axle housings, for example, via the second cooling circuit. A problem with this system is that under certain operating conditions the thermostat will not cut in, with the result that the transmission components do not receive the necessary cooling. An example of this is in so-called leveling, when a mass of earth is pushed ahead of the vehicle. In this application the transmission becomes hot, whilst the engine is cold. A further problem with the previously known system is that if the thermostat fails and does not or is not open, there is no cooling at all of the hydraulic or transmission components. The temperature limit at which the thermostat cuts in is controlled by the engine exhaust. Owing to the ever more stringent requirements governing vehicle exhaust emissions, this temperature limit is also increasing. It is therefore not just simply a matter of adjusting the temperature limit for a specific vehicle to a lower value in order to also provide the second circuit with coolant. The invention will be described below in its application to a work vehicle in the form of a wheel loader. This is to be regarded as a preferred application but is in no way limitative. The invention can be realized, for example in other types of work vehicle, such as a dumper truck or excavator-loader, for example. The invention is furthermore not confined to work vehicles, but could also be applied to other types of vehicle, such as industrial trucks. The term disconnected position signifies that the coupling means is not set to connect the first and second circuits. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a cooling system for a vehicle comprises a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, means for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, and a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the coupling means, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the coupling means is in a disconnected position. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a cooling system for a vehicle comprises a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, a thermostat for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, and a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the thermostat, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the thermostat is in a disconnected position. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a cooling system of the type described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings attached, in which: FIG. 1 shows a side view of a wheel loader, and FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the cooling system according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a wheel loader 1. The body of the wheel loader 1 comprises a front body part 2 and a rear body part 3, these parts being joined to one another by an articulated connection. The body parts 2,3 can be rotated in relation to one another about an articulated joint by means of two hydraulic components in the form of working cylinders 4,5 arranged between the two parts. The working cylinders 4,5 are therefore designed for turning the wheel loader 1. The wheel loader 1 furthermore has a load unit 6 and an implement in the form of a shovel 7 arranged on the load unit. The load unit 6 can be raised and lowered in relation to the front part 2 of the vehicle by means of two hydraulic components in the form of two working cylinders 8,9, each of which is connected at one end to the front part of the vehicle 2 and at its other end to the load unit 6. The shovel 7 can be tilted in relation to the load unit 6 by means of a further hydraulic component in the form of a working cylinder 10, which is connected by one end to the front part of the vehicle 2 and by its other end to the shovel 7. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a cooling system 11 for the wheel loader 1. The wheel loader 1 has an engine 12, which is designed to drive at least one rear drive axle 13. The engine 12 comprises an internal combustion engine in the form of a diesel engine. The cooling system 11 comprises a first cooling circuit 14 coupled to the vehicle engine 12 for cooling the latter. The first cooling circuit 14 here comprises a type of internal circuit in the engine. A pump 15 is arranged in the first cooling circuit 14 for pumping a coolant to the engine 12. The cooling system 11 further comprises a second cooling circuit 16 for increased cooling of the engine 12 and for cooling the vehicle hydraulic components 4,5, 8,9, 10. The cooling system 11 comprises a radiator 22 arranged in the second cooling circuit 16 for increased cooling of the engine 12. A hydraulic motor 26 is connected to the hydraulic circuit 18 and designed to drive a fan in order to produce an air flow through the radiator 22. A first heat-exchanger 27 is arranged in the second circuit 16 for an exchange of heat between the hydraulic oil in a first hydraulic circuit 18, which is in turn coupled to the hydraulic components (not shown in FIG. 2), and the coolant in the second cooling circuit 16. Cooling of the engine and the hydraulic components is therefore integrated into a single system, with a single pump. The cooling system 11 comprises a second heat-exchanger 28, which is integrated with the first heat exchanger 27 in a single component 17. The second heat exchanger is designed for an exchange of heat between transmission oil in a second hydraulic circuit 19, which is in turn coupled to a transmission component (not shown in FIG. 2), and the coolant in the second cooling circuit 16. The transmission component may comprise, for example, a part that is intended to rotate, such as a shaft and/or a gear in a gearbox in the vehicle. Alternatively or in addition, the transmission component may comprise a part in one of the vehicle wheel axles. Cooling of the engine, the hydraulic components and the transmission components is therefore integrated in a single system, with a single pump. The cooling system 11 further comprises means 20 for coupling the second cooling circuit 16 into the first cooling circuit 14 in order to also provide the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump 15. The coupling means 20 here comprises a thermostat. The thermostat is controlled by the engine temperature, and more specifically by the coolant temperature. The thermostat is designed to cut in, thereby bringing the second cooling circuit 16 into operation when the engine temperature exceeds a certain value. The cooling system 11 further comprises a line 21 coupled from the first cooling circuit 14 to the second cooling circuit 16 bypassing the thermostat 20 and the engine 12, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line 21 even when the thermostat is in the disconnected position. The bypass line 21 is therefore arranged in parallel with the thermostat 20 and the engine 12. The bypass line 21 is designed for a substantially smaller flow than the first cooling circuit, with the object of ensuring that the second circuit 16 is supplied with a certain quantity of coolant even if the engine temperature does not reach the the value at which the thermostat cuts in. The bypass line 21 is therefore designed for a smaller flow than the main line 16. This means that a greater flow of coolant goes to the second cooling circuit 16 after the thermostat has cut in than before it cuts in. In this way a certain cooling/heating of the the hydraulic and/or transmission components is obtained throughout when in operation. Besides a working cylinder, the the hydraulic component may also comprise, for example, a hydraulic motor or a hydraulic pump. The cooling system 11 comprises a further heat-exchanger 23, which can be connected to the first hydraulic circuit 18 for an exchange of heat with air. A means 24 is designed for automatically bringing the further heat exchanger into operation when the hydraulic oil temperature exceeds a specific value. The coupling means 24 comprises a temperature-controlled valve. This coupling means 24 is intended to cut in before the engine thermostat 20 cuts in. One advantage with the cooling system 11 described above, which is designed for cooling/heating multiple different sub-systems (engine, hydraulics, transmission) is that heat differentials can be utilized in order to cool a specific sub-system or to heat another subsystem. The coolant ordinarily at least substantially comprises water. In the present application, the use of terms such as “including” is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such. The invention must not be regarded as being limited to the examples of embodiment described above, a number of further variants and modifications being feasible within the scope of the following patent claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention relates to a cooling system for a vehicle, the system comprising a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the latter, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, and means of coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump. Such a cooling system may be used, for example, in a work vehicle, such as a wheel loader, which comprises hydraulic components in the form of working cylinders, for example, for maneuvering/moving an implement. With regard to the hydraulics, it is primarily the hydraulic oil and gaskets, seals, etc. which are temperature sensitive. According to a previously known system the coupling means consists of a thermostat, which is operatively controlled by the engine temperature to cut in automatically when the engine temperature exceeds a certain value. According to this previously known system just one pump is used to provide cooling both for the vehicle engine and for the hydraulic components of the vehicle. One problem with this system is that under certain conditions the thermostat will not cut in, with the result that the hydraulic components do not receive the necessary cooling. One example of this occurs in an extremely cold climate when the vehicle is used in such a way that its hydraulic components become so hot that cooling is required, whilst the engine is not hot enough for the thermostat to cut in. The cooling system may furthermore be designed to cool transmission components in the form of gears and shafts in the vehicle axle housings, for example, via the second cooling circuit. A problem with this system is that under certain operating conditions the thermostat will not cut in, with the result that the transmission components do not receive the necessary cooling. An example of this is in so-called leveling, when a mass of earth is pushed ahead of the vehicle. In this application the transmission becomes hot, whilst the engine is cold. A further problem with the previously known system is that if the thermostat fails and does not or is not open, there is no cooling at all of the hydraulic or transmission components. The temperature limit at which the thermostat cuts in is controlled by the engine exhaust. Owing to the ever more stringent requirements governing vehicle exhaust emissions, this temperature limit is also increasing. It is therefore not just simply a matter of adjusting the temperature limit for a specific vehicle to a lower value in order to also provide the second circuit with coolant. The invention will be described below in its application to a work vehicle in the form of a wheel loader. This is to be regarded as a preferred application but is in no way limitative. The invention can be realized, for example in other types of work vehicle, such as a dumper truck or excavator-loader, for example. The invention is furthermore not confined to work vehicles, but could also be applied to other types of vehicle, such as industrial trucks. The term disconnected position signifies that the coupling means is not set to connect the first and second circuits. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a cooling system for a vehicle comprises a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, means for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, and a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the coupling means, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the coupling means is in a disconnected position. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a cooling system for a vehicle comprises a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, a thermostat for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, and a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the thermostat, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the thermostat is in a disconnected position. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a cooling system of the type described above. | <SOH> BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention relates to a cooling system for a vehicle, the system comprising a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the latter, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, and means of coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump. Such a cooling system may be used, for example, in a work vehicle, such as a wheel loader, which comprises hydraulic components in the form of working cylinders, for example, for maneuvering/moving an implement. With regard to the hydraulics, it is primarily the hydraulic oil and gaskets, seals, etc. which are temperature sensitive. According to a previously known system the coupling means consists of a thermostat, which is operatively controlled by the engine temperature to cut in automatically when the engine temperature exceeds a certain value. According to this previously known system just one pump is used to provide cooling both for the vehicle engine and for the hydraulic components of the vehicle. One problem with this system is that under certain conditions the thermostat will not cut in, with the result that the hydraulic components do not receive the necessary cooling. One example of this occurs in an extremely cold climate when the vehicle is used in such a way that its hydraulic components become so hot that cooling is required, whilst the engine is not hot enough for the thermostat to cut in. The cooling system may furthermore be designed to cool transmission components in the form of gears and shafts in the vehicle axle housings, for example, via the second cooling circuit. A problem with this system is that under certain operating conditions the thermostat will not cut in, with the result that the transmission components do not receive the necessary cooling. An example of this is in so-called leveling, when a mass of earth is pushed ahead of the vehicle. In this application the transmission becomes hot, whilst the engine is cold. A further problem with the previously known system is that if the thermostat fails and does not or is not open, there is no cooling at all of the hydraulic or transmission components. The temperature limit at which the thermostat cuts in is controlled by the engine exhaust. Owing to the ever more stringent requirements governing vehicle exhaust emissions, this temperature limit is also increasing. It is therefore not just simply a matter of adjusting the temperature limit for a specific vehicle to a lower value in order to also provide the second circuit with coolant. The invention will be described below in its application to a work vehicle in the form of a wheel loader. This is to be regarded as a preferred application but is in no way limitative. The invention can be realized, for example in other types of work vehicle, such as a dumper truck or excavator-loader, for example. The invention is furthermore not confined to work vehicles, but could also be applied to other types of vehicle, such as industrial trucks. The term disconnected position signifies that the coupling means is not set to connect the first and second circuits. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a cooling system for a vehicle comprises a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, means for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, and a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the coupling means, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the coupling means is in a disconnected position. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a cooling system for a vehicle comprises a first cooling circuit coupled to the vehicle engine for cooling the engine, a pump arranged in the first cooling circuit for pumping a coolant to the engine, a second cooling circuit for cooling at least one other component in the vehicle, a thermostat for coupling the second cooling circuit into the first cooling circuit in order to also supply the second cooling circuit with coolant from the pump when the coupling means is in a connected position, and a bypass line coupled from the first cooling circuit to the second cooling circuit bypassing the thermostat, so that the second cooling circuit is supplied with coolant from the pump via the bypass line even when the thermostat is in a disconnected position. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a cooling system of the type described above. | 20050314 | 20050920 | 20050630 | 63160.0 | 0 | KAMEN, NOAH P | COOLING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND A VEHICLE COMPRISING THE COOLING SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,962 | ACCEPTED | DIGITAL RECORDING OF IP BASED DISTRIBUTED SWITCHING PLATFORM | A system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as “a recording device” for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session is preferably a multi-user session, such as a “conference call” for example, even if data is being provided for recording from only one of the participants in the session. | 1. A method for recording at least a portion of an IP data session between a first communication device and a second communication device through a network by a recording device which is distinct from the first and second communication devices, comprising: initiating the data session by said first communication device with said second communication device; implementing the data session as a conference call such that said first and second communication devices are connected, respectively, as first and second participants therein; selectively entering the recording device to said conference call as an additional participant; and recording at least the portion of the IP data session through said conference call using said recording device. 2. A method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call includes the step of directing the recording device to enter said conference call as the additional participant when a data session has been initiated. 3. The method of claim 1, including the additional step of permitting a user of at least one of the first and second communication devices to determine whether the session is to be recorded prior to entering the recording device as the additional participant. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the conference call connects the second communication device is established by: passing telephone numbers to a gatekeeper for performing IP address resolution, and using a resolved IP address of the second communication device for connecting the second communication device to the conference call. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call is in response to a command that the data session is to be recorded. 6. The method of claim 5, including the additional step of providing the command from a scheduler. 7. The method of claim 6, including the additional step of locating the scheduler with the recording device. 8. The method of claim 6, including the additional step of analyzing information about the IP data session at the scheduler to determine whether the IP data session is to be recorded. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the information includes the identity of at least one of the first and second communication devices. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the IP data session is either an IP telephony session or an IP multimedia session. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said first communication device contacts the recording device. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said second communication device contacts the recording device. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of initiating the data session is detected by a recording agent, and wherein said recording agent contacts the recording device. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a conference controller implements said conference call. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said conference controller is a MCU. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the conference controller implements said conference call in response to receipt of a request to initiate the conference call. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the request is from at least one of the recording device, the first communication device, the second communication device, and an other component on the network. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said first communication device is a gateway for receiving communication through a PSTN. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the recording device joins the data session performed through a hunt group. 20. The method of claim 19, including the additional step of identifying the hunt group using a gatekeeper. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first communication device and the second communication device is a non-IP telephony device. 22. A method of claim 21, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call includes the step of directing the recording device to enter said conference call as the additional participant when a data session has been initiated. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the conference call connects the second communication device is established by: passing telephone numbers to a gatekeeper for performing IP address resolution, and using a resolved IP address of the second communication device for connecting the second communication device to the conference call. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call is in response to a command that the data session is to be recorded. 25. The method of claim 24, including the additional step of providing the command from a scheduler. 26. The method of claim 25, including the additional step of locating the scheduler with the recording device. 27. The method of claim 25, including the additional step of analyzing information about the IP data session at the scheduler to determine whether the IP data session is to be recorded. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the information includes the identity of at least one of the first and second communication devices. 29. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of initiating the data session is detected by a recording agent, and wherein said recording agent contacts the recording device. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein a conference controller implements said conference call. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said conference controller is a MCU. 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the conference controller implements said conference call in response to receipt of a request to initiate the conference call. 33. The method of claim 21, wherein the recording device joins the data session performed through a hunt group. 34. The method of claim 33, including the additional step of identifying the hunt group using a gatekeeper. 35. The method of claim 1, including the additional steps of passing telephone numbers to a gatekeeper for performing IP address resolution and using a resolved IP address of the second communication device in connecting the second communication device to the conference call, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call includes the step of directing the recording device to enter said conference call as the additional participant when a data session has been initiated. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the recording device is directed to enter said conference call in response to a command that the data session is to be recorded. 37. The method of claim 36, including the additional steps of: providing the command from a scheduler; and analyzing information about the IP data session at the scheduler to determine whether the IP data session is to be recorded. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the information includes the identity of at least one of the first and second communication devices. 39. The method of claim 40, including the additional step of positioning the recording device relative to the network so as to be in communication with the data session. 40. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call includes the step of directing the recording device to enter said conference call as the additional participant in response to a command that the data session is to be recorded. 41. The method of claim 40, including the additional steps of: providing the command from a scheduler; and analyzing information about the IP data session at the scheduler to determine whether the IP data session is to be recorded. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the information includes the identity of at least one of the first and second communication devices. 43. The method of claim 42, including the additional step of positioning the recording device relative to the network so as to be in communication with the data session. 44. The method of claim 1, including the additional steps of: detecting the step of initiating the data session using a recording agent, contacting the recording device using the recording agent, and receiving a request to initiate to conference call and performing the implementing step in response to the request, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call includes the step of directing the recording device to enter said conference call as the additional participant when a data session has been initiated. 45. The method of claim 44, including the additional steps of passing telephone numbers to a gatekeeper for performing IP address resolution and using a resolved IP address of the second communication device in connecting the second communication device to the conference call. 46. The method of claim 44, wherein the recording device is directed to enter said conference call in response to a command that the data session is to be recorded. 47. The method of claim 44, including the additional steps of: providing the command from a scheduler; and analyzing information about the IP data session at the scheduler to determine whether the IP data session is to be recorded. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the information includes the identity of at least one of the first and second communication devices. 49. The method of claim 48, including the additional step of positioning the recording device relative to the network so as to be in communication with the data session. 50. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively entering the recording device to said conference call includes the steps of: identifying a hunt group using a gatekeeper; directing the recording device to enter said conference call as the additional participant in response to a command that the data session is to be recorded; and joining the recording device to the data session through the hunt group. 51. The method of claim 50, including the additional steps of passing telephone numbers to a gatekeeper for performing IP address resolution and using a resolved IP address of the second communication device in connecting the second communication device to the conference call. 52. The method of claim 50, wherein the recording device is directed to enter said conference call in response to a command that the data session is to be recorded. 53. The method of claim 52, including the additional steps of: providing the command from a scheduler; and analyzing information about the IP data session at the scheduler to determine whether the IP data session is to be recorded. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the information includes the identity of at least one of the first and second communication devices. 55. The method of claim 54, including the additional step of positioning the recording device relative to the network so as to be in communication with the data session. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,767, filed Jun. 24, 2002, of which is hereby incorporated by specific reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system and a method for recording voice and other data passed through IP multimedia sessions, and in particular, for such a system and method in which recording is triggered with the recording device as a participant in the session. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Telecommunication is an important aspect of interactions between individuals, as it enables individuals to communicate without being physically present in the same location, thereby potentially increasing the possibilities for cooperation between such individuals. Simultaneously, an increasing number of telecommunication sessions are being monitored and/or recorded, for example for quality assurance at a “help desk” or other customer support center or service. Previously, such monitoring or recording was relatively simple in the background art. For example, telephone calls may typically be passed to the individual through a PBX (public exchange) switch or CO (central office), which features a central switching matrix. All telephone calls passing this switch would therefore pass through the central matrix, such that integration of the recording and/or monitoring equipment with the central matrix would enable all such telephone calls to be recorded and/or monitored. Unfortunately, monitoring and/or recording such telephone calls through the IP multimedia session protocols is not as simple. First, the session is multimedia, such that it may combine two or more different types of data. Second, the session does not pass through a central switching matrix, as IP communication does not feature such a matrix. Thus, such communication is relatively diffuse, even across a WAN (wide area network) or LAN (local area network). The situation is further complicated by the topology of the IP network, which consists of switch boxes, routers and bridges, and which may prevent any recording and/or monitoring system from accessing such communication sessions that are routed on different network segments. In addition, encrypted sessions add a further element of complexity, as access to such sessions is typically only granted to participants, as only participants have access to the necessary information to decrypt the encrypted session. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The background art does not teach or suggest a solution to the problem of collecting information about an interactive session over an IP network. The background art also does not teach or suggest a solution to the problem of monitoring and/or recording IP multimedia sessions. In addition, the background art does not teach or suggest a solution to the problem of monitoring and/or recording IP multimedia sessions that are routed on different network segments. The present invention overcomes these problems of the background art by providing a system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as “a recording device” for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session is preferably a multi-user session, such as a “conference call” for example, even if data is being provided for recording from only one of the participants in the session. This implementation of the present invention, as described in greater detail below, overcomes such drawbacks of the background art as the inability to otherwise decrypt encrypted sessions, and recording across network segments. Hereinafter, the term “separate network portion” includes any separate portion or network across which recording is performed, such as a different network segment and/or network for example. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recording device is present on a network with a conference control unit, such as a MCU (multi conference unit) for example. Hereinafter, the term “conference” is used to refer to any multi-participant session, even if only two participants are present, one of which is the device of the present invention. The conference control unit either receives a request to initiate the conference call (multimedia session) from the recording device of the present invention and/or from one of the participating IP communication devices, and/or from some other component on the network. Examples of such communication devices include, but are not limited to, IP telephony devices, “smart” IP telephones and computational devices which include an IP telephony component. According to another optional but preferred implementation of the present invention, the recording device is the NiceLog.TM. product of Nice Systems Ltd of Ra'anana, Israel. Hereinafter, the term “computational device” refers to any type of computer hardware system and/or to any type of software operating system, or cellular telephones or any type of hand-held device such as a PDA (personal data assistant), as well as to any type of device having a data processor and/or any type of microprocessor, or any type of device which is capable of performing any function of a computer. For the present invention, a software application or program could be written in substantially any suitable programming language, which could easily be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The programming language chosen should be compatible with the computational device according to which the software application is executed. Examples of suitable programming languages include, but are not limited to, C, C++ and Java. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary method according to the present invention for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions; FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an optional flow of operations according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a second exemplary system according to the present invention; and FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of another exemplary method according to the present invention, with regard to the implementation of the present invention with a “hunt group”. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is of a system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as “a recording device” for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session is preferably a multi-user session, such as a “conference call” for example, even if data is being provided for recording from only one of the participants in the session. Optionally, only a portion of all such multimedia sessions are recorded, although alternatively, all such sessions are recorded. The recording device may optionally receive a command for determining when a session is to be recorded. Alternatively, the recording device may receive data for all such sessions, but may preferably only record certain sessions. More preferably, a scheduler determines whether the session should be recorded, which may optionally be located with the recording device but alternatively is separated on the network. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recording device is present on a network with a conference control unit, such as a MCU (multi conference unit) for example. Hereinafter, the term “conference” is used to refer to any multi-participant session, even if only two participants are present, one of which is the device of the present invention. The conference control unit either receives a request to initiate the conference call (multimedia session) from the recording device of the present invention and/or from one of the participating IP communication devices, and/or from some other component on the network. Examples of such communication devices include, but are not limited to, IP telephony devices, “smart” IP telephones and computational devices which include an IP telephony component. According to another optional but preferred implementation of the present invention, the recording device is the NiceLog.TM. product of Nice Systems Ltd of Ra'anana, Israel. According to other optional but preferred embodiments of the present invention, the IP multimedia session may also include one or more non-IP telephony devices, such as a telephone device communicating through the PSTN (public switched telephony network). For this embodiment, the system of the present invention preferably features a gateway for receiving such communication and for enabling the data to be passed to other components of the present invention, including but not limited to the recording device. According to another optional but preferred implementation of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention are enabled for “hunt groups”, which use a plurality of virtual telephone numbers rather than fixed telephone lines that are reserved for particular telephone numbers. Hunt groups are well known in the art; one example of a suitable reference is found in “Newton's Telecom Dictionary”, 16th Expanded & Updated Edition, by Harry Newton (published in 2000, by Telecom Books; page 414), which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Hereinafter, the term “hunt group” refers to any type of virtual or non-fixed telephone extension systems, in which a central control unit of some type, such as the gatekeeper of the present invention, determines the physical extension which is used. The present invention may also optionally be implemented with a number of well known protocols in the background art for multimedia IP sessions, including but not limited to H.323, RTP (real time protocol), RTCP (real time control protocol), H.225 and H.245; as well as CODECs for encoding/decoding the multimedia data for such sessions, including but not limited to, G.711, G.723, G.722, G.728, H.261 and H.263; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. In addition, references may be found at http://www.normos.org/ietf/rfc/rfc18-89.txt as of Aug. 17, 2001, which are also hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, including all links and other data/Web pages found at the Web site. Further information may also be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,665, issued Sep. 19, 2000, which is also incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The principles and operation of the method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. It should be noted that the present invention is described with regard to IP telephony for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system 10 for recording and/or otherwise monitoring an IP communication session, which may optionally be a multimedia session. The session may optionally be initiated at any one of an IP telephone 12 on a LAN (local area network) 14; an IP telephone 16 on a WAN (wide area network) 18; and a telephony device 20 communicating through a PSTN (public switched telephony network) 22. Examples of suitable IP telephones include but are not limited to, VIP 30 or SP+12 (Cisco Inc., San Jose, Calif., USA). Preferably, the actual handling of the session is slightly different for each of these different initiating devices, as described in greater detail below. As shown, LAN 14 features a recording device 24. According to another optional but preferred implementation of the present invention, recording device 24 is the NiceLog.TM. product of Nice Systems Ltd of Ra'anana, Israel. This product features a monitor for monitoring activity through voice telephony on an IP network. Although the activity is monitored through voice telephony protocols, other types of data may also optionally be monitored, such as video and audio data transmissions. The monitor component of the NiceLog.TM. product includes a recording function to record these voice and other types of data transmissions. For example, the recording function may be manually activated to start recording. Further details may be found in the User's Manual of the NiceLog.TM. product. Recording device 24 is preferably in communication with a recording agent 26 for controlling the process of recording, although optionally both recording device 24 and recording agent 26 may be present in a single device, although separate devices are preferred. Alternatively, recording device 24 may optionally perform all of these functions. Recording agent 26 is preferably operated as a software module by a computational device 28. According to the present invention, upon initiation of the IP multimedia session, recording agent 26 determines that the session has been initiated and directs recording device 24 to record the session. Optionally, only certain sessions are recorded. In order to support recording, the multimedia session is constructed as a conference call, and recording device 24 then becomes a participant in that conference call. FIG. 1 shows one exemplary implementation for supporting these functions. As shown, LAN 14 also optionally and preferably is connected to a conference controller 30, such as an MCU for example. Conference controller 30 establishes the conference call. Preferably, LAN 14 connects to a gatekeeper 32 according to the H.323 protocol, which translates telephone numbers to IP addresses, and therefore enables the initiating device to locate the other communication device (if present on LAN 14). A non-limiting example of gatekeeper 32 is the MCS 7820 product (Cisco Inc., San Jose, Calif., USA). Gatekeeper 32 may optionally be assisted in performing IP address resolution by a DHCP server (not shown), which is connected to LAN 14. DHCP server assigns IP addresses to IP telephone 12 and to other IP telephones and devices; the assigned addresses are then passed to gatekeeper 32 for performing IP address resolution. For the first example of initiating device previously given, IP telephone 12 on LAN 14 initiates the session, as explained also with regard to the flowchart of FIG. 2, showing an exemplary method according to the present invention for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. For example, IP telephone 12 may contact gatekeeper 32 to initiate the session with an IP telephone 34 on computational device 28 in stage 1. Both participants are therefore connected through LAN 14. In stage 2, the control path is established by gatekeeper 32, for example according to the H.323 protocol, in order for the IP session to be initiated. In stage 3, if recording device 24 is not present and/or operational, preferably the normal IP communication session is enabled with IP telephone 34. Alternatively, if recording device 24 is present, then recording agent 26 preferably identifies the incoming request to initiate the session. In stage 4, a recording agent control module 36, shown with regard to FIG. 1, preferably controls the conference call recording. Optionally and more preferably, recording agent control module 36 sends a request to initiate the conference call to gatekeeper 32. This request preferably includes a request to include recording device 24 in the conference call. In stage 5, gatekeeper 32 sends a request to conference controller 30 to initiate the IP multimedia session, with recording device 24 as a participant thereof. In stage 6, conference controller 30 initiates the conference call between IP telephone 12 and IP telephone 34. In stage 7, recording device 24 is preferably added to the conference call. A similar operation is performed if the session is to be established with IP telephone 16 on WAN 18. As shown in FIG. 1, WAN 18 is optionally connected to LAN 14 through a router 38 (LAN 14 may optionally feature a hub 40). IP telephone 12 may again initiate the session by contacting gatekeeper 32; the remaining stages are performed substantially as previously described. Alternatively, IP telephone 16 may initiate the session. In order for IP telephone 16 to initiate the session and the recording, preferably IP telephone 16 features recording agent 26 and recording agent control module 36 as part of a single device. It should be noted that only one of IP telephone 12 and IP telephone 16 requires recording agent 26 and recording agent control module 36, operated directly by the IP telephone itself (in the case of a “smart telephone”), or alternatively operated by a computational device which also operates the IP telephone, in order for the session to be recorded. The operation is preferably adjusted somewhat if a telephony device 20 communicating through a PSTN 22 is contacted by IP telephone 12 to initiate the multimedia call and/or if telephony device 20 initiates the call. In both cases, communication to and from telephony device 20 passes through a gateway 42, for example in order to translate regular PSTN 22 communication to IP-based communication, such as H.323 protocol-based communication for example. Gateway 42 then preferably contacts gatekeeper 32 in order for telephony device 20 to be recognized as a participant in the session. The remaining functions are similar to those shown in FIG. 2. Gateway 42 may optionally be implemented as a Cisco Internet Router 3620, for example (Cisco Inc., San Jose, Calif., USA). FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an optional flow of operations according to the present invention. As shown, IP telephone 12 initiates the session, through gatekeeper 32, to IP telephone 34. The session is implemented as a conference call. Conference controller 30 enables recording device 24 to participate in the conference call, as well as preferably enabling the conference call itself It should be noted that typically that only information passing through arrows “A” and “B”, from each of IP telephone 12 and IP telephone 34 respectively, is recorded. Also, optionally and preferably, recording device 24 only receives communication through arrow For this implementation, recording device 24 preferably has at least one, and more preferably a plurality of, reserved telephone numbers which correspond to actual telephone lines. Video and/or audio data may optionally be captured according to the RTP (real time protocol) protocol. FIG. 4 shows another exemplary system 44 according to the present invention for selective recording of sessions. Similar components to FIG. 1 retain the same numbering. Now, recording device 24 is preferably contained within a selective recorder 46, which also features a scheduler 48. Scheduler 48 may optionally be manual or automatic. For the latter implementation, scheduler 48 may optionally analyze information about the IP multimedia session, such as the identity of the initiating and/or receiving device, in order to determine whether the session should be recorded. For the manual implementation, the user at the receiving and/or initiating IP telephony device may optionally determine whether the session should be recorded. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of another exemplary method according to the present invention, with regard to the implementation of the present invention with a “hunt group”. As previously described, hunt groups use a plurality of virtual telephone numbers rather than fixed telephone lines that are reserved for particular telephone numbers. The present invention supports recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions with such hunt groups as shown in FIG. 5. This preferred method is similar to that of FIG. 2 for stages 1-4. In stage 5, however, the gatekeeper identifies the hunt group which has been called. In stage 6, the gatekeeper searches for a free telephone line within that particular hunt group. In stage 7, the conference call is established through the conference controller, and the recording device joins the conference call in stage 8, as previously described. According to optional but preferred implementations of the present invention, any of the above embodiments may be optionally implemented with a “smart” telephone device in place of the computational device for operating the recording agent and/or the recording agent control module 36. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Telecommunication is an important aspect of interactions between individuals, as it enables individuals to communicate without being physically present in the same location, thereby potentially increasing the possibilities for cooperation between such individuals. Simultaneously, an increasing number of telecommunication sessions are being monitored and/or recorded, for example for quality assurance at a “help desk” or other customer support center or service. Previously, such monitoring or recording was relatively simple in the background art. For example, telephone calls may typically be passed to the individual through a PBX (public exchange) switch or CO (central office), which features a central switching matrix. All telephone calls passing this switch would therefore pass through the central matrix, such that integration of the recording and/or monitoring equipment with the central matrix would enable all such telephone calls to be recorded and/or monitored. Unfortunately, monitoring and/or recording such telephone calls through the IP multimedia session protocols is not as simple. First, the session is multimedia, such that it may combine two or more different types of data. Second, the session does not pass through a central switching matrix, as IP communication does not feature such a matrix. Thus, such communication is relatively diffuse, even across a WAN (wide area network) or LAN (local area network). The situation is further complicated by the topology of the IP network, which consists of switch boxes, routers and bridges, and which may prevent any recording and/or monitoring system from accessing such communication sessions that are routed on different network segments. In addition, encrypted sessions add a further element of complexity, as access to such sessions is typically only granted to participants, as only participants have access to the necessary information to decrypt the encrypted session. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The background art does not teach or suggest a solution to the problem of collecting information about an interactive session over an IP network. The background art also does not teach or suggest a solution to the problem of monitoring and/or recording IP multimedia sessions. In addition, the background art does not teach or suggest a solution to the problem of monitoring and/or recording IP multimedia sessions that are routed on different network segments. The present invention overcomes these problems of the background art by providing a system and method for recording and/or otherwise monitoring IP multimedia sessions. The present invention features a recording and/or monitoring device, referred to hereinafter as “a recording device” for the purposes of clarity only and without any intention of being limiting. The recording device is a participant in the IP multimedia session, although preferably the recording device only receives data for recording and/or otherwise monitoring the session. Therefore, the IP multimedia session is preferably a multi-user session, such as a “conference call” for example, even if data is being provided for recording from only one of the participants in the session. This implementation of the present invention, as described in greater detail below, overcomes such drawbacks of the background art as the inability to otherwise decrypt encrypted sessions, and recording across network segments. Hereinafter, the term “separate network portion” includes any separate portion or network across which recording is performed, such as a different network segment and/or network for example. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recording device is present on a network with a conference control unit, such as a MCU (multi conference unit) for example. Hereinafter, the term “conference” is used to refer to any multi-participant session, even if only two participants are present, one of which is the device of the present invention. The conference control unit either receives a request to initiate the conference call (multimedia session) from the recording device of the present invention and/or from one of the participating IP communication devices, and/or from some other component on the network. Examples of such communication devices include, but are not limited to, IP telephony devices, “smart” IP telephones and computational devices which include an IP telephony component. According to another optional but preferred implementation of the present invention, the recording device is the NiceLog.TM. product of Nice Systems Ltd of Ra'anana, Israel. Hereinafter, the term “computational device” refers to any type of computer hardware system and/or to any type of software operating system, or cellular telephones or any type of hand-held device such as a PDA (personal data assistant), as well as to any type of device having a data processor and/or any type of microprocessor, or any type of device which is capable of performing any function of a computer. For the present invention, a software application or program could be written in substantially any suitable programming language, which could easily be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The programming language chosen should be compatible with the computational device according to which the software application is executed. Examples of suitable programming languages include, but are not limited to, C, C++ and Java. | 20050314 | 20060307 | 20050609 | 96041.0 | 1 | BUI, BING Q | DIGITAL RECORDING OF IP BASED DISTRIBUTED SWITCHING PLATFORM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,906,975 | ACCEPTED | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR SYSTEM | A image processing device includes a first module, a motor system connected to the first module and capable of pushing the first module to move forward, a selector connected to a plurality of loading circuits included in the motor system and capable of selecting a loading circuit among the plurality of loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system, and a controller electrically connected to a driver included in the motor system and capable of controlling a speed of the motor system pushing the first module. | 1. An image processing device comprising: a first module; a motor system connected to the first module and capable of pushing the first module to move forward, comprising: a motor; a driver for driving the motor; a plurality of loading circuits; and a power supply for providing power to the motor and the driver; a selector connected to the plurality of loading circuits and capable of selecting a loading circuit among the plurality of loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system; and a controller electrically connected to the driver and capable of controlling a speed of the motor system pushing the first module. 2. The image processing device of claim 1 wherein the first module is a scanning module for scanning an image. 3. The image processing device of claim 1 wherein the first module is a printing module for printing a document. 4. The image processing device of claim 1 wherein when one of the plurality of loading circuits is selected, the selected loading circuit is set as a loading of the driver. 5. The image processing device of claim 1 wherein when one of the plurality of loading circuits is selected, the selected loading circuit is set as a loading of the motor. 6. The image processing device of claim 1 wherein the motor is a stepping motor. 7. The image processing device of claim 1 wherein the driver is a Darlington circuit. 8. A method for controlling a motor system of an image processing device, wherein the image processing device comprises a first module and a motor system electrically connected to the first module, wherein the motor system comprises a plurality of loading circuits, the method comprising: selecting a loading circuit among the plurality of loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system for controlling power provided to the motor system. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the first module is a scanning module. 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the first module is a printing module. 11. The method of claim 8 wherein the loading circuit is selected among the plurality of loading circuits according to a speed of the first module. 12. The method of claim 8 wherein the loading circuit is selected among the plurality of loading circuits according to a resolution set by the image processing device. | BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing device, and more particularly, to an image processing device selecting a loading circuit among a plurality of loading circuits according to a speed of a first module. 2. Description of the Prior Art Image processing devices, such as computer printing devices, photocopiers, scanners and multi-functional peripherals (MFP) are broadly applied nowadays. The request of the resolution of the scanning modules of the image processing devices is increasing, and the choices of resolutions are various. The speed of the motor pushing the scanning module of the scanner or the multi-functional peripheral may be decided according to the resolution of scanning and the amount of data to be scanned. Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art image processing device. 100 is a conventional image processing device, which may be a multi-functional peripheral or a scanner. 110 is a scanning module of the image processing device 100. 120 is a motor system electrically connected to the scanning module 110 and capable of pushing the scanning module 110 to move forward. The motor system 120 includes a power supply 122, a loading circuit 124, a motor 126 and a driver 128, wherein the driver 128 is utilized to drive the motor 126. 130 is a controller electrically connected to the driver 128 and capable of controlling a speed of the motor 126 pushing the scanning module 110 forward. For example, when the image processing device 100 of the prior art scans the document with a low resolution, the motor 126 pushes the scanning module 110 to move forward at a higher speed for the amount of data is small. The controller 130 accordingly commands the driver 128 to control the motor 126 pushing the scanning module 110 to move forward at a high speed. When scanning documents with a high resolution, the motor 126 needs to push the scanning module 110 to move forward at a low speed for the amount of data is large. The controller 130 accordingly commands the driver 128 to control the motor 126 pushing the scanning module 110 to move forward slowly. Furthermore, when the multi-functional peripheral is switched to copy mode, the speed of the motor is set in accordance with the speed of the printing module. When copying with a low resolution, for example, printing documents in a sketch mode, the scanning module scans faster because fewer data is extracted. Accordingly, the speed of the motor may be faster. On the contrary, when copying with a higher resolution, for example, when printing photos, the scanning module scans faster because the amount of extracted data is huge. Accordingly, the speed of the motor should be higher. When scanning slowly, the motor does not need much power to push the scanning module. Contrarily, when scanning fast, the motor needs more power to maintain the operation of the system. However, in the conventional image processing device 100, the loading circuit by which the motor system 120 controls the power provided by the power supply 122 to the motor 126 is fixed to the loading circuit 124. Accordingly, the input power of the motor system has to be designed to meet the requirement of the mode of the highest scanning speed, that is, to meet the maximum required power. That means, the loading circuit 124 is designed to make the power provided by the power supply 122 to the motor 126 a maximum power that is ever needed. However, when the motor system scans documents at a lower speed, there will be excess power. The excess power will be transferred into heat and makes the motor hot, which damages the motor system gradually and easily. SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is therefore a primary objective of the claimed invention to provide an image processing device having a plurality of loading circuits among which a loading circuit can selected and set as a loading of a motor system of the image processing device to control the power provided to the motor. Briefly described, the claimed invention discloses an image processing device. The image processing device includes a first module, a motor system connected to the first module and capable of pushing the first module to move forward, a selector connected to a plurality of loading circuits included in the motor system and capable of selecting a loading circuit among the plurality of loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system, and a controller electrically connected to a driver included in the motor system and capable of controlling a speed of the motor system pushing the first module. The claimed invention further discloses a method for controlling a motor system included in an image processing device, wherein the image processing device includes a first module and a motor system electrically connected to the first module, wherein the motor system includes a plurality of loading circuits. The method includes selecting a loading circuit among the plurality of loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system for controlling power provided to the motor system. It is an advantage of the claimed invention that the loading of the motor system included in the image processing device is selectable. In the claimed invention, the loading circuit of the motor system may be selected and set according to the needed input power of the motor system included in the image processing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art image processing device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention image processing device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention image processing device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the present invention image processing device controlling the motor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention image processing device. 200 is a present image processing device, which may be a multi-functional peripheral or a scanner. 210 is a scanning module of the image processing device 200. 220 is a motor system electrically connected to the scanning module 210 and capable of pushing the scanning module 210 to move forward. The motor system 220 includes a power supply 222, a loading circuit 2241 and a loading circuit 2242, a motor 226 and a driver 228, wherein the motor 226 may be a stepping motor, and the driver 228 is utilized to drive the motor 226 and control the speed of the motor 226. The driver 228 may include a Darlington circuit. 230 is a controller electrically connected to the driver 228 and capable of commanding the driver 228 to control a speed of the motor 226 pushing the scanning module 210. The most significant difference between the present image processing device and the conventional one is there is a plurality of loading circuits included in the motor system 220 in the present image processing device 200. The present image processing device 200 further includes a selector 240 electrically connected to the loading circuit 2241 and the loading circuit 2242. The selector 240 is capable of selecting a loading circuit from the two loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor 226. This way, the motor 226 of the present invention is capable of having different input power by adopting different loading circuits. Assume the loading of the loading circuit 2241 is larger than that of the loading circuit 2242. For example, when the present image processing device 200 scans a document with a high resolution, the motor 226 needs to push the scanning module 210 at a slower speed, and no excess power is expected. The selector 240 selects the loading circuit 2241, the loading of which is larger, and sets the loading circuit 2241 as the loading circuit of the motor 226 while the controller 230 commands the driver 228 to control the speed of the motor 226 to accord with the requirement of the selected resolution. Therefore, the power supply 222 provides less input power to the motor 226, and no power will be left over and transferred into heat. In the contrary, when the image processing device 200 scans the document with a low resolution, not only the controller 230 commands the driver 228 to control the motor 226 pushes at a higher speed, but also the selector 240 selects the loading circuit 2242, the loading of which is smaller, and sets the loading circuit 2242 as the loading circuit of the motor 226. Accordingly, the power provided by the power supply 222 is sufficient for the motor system 220 pushing the scanning module at the expected speed. Please refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention image processing device. 300 is an image processing device of the present invention, which may be a multi-functional peripherals or a printer. 310 is a scanning module included in the image processing device 300. 320 is a motor system electrically connected to the scanning module 310 and capable of pushing the scanning module 310 to move forward. The motor system 320 includes a power supply 322, three loading circuits, a motor 326 and a driver 328, wherein the driver 328 is utilized to control the speed of the motor 326. 330 is a controller electrically connected to the driver 328 and capable of commanding the driver 328 to control a speed of the motor 326 pushing the scanning module 310. The three loading circuits included in the image processing device 300 of the present embodiment are loading circuit 3241, loading circuit 3242 and loading circuit 3243. The selector 340 is capable of selecting a loading circuit among the three loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as the loading of the driver 328. The driver 328 is capable of having different input power by adopting different loading circuits. The driver 328 controls the input power and the speed of the motor 326 according to its input power consequently. Assume the loading of the loading circuit 3241 is larger than that of the loading circuit 3242, and the loading of the loading circuit 3242 is larger than that of the loading circuit 3243. For example, when the present image processing device 300 prints a document at a highest speed, the motor 326 needs to push the scanning module 310 at the highest speed correspondingly. Therefore, not only the controller 330 commands the driver 328 to control the motor 326 pushing the scanning module 310 at the highest speed, but also the selector 340 selects the loading circuit 3243, the loading of which is the smallest among the three loading circuits, and sets the loading circuit 3243 as the loading circuit of the driver 328. The power provided to the driver 328 by the power supply 322 is the maximum this way. In the contrary, when the image processing device 300 prints the document with a highest resolution, the selector 340 selects the loading circuit 3241, the loading of which is the largest among the three loading circuits, and sets the loading circuit 3241 as the loading circuit of the driver 328 while the controller 330 commands the driver 328 to control the motor 326 pushing at a lowest speed. Accordingly, the power provided to the driver 328 by the power supply 322 is the minimum but sufficient, and no excess power is left and transferred into heat. Please refer to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the present invention image processing device controlling the motor system. Step 400: Start; Step 410: Select a loading circuit among a plurality of loading circuits according to a setting of a first module, set the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system, and set a speed of a motor pushing the first module; Step 420: Perform the task of the first module. In the steps illustrated in FIG. 4, the first module may be a scanning module, the setting of the first module is the speed or the resolution of scanning, and the task of the first module is scanning a document. In the other case, the first module can be a printing module, then the setting of the first module is the speed or the resolution of printing, and the task of the first module is printing a document. The image processing device of the present invention may be a multi-functional peripherals, a printer, a copy machine, a scanner, or a combination of a computer and at least one aforementioned machine. The present method for controlling the motor system may be designed to comprise selecting a loading circuit among different loading circuits according to the resolution or the speed of scanning or printing. This way, the power provided to the motor is sufficient but there will be no excess power. Therefore the flaw in the prior art that the excess power is transferred into heat and causes damage to the relative elements is modified. The rules of selecting loading circuits according to the speed of scanning or printing can be stored in an embedded memory of the multi-functional peripherals, the printer, the copy machine or the scanner. The rules can also be stored in a memory of the computer that is connected to the above machine. In summery, the present invention discloses an image processing device and the related controlling method. The claimed invention is capable of providing adequate power to the motor system at different speeds and with different resolutions. The image processing device and related controlling method of the present invention avoid the problem of the elements being damaged by the excess input power of the motor system when the machine is performed at a low speed or with a high resolution. Therefore the usage span of the related elements is not shortened. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing device, and more particularly, to an image processing device selecting a loading circuit among a plurality of loading circuits according to a speed of a first module. 2. Description of the Prior Art Image processing devices, such as computer printing devices, photocopiers, scanners and multi-functional peripherals (MFP) are broadly applied nowadays. The request of the resolution of the scanning modules of the image processing devices is increasing, and the choices of resolutions are various. The speed of the motor pushing the scanning module of the scanner or the multi-functional peripheral may be decided according to the resolution of scanning and the amount of data to be scanned. Please refer to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art image processing device. 100 is a conventional image processing device, which may be a multi-functional peripheral or a scanner. 110 is a scanning module of the image processing device 100 . 120 is a motor system electrically connected to the scanning module 110 and capable of pushing the scanning module 110 to move forward. The motor system 120 includes a power supply 122 , a loading circuit 124 , a motor 126 and a driver 128 , wherein the driver 128 is utilized to drive the motor 126 . 130 is a controller electrically connected to the driver 128 and capable of controlling a speed of the motor 126 pushing the scanning module 110 forward. For example, when the image processing device 100 of the prior art scans the document with a low resolution, the motor 126 pushes the scanning module 110 to move forward at a higher speed for the amount of data is small. The controller 130 accordingly commands the driver 128 to control the motor 126 pushing the scanning module 110 to move forward at a high speed. When scanning documents with a high resolution, the motor 126 needs to push the scanning module 110 to move forward at a low speed for the amount of data is large. The controller 130 accordingly commands the driver 128 to control the motor 126 pushing the scanning module 110 to move forward slowly. Furthermore, when the multi-functional peripheral is switched to copy mode, the speed of the motor is set in accordance with the speed of the printing module. When copying with a low resolution, for example, printing documents in a sketch mode, the scanning module scans faster because fewer data is extracted. Accordingly, the speed of the motor may be faster. On the contrary, when copying with a higher resolution, for example, when printing photos, the scanning module scans faster because the amount of extracted data is huge. Accordingly, the speed of the motor should be higher. When scanning slowly, the motor does not need much power to push the scanning module. Contrarily, when scanning fast, the motor needs more power to maintain the operation of the system. However, in the conventional image processing device 100 , the loading circuit by which the motor system 120 controls the power provided by the power supply 122 to the motor 126 is fixed to the loading circuit 124 . Accordingly, the input power of the motor system has to be designed to meet the requirement of the mode of the highest scanning speed, that is, to meet the maximum required power. That means, the loading circuit 124 is designed to make the power provided by the power supply 122 to the motor 126 a maximum power that is ever needed. However, when the motor system scans documents at a lower speed, there will be excess power. The excess power will be transferred into heat and makes the motor hot, which damages the motor system gradually and easily. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>It is therefore a primary objective of the claimed invention to provide an image processing device having a plurality of loading circuits among which a loading circuit can selected and set as a loading of a motor system of the image processing device to control the power provided to the motor. Briefly described, the claimed invention discloses an image processing device. The image processing device includes a first module, a motor system connected to the first module and capable of pushing the first module to move forward, a selector connected to a plurality of loading circuits included in the motor system and capable of selecting a loading circuit among the plurality of loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system, and a controller electrically connected to a driver included in the motor system and capable of controlling a speed of the motor system pushing the first module. The claimed invention further discloses a method for controlling a motor system included in an image processing device, wherein the image processing device includes a first module and a motor system electrically connected to the first module, wherein the motor system includes a plurality of loading circuits. The method includes selecting a loading circuit among the plurality of loading circuits and setting the selected loading circuit as a loading of the motor system for controlling power provided to the motor system. It is an advantage of the claimed invention that the loading of the motor system included in the image processing device is selectable. In the claimed invention, the loading circuit of the motor system may be selected and set according to the needed input power of the motor system included in the image processing device. | 20050315 | 20071211 | 20050922 | 94125.0 | 11 | GLASS, ERICK DAVID | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,907,006 | ACCEPTED | SINGLE-POLY EEPROM | The single-poly EEPROM includes a first PMOS transistor serially connected to a second PMOS transistor. The first and second PMOS transistors are both formed on an N-well of a P type substrate. The first PMOS transistor includes a floating gate, a first P+ doped drain region and a first P+ doped source region. The second PMOS transistor includes a gate and a second P+ doped source region. The first P+ doped drain region of the first PMOS transistor serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor. A diode is located in the P type substrate including a P-well and a N+ doped region. The floating gate overlaps with the N-well and extends to the N+ doped region. The overlapped region of the P-well and the N+ doped region junction beneath the floating gate serves as an avalanche injection point in the vicinity of the first PMOS transistor. | 1. A single-poly EEPROM, comprising: a first PMOS transistor serially connected to, a second PMOS transistor, wherein the first and second PMOS transistors are both formed on an N-well of a P type substrate, and wherein the first PMOS transistor includes a floating gate, a first P+ doped drain region, and a first P+ doped source region, the second PMOS transistor includes a gate and a second P+ doped source region, and the first P+ doped source region of the first PMOS transistor serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor; and a diode located in the P type substrate, wherein the diode includes a P-well and alt N+ doped region disposed in the P-well, and wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with the N-well and the P type substrate and extends to the P-well and N+ doped region, and a junction region of the P-well and the N+ doped region overlapped beneath the floating gate serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor. 2. The single-poly E-PPROM of claim 1, wherein the first PMOS transistor is a floating single-gate transistor without any control gate formed above the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor. 3. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 1, wherein the P-well and N+ doped region substantially does not overlap with a P-channel region of the first PMOS transistor. 4. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 3, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, a drain voltage is applied to the first P+ doped drain region while the second PMOS transistor is turned on, so that the first P+ doped source region obtains a source line voltage, and the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor obtains a first induced voltage due to capacitive coupling effects so that the P-channel of the first PMOS transistor is turned on and electrons are injected through a gate oxide and stored in the floating gate through a channel hot electron injection mechanism. 5. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 1, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, a first positive voltage is applied to the N+ doped region while a first negative voltage is applied to the P-well to induce an avalanche breakdown, and a second negative voltage is applied to the first P+ doped drain region to make the floating gate obtain a second induced voltage due to capacitive coupling effects to attract hot holes from electron/hole pairs so that electrons are released from the floating gate by way of tunneling. 6. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 5, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, the second induced voltage is a negative voltage. 7. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 5, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, the first negative voltage applied to the P-well is different from the second negative voltage applied to the first P+ doped drain region. 8. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 5, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, a third negative voltage is further applied to the second P+ doped source region while the second PMOS transistor is turned on, and thereby the first P+ doped source region also obtains the third negative voltage to enhance the second induced voltage of the floating gate. 9. A single-poly EEPROM, comprising: a first PMOS transistor serially connected to a second PMOS transistor, wherein the first and second PMOS transistors are both formed on an N-well of a P type substrate, and wherein the first AMOS transistor includes a floating gate, a first P+ doped drain region, and a first P+ doped source region, the second PMOS transistor includes a gate and a second P+ doped source region, and the first P+ doped source region of the first PMOS transistor serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor; a diode located in the P type substrate, wherein the diode includes a P-well and an N+ doped region disposed in the P-well, and wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with the N-well and the P type substrate and extends to the P-well and N+ doped region, and a junction region of the P-well mid the N+ doped region overlapped beneath the floating gate serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor; and a P+ doped guard ring located in the P-well, wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with a portion of the P+ doped guard ring to form a P+ junction beneath the floating gate, and wherein a voltage applied to the P+ doped guard ring is the same as a voltage applied to the P-well. 10. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 9, wherein the first PMOS transistor is a floating single-gate transistor without any control gate formed above the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor. 11. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 9, wherein the P-well and N+ doped region substantially does not overlap with a P-channel region of the first PMOS transistor. 12. T ho single-poly EEPROM of claim 11, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, a drain voltage is applied to the first P+ doped drain region while the second PMOS transistor is turned on, so that the first P+ doped source region obtains a source line voltage, and the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor obtains a first induced voltage due to capacitive coupling effects so that the P-channel of the first PMOS transistor is turned on and electrons are injected through a gate oxide and stored in the floating gate through a channel hot electron injection mechanism. 13. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 9, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, a first positive voltage is applied to the N+ doped region while a first negative voltage is applied to the P+ doped guard ring and the P-well to induce an avalanche breakdown, and a second negative voltage is applied to the first P+ doped drain region to make the floating gate obtain a second induced voltage due to capacitive coupling effects to enhance an avalanche hot hole injection and attract hot holes from electron/hole pairs so that electrons are released from the floating gate by way of tunneling. 14. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 13, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, the second induced voltage is a negative voltage. 15. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 13, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, the First negative voltage applied to the P+ doped guard ring is different from the second negative voltage applied to the first P+ doped drain region. 16. The single-poly EEPROM of claim 13, wherein when operating the single-poly EEPROM, a third negative voltage is further applied to the second P+ doped source region while the second PMOS transistor is turned on, and thereby the first P+ doped source region also obtains the third negative voltage to enhance the second induced voltage of the floating gate. | BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a single-poly electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), and more particularly, to a single-poly EEPROM, which has high erasure efficiency. 2. Description of the Prior Art Electronic memory comes in a variety of forms to serve a variety of purposes. Flash electrically erasable programmable read only memory (flash EEPROM) is used for easy and fast information storage in such devices as personal digital assistants (PDA), digital cameras and home video game consoles. Generally, an EEPROM chip has a grid of columns and rows with a cell that has two transistors at each intersection. One of the transistors is known as a floating gate, and the other one is the control gate. The floating gate's only link to the row, or word line, is through the control gate. As long as this link is in place, the cell has a value of 1. Changing the value to a 0 requires a well-known process called Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. It is often desirable to combine many functions on a single device, also called system-on-a-chip (SOC), to reduce the number and cost of chips. Embedding flash memory in a CMOS device allows a single chip produced by a manufacturer to be configured for a variety of applications, and/or allows a single device to be configured by a user for different applications. To combine with standard CMOS process flow, single-poly flash memory devices have been developed. FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a single-poly EEPROM cell 10 according to the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, the EEPROM cell 10 comprises an NMOS structure 28 and a PMOS structure 30. A field oxide layer 24 isolates the PMOS structure 30 from the NMOS structure 28. The NMOS structure 28 is formed on a P type substrate 12 and comprises an NMOS gate 32, an N+ source region 14, and an N+ drain region 16. The PMOS structure 30 is formed on an N-well 18 and comprises a PMOS floating gate 34, a P+ source region 20, and a P+ drain region 22. A channel stop region 38 is obliquely implanted underneath the PMOS floating gate 34 for facilitating band-to-band hot electron injection into the PMOS floating gate. A conductor 36 directly electrically couples the NMOS gate 32 to the PMOS floating gate 34. That is, there is a conductive current path from one gate to the other, as opposed to indirectly coupling, such as capacitive coupling. Both gates 32 and 34 are floating, that is, they are not directly electrically coupled to a voltage or current source or sink on the IC, and at the same electrical potential. The conductor may be a polysilicon trace formed at the same time as the gates, or may be a metal or silicide conductor formed later in the fabrication sequence. However, the above-described EEPROM cell 10 of the prior art suffers from several drawbacks. First, the EEPROM cell 10 consumes a lot of chip area since it is composed of a PMOS structure 30 and a NMOS structure 28, and the extra field oxide layer 24 is needed for isolating the PMOS 30 form the NMOS 28. Second, the EEPROM cell 10 needs an extra channel stop region 38 and formation of conductor 36 for connecting two gates, this, in turns, means extra process steps and thus raised cost. SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is therefore a primary objective of the present invention to provide a single-poly EPPROM, which has high erase efficiency and can be fabricated with conventional CMOS process sequences. According to the above objective, a preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a single-poly EPPROM, which includes a first PMOS transistor connected to a second PMOS transistor, wherein the first and second PMOS transistors are both formed on an N-well of a P type substrate, and wherein the first PMOS transistor includes a floating gate, a first P+ doped drain region, and a first P+ doped source region, the second PMOS transistor includes a gate and a second P+ doped source region, and the first P+ doped source region of the first PMOS transistor serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor. The single-poly EPPROM structure further includes a diode located in the P type substrate, wherein the diode includes a P-well and an N+ doped region disposed in the P-well, and wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with the N-well and the P type substrate and extends to the P-well and N+ doped region, and a junction region of the P-well and the N+ doped region overlapped beneath the floating gate serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a single-poly EPPROM, which includes a first PMOS transistor connected to a second PMOS transistor, wherein the first and second PMOS transistors are both formed on an N-well of a P type substrate, and wherein the first PMOS transistor includes a floating gate, a first P+ doped drain region, and a first P+ doped source region, the second PMOS transistor includes a gate and a second P+ doped source region, and the first P+ doped source region of the first PMOS transistor serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor. The single-poly EPPROM further includes a diode and a P+ doped guard ring. The diode located in the P type substrate includes a P-well and an N+ doped region disposed in the P-well, and wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with the N-well and the P type substrate and extends to the P-well and N+ doped region, and a junction region of the P-well and the N+ doped region overlapped beneath the floating gate serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor. The P+ doped guard ring is located in the P-well, wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with a portion of the P+ doped guard ring to form a P+junction underneath the floating gate, and wherein a voltage applied to the P+ doped guard ring is the same as the voltage applied to a P-well. The present invention utilizes the avalanche breakdown generated in a junction region of the P-well and the N+ doped region underneath the floating gate. Thereby, hot holes inject into a floating gate to neutralize the trapped electrons and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling is utilized to pull out electrons from the floating gate for executing erasure. Therefore, a single-poly EPPROM of the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The present invention utilizes a low voltage to execute an erasure operation so that the single-poly EPPROM can be fabricated with conventional CMOS process sequences without any extra process step for saving production costs. 2. The present invention utilizes the avalanche hot hole injection mechanism, whose operation speed is faster than Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, and the program/erasure cycle and the testing costs are reduced. 3. The present invention further includes a P-well underneath the floating gate. When an electrically erasure is performed, a negative voltage could be applied to the P-well to increase the voltage difference and enhance the avalanche hot hole injection mechanism and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. 4. The present invention further includes a P+ doped guard ring underneath the floating gate in the P-well for increasing the erasure efficiency and increasing the voltage difference between the floating gate and the P+ doped guard ring to give a wide process window. These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of single-poly EEPROM cell according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a plane view schematically illustrating a partial layout of a single-poly EEPROM according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the EEPROM of FIG. 2 along line A-A′. FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the EEPROM of FIG. 2 along line B-B′. FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit corresponding to the EEPROM unit depicted in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram schematically illustrating the writing operation on a selected EERPOM unit associated with a first row of Table 1. FIG. 7 is a plane view schematically illustrating a partial layout of a single-poly EEPROM according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the EEPROM of FIG. 7 along line C-C′. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plane view schematically illustrating a partial layout of a single-poly EEPROM according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a single-poly EEPROM unit 100 includes a first PMOS transistor 102 and a second PMOS transistor 104 serially connected to the first PMOS transistor 102. The first PMOS transistor 102 and the second PMOS transistor 104 are formed on an N-well 108, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2, of a P type substrate 106. The first PMOS transistor 102 includes a floating gate 110, a first P+ doped drain region 112, and a first P+ doped source region 114. The second PMOS transistor 104 includes a gate 116 and a second P+ doped source region 118, and the first P+ doped source region 114 of the first PMOS transistor 102 serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor 104, thereby electrically connecting the first PMOS transistor 102 with the second PMOS transistor 104. It is understood that the floating gate 110 consists of a single layer polysilicon according to the present invention, that is, there is no word line or control gate stacked thereon. The first P+ doped drain region 112 is electrically connected to a bit line (not explicitly shown in FIG. 2) through a contact plug 120. The second P+ doped source region 118 of the second PMOS transistor 104 is electrically connected with a source line 122. Preferably, the source line 122 is an embedded P+ doped region that is manufactured simultaneously with the second P+ doped source region 118 in an ion implantation process. An EEPROM unit 130 having a memory structure that is similar to the structure of the EEPROM unit 100 is also illustrated in the layout depicted in FIG. 2. The single-poly EEPROM unit 100 further includes a diode 140 located in the P type substrate 106 and in a vicinity of the floating gate 110. The diode 140 includes a P-well 142 and an N+ doped region 144 disposed in the P-well 142. The N+ doped region 144 is electrically connected with an N+ doped region voltage (VN+) through a contact plug 146. The P-well 142 further includes a P+ doped region 148 connected with a voltage through a contact plug 150, and the voltage of the P+ doped region 148 is the same as the voltage of the P-well 142. Therefore this voltage is called a P-well voltage (VPW). Erasing of the EEPROM unit 100 capitalizes on a so-called edge Fowler-Nordheim mechanism and an avalanche breakdown generated in a junction region of the P-well 142 and the N+ doped region 144 underneath the floating gate 110, wherein the floating gate 110 of the first PMOS transistor 102 overlaps with the N-well 108 and the P type substrate 106, and extends to the P-well 142 and the N+ doped region 144 and the junction region of the P-well 142, and the N+ doped region 144 overlapped beneath the floating gate 110 serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor 102, with the detailed description of the operation procedure being discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the implantation of the N+ doped region 144 is carried out after the definition of the floating gate 110. That is, the implantation of the N+ doped region 144 pattern is partially masked by the floating gate 110. Accordingly, the floating gate 110 will not overlap with the subjacent N+ doped region 144 substantially. However, it is understood that diffusion of few dopants beneath the edge of the floating gate 110 is possible after going through several thermal processes. Further, compared to the EEPROM cell of the prior art, there is no conductor that connects the floating gate 110 and gate 116 according to the present invention. Please refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the EEPROM of FIG. 2 along line A-A′. As shown in FIG. 3, the first PMOS transistor 102 is serially connected to the second PMOS transistor 104. The first PMOS transistor 102 includes the floating gate 110, the first P+ doped drain region 112, the first P+ doped source region 114, and a floating gate oxide layer 152 underneath the floating gate 110. The second PMOS transistor 104 includes the gate 116, a gate oxide layer 154 underneath the gate 116, and the second P+ doped source region 118. As mentioned above, the first P+ doped source region 114 of the first PMOS transistor 102 also functions as a drain of the second PMOS transistor 104, thereby electrically connecting the first PMOS transistor 102 with the second PMOS transistor 104. The first P+ doped drain region 112 is electrically connected with a bit line 156 through the contact plug 120. The contact plug 120 is manufactured in a dielectric layer 158 made of, for example, BPSG, PSG, silicon dioxide or the like. The bit line 156 is defined over the dielectric layer 158. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the floating gate oxide layer 152, the thickness of the gate oxide layer 154, and the thickness of gate oxide layer fabricated in a logic circuit area are the same. However, extra thermal processes may be carried out to increase the thickness of the floating gate oxide layer 152 or the thickness of the gate oxide layer 154. In either case, the simplified single-poly EEPROM device of the present invention can be combined with standard CMOS semiconductor processes. Please refer to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the EEPROM of FIG. 2 along line B-B′. As shown in FIG. 4, the first PMOS transistor 102 and a third PMOS transistor 160 is disposed in the dielectric layer 158. The third PMOS transistor 160 includes a floating gate 162 and a floating gate oxide layer 164. The floating gate 110 and 162 both cover the N-well 108 and extend to the N+ doped region 144. The N+ doped region 144 is located in the P-well 142. The single-poly EEPROM of the present invention further includes a plurality of shallow trench isolations (STI) 166, 168, and 170 to prevent the P-well 142 and the N+ doped region 144 from overlapping with a P-channel region 172 of the first PMOS transistor 102 and a P-channel region (not shown in FIG. 4) of the third PMOS transistor 160. Please refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit corresponding to the EEPROM unit 100 depicted in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, when operating, a bit line voltage (VBL) is applied to the first P+ doped drain region 112 of the first PMOS transistor 102. The floating gate 122 is in a floating state. An N-well voltage (VNW) is applied to the N-well 108. The second PMOS transistor 104 acts as a select transistor. A select gate voltage (VSG) or word line voltage (VWL) is applied to the gate 116, also called a select gate, of the second PMOS transistor 104. A source line voltage (VSL) is applied to the second P+ doped source region 118 of the second PMOS transistor 104. The operation of the EEPROM according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an exemplary operation chart (see Table 1), FIG. 3 and FIG. 5. TABLE 1 VWL VBL Selected Unselected Selected Unselected Operation WL WL BL BL VN+ VSL VNW VPW/PG Program 1 0 V 5-7 V 0 V 5-7 V 0 V 5-7 V 5-7 V 0 V 0 0 V 5-7 V 5-7 V 5-7 V 0 V 5-7 V 5-7 V 0 V Read 0 V 3.3 V 1.8 V 3.3 V 3.3 V 3.3 V 3.3 V 0 V Erase(1) 0-2 V −4-−7 V 4-7 V Floating 0 V −4-−7 V Erase(2) −4-−7 V 0 V-2 V −4-−7 V 4-7 V −4-−7 V 0 V −4-−7 V In Table 1, the first (leftmost) column demonstrates different operation statuses including programming, reading, and erasing of the EEPROM according to the present invention. The operation voltage conditions regarding writing data “1” into a selected memory cell are demonstrated in the first row of Table 1. The operation voltage conditions regarding writing data “0” into a selected memory cell are demonstrated in the second row of Table 1. The operation voltage conditions regarding reading data stored in memory cells are demonstrated in the third row of Table 1. The operation voltage conditions regarding a first kind of erasing data stored in memory cells are demonstrated in the fourth row of Table 1. The operation voltage conditions regarding a second kind of erasing data stored in memory cells are demonstrated in the fifth row of Table 1. First, referring to the first row of Table 1, when programming the EEPROM (writing data “1”), a relatively low-level word line voltage VWL(or VSG), for example, 0V, is applied to the select gate 116 of a selected EEPROM unit. A same low-level bit line voltage VBL as the low-level word line voltage VWL, for example, 0V, is applied to the first P+ doped drain region 112 of the first PMOS transistor 102 of the selected EEPROM unit. Voltages applied to the N+ doped region 144, the source line, the N-well 108, and the P-well 142 (VN+, VSL, VNW, and VPW) are 0V, 5-7V, 5-7V, and 0V, respectively. The unselected word line is applied with a voltage (VWL(unselected)) having a same voltage level as VSL, for example, 5-7V. The unselected bit line is applied with a voltage (VBL(unselected)) having a voltage level also the same as VSL, for example, 5-7V. The floating gate 110 is in a floating state. As seen in the second row of table, when writing data “0” into a selected EEPROM unit, a relatively high-level bit line voltage VBL(selected), for example, 5-7V, is applied to the first P+ doped drain region 112 of the first PMOS transistor 102 of the selected EEPROM unit. Please refer to FIG. 6 with reference to Table 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram schematically illustrating the writing operation on a selected EERPOM unit associated with the first row of Table 1. As shown in FIG. 6, a selected EERPOM unit is in the following exemplary voltage condition in accordance with the present invention: a word line voltage VWL=0V, a bit line voltage VBL=0V, the floating gate 110 floating, a source line voltage VSL=5V, an N-well voltage VNW=5V, an N+ doped region voltage VN+=0V and a P-well voltage VPW=0V. Under the above voltage condition, a first induced voltage, which is about −1-−2V lower than the N-well voltage VNW, will be sensed by the floating gate 110 due to capacitive coupling effects, thereby turning on the P-channel region 172 underneath the floating gate 110. Hot carriers such as electrons tunnel through the floating gate oxide layer 152 a by way of the turned on P-channel region 172 and are finally trapped inside the floating gate 110. Referring to the third row of Table 1 with reference to FIG. 5, when reading the EEPROM, a relatively low-level word line voltage VWL(or VSG), for example, 0V, is applied to the select gate 116 of a selected EEPROM unit. The unselected word line is applied with a relatively high-level voltage of, for example, 3.3V. A selected bit line voltage VBL(selected) of, for example, 1.8V, is applied to the first P+ doped drain region 112 of the first PMOS transistor 102 of the selected EEPROM unit. The unselected bit line is applied with a voltage VBL(unselected)=3.3V. Voltages applied to the N+ doped region 144, the source line, the N-well 108, and the P-well 142 (VN+, VSL, VNW, and VPW) are 3.3V, 3.3V, 3.3V, and 0V, respectively. The floating gate 110 is in a floating state. Referring to the fourth row of Table 1 with reference to FIG. 5, when erasing the EEPROM according to first kind, a relatively low-level word line voltage VWL(or VSG), for example, 0-2V, is applied. A relatively low-level bit line voltage VBL, for example, −4-−7V, is applied to the first P+ doped drain region 112 of the first PMOS transistor 102. The source line voltage VSL is in a floating state. Voltages applied to the N-well 108, the N+ doped region 144, and the P-well 142 (VNW, VN+, VPW) are 0V, 4-7V, and −4-−7V. Therefore, an avalanche breakdown is induced to generate hot holes and a second induced voltage is obtained by the floating gate due to capacitive coupling effects to attract hot holes of electron/hole pairs and a so-called edge Fowler-Nordheim mechanism occurs between the edge of the floating gate 110 and the subjacent N+ doped region 144, thereby pulling out electrons from the floating gate 110. The P-well voltage VPW could be different from the bit line voltage VBL, which is the voltage applied to the first P+ doped drain region 112. Please refer to the fifth row of Table 1. It should be noted that, when erasing the EEPROM, a source line voltage VSL could be applied to the second P+ doped source region 118, for example −4-−7V, and the second PMOS transistor 104 is turned on to make the first P+ doped source region 114 also have the source line voltage VSL to enhance the second induced voltage. Please refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a plane view schematically illustrating a partial layout of a single-poly EEPROM according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention is that a EEPROM unit 200 in the second embodiment further includes a P+ doped guard ring 238 located in the P-well 232, and the floating gate 210 covers a portion of the P+ doped guard ring 238 to form a P+ junction underneath the floating gate 210. A voltage applied to the P+ doped guard ring 238 is the same as a voltage applied to the P-well 232. As shown in FIG. 7, a single-poly EEPROM unit 200 includes a first PMOS transistor 202 and a second PMOS transistor 204 serially connected to the first PMOS transistor 202. The first PMOS transistor 202 and the second PMOS transistor 204 are formed on an N-well 208, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 7, of a P type substrate 206. The first PMOS transistor 202 includes a floating gate 210, a first P+ doped drain region 212, and a first P+ doped source region 214. The second PMOS transistor 204 includes a gate 216 and a second P+ doped source region 218, and the first P+ doped source region 214 of the first PMOS transistor 202 serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor 204, thereby electrically connecting the first PMOS transistor 202 with the second PMOS transistor 204. It is understood that the floating gate 210 consists of a single layer polysilicon according to the present invention, that is, there is no word line or control gate stacked thereon. The first P+ doped drain region 212 is electrically connected to a bit line (not explicitly shown in FIG. 7) through a contact plug 220. The second P+ doped source region 218 of the second PMOS transistor 204 is electrically connected with a source line 222. Preferably, the source line 222 is an embedded P+ doped region that is manufactured simultaneously with the second P+ doped source region 218 in an ion implantation process. The single-poly EEPROM unit 200 further includes a diode 230 located in the P type substrate 206 and in a vicinity of the floating gate 230. The diode 230 includes a P-well 232 and an N+ doped region 234 disposed in the P-well 232. The N+ doped region 234 is electrically connected with an N+ doped source region voltage (VN+) through a contact plug 236. The P-well 232 further includes a P+ doped guard ring 238 connected with a P+ doped guard ring voltage (VPG) through a contact plug 240, and the P+ doped guard ring voltage (VPG) voltage is the same as the voltage of the P-well 232 called a P-well voltage (VPW). Please refer to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the EEPROM of FIG. 7 along line C-C′. As shown in FIG. 8, the first PMOS transistor 202 and a third PMOS transistor 240 are disposed in the dielectric layer 242. The first PMOS transistor 202 includes a floating gate 210 and a floating gate oxide layer 244. The third PMOS transistor 240 includes a floating gate 246 and a floating gate oxide layer 248. The floating gate 210 and 246 both cover the N-well 208 and extend to the N+ doped region 234 and the P+doped guard ring 238. A junction region of the P-well 232 and the N+ doped region 234 overlapped beneath the floating gate 210 and 246 serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor 202. The N+ doped region 234 and the P+ doped guard ring 238 are located in the P-well 232. The single-poly EEPROM of the present invention further includes a plurality of shallow trench isolation (STI) 250, 252, 254, 256, and 258 to prevent the P+ doped guard ring 238, the P-well 232 and the N+ doped region 234 from overlapping with a P-channel region 260 of the first PMOS transistor 202 and a P-channel region (not shown in FIG. 8) of the third PMOS transistor 240. Operating the single-poly EEPROM unit 200 of the second embodiment is the same as operating the single-poly EEPROM unit 100 of the first embodiment, so unnecessary details are not to be given here. It should be noted that applying a positive voltage to the N+ doped region 234 while applying a negative voltage to the P+ doped guard ring 238 and the P-well 232 underneath the floating gate 210 induces an avalanche breakdown, and applying a negative voltage the first P+ doped drain region 212 makes the floating gate 210 obtain an enhanced induced negative voltage due to capacitive coupling effects to enhance an avalanche hot hole injection and attract hot holes from electron/hole pairs so that electrons are released from the floating gate 210 by way of tunneling, thereby increasing the erasure efficiency and the voltage difference between the floating 210 an the P+ doped guard ring 238 to give a wide process window. The negative voltage applied to the P+ doped guard ring 238 could be different from the negative voltage applied to the first P+ doped drain region 212. Compared to the prior art, the present invention utilizes the avalanche breakdown generated in a junction region of the P-well and the N+ doped region underneath the floating gate. Thereby, hot holes inject into a floating gate to neutralize the trapped electrons and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling is utilized to pull out electrons from the floating gate for executing erasure. Therefore, a single-poly EPPROM of the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The present invention utilizes a low voltage to execute an erasure operation so that the single-poly EPPROM can be fabricated with conventional CMOS process sequences without any extra process step for saving production costs. 2. The present invention utilizes the avalanche hot hole injection mechanism, whose operation speed is faster than Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, and the program/erasure cycle and the testing costs are reduced. 3. The present invention further includes a P-well underneath the floating gate. When an electrically erasure is performed, a negative voltage could be applied to the P-well to increase the voltage difference and enhance the avalanche hot hole injection mechanism and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. 4. The present invention further includes a P+ doped guard ring underneath the floating gate in the P-well for increasing the erasure efficiency and increasing the voltage difference between the floating gate and the P+ doped guard ring to give a wide process window. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a single-poly electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), and more particularly, to a single-poly EEPROM, which has high erasure efficiency. 2. Description of the Prior Art Electronic memory comes in a variety of forms to serve a variety of purposes. Flash electrically erasable programmable read only memory (flash EEPROM) is used for easy and fast information storage in such devices as personal digital assistants (PDA), digital cameras and home video game consoles. Generally, an EEPROM chip has a grid of columns and rows with a cell that has two transistors at each intersection. One of the transistors is known as a floating gate, and the other one is the control gate. The floating gate's only link to the row, or word line, is through the control gate. As long as this link is in place, the cell has a value of 1. Changing the value to a 0 requires a well-known process called Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. It is often desirable to combine many functions on a single device, also called system-on-a-chip (SOC), to reduce the number and cost of chips. Embedding flash memory in a CMOS device allows a single chip produced by a manufacturer to be configured for a variety of applications, and/or allows a single device to be configured by a user for different applications. To combine with standard CMOS process flow, single-poly flash memory devices have been developed. FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a single-poly EEPROM cell 10 according to the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1 , the EEPROM cell 10 comprises an NMOS structure 28 and a PMOS structure 30 . A field oxide layer 24 isolates the PMOS structure 30 from the NMOS structure 28 . The NMOS structure 28 is formed on a P type substrate 12 and comprises an NMOS gate 32 , an N + source region 14 , and an N + drain region 16 . The PMOS structure 30 is formed on an N-well 18 and comprises a PMOS floating gate 34 , a P + source region 20 , and a P + drain region 22 . A channel stop region 38 is obliquely implanted underneath the PMOS floating gate 34 for facilitating band-to-band hot electron injection into the PMOS floating gate. A conductor 36 directly electrically couples the NMOS gate 32 to the PMOS floating gate 34 . That is, there is a conductive current path from one gate to the other, as opposed to indirectly coupling, such as capacitive coupling. Both gates 32 and 34 are floating, that is, they are not directly electrically coupled to a voltage or current source or sink on the IC, and at the same electrical potential. The conductor may be a polysilicon trace formed at the same time as the gates, or may be a metal or silicide conductor formed later in the fabrication sequence. However, the above-described EEPROM cell 10 of the prior art suffers from several drawbacks. First, the EEPROM cell 10 consumes a lot of chip area since it is composed of a PMOS structure 30 and a NMOS structure 28 , and the extra field oxide layer 24 is needed for isolating the PMOS 30 form the NMOS 28 . Second, the EEPROM cell 10 needs an extra channel stop region 38 and formation of conductor 36 for connecting two gates, this, in turns, means extra process steps and thus raised cost. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>It is therefore a primary objective of the present invention to provide a single-poly EPPROM, which has high erase efficiency and can be fabricated with conventional CMOS process sequences. According to the above objective, a preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a single-poly EPPROM, which includes a first PMOS transistor connected to a second PMOS transistor, wherein the first and second PMOS transistors are both formed on an N-well of a P type substrate, and wherein the first PMOS transistor includes a floating gate, a first P + doped drain region, and a first P + doped source region, the second PMOS transistor includes a gate and a second P + doped source region, and the first P + doped source region of the first PMOS transistor serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor. The single-poly EPPROM structure further includes a diode located in the P type substrate, wherein the diode includes a P-well and an N + doped region disposed in the P-well, and wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with the N-well and the P type substrate and extends to the P-well and N + doped region, and a junction region of the P-well and the N + doped region overlapped beneath the floating gate serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a single-poly EPPROM, which includes a first PMOS transistor connected to a second PMOS transistor, wherein the first and second PMOS transistors are both formed on an N-well of a P type substrate, and wherein the first PMOS transistor includes a floating gate, a first P + doped drain region, and a first P + doped source region, the second PMOS transistor includes a gate and a second P + doped source region, and the first P + doped source region of the first PMOS transistor serves as a drain of the second PMOS transistor. The single-poly EPPROM further includes a diode and a P + doped guard ring. The diode located in the P type substrate includes a P-well and an N + doped region disposed in the P-well, and wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with the N-well and the P type substrate and extends to the P-well and N + doped region, and a junction region of the P-well and the N + doped region overlapped beneath the floating gate serves as an avalanche injection point in a vicinity of the first PMOS transistor. The P + doped guard ring is located in the P-well, wherein the floating gate of the first PMOS transistor overlaps with a portion of the P + doped guard ring to form a P+junction underneath the floating gate, and wherein a voltage applied to the P + doped guard ring is the same as the voltage applied to a P-well. The present invention utilizes the avalanche breakdown generated in a junction region of the P-well and the N + doped region underneath the floating gate. Thereby, hot holes inject into a floating gate to neutralize the trapped electrons and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling is utilized to pull out electrons from the floating gate for executing erasure. Therefore, a single-poly EPPROM of the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The present invention utilizes a low voltage to execute an erasure operation so that the single-poly EPPROM can be fabricated with conventional CMOS process sequences without any extra process step for saving production costs. 2. The present invention utilizes the avalanche hot hole injection mechanism, whose operation speed is faster than Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, and the program/erasure cycle and the testing costs are reduced. 3. The present invention further includes a P-well underneath the floating gate. When an electrically erasure is performed, a negative voltage could be applied to the P-well to increase the voltage difference and enhance the avalanche hot hole injection mechanism and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. 4. The present invention further includes a P + doped guard ring underneath the floating gate in the P-well for increasing the erasure efficiency and increasing the voltage difference between the floating gate and the P + doped guard ring to give a wide process window. These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. | 20050316 | 20070320 | 20060921 | 97111.0 | H01L29788 | 0 | HARRISON, MONICA D | SINGLE-POLY EEPROM | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01L | 2,005 |
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10,907,254 | ACCEPTED | A security camera and monitor system activated by motion sensor and body heat sensor for homes or offices | A security camera and monitor system activated by motion sensor and body heat sensor for homes or offices that utilizes home VCR, or other household A/V recordation equipment, as a recording means and recordation only occurs when motion is detected, achieving great simplicity and economy in the installation and use of the security system. Present invention also provides status information allowing users to check the status of any security breach before entering the premises, greatly enhancing the safety of home residents or office personnel. | 1. A security camera and monitor system for homes or offices, comprising: a. a plurality of motion detectors situated at predetermined spots having timing control logic that allows a user-selectable Sustained Detection Period, in which audio/video signals are transmitted to recording and display means; b. a plurality of body heat sensors situated at predetermined spots powered on by battery and having codes generator means and wireless transmitting means for said codes; c. a plurality of video cameras, having microphone intake units either integrated in the camera units or housed separately, situated at predetermined spots to capture visual images and audio signals for transmitting and recording; d. means for displaying captured images; e. means for recording captured images; f. a Video Controller and a Audio Controller with each said camera unit that controls separate switches to transmit audio/video signals to recording and display means; g. a plurality of lamps powered by a relay which is further controlled by the motion detector of said camera; h. a plurality of infrared lights situated at predetermined spots, corresponding to and controlled by said plurality of motion detectors to illuminate the spots when activated by said motion detectors; i. a Micro System Controller (“MSC”) unit consisting of modern CPU together with memory IC, and connection to a variety of signal and code detectors, data keypad and serial and parallel I/O port, as well as ports to phone lines and other forms of network/Internet connection, and connection to remote control unit; j. a body heat receiver for receiving wireless transmission of codes from said body heat sensors and an associated code detector that transmitted received codes to MSC; k. a Logic Auto Switch, whereby said Logic Auto Switch controls the display of captured images in a single or four-image-per-Quad format, depending on the numbers of cameras activated; l. a Universal Remote Control (“URC”) unit, having on/off electronic switches allowing normal press-release on/off action, and further having additional parabola reflector around the infrared emitter for better focusing, hooked up to said MSC unit; m. an Auto Switch Off microprocessor timing switch, electronically placed between said URC and said MSC, providing bias to a plurality of the electronic switches on said URC for roughly 0.5 second on and staying off until receiving next command; n. a Video Detector to detect the existence of video signal from said Logic Auto Switch output and will cause recording means to start/pause recording when command is issued by MSC, via said URC hotwired to MSC; o. a status display means connected to and controlled by said MSC via a driver unit; p. a telephone interface having touch-tone recognition, status recording and voicing means utilized to set or reset said system and for responding to status inquiries corresponding to the conditions represented by defined status; q. an IC BUS serving as preprogrammed memory IC for storing user greetings, commands and status information as represented by said colored lights or other forms of status representation; r. an Internet unit connected to MSC for data communication of information stored on IC BUS or for receiving commands from Internet; s. video transmitter connected to said MSC for wireless transmission of video signal out upon command from telephone connection; and, t. power supply means to supply the necessary power wattage by converting household AC voltage (110v or 220v) to the proper voltage suitable for the consumption of all the elements. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said motion detectors further having timing control logic or circuitry that allows a user-selectable Sustained Detection Period of between 1 to 60 seconds, after motion is detected, in which audio/video signals are transmitted to recording and display means. 3. The system of claim 2, whereby said status display means comprising external lights in the colors of red, green, orange and yellow, to show the status of security breach in a Security Monitor Session (SM Session), which is defined as the period between a user arming present system and disarming present system, so that: a. Red light will be on whenever motion is detected, and resulting in activation of audio/video recordation, during a SM Session; b. Green light will be on to show existence of audio/video recordation during a SM Session; c. Orange light will be on whenever body heat is detected by body heat sensor(s), during a SM Session; and d. Yellow light will be on to show existence of detection of body heat sensing during a SM Session. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein said means of recordation is a household VCR machine, or any image recordation equipment, that can be activated by said URC unit after said unit has been calibrated to the reception channel of said means of recordation. 5. The system of claim 4, whereby said Logic Auto Switch will fill up the viewable surface of a display means, usually a TV monitor, by a Single or Quad-image format for maximum of 4 captured images per Quad-image format from 4 video cameras and will activate the Quad-image switching function to alternate the display of first-Quad, second-Quad, third-Quad, etc. when more than 4 of said video cameras are capturing and transmitting images. 6. The system of claim 5, whereby said an Auto Off Switch unit connected to said MSC will effectuate an “off position” on the REC/PAUSE switches on said Universal Remote Control, after said motion detectors activated said Micro System Controller which commands the recording means to engage in REC/PAUSE action. 7. The system of claim 6, whereby said body heat sensors, when detecting body heat, will send signals to said body heat receiver, and code detector will detect code that will be sent to said MSC, which will further cause said external status lights to show orange and/or yellow and record the status on the IC Bus. 8. The system of claim 7, whereby said MSC further having built-in microphone and preamplifier for recording user greetings on said IC BUS. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein a remote signal detector is connected to MSC to detect code signal from telephone interface, having codes defined as follows: Code 01: turn video transmitter power on Code 02: turn video transmitter power off Code 03: turn Internet unit 84 power on or enabled Code 04: turn Internet unit 84 power off or disabled Code 05: play VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 06: stop VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 07: fast-forward VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 08: rewind VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 09: pause VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 10: VCR 54 input selection (for VCR having multiple line-ins) Code 11: TV/VCR selection switch Code 12: check status recorded on IC BUS 91 Code 13: check outgoing message Code 14: fast-forward/skip of recorded message on IC BUS 91 Code 15: rewind of recorded message on IC BUS 91 Code 16: DVD/VCR switch control Code 17: DVD/DVD/R switch control Code 18: Power On/Off VCR. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said telephone interface further having a plurality of push-buttons for operation by user fingers that will provide voiced status information corresponding to said status lights. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said the range of temperature detection for said body heat detector is set for normal human temperature of between 86 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, unless overwritten by users. | FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Security systems are commonly found in many households and offices today. Most of the currently available security systems, however, do not have a status-reporting mechanism that can be accessed remotely by the users. Complex security systems require the use of close-circuit cameras and dedicated recording means that operate on a 24/7 basis. The recorded media, mostly likely tapes, have to be changed and reused from time to time, though most content on the tapes is blank for long and uneventful period of time. The associated cost for such systems are inevitably high and often cannot be budgeted by many households. OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Present invention relates generally to a security system activated by motion detectors or body heat sensors, for homes or offices. More particularly, present invention primarily utilizes home VCR, or other readily-available recording appliances, as a recording means. Furthermore, recordation only occurs when motion is detected, achieving great simplicity and economy in the installation and use of the security system, as compared to Time Lapse VCR monitor and recording systems. Present invention further provide status information, allowing users to check the status of any security breach before entering the premises, greatly enhancing the safety of home residents or office personnel. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: FIG. 1 shows the overall system architecture of present invention. FIG. 2a shows the construction diagram of the motion-image trigger and intake unit, along with the connection to a few lamps that are commonly found around doorways and sidewalls. FIG. 2b shows the control logic of a Sustained Detection Period employed by motion detectors of present invention. FIG. 3 shows the construction diagram of the body heat sensor unit and transmitter. FIG. 4 shows the logical diagram of image transmission and display in the Single and/or Quad format, as would be implemented into the Logic Auto Switch unit of present invention. FIG. 5 shows the logical diagram of status information recording and display by the colored lights. FIG. 6 shows the construction diagram of camera units connected to the Logic Auto Switch unit and the recording system. FIG. 7 shows a portion of system diagram featuring the connection to and from the Micro System Controller (“MSC”) unit. FIG. 8 shows a Universal Remote Control having additional parabola shaped reflector built-in. The buttons on FIG. 8 are indicative of typical button layout on a remote control and not necessarily the exact number or matching number to the circuit shown in FIGS. 9, 9a and 9b. FIGS. 9, 9a and 9b show the block diagram of the Universal Remote Control, as well as its circuitry and connection to its input interface for receiving command and emitting infrared frequency to recording or display means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Present invention provides a security system for homes or offices that features great savings when it comes to installation and its normal usage. For ease of reference and further explanation, a term “SM Session”, abbreviation for Security Monitor Session, has been defined as the time period when user(s) of present invention “arm” the system to work (to monitor the houses/offices) by utilizing all the cameras, sensors, etc, until user(s) “disarm” the system (using phone, keypad or other means) when they do not want the system to monitor any security breaches, for example, the user(s) are back to their houses/offices. For ease of reference and further explanation, a term “SD Period”, abbreviation for Sustained Detection Period, has been defined as the present time period in which continuous detection of movement will cause controllers (A, B, C and D; detailed later) activated by motion detector(s) to remain active. After an SD Period, motion detector will shut itself off, along with said controllers (A, B, C and D). Another SD Period will be initiated when another wave(s) of motion is detected by motion detector(s). A SD Period is somewhere between 1 to 60 seconds; present value is 5, but is user-selectable. For ease of reference, the colored status/light is defined as: RED: Red will go on at any moment during a SM Session whenever motion detector(s) detect motion. Correspondingly, at any moment during a SM Session, whenever motion detector(s) detect no motion, Red light/status will be off. Any detection of motion will cause the recording to take place. Red light is indicated by number 93. GREEN: Green will go on as long as there has been recording during a SM Session. That is, Green shows the existence of recording during a SM Session. Green light is indicated by number 94. ORANGE: Orange will go on at any moment during a SM Session whenever body heat is detected by heat sensor(s). Correspondingly, at any moment during a SM Session, whenever no body heat is detected, Orange light/status will be off. Orange light is indicated by number 95. The detection of body heat is preset at the temperature range of between 86 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. YELLOW: Yellow will go on as long as there has been detection of body heat by heat sensor(s) during a SM Session. That is, Yellow shows the existence of body heat detection by heat sensor(s) during a SM Session. Yellow light is indicated by number 96. FIG. 1 outlines the overall system architecture. By using a universal remote control unit (URC) 72 that connects to the Micro System Controller (MSC) unit, users can employ household VCR 54, or other commonly available recording equipment, to record any security breach. Such recording does not take place on a 24/7 basis, as most security systems do, which typically result in substantial blank images to be recorded for long and uneventful periods. Installation in accordance with the teachings of present invention would only cause recording to take place when motion detectors are triggered. Said MSC consists of a modern day CPU together with IC Bus 91 that can receive signals/commands from video detector, remote detector and code detector to activate the system for recording, displaying, storing and transmitting status information; said MSC further has I/O ports, as well as ports to phone lines and other forms of network/Internet connection. Multiple camera assemblies 08 can be installed in present invention, in predetermined spots. For illustration purpose, showing the logic of displaying up to 8 images using 2 QUAD formats (detailed later), present invention uses eight (8) camera assemblies 08A-08H as example. However, the construction of a security system is certainly not limited to the eight camera units 08; the number of cameras units 08 depends on individual user need. Reference FIGS. 1 & 2a, video camera assemblies 08 have permanent power supply, or can be powered on after the system enters a SM Session. Motion detectors 14, installed in predetermined spots, which sense motion and enter a SD Period. During a SD Period, A, B, C and D controllers are activated, when control signal 130 is received from Motion Detectors 14. Motion detectors 14 have built-in timing control logic as implemented by FIG. 2b. When Controller A is activated, it causes control signal 140 to turn on switch SW1, which in turn allows captured video signals 100 from camera 10 to be transmitted to Logic Auto Switch 44 (detailed later) and further onward to recording means 54 (VCR, for example) and display means 46 (TV monitor, for example). When Controller B is activated, it causes control signal 160 to turn on switch SW2, which in turn allows captured audio signals 110 from microphone 12 to be transmitted to Logic Auto Switch 44 and further onward to recording means 54 and display means 46. Video and audio signals coming out of Logic Auto Switch are separately denoted as 100k and 110k. When Controller C is activated, it causes control signal 180 to turn on switch SW3, which in turns causes power 120 to be supplied to infrared light 16. When video detector 56 detects the existence of video signal 100k from Logic Auto Switch 44, video detector 56 will cause switch SW6 to be placed in a “record position”. When video detector 56 does not detect the existence of video signal 100k (no more motion is detected by motion sensor 14), SW6 will be placed in a “pause position”. MSC receives the “record position” or “pause position” signal from SW6, and through Auto Off Switch 74, will cause the URC 72 to send the infrared command to the recording means 54. Auto Off Switch 74, also represented as “Micro Processor Timing Switch” in the drawings, provides the necessary “off” action on to URC 72, similar to human finger's lifting from the buttons of a regular remote control, so that MSC's sending REC/PAUSE/STOP command to URC is properly done like human finger's pressing and releasing. Auto Off Switch 74 can also be implement by software components within MSC. Each microphone 12 goes with each camera 10; they can be housed in the same package of the cameras, or can be separately housed. Lamps 18 are commonly found near doorways and sideways, around houses or offices. These lamps 18 can optionally be electrically removed from the control of Relay E by users based on the consideration that users do not want to disturb the subject who is causing the security breach. Motion detector will also send control signal to Relay Controller D to control the Relay E to turn on switch SW4 which supplies power to and light up lamps 18. Video cameras 10, microphones 12, motion detectors 14, and A, B, C, D Controllers are always connected to power supply sources. In terms of system construction, the always power-on can also mean always powered on during a SM Session. Captured Video/Audio signals 100/110 will be sent to Logic Auto Switch 44 by cable or wireless transmission. The image display format adopted and controlled by Logic Auto Switch 44 is in the Single and/or Quad format, defined later; and its displaying logic is shown in FIG. 4. A pre-programmed memory, IC BUS 91, works together with MSC and store received data in memory, and release the data out by the command of MSC. System Control Codes from 1 to 18 (detailed later) have been pre-programmed into IC BUS 91; IC BUS 91 further allows passwords to be set by individual users when a system pursuant to present invention is installed. A status display means using light driver 92 is controlled by MSC to turn on/off the status lights of red 93, green 94, orange 95 and yellow 96. The controlling logic will be explained later on. An answering machine keypad 97 is a key scan switch input for MSC to control over IC BUS 91. Telephone interface 66 is connected to MSC, via remote signal detector 64, and acts to receive phone instructions (dial tone), record voice message or establish voice-link digital command. A self-contained and self-controlling micro-processor based Internet unit 84 is controlled by MSC by power on/off signal 400. Internet unit 84, having audio/video input jack 82 receiving A/V signals 100M/110M from recording means 54, will cause the recorded signals to be transmitted out through Internet connection. Depending on implementation, MSC can optionally have built-in Internet unit 84 that carry out the above-stated functions. This optional implementation, however, will not affect usage of present invention, such as the system control codes 03 and 04 related to the functions of Internet unit 84. A video transmitter 78, connected to MSC, will receive command from telephone codes to wirelessly transmit recorded audio/video signals. Video transmitter is controlled by power on/off 380 connected to MSC. Body heat signal transmitter, detailed in FIG. 3, will be activated when it detects presence of body heat at predetermined spot and send the code signal to the heat receiver 60. Code detector 62 detects code signal and send to MSC to activate orange (and yellow) light and record system status. Body heat detector 20 relies on battery power 34, which also supplies power to a power on-off unit 32 that controls switch SW5, which in turn controls the code generator 22, signal modulator 28, signal oscillator 24 and signal transmitter 28, as shown in FIG. 3. MSC will be alerted by code detector 62 when wireless signal is received on receiver 58, from antenna 30, that body heat has been detected at the place(s) where said heat sensor(s) is installed. MSC will turn on Orange and Yellow status (lights) and also record equivalent status on IC Bus 91. FIG. 4 shows the video image transmission and display in a Single and/or Quad format. A Quad form is defined as a roughly rectangle display area (such as the screen of a TV monitor) centrally, symmetrically and equally divided into four quadrants of equal rectangles. As shown in FIG. 4, the images from up to 8 cameras are displayed in three ways: First, when only one video camera 10 is sending image, the display has only one picture taking up the full display area. If microphones 12 are also in place, the sound playback is also enabled when only one video camera 10 is capturing and displaying images. Sound effect will be turned off when more than one video camera 10 is displayed in the following scenario. Second, when 2 to 4 video cameras are sending images, the first Quad format is generated on the display means. Third, when 5-8 video cameras are sending images, an Auto Quad Switch (“AQS”) will cause the first Quad images to alternate with the second Quad images, so that each Quad appear on the display means for about 3-5 seconds, with first 4 images appearing in the first Quad, and the remaining (5 to 8) images appearing in the second Quad. FIG. 5 shows the status information controlled by MSC and display embodied by colored lights. Red light has the important function of notifying users that whenever the red light is on, it is NOT safe to go into the house or office. A burglary, for example, might be taking place at that moment. Whereas green light would show that a burglary or some other intrusion took place already, with some recordings made. The Quad format display logic inside LAS 44 can be implemented by commonly available logic ICs of AND gates, NAND gates, OR gates and/or NOR gates, or by programming software inside MSC. In FIG. 6, the connection of camera assembly 08A-08H to the Logic Auto Switch is shown, as well as the image display to the display means 46 and recording means 54. 8 letters from A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H are used to signify the usage where 8 camera units are employed, resulting in up to two Quad format images shown In FIG. 7, VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54, will engage in the RECORD or PAUSE action in accordance with the signal sent from video detector 56. SW6 uses keyscan 280, position 240 (pause) and position 300 (record) to control the recording or pause action. When video detector 56 detects signal, due to motion detector(s) being triggered, switch SW 6 would be placed in record position 300. When no motion is detected, video detector 56 will cause switch SW6 to be placed on a pause position 240. MSC turn on keys of Auto Switch Off 72. URC 72 would send the control signal to VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54, to start the recording. MSC also send the record data to IC BUS 91 and turn the green light and red light on. Red light will go off when no motion is being detected at any moment. MSC further has a microphone 88 for recording greeting message. Preamp 86 will amplify microphone signal and send to MSC, which will convert analog audio signal 410 to digital form and store on IC BUS 91 memory. Amp 89 will amplify audio signal and send to speaker 90. In FIG. 7, the MSC gets the signal from remote signal detector 64, connecting the telephone interface 66, and communicate with IC BUS 91 to let user enter pass code and then enter the following codes to activate/control present system, defined as follows: Definition List 1 Term Definition Code 01 turn video transmitter 78 power on Code 02 turn video transmitter 78 power off Code 03 turn Internet unit 84 power on; or enabled Code 04 turn Internet unit 84 power off; or disabled Code 05 play VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 06 stop VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 07 fast-forward VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 08 rewind VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 09 pause VCR 54, or equivalent recording equipment 54 Code 10 VCR 54 input selection (for VCR having multiple line-ins) Code 11 TV/VCR selection switch Code 12 check status recorded on IC BUS 91 Code 13 check outgoing message Code 14 fast-forward/skip of recorded message on IC BUS 91 Code 15 rewind of recorded message on IC BUS 91 Code 16 DVD/VCR switch control Code 17 DVD/DVD/R switch control Code 18 Power On/Off VCR FIG. 8 shows a universal remote control URC 72, with slight modification to fit the need of present invention. At the tip of the URC 72, a reflector in a general parabola shape is placed around and underneath the infrared emitter, to better enhance the power of infrared light focus beamed to the remote receiver of recording means 54. At bottom of URC 72, a circuit board terminal is shown for attaching to a terminal connector and hot-wired to MSC through Auto Switch Off 74. The amount of push-buttons on FIG. 8 is only indicative of the buttons on a remote control and is not necessarily the exact number of buttons or the matching buttons to the circuits shown in FIGS. 9, 9A or 9B. FIG. 9 shows the block diagram of URC 72 under present invention. URC 72 is connected, via W10, W20, W30, W40 and W50 male/female and hard wires, via the micro processor timing switch (Auto Switch Off 74) to MSC. A remote signal processor Z10 has scan lines SC1 to SC16 for scanning signal input. FIG. 9a shows, when command is received from telephone interface 66 or video detector 56, MSC will cause microprocessor timing switch (auto off switch) 74 to give corresponding bias to switches Q1 to Q11, corresponding carbon switches P1 to P11. Remote signal processor Z10 will produce the requisite signal frequency under command of key scan K0-K4 and switches Q1-Q11, sending the key input signal to Q12 that amplifies the signal for the IR (Infra Red) emitter and light up the Infrared and also transmitting infrared wave to remote receiver of recording means 54. FIG. 9b shows the remaining portion of URC 72 that function like a regular remote control, wherein each switch, from P12-P31, has the down/up resilience for user pressing. Note that before users can start using a security system as taught by present invention, said URC 72 must be calibrated to the “channel” of the household VCR 54 or other recording equipment. | <SOH> FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Security systems are commonly found in many households and offices today. Most of the currently available security systems, however, do not have a status-reporting mechanism that can be accessed remotely by the users. Complex security systems require the use of close-circuit cameras and dedicated recording means that operate on a 24/7 basis. The recorded media, mostly likely tapes, have to be changed and reused from time to time, though most content on the tapes is blank for long and uneventful period of time. The associated cost for such systems are inevitably high and often cannot be budgeted by many households. | <SOH> OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Present invention relates generally to a security system activated by motion detectors or body heat sensors, for homes or offices. More particularly, present invention primarily utilizes home VCR, or other readily-available recording appliances, as a recording means. Furthermore, recordation only occurs when motion is detected, achieving great simplicity and economy in the installation and use of the security system, as compared to Time Lapse VCR monitor and recording systems. Present invention further provide status information, allowing users to check the status of any security breach before entering the premises, greatly enhancing the safety of home residents or office personnel. | 20050325 | 20080304 | 20060928 | 74383.0 | H04N7173 | 0 | DESIR, JEAN WICEL | A SECURITY CAMERA AND MONITOR SYSTEM ACTIVATED BY MOTION SENSOR AND BODY HEAT SENSOR FOR HOMES OR OFFICES | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04N | 2,005 |
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10,907,311 | ACCEPTED | EFFICIENT MEDIA SCAN OPERATIONS FOR STORAGE SYSTEMS | A method for media scan operations for storage system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of arranging a range of sections of media of PSDs to perform media scan operations; scheduling the media scan operations; selecting a section in the range; verifying media of the selected section; determining the status of selected section; if the status is not ok, responding by proceeding with the corrective action processes, otherwise responding by selecting another section in the range to proceed with the verifying step, the determining step, and this responding step, until no more sections in the range to be verified. A storage subsystem implementing the method, a computer system comprising such storage subsystem, and a storage media having machine-executable codes stored therein for performing the method are also disclosed. | 1. A method for media scan operations for storage system, comprising the steps of: arranging a range of sections of media of PSDs to perform media scan operations; scheduling the media scan operations; selecting a section in the range; verifying media of the selected section; determining the status of the selected section to be ok or not ok; and responding by proceeding with the corrective action processes if the status is not ok, and by, if the status is ok, selecting another section in the range to proceed with the verifying step, the determining step, and the responding step, until there is no more section in the range to be verified. 2. The method defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of determining whether or not the selected section of which the data can be regenerated when a media error occurs. 3. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of determining whether or not the selected section of which the data has associated redundant data stored in the storage system. 4. The method defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of determining whether or not the selected section is a non-data section. 5. The method defined in one of claims 1-4, wherein when the status of the selected section is determined to be not ok, further comprises the step of determining whether the not-ok status is resulted from a media error or a non-media error. 6. The method defined in claim 5, wherein when the status is resulted from a non-media error, the selected section is considered unrecoverable. 7. The method defined in claim 5, wherein when the status is resulted from a non-media error, a PSD containing the selected section is removed from the media scan operation range. 8. The method defined in claim 5, wherein when the status is resulted from a media error, further comprises the step of determining whether the media error is persistent or non-persistent. 9. The method defined in claim 5, wherein when the status is resulted from a media error, further comprises the step of determining whether or not section reassignment is to proceed. 10. The method defined in claim 5, wherein when the status is resulted from a media error, further comprises the step of performing section reassignment. 11. The method defined in claim 5, wherein when the status is resulted from a media error and when the selected section is not to perform section reassignment, further comprises the step of considering the selected section unrecoverable. 12. The method defined in claim 1, wherein when data in the selected section can be regenerated and the status is determined to a not-ok status resulted from a non-persistent media error, further comprises the step of regenerating and writing data on the selected section and selecting the selected section to verify again. 13. The method defined in claim 1, wherein when the status is determined a not-ok and data in the selected section can not be regenerated from data in the storage system, further comprises the step of marking the selected section bad data section. 14. The method defined in claim 1, wherein when the status is determined not-ok and the status is resulted from a media error and the error data can not be regenerated, further comprises the step of determine whether or not destructive corrective operation is to perform. 15. The method defined in claim 1, wherein when the status is determined not-ok and the status is resulted from a media error, further comprises the step of determining whether the media error is persistent or non-persistent by issuing a single-command physical media write-verify command to the PSD of the selected section. 16. The method defined in claim 1, wherein when the status is determined not-ok and the status is resulted from a non-media error, further comprises the step of rearranging the range of sections for the media scan operation. 17. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the method is operated in off-line mode. 18. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the method is operated in on-line mode. 19. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the media scan operations are scheduled to perform when the system load is relatively low. 20. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the method is performed in a SVS that supports point-to-point serial signal transmission in drive-side IO device interconnects. 21. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the method is performed in a SVS comprising SVCs redundantly configured therein. 22. The method defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the data attribute of the selected section. 23. The method defined in claim 22, wherein the step of determining the data attribute of the selected section is performed after the step of determining the status of the selected section. 24. A storage virtualization subsystem (SVS) comprising: an array of PSDs each having data storage space for storing data therein; a controller coupled to the PSD array for executing IO operations in response to IO requests from a host entity to access the PSD array; wherein the controller is implemented with a media scan mechanism to perform the steps of: arranging a range of sections of media of PSDs to perform media scan operations; scheduling the media scan operations; selecting a section in the range; verifying media of the selected section; determining the status of the selected section to be ok or not ok; and responding by proceeding with the corrective action processes if the status is not ok, and by, if the status is ok, selecting another section in the range to proceed with the verifying step, the determining step, and the responding step, until there is no more section in the range to be verified. 25. The subsystem defined in claim 24, wherein the media scan mechanism further comprises the step of: determining whether or not the selected section of which the data can be regenerated when a media error occurs. 26. The subsystem defined in claim 24, wherein the media scan mechanism further comprises the step of: determining whether or not the selected section of which the data has associated redundant data stored in the storage system. 27. The subsystem defined in claim 24, wherein the media scan mechanism further comprises the step of: determining whether or not the selected section is a non-data section. 28. The subsystem defined in claim 24, wherein the subsystem supports point-to-point serial signal transmission in drive-side IO device interconnects. 29. The subsystem defined in claim 24, wherein the subsystem comprises a plurality of the controllers and the controllers are configured to be redundant controllers. 30. A computer system comprising: a host computer; an array of PSDs each having data storage space for storing data therein; a storage virtualization controller coupled between the host computer and the PSD array for executing IO operations in response to IO requests from the host computer to access the PSD array; wherein the controller is implemented with a media scan mechanism to perform the steps of: arranging a range of sections of media of PSDs to perform media scan operations; scheduling the media scan operations; selecting a section in the range; verifying media of the selected section; determining the status of the selected section to be ok or not ok; and responding by proceeding with the corrective action processes if the status is not ok, and by, if the status is ok, selecting another section in the range to proceed with the verifying step, the determining step, and the responding step, until there is no more section in the range to be verified. 31. The system defined in claim 30, wherein the media scan mechanism further comprises the step of: determining whether or not the selected section of which the data can be regenerated when a media error occurs. 32. The system defined in claim 30, wherein the media scan mechanism further comprises the step of: determining whether or not the selected section of which the data has associated redundant data stored in the storage system. 33. The system defined in claim 30, wherein the media scan mechanism further comprises the step of: determining whether or not the selected section is a non-data section. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority of application Ser. No. 60/521,307, filed on 2004 Mar. 30, and entitled “EFFICIENT MEDIA SCAN OPERATIONS FOR STORAGE SYSTEMS,” which application is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is related to a method for performing media scan operation for storage system and a storage subsystem and a storage system implementing the method. 2. Description of the Prior Art Scanning media for defects or problem areas is a relatively common procedure. Most PC operating systems incorporate it as part of the process of preparing a section of media for accommodating data. Storage virtualization systems also commonly offer a way of scanning media for defects or problem areas prior to or during the process of preparing a section of physical media for use. It has also appeared on storage virtualization systems run on on-line media to detect defective media section of a PSD (physical storage device) while the data in that section can still be recovered or damage due to associated loss of data minimized. Storage virtualization systems have typically relied on a RAID parity consistency check operation performed on a RAID disk array to achieve this goal. This operation typically would include a mechanism for re-writing and/or reassigning a section of media that was not read successfully due to potentially defective media. Such an operation, however, suffers from the shortcoming that it is very resource intensive, causing a significant negative impact on normal host IO performance. This is because it requires transferring data in from each member disk in the disk array and then requires computing the XOR parity of all the data read in. Furthermore, it is only applicable to disk arrays that are redundant, that is either incorporate RAID parity (e.g., RAID levels 3, 4, 5) or incorporate mirroring (e.g., RAID 1). It cannot be used on disk arrays that are not redundant, such as simple striped arrays (e.g., RAID 0), nor can it be used on drives that are not members of an array. One of the primary functions of the above-mentioned Storage Virtualization Systems (SVSs) is to protect integrity of, while allowing for continued access to, data stored within even in the face of certain kinds of faults. As an example, SVSs supporting some form of redundant array of disk drives allow a single disk drive to fail without loss of data or even loss of access to data stored in the array. However, there are still fault conditions that may cause loss of data itself and/or loss of data access. Such conditions typically consist of multiple faults in a certain set of associated devices, such as faults on two distinct disk drives in a redundant disk array. Applying techniques expressly designed to detect possible sources of faults then taking corrective action before the fault actually occurs can serve to minimize the possibility of such an occurrence. One common cause of multiple faults in the set of member drives comprising a disk array is media errors on physical storage devices (PSDs). If a redundant disk array is running in an “optimal” state, media errors can typically be corrected “on-the-fly” without loss of data or loss of access to data. However, if the redundant disk array is operating in a “degraded” state, meaning that it is lacking in some or all redundancy due to the absence or failure of one or more member drives, then yet another fault may lead to such a loss. To avoid such an undesirable occurrence, preventative measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood that such a fault might occur while the disk array is operating in a “degraded” state. Accordingly, there is a need for a method to solve the above-mentioned problems of the existing technologies. SUMMARY OF INVENTION An objective of the present invention is to provide an efficient media scan method by which problem areas of physical media in a data storage system can be detected early on so that appropriate counter-measures can be taken while affected data is still recoverable or damage due to associated loss of data can be minimized. An further objective of the present invention is to provide a method to lower the possibility that a fault might occur while the redundant array is operated in a degraded state or the array does not have the ability to recover the data in a damaged media section A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a data storage subsystem and a data storage system incorporated with the above-mentioned media scan method. Accordance to an embodiment of the invention, a method for media scan operations for storage system is provided. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a range of sections of media of PSDs to perform media scan operations; scheduling the media scan operations; selecting a section in the range; verifying media of the selected section; determining the status of the selected section to be ok or not ok; and, if the status is not ok, responding by proceeding with the corrective action processes, and, if the status is ok, responding by selecting another section in the range to proceed with the verifying step, the determining step, and this responding step, until there is no more section in the range to be verified. Accordance to another embodiment of the invention, a storage virtualization subsystem is provided in which a media scan mechanism is implemented therein to perform the above-mentioned method. Accordance to a further embodiment of the invention, a computer system having a storage virtualization subsystem is provided in which a media scan mechanism is implemented therein to perform the above-mentioned method. These and various other features and advantages which characterize the present invention will be described in the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of processes for performing media scan operation for storage system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the corrective action processes in FIG. 1 according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the conditional branch C1 of the corrective action processes in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the conditional branch C2 of the corrective action processes in FIG. 2; and FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the conditional branch C3 of the corrective action processes in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Brief Introduction to Storage Virtualization Storage virtualization is a technology that has been used to virtualize physical storage by combining sections of physical storage devices (PSDs) into logical storage entities, herein referred to as logical media units (LMUs), that are made accessible to a host system. This technology has been used primarily in redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) storage virtualization, which combines smaller physical storage devices into larger, fault tolerant, higher performance logical media units via RAID technology. A Storage virtualization Controller, abbreviated SVC, is a device the primary purpose of which is to map combinations of sections of physical storage media to logical media units visible to a host system. IO requests received from the host system are parsed and interpreted and associated operations and data are translated into physical storage device IO requests. This process may be indirect with operations cached, delayed (e.g., write-back), anticipated (read-ahead), grouped, etc., to improve performance and other operational characteristics so that a host IO request may not necessarily result directly in physical storage device IO requests in a one-to-one fashion. An External (sometimes referred to as “Stand-alone”) Storage Virtualization Controller is a Storage Virtualization Controller that connects to the host system via an IO interface and that is capable of supporting connection to devices that reside external to the host system and, in general, operates independently of the host. One example of an external Storage Virtualization Controller is an external, or stand-alone, direct-access RAID controller. A RAID controller combines sections on one or multiple physical direct access storage devices (DASDs), the combination of which is determined by the nature of a particular RAID level, to form logical media units that are contiguously addressable by a host system to which the logical media unit is made available. A single RAID controller will typically support multiple RAID levels so that different logical media units may consist of sections of DASDs combined in different ways by virtue of the different RAID levels that characterize the different units. Another example of an external Storage Virtualization Controller is a JBOD emulation controller. AJBOD, short for “Just a Bunch of Drives”, is a set of physical DASDs that connect directly to a host system via one or more a multiple-device IO device interconnect channels. DASDs that implement point-to-point IO device interconnects to connect to the host system (e.g., Parallel ATA HDDs, Serial ATA HDDs, etc.) cannot be directly combined to form a “JBOD” system as defined above for they do not allow the connection of multiple devices directly to the IO device channel. An intelligent “JBOD emulation” device can be used to emulate multiple multiple-device IO device interconnect DASDs by mapping IO requests to physical DASDs that connect to the JBOD emulation device individually via the point-to-point IO-device interconnection channels. Another example of an external Storage Virtualization Controller is a controller for an external tape backup subsystem. The primary function of a storage virtualization controller, abbreviated as SVC, is to manage, combine, and manipulate physical storage devices in such a way as to present them as a set of logical media units to the host. Each LMU is presented to the host as if it were a directly-connected physical storage device (PSD) of which the LMU is supposed to be the logical equivalent. In order to accomplish this, IO requests sent out by the host to be processed by the SVC that will normally generate certain behavior in an equivalent PSD also generate logically equivalent behavior on the part of the SVC in relation to the addressed logical media unit. The result is that the host “thinks” it is directly connected to and communicating with a PSD when in actuality the host is connected to a SVC that is simply emulating the behavior of the PSD of which the addressed logical media unit is the logical equivalent. Storage virtualization subsystem may provide storage virtualization to hosts connected via standard host-storage interfaces using a pair of Storage Virtualization controllers configured redundantly so that a controller will takeover all the operations originally performed by the alternate controller should it malfunction. Please also refer to the US Provisional Application “EFFICIENT MEDIA SCAN OPERATIONS FOR STORAGE SYSTEMS”, Ser. No. 60/521,307, filed on 2004 Mar. 30, which is the priority basis application of the present application. The operation flows and structure pertaining to such SVSs and SVCs are explained in detail in the Attachment 1 entitled “Serial ATA External Storage Virtualization Controller and Subsystem” and Attachment 2 entitled “Redundant Serial ATA External Storage Virtualization Subsystem” of the US Provisional Application. Embodiments of the Present Invention An embodiment according to the present invention is started from description of the media scan operation on a particular PSD. The entire media scan operation on a particular PSD consists of a series of elemental operations on individual sections of physical media, one for each section of media. Typically, these elemental operations would be executed on physical media sections in a sequential fashion to minimize the performance impact caused by mechanical characteristics of the PSD (e.g., magnetic head seek, rotational latency, etc). However, orders other than a sequential fashion can also be adopted in the present invention. A typical elemental operation would consist of issuing a “Media Check” command to the PSD that would have the PSD perform a check of the state of the media and the data stored therein. On completion of command execution, if the PSD indicates that a problem was found with the state of the media or data stored therein, the Storage Virtualization Controller (SVC) would perform “corrective actions”, that is, actions designed to recover the data or minimize the damage that could finally result from such a condition. The nature of such corrective actions would further depend on whether or not the offending section of media is a “data section”, meaning that it has data that may need to be accessed at some point in the future stored on it, and, if so, whether or not the data stored therein is recoverable (e.g., PSD is a member of a redundant disk array that is currently in “optimal” state). If the offending section is not a data section (a “non-data section”), then there are no concerns about the possibility that the data stored therein will be accessed at some point in the future, so the media section can be processed in a destructive way, meaning that media section and/or data stored therein can be freely manipulated without regard to the integrity of the data stored therein. The corrective action applied in this case, hereafter referred to as “Data-Destructive corrective action”, would typically involve executing a write to the media section to force a rewriting of data and regeneration of check data by the PSD followed by a “Media Check” operation to check if the media problem has been corrected. If the problem still exists as evidenced by a failed Media Check operation, then an attempt to map out the offending media section and map in a replacement section (this operation hereafter referred to as a “Media Section Reassignment”) would typically be performed. Alternately, the Media Section Reassignment could be executed directly without first attempting to correct the problem with a media write if it is deemed that the media section might not be reliable enough to store data as is. If the offending section is a data section, and data stored therein is stored, in some form, redundantly such that it can be regenerated using data from other media sections on the same or other PSDs, then a process that allows for full recovery of data can be implemented. This would typically involve regenerating the data and then executing a write operation to the media section to write the regenerated data to the offending media section and, at the same time, force regeneration of check data by the PSD, followed by a Media Check operation to check if the media problem has been corrected. If the problem still exists as evidenced by a failed Media Check operation, then a Media Section Reassignment would typically be performed followed by another attempt to write the regenerated data to the media section and a Media Check operation to check if media problem still exists. Alternately, a Media Section Reassignment could be performed before the attempt to write the regenerated data if it is deemed that the media section might not be reliable enough to store data as is. If the offending section is a data section, but data stored therein cannot be regenerated, then data recovery is not possible. In this case, it is important either that no “destructive operations” be performed on the media section or that, if destructive operations are to be performed, a non-volatile record be made indicating that the data stored in the offending media section is no longer valid (this operation hereafter referred to as “Marking the media section Bad”). In this way, future IO operations that, for instance, are generated as part of normal operation, can detect the problem and deal with it accordingly (e.g., return error status to requesting entity). If the implementation is such that destructive operations are not performed, typical corrective actions would consist of simply posting an event message to an event log and/or issuing a notification to inform the user that a condition worthy of attention has occurred. If the implementation is such that the offending media section is to be “Marked Bad” thereby allowing destructive operations to be performed as part of the corrective action, then a process similar to the corrective actions defined for media problems detected in non-data sections would typically be applied following the Marking Bad of the offending section. In addition to the actual execution of the various Corrective Action processes discussed above, typically, selected steps in the processes would also generate related event messages logged to an event log and/or issue related notifications to keep the user informed as to what has transpired just in case it is deemed worthy of closer monitoring. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the host entity (e.g., the SVC) arranges the range of sections of media of PSDs and schedules the media scan operation. The range can be one or some or all section of one or multiple PSDs. To schedule the media scan operation means the operation can be scheduled as periodical, isolated, or instant operation. After the arrangement and the scheduling are completed, the verification on the sections of media of PSDs can be started and the corrective actions can be performed, if necessary, according to data attribute of the sections, such as non-data section, data section that is currently in a state that permits regeneration of data therein, or, data section that is currently in a state that do not permit regeneration of data therein, etc. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a typical procedure implementing the media scan operation on sets of media sections that are members of redundant combinations of media sections (e.g. member sections of redundant disk arrays such as RAID-1, RAID-3, RAID-5, and RAID-6 arrays) that are currently in a state that permit data regeneration might be as follows: (1) A Media Check command is issued to the PSD to the state of a section of media and the data stored therein. (2) The PSD executes the operation and then reports the completion status of the operation to the SVC. If the status is “OK”, then the SVC moves on to scan the next media section and processing continues from (1). (3) If the completion status of the operation is not “OK” (“not-ok”) and the failure was a result of an error other than a media error (non-media error) then two possible approaches can be adopted depending on the implementation. The first is that the offending section can be considered to be “unrecoverable” and appropriate counter-measures taken followed by the continuation of processing with the next media section at (1). The second is that the entire media scan operation on the particular PSD can be aborted. (4) Otherwise, the completion status of the operation is not “OK” and the failure was due to a media error. Data from corresponding sections on the same or other PSDs is read in and combined to regenerate the data on the section of media in which the Media Check operation failed. (5) When the completion status of the operation is not “OK” and the failure was due to a media error, the procedure will evaluate whether or not the media error problem is “persistent”. If it is determined that the problem is “persistent”, a Media Section Reassignment operation can be performed on the offending section of media. One typical criterion to determine “persistency” is that simple rewriting of the data will not prevent problem recurrence in the same media section. Alternately, the criterion can be that all media errors are considered “persistent”, and a Media Section Reassignment can be performed on all media sections for which the Media Check operation failed with a media error. (6) If a Media Section Reassignment was performed and it failed or if the Media Section Reassignment should have been performed but could not for some other reason (e.g., because the maximum number of such reassignments that are allowed has been reached), then the offending section is considered to be “unrecoverable” and processing continues with the next media section at (1). (7) If the media error is deemed not persistent, the regenerated data is then written to the offending section of media. (8) The Media Check is reissued to the offending section of the PSD to verify the offending section of media again and procedure continues from (2). According to an embodiment of the present invention, a typical procedure implementing the media scan operation on sets of media sections that are members of non-redundant combinations of media sections (e.g., non-redundant disk arrays such as RAID-0 arrays) or on sets of media sections that are members of redundant combinations of media sections but that are in a state that does not permit data regeneration might be as follows: (1) A Media Check command is issued to the PSD to the state of a section of media and the data stored therein. (2) The PSD executes the operation and then reports the completion status of the operation to the SVC. If the status is “OK”, then the SVC moves on to scan the next media section and processing continues from (1). (3) If the completion status of the operation is not “OK” and destructive operations on the media section are not supported (e.g., Marking a media section Bad is not implemented) or the failure was a result of an error other than a media error (non-media error) then two possible approaches can be adopted depending on the implementation. The first is that the offending section can be considered to be “unrecoverable” and appropriate counter-measures taken followed by the continuation of processing with the next media section at (1). The second is that the entire media scan operation on the particular PSD can be aborted. (4) Otherwise, the completion status of the operation is not “OK”, the failure was due to a media error and destructive operations on the media section are supported. In one preferred implementation, the offending media section will be marked bad so that future READ operations of that section can detect the fact that the data in the section may not be valid and take the appropriate counter-measures (e.g., return error status to the requesting entity). (5) When the completion status of the operation is not “OK” and the failure was due to a media error, the procedure will evaluate whether or not the media error problem is “persistent”. If it is determined that the problem is “persistent”, a Media Section Reassignment operation can be performed on the offending section of media. One typical criterion to determine “persistency” is that simple rewriting of the data will not prevent problem recurrence in the same media section. Alternately, the criterion can be that all media errors are considered “persistent”, and a Media Section Reassignment can be performed on all media sections for which the Media Check operation failed with a media error. (6) If a Media Section Reassignment was performed and it failed or if the Media Section Reassignment should have been performed but could not for some other reason (e.g., because the maximum number of such reassignments that are allowed has been reached), then the offending section is considered to be “unrecoverable” and processing continues with the next media section at (1). (7) In determining whether or not the media error is “persistent”, the following measure can be taken. A physical media WRITE command is issued to the offending section of the PSD followed by a re-issuance of the Media Check command. Alternately, a single-command physical media WRITE-VERIFY command can be issued in place of the two-command WRITE followed by Media Check command sequence. Processing continues with (2). According to an embodiment of the present invention, a typical implementing the media scan operation on sets of non-data media sections (e.g., spare or unassigned drives) might be as follows: (1) A Media Check command is issued to the PSD to the state of a section of media and the data stored therein. (2) The PSD executes the operation and then reports the completion status of the operation to the SVC. If the status is “OK”, then the SVC moves on to scan the next media section and processing continues from (1). (3) If the completion status of the operation is not “OK” and the failure was a result of an error other than a media error (non-media error) then the offending media section is considered to be “unrecoverable” and appropriate counter-measures can be taken. Processing continues with the next media section at (1). (4) Otherwise, the completion status of the operation is not “OK” and the failure was due to a media error. The procedure will then evaluate whether or not the media error problem is “persistent”. If it is determined that the problem is “persistent”, a Media Section Reassignment operation can be performed on the offending section of media. One typical criterion to determine “persistency” is that simple rewriting of the data will not prevent problem recurrence in the same media section. Alternately, the criterion can be that all media errors are considered “persistent”, and a Media Section Reassignment can be performed on all media sections for which the Media Check operation failed with a media error. (5) If a Media Section Reassignment was performed and it failed or if the Media Section Reassignment should have been performed but could not for some other reason (e.g., because the maximum number of such reassignments that are allowed has been reached), then the offending section is considered to be “unrecoverable” and processing continues with the next media section at (1). (6) In determining whether or not the media error is “persistent”, the following measure can be taken. A physical media WRITE command is issued to the offending section of the PSD followed by a re-issuance of the Media Check command. Alternately, a single-command physical media WRITE-VERIFY command can be issued in place of the two-command WRITE followed by Media Check command sequence. Processing continues with (2). In the procedures detailed above, when a failure of a Media Check operation on a media section results in the offending section being considered “unrecoverable”, so-called “appropriate counter-measures” would typically consist of posting an event to the event log and, optionally, issuing a notification to inform the user that a condition worthy of his attention has occurred. For data drives, a replacement drive, could optionally be brought on line and data copied from the offending drive onto it, after which the offending drive could be taken off line being fully replaced by the replacement drive. The drawing FIGS. 1 through 5 are main flows showing alternate embodiments in accordance with of the present invention. Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of processes for performing media scan operation for storage system according to the present invention. The host entity (e.g., the SVC) arranges the range of sections of media of PSDs to perform media scan (step S110). The host then schedules the timing (step S120), such as periodical, isolated, or instant operation, to perform the media scan. When Host starts to perform the media scan operation, it selects a section (step S130) and issues a Media Check command to the associated PSD to verify the selected section (step S140). The PSD executes the check operations in response to the command and then reports the completion status of the operation to the Host (step S150). Now the process has to determine whether the status is “OK” or not (step S160). If the completion status is “OK”, which reflects the fact that the selected section is OK, the Host entity will select another arranged section to perform Media Check operation until there is no more arranged section to verify. So, the process has to test if the selected section just verified is the last section and there is no more arranged section to check (step S170). If there is no more arranged section to verify, then the process is end. Otherwise, the Host entity will select another arranged section (step S180) for performing Media Check operation and the process proceeds to node B to go back to step S140 to perform the Media Check operation. If the completion status is “not-OK”, the corrective action processes will begin (step S200). Please refer to FIG. 2, whcih is a flowchart illustrating of an embodiment of the corrective action processes in FIG. 1 according to the present invention. The corrective action processes start from testing whether the selected section is a non-data section in step S210. If it is, the process goes to node C3. Otherwise, the selected section is a data section, it goes to step S220 to test whether data in the selected section is stored redundantly. If the answer is “no” for S220, the process goes to node C2. If the answer is yes for S220, then it is further tested in step S230 that whether the data in the selected section can be regenerated. If the answer for S230 is “no”, the process goes to node C2. If the answer for S230 is “yes”, which means the data in the selected section can be regenerated, the process goes to node C1. Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the conditional branch C1 of the corrective action processes in FIG. 2. Node C1 corresponds to the corrective action for a typical procedure implementing the media scan operation on sets of media sections that are members of redundant combinations of media sections (e.g. member sections of redundant disk arrays such as RAID-1, RAID-3, RAID-5, and RAID-6 arrays) that are currently in a state that permit data regeneration. The process starts from step S310 to test if the not-OK status results from a media error. If the answer is “no” in S310, the process goes to step S320 or S330, either is possible approach and can be adopted depending on the implementation. In S320, the selected section is considered to be “unrecoverable” and appropriate counter-measures can be taken. In S330, the entire media scan operation on the particular PSD is aborted (step S332) and then the host rearranges the sections of median of PSDs to perform media scan (step S334). After S320 or S330 is finished, the process goes to node A. If the answer is “yes” in S310, the process goes to step S350 to test if the media error causing the not-ok status is persistent. If the answer is “yes” in S350, the process goes to step S360 to test if the Media Section Reassignment is allowed. If the answer is “yes” in S360, Media Section Reassignment will be performed on the selected section (step S365), otherwise the selected section will be considered unrecoverable (step S370). After S365 or S370 is finished, the process goes to node A. At node A, process goes to step S170, which has been explained earlier with FIG. 2. If the answer is “no” in S350, data will be regenerated and written on the selected section in step S380 and then this section will be selected again in step S390 so that the Media Check command is reissued to this same section again to verify it again in step S140. Please refer to FIG. 4, which is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the conditional branch C2 of the corrective action processes in FIG. 2. Node C2 corresponds to the corrective action for a typical procedure implementing the media scan operation on sets of media sections that are members of non-redundant combinations of media sections (e.g., non-redundant disk arrays such as RAID-0 arrays) or on sets of media sections that are members of redundant combinations of media sections but in a state that does not permit data regeneration. The process starts from step S410 to test if the not-OK status results from a media error. If the answer is “no” in S410, the process goes to step S420 or S430, either is possible approach and can be adopted depending on the implementation. If the answer is “yes” in S410, it is tested in step S440 if destructive operations on the media section are supported. If the answer is “no” in S440, the process still goes to step S420 or S430. In S420, the selected section is considered to be “unrecoverable” and appropriate counter-measures can be taken. In S430, the entire media scan operation on the particular PSD is aborted (step S432) and then the host rearranges the sections of median of PSDs to perform media scan (step S434). After S420 or S430 is finished, the process goes to node A. If the answer is “yes” in S440, the selected section is marked bad in step S445 and the process goes to step S450 to test if the media error causing the not-ok status is persistent. If the answer is “yes” in S450, the process goes to step S460 to test if the Media Section Reassignment is allowed. If the answer is “yes” in S460, Media Section Reassignment will be performed on the selected section (step S465), otherwise the selected section will be considered unrecoverable (step S470). After S465 or S470 is finished, the process goes to node A. If the answer is “no” in S450, the process still goes to node A. At node A, process goes to step S170, as explained earlier with FIG. 2. Please refer to FIG. 5, which is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the conditional branch C1 of the corrective action processes in FIG. 2. Node C3 corresponds to the corrective action for a typical implementation of the media scan operation on sets of non-data media sections (e.g., spare or unassigned drives in the PSD array). The process starts from step S510 to test if the not-OK status results from a media error. If the answer is “no” in S510, the selected section is considered to be “unrecoverable” in step S520 and appropriate counter-measures can be taken. After S520 is finished, the process goes to node A. If the answer is “yes” in S510, the process goes to step S550 to test if the media error causing the not-ok status is persistent. If the answer is “yes” in S550, the process goes to step S560 to test if the Media Section Reassignment is allowed. If the answer is “yes” in S560, Media Section Reassignment will be performed on the selected section (step S565), otherwise the selected section will be considered unrecoverable (step S570). After S565 or S570 is finished, the process goes to node A. If the answer is “no” in S550, the process still goes to node A. At node A, process goes to step S170, which has been explained earlier with FIG. 2. Form the description above, it is noted that, the current invention endeavors to minimize the negative impact on performance of the media scan operation by reducing the resource requirements of the operation. The primary way this is accomplished is by eliminating the RAID parity computation until data recovery is required. The current invention also seeks to reduce the negative performance impact by, wherever possible, issuing commands to the PSD that achieve the goal of checking the state of the media and the data stored therein, hereafter referred to as Media Check commands, while, at the same time will minimize resource consumption. The physical media VERIFY command is especially suited for such a task for it does not generate any data transfer to the host entity (the SVC in this case), but, rather, simply check the status of the media and the data stored therein. However, in implementations in which a PSD does not support such a command or a VERIFY command may actually consume more resources than commands that might involve data transfer or engage other functionality (e.g., standard READ command), then other commands can be used in place of the VERIFY command in the role of a Media Check command. The current invention adds the ability to run media scan on any PSD, whether or not it is a member of a disk array or a drive storing data. This includes spare drives, both global and dedicated, and drives that have not yet been assigned. This serves the purpose of detecting potential problem media sections before data is stored to them and dealing with them in a preventative fashion. The current invention also defines two possible modes of media scan operation. The first is off-line operation mode, meaning that the PSD on which the operation is being performed is not available for IO operations that are generated as part of normal operation. In this mode, the PSD is either already off line or taken off line if it is on line before performing the media scan operation and is kept off line for the course of the operation. The second is on-line operation mode, meaning that the SVC can still dispatch to the PSD IO operations generated as part of normal operation. In this mode, the operating state of the PSD needn't change in order to perform media scan operation. This mode is sometimes referred to as “background” mode, because the operation does not effect the normal operation of the SVC relative to the PSD. The current invention also optionally adds functionality that allows setting up background media scan operations to run at user-specified times. This gives the user the ability to schedule such operations for periods when, for example, the system load is relatively low, thereby minimizing the impact of the lowered host IO performance caused by running the operation. Such a scheduling function would typically include the ability to establish schedules that repeat the execution of the media scan operation in a regular fashion (e.g., once every Saturday at midnight) as well as the ability to schedule isolated, or “one-shot”, operation instances. In addition, a single instance background media scan operation immediately executed upon receiving of user instruction can also be performed. The current invention also optionally specifies the media scan operation to be incorporated in SVCs and SVSs that support serial point-to-point drive-side IO device interconnects. The current invention also optionally specifies the media scan operation to be incorporated in and run on SVSs that consist of a plurality of redundantly configured SVCs. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details thereof. Various substitutions and modifications have been suggested in the foregoing description, and other will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, all such substitutions and modifications are embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention is related to a method for performing media scan operation for storage system and a storage subsystem and a storage system implementing the method. 2. Description of the Prior Art Scanning media for defects or problem areas is a relatively common procedure. Most PC operating systems incorporate it as part of the process of preparing a section of media for accommodating data. Storage virtualization systems also commonly offer a way of scanning media for defects or problem areas prior to or during the process of preparing a section of physical media for use. It has also appeared on storage virtualization systems run on on-line media to detect defective media section of a PSD (physical storage device) while the data in that section can still be recovered or damage due to associated loss of data minimized. Storage virtualization systems have typically relied on a RAID parity consistency check operation performed on a RAID disk array to achieve this goal. This operation typically would include a mechanism for re-writing and/or reassigning a section of media that was not read successfully due to potentially defective media. Such an operation, however, suffers from the shortcoming that it is very resource intensive, causing a significant negative impact on normal host IO performance. This is because it requires transferring data in from each member disk in the disk array and then requires computing the XOR parity of all the data read in. Furthermore, it is only applicable to disk arrays that are redundant, that is either incorporate RAID parity (e.g., RAID levels 3, 4, 5) or incorporate mirroring (e.g., RAID 1). It cannot be used on disk arrays that are not redundant, such as simple striped arrays (e.g., RAID 0), nor can it be used on drives that are not members of an array. One of the primary functions of the above-mentioned Storage Virtualization Systems (SVSs) is to protect integrity of, while allowing for continued access to, data stored within even in the face of certain kinds of faults. As an example, SVSs supporting some form of redundant array of disk drives allow a single disk drive to fail without loss of data or even loss of access to data stored in the array. However, there are still fault conditions that may cause loss of data itself and/or loss of data access. Such conditions typically consist of multiple faults in a certain set of associated devices, such as faults on two distinct disk drives in a redundant disk array. Applying techniques expressly designed to detect possible sources of faults then taking corrective action before the fault actually occurs can serve to minimize the possibility of such an occurrence. One common cause of multiple faults in the set of member drives comprising a disk array is media errors on physical storage devices (PSDs). If a redundant disk array is running in an “optimal” state, media errors can typically be corrected “on-the-fly” without loss of data or loss of access to data. However, if the redundant disk array is operating in a “degraded” state, meaning that it is lacking in some or all redundancy due to the absence or failure of one or more member drives, then yet another fault may lead to such a loss. To avoid such an undesirable occurrence, preventative measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood that such a fault might occur while the disk array is operating in a “degraded” state. Accordingly, there is a need for a method to solve the above-mentioned problems of the existing technologies. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>An objective of the present invention is to provide an efficient media scan method by which problem areas of physical media in a data storage system can be detected early on so that appropriate counter-measures can be taken while affected data is still recoverable or damage due to associated loss of data can be minimized. An further objective of the present invention is to provide a method to lower the possibility that a fault might occur while the redundant array is operated in a degraded state or the array does not have the ability to recover the data in a damaged media section A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a data storage subsystem and a data storage system incorporated with the above-mentioned media scan method. Accordance to an embodiment of the invention, a method for media scan operations for storage system is provided. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a range of sections of media of PSDs to perform media scan operations; scheduling the media scan operations; selecting a section in the range; verifying media of the selected section; determining the status of the selected section to be ok or not ok; and, if the status is not ok, responding by proceeding with the corrective action processes, and, if the status is ok, responding by selecting another section in the range to proceed with the verifying step, the determining step, and this responding step, until there is no more section in the range to be verified. Accordance to another embodiment of the invention, a storage virtualization subsystem is provided in which a media scan mechanism is implemented therein to perform the above-mentioned method. Accordance to a further embodiment of the invention, a computer system having a storage virtualization subsystem is provided in which a media scan mechanism is implemented therein to perform the above-mentioned method. These and various other features and advantages which characterize the present invention will be described in the detailed description. | 20050329 | 20071218 | 20051027 | 92481.0 | 1 | LE, DIEU MINH T | EFFICIENT MEDIA SCAN OPERATIONS FOR STORAGE SYSTEMS | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,907,356 | ACCEPTED | TAMPER RESISTANT TEMPERATURE DIAL UTILIZING DEFLECTION PINS | An adjustment interface for adjusting a controller teaches a novel apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of a heating device comprising a controller cover panel having a rotatable controller dial; a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; and said rotatable controller is operatively connectable to a rotatable controller adjustment and said control dial operable to effect rotation of the rotatable adjustment member when said control dial is grasped and turned and said control dial having a deflection pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the deflection pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned. | 1. A adjustment interface for adjusting a controller that controls the temperature of a heating device comprising: a controller cover panel having a rotatable controller adjustment member having an end portion extending through an opening of the controller cover panel beyond an exterior surface of said controller cover panel, wherein said rotatable controller adjustment member is operable to adjust a controller when said rotatable controller adjustment member is rotated; a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface of said controller cover panel in substantially the same direction as the extension of the rotatable controller adjustment member, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; and a control member operatively connected to said rotatable controller adjustment member beyond the axial extension of the ring member and said control member operable to effect rotation of the rotatable controller adjustment member when said control member is grasped and turned and said control member having a deflection pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the deflection pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned with sufficient torque. 2. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable controller adjustment member is a rotatable shaft and the control member is a dial attached to the end of the rotatable shaft. 3. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 2, wherein the ring member is mounted to the exterior surface of the controller cover panel and wherein the dial has a plurality of deflection pins having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the plurality of deflection pins resistively engage the projections and flex to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned with sufficient torque. 4. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 3, wherein the dial is circular in shape and having an inner dial surface and wherein the plurality of deflection pins extend from the inner dial surface to engage the projections and wherein the plurality of deflection pins comprise three pins angularly spaced about a perimeter of the dial about approximately 120 degrees apart deflection pin to deflection pin. 5. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 4, wherein the projections are a series of directional serrations whose points directionally project to provide greater resistance to rotation of the dial in a first direction of rotation and lesser resistance to rotation of the dial in an opposing direction of rotation. 6. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable controller adjustment member is operatively connected to a gas valve controller for controlling gas valve operation for a gas fired heating device. 7. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable controller adjustment member is operatively connected to an electrical heating element controller for controlling electrical heating element operation for an electrically fired heating device. 8. A method for adjusting a controller that controls the temperature of a heating device comprising: providing a controller cover panel having a rotatable controller adjustment member having an end portion extending through an opening of the controller cover panel beyond an exterior surface of said controller cover panel, wherein said rotatable controller adjustment member is operable to adjust a controller when said rotatable controller adjustment member is rotated; providing a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface of said controller cover panel in substantially the same direction as the extension of the rotatable controller adjustment member, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; providing a control member operatively connected to said rotatable controller adjustment member beyond the axial extension of the ring member and said control member operable to effect rotation of the rotatable controller adjustment member when said control member is grasped and turned and said control member having a deflection pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the deflection pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned with sufficient torque; and rotating the control member with sufficient torque to effect rotation. 9. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 8, wherein the rotatable controller adjustment member is a rotatable shaft and the control member is a dial attached to the end of the rotatable shaft. 10. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 9, wherein the ring member is mounted to the exterior surface of the controller cover panel and wherein the dial has a plurality of deflection pins having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the plurality of deflection pins resistively engage the projections and flex to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned with sufficient torque. 11. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 10, wherein the dial is circular in shape and having an inner dial surface and wherein the plurality of deflection pins extend from the inner dial surface to engage the projections and where the plurality of pins comprise three deflection pins angularly spaced about a perimeter of the dial about approximately 120 degrees apart deflection pin to deflection pin. 12. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 11, wherein the projections are a series of directional serrations whose points directionally project to provide greater resistance to rotation of the dial in a first direction of rotation and lesser resistance to rotation of the dial in an opposing direction of rotation. 13. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 8, wherein the rotatable controller adjustment member is operatively connected to a gas valve controller for controlling gas valve operation for a gas fired heating device. 14. The adjustment interface as recited in claim 8, wherein the rotatable controller adjustment member is operatively connected to an electrical heating element controller for controlling electrical heating element operation for an electrically fired heating device. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The temperature of the water within a water heater is usually maintained and adjusted by a rotatable temperature dial. In the case of a gas-fired water heater, there is a temperature dial that is operatively connected to a gas controller valve that directs the flow of gas to a burner whenever the temperature of the water falls below the set temperature. For an electric water heater, there is a temperature dial that is operatively connected to a thermostat that directs electricity to a heating element whenever the temperature of the water falls below the set temperature. Excessive water temperature is a hazard in that it may cause scalding at any of the various faucets or appliances serviced by the water heater. Accidental or inadvertent adjustment of the temperature dial can cause water to issue at unexpectedly high temperatures. The temperature dial is located in a position that is typically, easily reached and rotated. If the water heater is located in a readily accessible location, the temperature dial can easily be tampered with, or moved, by people or things coming into contact with the temperature dial. Properly securing a water heater from this type of tampering typically results in additional cost and/or inconvenience as to its use. Locking the water heater into an enclosure requires either keys to be kept or a combination to be remembered. An enclosure may also hamper the installation, replacement, or servicing of the water heater. Other solutions require a screwdriver or other tool to change the temperature of the temperature dial. An example of this type of device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,954, that issued on Sep. 9, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Some of the devices that have previously been developed that are associated directly with a control knob or valve to prevent tampering either involve a substantial additional cost of manufacturing or are very inconvenient to use. These devices can either lock the temperature dial or the gas controller valve/thermostat into place to physically prevent it from being rotated. Other devices serve to decouple the temperature dial and the gas controller valve or the temperature dial and the thermostat from an internal actuation mechanism. In addition to the increased costs in manufacturing, such devices are often difficult to retrofit to existing installations. As such, a significant problem is the inadvertent adjustment of a temperature dial and the lack of a solution that does not involve a major inconvenience or increased manufacturing costs. The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above. SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention relates generally to temperature control dials and, more particularly, to tamper resistant temperature control dials for a heating device, such as for example a hot water heater. In one aspect of this invention, a temperature adjustment device associated with a controller for a heating device is disclosed. This includes a rotatable dial for setting temperature in the heating device, a ring that is operatively attached to the controller cover panel over which the rotatable dial rotatably mounts, wherein the ring includes a plurality of serrations, and wherein the rotatable dial has a resilient deflecting pin extending from an inner face of the rotatable dial such that an end of the deflecting pin is positioned to be engageable with at least one of the plurality of serrations on the ring such that the pin releasably applies resistance against the serrated portions when turning the rotatable dial, and a second portion of the dial that is operatively attached to the controller. In another aspect of this invention, a temperature adjustment device associated with a controller for a heating device is disclosed. This includes a rotatable dial for setting temperature in the heating device, a ring that is operatively attached to the controller cover panel, wherein the ring includes a plurality of notched portions, and the rotatable dial includes three resilient deflection pins, each having a first end portion engageable with at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring, and each having a second end portion for connecting to the rotatable dial, wherein the deflection pins releasably apply resistance against the notches or serrations disengaging the first end portion from the at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting temperature of a controller for a heating device with an adjustment device is disclosed. This method includes providing three resilient deflection pins that are angularly positioned about a perimeter portion of a dial about approximately 120 degrees apart and a plurality of notched portions on a ring that are directional serrations that provide greater resistance to the deflection pins in a first direction of rotation and lesser resistance in the opposing direction of rotation. Still yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting temperature of a controller for a heating device with an adjustment device is disclosed. This method includes rotating a rotatable dial in a first predetermined direction to lower a temperature in the heating device to a selected lower temperature, applying sufficient torque to the dial to disengage a first end portion of the resilient deflection pin from at least one of a plurality of notched portions on a ring and rotating with sufficient torque the rotatable dial in a second predetermined direction to raise the temperature in the heating device to a selected higher temperature, wherein the resilient deflection pin encounters greater resistance in one direction of rotation against a first end portion of the resilient deflection pin with the at the least one of a plurality of notched portions on the ring that is operatively attached to the rotatable dial to position the rotatable dial for the selected temperature. These are merely some of the innumerable aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosures and accompanying drawings. These and other advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a temperature heating device having an adjustment interface; FIG. 2 is a cut-away sectional perspective view of the control dial and controller panel interface; FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the control dial; and FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the control dial. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the embodiment(s) of the present invention, various views are illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and identical reference numerals are being used consistently throughout to refer to the same parts of the invention for all of the various views and figures of the drawing. Please note that the first digit(s) of the reference number for a given item or part of the invention should correspond to the FIG. number in which the item or part is first identified. One embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjustment interface for adjusting a controller teaches a novel apparatus and method for controlling the temperature of a heating device comprising a controller cover panel having a rotatable controller adjustment member having an end portion extending through an opening of the controller cover panel beyond an exterior surface of said controller cover panel, wherein said rotatable controller adjustment member is operable to adjust a controller when said rotatable member is rotated; a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface of said controller cover panel in substantially the same direction as the extension of the rotatable adjustment member, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; and a control member operatively connected to said rotatable controller adjustment member beyond the axial extension of the ring member and said control member operable to effect rotation of the rotatable adjustment member when said control member is grasped and turned and said control member having a deflection pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the deflection pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned with sufficient torque. One embodiment of the control member can be a dial that is attachable to the end of a rotatable controller adjustment member, which can be a rotatable shaft. One embodiment of the ring member is mounted to the exterior surface of the controller cover panel and the dial has a plurality of pins having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage projections extending from the exterior perimeter of the ring member such that the plurality of pins resistively engage the projections and flex to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned with sufficient torque. One embodiment of the dial can be circular in shape and have an inner dial surface and wherein the plurality of pins extend from the inner dial surface to engage the projections and the plurality of pins can comprise three pins angularly spaced about a perimeter of the dial about approximately 120 degrees apart pin to pin. One embodiment of the projections are a series of directional serrations whose points directionally project to provide greater resistance to rotation of the dial in a first direction of rotation and lesser resistance to rotation of the dial in an opposing second direction of rotation. One embodiment of the rotatable controller adjustment member can be operatively connected to a gas valve controller for controlling gas valve operation for a gas-fired heating device. Whereas, one embodiment of the rotatable adjustment member can be operatively connected to an electrical heating element controller for controlling electrical heating element operation for an electrically-fired heating device. The method for adjusting a controller that controls the temperature of a heating device comprises the steps of providing a controller cover panel interface having a rotatable controller adjustment member having an end portion extending through an opening of the controller cover panel beyond an exterior surface of said controller cover panel, wherein said rotatable adjustment member is operable to adjust a controller when said rotatable member is rotated; providing a ring member mounted to axially extend beyond and away from the exterior surface of said controller cover panel in substantially the same direction as the extension of the rotatable adjustment member, wherein the ring member has projections radially extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member; providing a control member operatively connected to said rotatable adjustment member beyond the axial extension of the ring member and said control member operable to effect rotation of the rotatable adjustment member when said control member is grasped and turned and said control member having a pin extending therefrom having sufficient length and orientation to crossingly engage the projections extending from the exteriror perimeter of the ring member such that the pin resistively engages the projections and flexes to travel radially over and disengaging the projections when the control member is turned with sufficient torque; and rotating the control member with sufficient torque to effect rotation. The details of the invention and various embodiments can be better understood by referring to the Figures. FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a heating device 100. The heating device 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is illustrative of a hot water heater, however, this application and the claims herein are in no way limited to a hot water heating device. There is a controller unit 102 attached to the heating device 100. The controller unit 102 can include but is not limited to a gas control valve for controlling gas flow as well as a thermostat for sensing temperature. Alternatively, the controller unit 102 could include an electrical current regulator and thermostat for controlling an electrical heating element of the heating device. The controller unit 102 is operable to control the heat source to maintain a desired temperature. The controller unit 102 can include a controller cover panel 106 which further comprises an interfacing control member 104 which is illustrated as a rotatable control dial. The control dial 104 can be utilized to adjust the controller unit 102 thereby controlling the temperature. The control dial 104 can be grasped and turned with sufficient torque in a counter-clockwise and clockwise direction in order to vary the temperature setting. Referring to FIG. 2, a cut-away sectional view of the interfacing control member 104 and controller unit 102 is shown, which reveals the interfacing control member 104 and controller unit 102. The controller unit 102 has a controller cover panel 106. The controller unit 102 can include a rotatable controller adjustment member (not shown) which extends through an opening 200 of the controller cover panel 106. The rotatable controller adjustment member can be for example a shaft extending through the opening 200 of the controller cover panel 106 beyond an exterior surface 202 of the controller cover panel 106 where the rotatable controller adjustment member or rotatable shaft is operable to rotate and adjust the controller when said rotatable shaft is rotated in a clockwise and counter-wise manner. A first end of the rotatable shaft can operably connect in an opening 204 of the interfacing control member 104. The interfacing control member 104 is shown in FIG. 2 as a circular dial that can be turned with sufficient torque such that the rotatable controller adjustment shaft attached thereto is rotated thereby controlling the control unit. A ring member 206 is mounted to actually extend beyond and away from the exterior surface 202 of the controller cover panel 106 in substantially the same direction as the extension of a rotatable controller adjustment shaft. The ring member 206 can have radial projections 208 readily extending from an exterior perimeter of the ring member 206. The radial projections 208, e.g., serrations, form a series of notches or serrations as shown in FIG. 2. The radial projections 208, e.g., serrations, shown in FIG. 2 are shown as directional serrations whose points directionally project to provide greater resistance to rotation of the dial in a first direction of rotation and a lesser resistance to the rotation of the dial in an opposing direction of rotation. The radial projections 208, e.g., serrations, as shown will provide a greater resistance to rotation of the dial in a clockwise direction and a lesser resistance to rotation of the dial in a counter-clockwise rotation. The resistance to rotation is effected by the engagement of deflection pins 210 and the series of radial projections 208. The deflection pins 210 are shown extending from an inner dial surface 212, and which can have a first end 214 of the deflection pin 212 or inner dial surface 212 crossingly engaging of the projections or radial projections 208, e.g., serrations. The deflection pins 210 are shown for example connected to the inner dial surface 212 by being press fit into a boss 216. The deflection pins 210 have sufficient length such that a first end 214 of the deflection pin extends to crossingly engage the radial projections 208, e.g., serrations, thereby providing a greater resistance to a first direction of rotation of the dial and a lesser resistance to an opposing rotation of the dial. The example shown in FIG. 2 has directional radial projections 208, e.g., serrations, such that the dial rotation encounters a greater resistance in the clockwise direction of rotation and a lesser resistance in the counter-clockwise direction of rotation. Referring to FIG. 3, a front perspective view of the interfacing control member 104 or control dial is shown. The interfacing control member 104 includes a side rim 300 for ease of grasping and turning. The interfacing control member 104 can also include multiple graduated markings 304 as for example shown as hot, warm and vacation. The multiple graduated markings 304 can obviously vary without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The interfacing control member 104 also has a facing surface 302. Referring to FIG. 4, an inside perspective of the interfacing control member 104 is shown. The inner view of the dial reveals a dial main boss member 402 for receiving a rotatable controller adjustment member or a rotatable controller shaft therein. The dial main boss member 402 can for example include various inner projections or segments 404, 406, 408, 410, 412 and 414 for adapting the dial main boss member 402 to the appropriate size for receiving the rotatable controller adjustment member. The inner projections of the dial main boss member 402 are shown for example to form an inner arcuate receptacle or opening 204 for receiving for example a cylindrical shaft or rotatable controller adjustment shaft member. The inside view of the dial also reveals the deflection pin boss member 416 for receiving the deflection pins. The inside view shown in FIG. 4 shows for example a dial that can be configured with three deflection pin bosses that are spaced about a perimeter of the inner portion of the dial and FIG. 4 illustrates for example deflection pin bosses that are angularly spaced about the perimeter of the interfacing control member 104 which have about approximately 120 degrees of separation between each of the deflection pins bosses. Referring back to FIG. 2, when the interfacing control member 104 is grasped and turned with sufficient work, the first end 214 of the deflection pins 210 deflects readily outward to travel over the point of the radial projections 208, e.g., serrations, for which it is currently engaging. The directional serrations are designed to resist rotation thereby effectively creating a tamper resistance control dial. The various tamper resistant temper control dial examples shown above illustrate a novel tamper resistant adjustment interface. A user of the present invention may choose any of the above interfacing control member 104 embodiments, or an equivalent thereof, depending upon the desired application. In this regard, it is recognized that various forms of the subject tamper resistant control dial interface could be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The temperature of the water within a water heater is usually maintained and adjusted by a rotatable temperature dial. In the case of a gas-fired water heater, there is a temperature dial that is operatively connected to a gas controller valve that directs the flow of gas to a burner whenever the temperature of the water falls below the set temperature. For an electric water heater, there is a temperature dial that is operatively connected to a thermostat that directs electricity to a heating element whenever the temperature of the water falls below the set temperature. Excessive water temperature is a hazard in that it may cause scalding at any of the various faucets or appliances serviced by the water heater. Accidental or inadvertent adjustment of the temperature dial can cause water to issue at unexpectedly high temperatures. The temperature dial is located in a position that is typically, easily reached and rotated. If the water heater is located in a readily accessible location, the temperature dial can easily be tampered with, or moved, by people or things coming into contact with the temperature dial. Properly securing a water heater from this type of tampering typically results in additional cost and/or inconvenience as to its use. Locking the water heater into an enclosure requires either keys to be kept or a combination to be remembered. An enclosure may also hamper the installation, replacement, or servicing of the water heater. Other solutions require a screwdriver or other tool to change the temperature of the temperature dial. An example of this type of device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,954, that issued on Sep. 9, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Some of the devices that have previously been developed that are associated directly with a control knob or valve to prevent tampering either involve a substantial additional cost of manufacturing or are very inconvenient to use. These devices can either lock the temperature dial or the gas controller valve/thermostat into place to physically prevent it from being rotated. Other devices serve to decouple the temperature dial and the gas controller valve or the temperature dial and the thermostat from an internal actuation mechanism. In addition to the increased costs in manufacturing, such devices are often difficult to retrofit to existing installations. As such, a significant problem is the inadvertent adjustment of a temperature dial and the lack of a solution that does not involve a major inconvenience or increased manufacturing costs. The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to temperature control dials and, more particularly, to tamper resistant temperature control dials for a heating device, such as for example a hot water heater. In one aspect of this invention, a temperature adjustment device associated with a controller for a heating device is disclosed. This includes a rotatable dial for setting temperature in the heating device, a ring that is operatively attached to the controller cover panel over which the rotatable dial rotatably mounts, wherein the ring includes a plurality of serrations, and wherein the rotatable dial has a resilient deflecting pin extending from an inner face of the rotatable dial such that an end of the deflecting pin is positioned to be engageable with at least one of the plurality of serrations on the ring such that the pin releasably applies resistance against the serrated portions when turning the rotatable dial, and a second portion of the dial that is operatively attached to the controller. In another aspect of this invention, a temperature adjustment device associated with a controller for a heating device is disclosed. This includes a rotatable dial for setting temperature in the heating device, a ring that is operatively attached to the controller cover panel, wherein the ring includes a plurality of notched portions, and the rotatable dial includes three resilient deflection pins, each having a first end portion engageable with at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring, and each having a second end portion for connecting to the rotatable dial, wherein the deflection pins releasably apply resistance against the notches or serrations disengaging the first end portion from the at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting temperature of a controller for a heating device with an adjustment device is disclosed. This method includes providing three resilient deflection pins that are angularly positioned about a perimeter portion of a dial about approximately 120 degrees apart and a plurality of notched portions on a ring that are directional serrations that provide greater resistance to the deflection pins in a first direction of rotation and lesser resistance in the opposing direction of rotation. Still yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting temperature of a controller for a heating device with an adjustment device is disclosed. This method includes rotating a rotatable dial in a first predetermined direction to lower a temperature in the heating device to a selected lower temperature, applying sufficient torque to the dial to disengage a first end portion of the resilient deflection pin from at least one of a plurality of notched portions on a ring and rotating with sufficient torque the rotatable dial in a second predetermined direction to raise the temperature in the heating device to a selected higher temperature, wherein the resilient deflection pin encounters greater resistance in one direction of rotation against a first end portion of the resilient deflection pin with the at the least one of a plurality of notched portions on the ring that is operatively attached to the rotatable dial to position the rotatable dial for the selected temperature. These are merely some of the innumerable aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosures and accompanying drawings. These and other advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein below. | 20050330 | 20061205 | 20061026 | 76350.0 | H05B102 | 1 | PASCHALL, MARK H | TAMPER RESISTANT TEMPERATURE DIAL UTILIZING DEFLECTION PINS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H05B | 2,005 |
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10,907,476 | ACCEPTED | TURBINE NOZZLE WITH PURGE CAVITY BLEND | A turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle segment having an airfoil-shaped vane with a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge and opposed curved pressure and suction sides. An arcuate inner band segment is attached to the root of the vane. The inner band segment includes an inner flowpath surface bounded at forward and aft ends thereof by a forward-facing surface and an aft-facing surface, respectively. A convex curved blended corner is formed between the inner flowpath surface and the aft-facing surface. | 1-9. (canceled) 10. A turbine assembly for a gas turbine engine, comprising: a nozzle segment comprising: an airfoil-shaped vane having a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge and opposed pressure and suction sides; and an arcuate inner band attached to said root of said vane, said inner band including an inner flowpath surface bounded at forward and aft ends thereof by a forward-facing surface and an aft-facing surface, respectively; a rotatably-mounted turbine blade disposed aft of and in flow communication with said nozzle segment, said turbine blade including an arcuate blade platform defining a second inner flowpath surface; and a purge cavity defined between said nozzle segment and said turbine blade, said purge cavity in flow communication with a secondary flowpath of said engine; wherein the juncture of said inner flowpath surface and said aft-facing surface of said inner band is contoured so as to induce swirling vane flow into said purge cavity. 11. The turbine assembly of claim 10 wherein said nozzle segment further includes an arcuate outer band segment attached to said tip of said nozzle, said outer band segment having an outer flowpath surface. 12. The turbine assembly of claim 11 wherein a plurality of said nozzle segments are disposed side-by-side to form a circular nozzle ring. 13. The turbine assembly of claim 10 wherein a cross-sectional profile of said juncture is defined by a predetermined circular radius. 14. The turbine assembly of claim 13 wherein said radius is greater than about 0.015 inches. 15. The turbine assembly of claim 10 wherein a cross-sectional profile of said juncture is defined by a compound radius curve. 16. The turbine assembly of claim 10 wherein said blended corner is tangent to said inner flowpath surface. 17. The turbine assembly of claim 16 wherein said blended corner is tangent to said aft facing surface. | STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT RIGHTS The Government has certain rights to this invention pursuant to Contract No. NAS3-01135 awarded by the National Air and Space Administration. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to gas turbine components, and more particularly to stationary turbine airfoils. A gas turbine engine includes a compressor that provides pressurized air to a combustor wherein the air is mixed with fuel and ignited for generating hot combustion gases. These gases flow downstream to one or more turbines that extract energy therefrom to power the compressor and provide useful work such as powering an aircraft in flight. In a turbofan engine, which typically includes a fan placed at the front of the core engine, a high pressure turbine powers the compressor of the core engine. A low pressure turbine is disposed downstream from the high pressure turbine for powering the fan. Each turbine stage commonly includes a stationary turbine nozzle followed in turn by a turbine rotor. The turbine nozzle comprises a row of circumferentially side-by-side nozzle segments each including one or more stationary airfoil-shaped vanes mounted between inner and outer band segments or “platforms” for channeling the hot gas stream into the turbine rotor. The turbine rotor comprises a row of circumferentially side-by-side airfoil-shaped blades with arcuate platforms. It is well known that a vortex flow, referred to as a “horseshoe” vortex because of its shape, occurs around the turbine airfoils (i.e. both blades and vanes) near the inner and outer platforms in vanes and near the inner platform and tip for blades. The strength of the vortex has a direct affect on the airfoil performance, and therefore, the performance of the turbine as a whole. As the vortex strength increases, the performance of the turbine decreases. The performance impact is greatest if the vortex system migrates to the suction side of the airfoil and then up the span towards the middle of the airfoil. Accordingly, there is a need for a turbine airfoil which reduces the strength of the vortex system or inhibits the cross-passage migration of the vortex system. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above-mentioned need is met by the present invention, which according to one aspect provides a turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine, including: a nozzle segment having: an airfoil-shaped vane having a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge and opposed curved pressure and suction sides; and an arcuate inner band segment attached to said root of said vane, said inner band segment including an inner flowpath surface bounded at forward and aft ends thereof by a forward-facing surface and an aft-facing surface, respectively; wherein a convex curved blended corner is formed between said inner flowpath surface and said aft-facing surface. According to another aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a nozzle segment including: an airfoil-shaped vane having a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge and opposed pressure and suction sides; and an arcuate inner band attached to the root of the vane, the inner band including an inner flowpath surface bounded at forward and aft ends thereof by a forward-facing surface and an aft-facing surface, respectively; and a rotatably-mounted turbine blade disposed aft of and in flow communication with the nozzle segment, the turbine blade including an arcuate blade platform defining a second inner flowpath surface. A purge cavity is defined between the nozzle segment and the turbine blade, the purge cavity in flow communication with a secondary flowpath of the engine. The juncture of the inner flowpath surface and the aft-facing surface of the inner band is contoured so as to induce swirling vane flow into said purge cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which: FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a prior art turbine section; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art turbine nozzle; FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of a portion of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a flow pattern around a turbine blade positioned downstream from the nozzle of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a flow pattern around a turbine blade positioned downstream from the turbine nozzle of FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a turbine nozzle constructed in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of a portion of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a prior art gas turbine engine turbine section 10 including, in serial flow communication, a high pressure turbine (HPT) 12 including an HPT rotor 14 carrying a plurality of HPT blades 16, a low pressure turbine (LPT) 18 including an LPT nozzle 20 comprising a plurality of stationary vanes 22, and an LPT rotor 24 carrying a plurality of LPT blades 26 with arcuate platforms 27 all disposed coaxially about a longitudinal or axial centerline axis “A”. High pressure gases from a combustor (not shown) are discharged to the high pressure turbine 12 where they are expanded so that energy is extracted. The hot gases then flow to the low pressure turbine 18 where they are expanded further. The high pressure turbine 12 drives a conventional high pressure compressor through a high pressure shaft (not shown), and the low pressure turbine 22 drives a conventional fan through a low pressure shaft (not shown). The present invention is described with particular reference to the LPT nozzle 20 and LPT blades 26, however it is equally applicable other turbomachinery airfoils, for example HPT airfoils. The space between the LPT nozzle 20, and the LPT rotor 24, referred to as a purge cavity 28, is not sealed and is exposed to the hot primary flowpath gases. If combustion gases flow radially inward between the LPT nozzle 20 and the LPT rotor 24, they can overheat the engine components they come in contact with and substantially reduce component life. Therefore, the purge cavity 28 is provided with a secondary air flow of relatively cooler air which is at a higher pressure than the gases in the primary flow path “F”. This ensures an outward purge flow, as shown by the arrow “P” in FIG. 1, and prevents ingestion of flowpath air. This outward purge flow results in an efficiency loss in the LPT 18, by increasing the size of the vortex shedding off the blade leading edge near the platform. As shown in FIG. 2, The LPT nozzle 20 is typically built up from a plurality of circumferentially adjoining nozzle segments 30 that collectively form a complete 360° assembly. Each LPT nozzle segment 30 includes one or more of the airfoil-shaped vanes 22 each having a leading edge 32, a trailing edge 34, a root 36, a tip 38, and spaced-apart pressure and suction sides 40 and 42, respectively. An arcuate outer band 44 is attached to the tip 38 of the vane 22. An arcuate inner band 46 is attached to the root 36 of the vane 22. The inner band has a flowpath surface 48, an axially-forward facing surface 50 at its forward end, and an axially-aft facing surface 52 at its aft end. The outer and inner bands 44 and 46 of each nozzle segment 30 define the outer and inner radial boundaries, respectively, of the gas flow through the nozzle segment 30. FIG. 3 illustrates the LPT vane inner band geometry in more detail. The transition between the flowpath surface 48 and the aft-facing surface 52 presents a relatively sharp corner. Some prior art LPT nozzle segments 30 include a “break edge” at this location, but the radius of this feature is typically in the range of about 0.0762 mm (0.003 in.) to about 0.038 mm (0.015 in.) The axially aft-facing surface 52 thus presents a rearward-facing discontinuity or “step”. During engine operation, this flow feature causes a relatively large drop in the local static pressure field. The purge flow as affected by this sudden pressure drop interacts with and aggravates pressure and suction side horseshoe vortices 54 and 56 that start at the LPT blade 26, allowing the horseshoe vortices 54 and 56 to move radially outwards towards a mid-span position on the LPT blade 26 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. An LPT nozzle segment 130 constructed according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. The LPT nozzle segment 130 is similar in overall construction to the prior art LPT nozzle segment 30 and includes one or more airfoil-shaped vanes 122 each having a leading edge 132, a trailing edge 134, a root 136, a tip 138, and spaced-apart pressure and suction sides 140 and 142, respectively. An arcuate outer band 144 is attached to the tip 138 of the vane 122. An arcuate inner band 146 is attached to the root 136 of the vane 122. The inner band 146 has a flowpath surface 148, an axially-forward facing surface 150 at its forward end, and an axially-aft facing surface 152 at its aft end. As shown in more detail in FIG. 7, a blended corner 154 having a convex curvature extends between the flowpath surface 148 and the axially-aft facing surface 152 and provides a gradual transition instead of a “step” as described above. By adding the blended corner 154 to the inner band 146, highly swirled vane flow is “induced” into the purge cavity 128 and helps to increase the swirl velocity of the purge flow from the secondary flow system before the purge flow is introduced to the primary flow path (i.e. to the downstream blade passage). Increasing the swirl in the purge cavity 128 will serve to reduce the strength of the horseshoe vortices 54 and 56 formed at the blade LE hub and will therefore increase LPT blade efficiency. In the illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape of the blended corner 154 is a curve with a circular radius “R” of about 0.21 mm (0.090 in.) The actual dimensions of the cross-section will depend upon the size of the vane 122, and the shape of the cross-section may be varied to suit a particular application. For example, the blended corner 154 may have a compound radius, or it could be a non-circular curve. The blended corner 154 is tangent to the flowpath surface 148 and makes a smooth transition to the aft-facing surface 152. Preferably the blended corner 154 is also tangent to the aft-facing surface 152. The exact contour of the blended corner 154 may be determined through known types of analytical tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The blended corner 154 is substantially larger than a standard break-edge radius that would be incorporated for purposes of manufacturing requirements or to avoid stress concentrations, for a given size of vane 122. Increasingly larger radii are believed to be better at keeping the vane exit flow attached to the inner band 146 thereby bringing it further into the purge cavity 128 at a higher swirl. Limitations due to vane throat area design intent requirements may restrict the maximum radius (or curvature transition to aft-facing surface 152) of the blended corner 154. Furthermore, if the higher temperature gas path air induced into the purge cavity is excessive, it may overheat lower temperature capable components. The inclusion of the blended corner 154 will also reduce the weight of the LPT nozzle relative to prior art components by removing material that would normally be left in place. Furthermore, the blended corner 154 is an axisymmetric feature and is therefore simple to implement into the manufacture of the inner band 146. The foregoing has described a turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to gas turbine components, and more particularly to stationary turbine airfoils. A gas turbine engine includes a compressor that provides pressurized air to a combustor wherein the air is mixed with fuel and ignited for generating hot combustion gases. These gases flow downstream to one or more turbines that extract energy therefrom to power the compressor and provide useful work such as powering an aircraft in flight. In a turbofan engine, which typically includes a fan placed at the front of the core engine, a high pressure turbine powers the compressor of the core engine. A low pressure turbine is disposed downstream from the high pressure turbine for powering the fan. Each turbine stage commonly includes a stationary turbine nozzle followed in turn by a turbine rotor. The turbine nozzle comprises a row of circumferentially side-by-side nozzle segments each including one or more stationary airfoil-shaped vanes mounted between inner and outer band segments or “platforms” for channeling the hot gas stream into the turbine rotor. The turbine rotor comprises a row of circumferentially side-by-side airfoil-shaped blades with arcuate platforms. It is well known that a vortex flow, referred to as a “horseshoe” vortex because of its shape, occurs around the turbine airfoils (i.e. both blades and vanes) near the inner and outer platforms in vanes and near the inner platform and tip for blades. The strength of the vortex has a direct affect on the airfoil performance, and therefore, the performance of the turbine as a whole. As the vortex strength increases, the performance of the turbine decreases. The performance impact is greatest if the vortex system migrates to the suction side of the airfoil and then up the span towards the middle of the airfoil. Accordingly, there is a need for a turbine airfoil which reduces the strength of the vortex system or inhibits the cross-passage migration of the vortex system. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The above-mentioned need is met by the present invention, which according to one aspect provides a turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine, including: a nozzle segment having: an airfoil-shaped vane having a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge and opposed curved pressure and suction sides; and an arcuate inner band segment attached to said root of said vane, said inner band segment including an inner flowpath surface bounded at forward and aft ends thereof by a forward-facing surface and an aft-facing surface, respectively; wherein a convex curved blended corner is formed between said inner flowpath surface and said aft-facing surface. According to another aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a nozzle segment including: an airfoil-shaped vane having a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge and opposed pressure and suction sides; and an arcuate inner band attached to the root of the vane, the inner band including an inner flowpath surface bounded at forward and aft ends thereof by a forward-facing surface and an aft-facing surface, respectively; and a rotatably-mounted turbine blade disposed aft of and in flow communication with the nozzle segment, the turbine blade including an arcuate blade platform defining a second inner flowpath surface. A purge cavity is defined between the nozzle segment and the turbine blade, the purge cavity in flow communication with a secondary flowpath of the engine. The juncture of the inner flowpath surface and the aft-facing surface of the inner band is contoured so as to induce swirling vane flow into said purge cavity. | 20050401 | 20070731 | 20070607 | 95937.0 | F04D2954 | 0 | NGUYEN, NINH H | TURBINE NOZZLE WITH PURGE CAVITY BLEND | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | F04D | 2,005 |
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10,907,600 | ACCEPTED | STOWABLE TABLE | A stowable table is provided having a tabletop with a top surface that faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed. In one embodiment, the stowable table includes a tabletop, a support bracket and a back member. The tabletop has a top surface, a bottom surface and an end. The support bracket has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the tabletop. The back member has a bottom end, a top end, a back side and a front side, where the front side extends between the bottom end and the top end, wherein the lower end of the support bracket is pivotally connected to the bottom end, and the end of the tabletop is positionably connected to the front side between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowable table is selectively attachable to a wall or may use the wall as a member. | 1. A stowable platform comprising: a first member having a first side, a second side and a first end; a second member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein said upper end is pivotally coupled to said second side of said first member; a third member having a bottom end, a top end, a back side and a front side, said front side extending between said bottom end and said top end, wherein said lower end of said second member is pivotally coupled to said bottom end, and said first end of said first member is positionably coupled to said front side between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein said first side of said first member faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed, whereby said back side of said third member is selectively attachable to a surface wall. 2. The stowable platform according to claim 1, wherein the first member is a tabletop. 3. The stowable platform according to claim 1, further comprising a tabletop having a tabletop top side and a tabletop bottom side, wherein said tabletop bottom side is coupled to said first side of said first member, wherein said tabletop top side faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed. 4. The stowable platform according to claim 1, further comprising a latch assembly coupled to said first member, a deployed latch detent on said third member, and an upper latch pawl on said third member, wherein said latch assembly comprises a turn knob, a spring, a pull member coupled to said turn knob, and a hinged catch coupled to said pull member, said pull member being biased by said spring thereby releasably engaging said hinged catch into said deployed latch detent or said upper latch pawl, and said hinged catch being releasably disengaged from said deployed latch detent or said upper latch pawl when said turn knob is rotated overcoming said biased pull member. 5. The stowable platform according to claim 1, wherein said first member has a center of gravity facilitating deployment of said first member when said first member is moved from said stowed position to said deployed position when said stowable platform is coupled to an upright surface, whereby said first member is easily positionable by an operator with only one hand. 6. The stowable platform according to claim 1, further comprising a spring stop coupled to said third member or said second member, wherein said spring stop is compressively engaged when said first member is positioned into said stowed position. 7. The stowable platform according to claim 1, further comprising a first hinge and a second hinge, wherein said first hinge pivotally couples said upper end of said second member to said second side of said first member, and said second hinge pivotally couples said lower end of said second member to said bottom end of said third member. 8. The stowable platform according to claim 1, further comprising a first hinge and a second hinge, wherein said third member is a frame member comprising a main support member and a lower support member, said first hinge pivotally couples said upper end of said second member to said second side of said first member, said second hinge pivotally couples said lower end of said second member to said lower support member of said frame member, said first end of said first member is positionably coupled to said main support member between a stowed position and a deployed position, whereby said frame member may be selectively coupled to a surface wall. 9. The stowable platform according to claim 8, further comprising a third hinge having a first part and a second part, and said main support member further comprises a first rail and a second rail positionally retaining said second part of said third hinge upon said main support member, wherein said first end of said first member is coupled to said first part of said third hinge, thereby allowing a pivotal rotation between said first part and said second part of said third hinge while said second part is positioned along said main support member. 10. The stowable platform according to claim 8, wherein the frame member is a surface wall, whereby said main support member and said lower support member are selectively coupled to said wall, where said lower support member is positionally lower than said main support member. 11. The stowable platform according to claim 10, further comprising a third hinge having a first part and a second part, and said main support member further comprises a first rail and a second rail positionally retaining said second part of said third hinge upon said main support member, wherein said first end of said first member is coupled to said first part of said third hinge, thereby allowing a pivotal rotation between said first part and said second part of said third hinge while said second part is positioned along said main support member. 12. The stowable platform according to claim 1, wherein said first end of said first member has a deployment drop defined between the stowed position and the deployed position when said back side of said third member is selectively attached to a surface wall. 13. The stowable platform according to claim 1, wherein said deployment drop “DD” has the relationship approximated by: DD≅LP−(HP2−TP2)½, when said first member is deployed from a vertical stowed position to a horizontal deployed position, where LP is the length when stowed between said first end of said first member and said lower end of said second member being pivotally coupled to said bottom end, HP is the length between the pivotal couplings of said upper end and said lower end of said second member, and TP is the length between the upper end being pivotally coupled to said second side of said first member and the first end of said first member. 14. A stowable table comprising: a tabletop having a top surface, a bottom surface and an end; a support bracket having an upper end and a lower end, wherein said upper end is pivotally coupled to said bottom surface of said tabletop; a back member having a bottom end, a top end, a back side and a front side, said front side extending between said bottom end and said top end, wherein said lower end of said support bracket is pivotally coupled to said bottom end, and said end of said tabletop is positionably coupled to said front side between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein said top surface of said tabletop faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed, whereby said back side of said back member is selectively attachable to a surface wall. 15. The stowable table according to claim 14, further comprising a latch system, whereby the tabletop is releasably secured in one of a deployed position and a stowed position. 16. The stowable table according to claim 15, wherein said latch system comprising a latch assembly coupled to said tabletop, a deployed latch detent on said back member, and a upper latch pawl on said back member, wherein said latch assembly comprises a turn knob, a spring, a pull member coupled to said turn knob, and a hinged catch coupled to said pull member, said pull member being biased by said spring thereby releasably engaging said hinged catch into said deployed latch detent or said upper latch pawl, and said hinged catch being releasably disengaged from said deployed latch detent or said upper latch pawl when said turn knob is rotated overcoming said biased pull member. 17. The stowable table according to claim 14, further comprising a spring stop coupled to one of said tabletop, said support bracket and said back member, wherein said spring stop compressively engages another one of said tabletop, said support bracket and said back member when said tabletop is positioned into said stowed position. 18. The stowable table according to claim 14, further comprising a first hinge and a second hinge, wherein said first hinge pivotally couples said upper end of said support member to said bottom surface of said tabletop, and said second hinge pivotally couples said lower end of said support member to said bottom end of said back member. 19. The stowable table according to claim 14, further comprising a first hinge and a second hinge, wherein said back member is a frame member comprising a main support member and a lower support member, said first hinge pivotally couples said upper end of said support bracket to said bottom surface of said tabletop, said second hinge pivotally couples said lower end of said support bracket to said lower support member of said frame member, said end of said tabletop is positionably coupled to said main support member between a stowed position and a deployed position, whereby said frame member may be selectively coupled to a surface wall. 20. The stowable table according to claim 19, further comprising a third hinge having a first part and a second part, and said main support member further comprises a first rail and a second rail positionally retaining said second part of said third hinge upon said main support member, wherein said end of said tabletop is coupled to said first part of said third hinge, thereby allowing a pivotal rotation between said first part and said second part of said third hinge while said second part is positioned along said main support member. 21. The stowable table according to claim 19, wherein the frame member is a surface wall, whereby said main support member and said lower support member are selectively coupled to said wall, where said lower support member is positionally lower than said main support member. 22. The stowable table according to claim 21, further comprising a third hinge having a first part and a second part, and said main support member further comprises a first rail and a second rail positionally retaining said second part of said third hinge upon said main support member, wherein said end of said tabletop is coupled to said first part of said third hinge, thereby allowing a pivotal rotation between said first part and said second part of said third hinge while said second part is positioned along said main support member. 23. The stowable table according to claim 22, further comprising a travel stop coupled to said back member, wherein said second part of said third hinge is limited by said travel stop when positioned into said deployed position, and wherein said tabletop has a center of gravity located between said first hinge and said second hinge when said table is in a deployed position, and said center of gravity transitions to the other side of said first hinge when said table is positioned into said stowed position, thereby facilitating deployment of said tabletop when said tabletop is moved from said stowed position to said deployed position, whereby said tabletop is easily positionable by an operator with only one hand. 24. A stowable surface comprising: a first pivotal coupler; a second pivotal coupler; a third pivotal coupler having a first part and a second part; a tabletop having a top surface, a bottom surface and a back end; a latch system coupled to said tabletop; a support bracket having an upper end and a lower end, wherein said upper end is pivotally coupled to said bottom surface of said tabletop by said first pivotal coupler; a wall having a front side, and a lower portion and a mid portion located on said front side, wherein said lower end of said support bracket is pivotally coupled to said lower portion by said second pivotal coupler; a first rail coupled to said wall extending from said lower portion through said mid portion; and a second rail parallel to said first rail coupled to said wall extending from said lower portion through said mid portion, said first rail and said second rail positionally retaining said second part of said third pivotal coupler between said rails, wherein said back end of said tabletop is coupled to said first part of said third pivotal coupler, thereby allowing pivotal rotation between said first part and said second part of said third pivotal coupler while said second part is positioned along said wall between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein said top surface of said tabletop faces outward when in said stowed position and upward when in said deployed position, whereby said tabletop is releasably secured by said latch system in one of said deployed position and said stowed position. 25. The stowable surface according to claim 24, further comprising: a spring stop coupled to one of said tabletop, said support bracket and said wall, wherein said spring stop compressively engages another one of said tabletop, said support bracket and said wall when said tabletop is positioned into said stowed position; and a travel stop coupled to said wall, wherein said second part of said third pivotal coupler is limited by said travel stop when positioned into said deployed position, wherein said tabletop has a center of gravity located between said first pivotal coupler and said second pivotal coupler when said table is in said deployed position, and said center of gravity transitions to the other side of said first pivotal coupler when said table is positioned into said stowed position, thereby facilitating deployment of said tabletop when said tabletop is moved from said stowed position to said deployed position, whereby said tabletop is easily positionable by an operator with only one hand, wherein said wall is a vehicle wall having a recessed portion for flush mounting said top surface of said tabletop with said vehicle wall, wherein said latch system comprising a latch assembly coupled to said tabletop, a deployed latch detent on said wall, and an upper latch pawl on said wall, wherein said latch assembly comprises a turn knob, a spring, a pull member coupled to said turn knob, and a hinged catch coupled to said pull member, said pull member being biased by said spring thereby releasably engaging said hinged catch into said deployed latch detent or said upper latch pawl, and said hinged catch being releasably disengaged from said deployed latch detent or said upper latch pawl when said turn knob is rotated overcoming said biased pull member. | TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to a stowable table, and more particularly, to an assembly for deploying a front facing surface of a stowable table when stowed. BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION Fold down tables, like infant diaper changing tables, are used on board aircraft and in other locations such as restrooms in order to facilitate providing a raised surface upon which work or tasks are more easily completed. The typical table is generally a rectangular platform about 27 inches wide and 15 inches deep, attached to the lavatory or other interior wall via a hinged joint. In particular, the infant changing table is normally found in the stowed position within the lavatory. Releasing a latch allows the platform to pivot downward from a vertical to a horizontal position conveniently exposing the “tabletop” or usable work surface, thereby allowing the user to utilize the work surface in its deployed position. However, this changing table may undesirably transfer debris to other surfaces when placed back into the stowed position, which is undetectable until the table is deployed by cleaning personnel. A table system that has a spherical hinge arrangement permitting substantially universal movement of the table between its stowed position and various positions of use is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,940 entitled “Stowable Table System.” Although the table has a compound rotational movement about a hinge, the table surface has the undesirable result of being folded into a cavity when stowed. Another table system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,342 entitled “Stowaway Table.” This table has a foldable table leaf that folds out when the table is lifted up and out, and is further supported by a strut. Although this table stows away, the table leaf is folded onto another leaf and then again into the cavity of a support frame for stowage having the undesirable effect mentioned above. Also, the strut is undesirably exposed when the table leaf is deployed or stowed. Yet another table system is described in U.S. Publication 2003/0188672 entitled “Stowable Surface” having the same undesirable effect of an inboard leaf that folds on top of the outboard leaf leaving the tabletop unexposed when stowed. Like the prior art just mentioned, the changing tables are utilizable for any particular purpose when folded outward exposing the work surface. However, changing tables inconveniently require cleaning personnel, i.e., janitors, ground service personnel or others, to deploy the work surface in order to expose and clean the work surface. Another disadvantage is the delay caused by the increased time required to clean the work surface, which may lead to an increase in turn around times on commercial transports such as airplanes and passenger trains. Increased turn times result in lost revenue for the commercial transportation supplier and delays in cleaning the transport may cause unnecessary passenger frustration. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a changing table designed with the work surface of the platform exposed while in the stowed position allowing ground service or cleaning personnel unrestricted access to this surface. Also, it would be desirable to provide a changing table that normally stows in a vertical orientation, against an interior bulkhead of a passenger lavatory or on any other wall with the work surface facing outward thereby allowing use of the work surface at a convenient height when deployed to the horizontal position. Moreover, a changing table is needed that reduces turnaround time and required effort for aircraft or other cleaning personnel to clean the work surface. Lastly, a changing table is needed that stows away and is also deployable in areas with limited space. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a stowable table is provided. The stowable table provides a table top for areas with limited space. Also, the stowable table may reduce turnaround time and required effort when aircraft or other cleaning personnel clean the tabletop surface. Moreover, the stowable table advantageously provides a tabletop surface that normally stows in a vertical orientation, against an interior bulkhead, a passenger lavatory or on any other wall with the tabletop surface facing outward and allowing use of the tabletop surface at a convenient height when deployed into a horizontal position. Lastly, the stowable table is designed with the tabletop surface exposed while in the stowed position thereby allowing ground service or cleaning personnel unrestricted access in order to clean the surface, without unnecessarily having to deploy the table to get at it. In one embodiment, the stowable table incorporates a unique combination of support members, pivotal and positionable hinges, and a latch system that allows the stowable table to be folded away when not in use. The table can be stowed in a vertical orientation, against an interior bulkhead with the usable surface, i.e. tabletop, facing outward when closed. Since the tabletop faces out, it is easy and quick to clean by service cleaning personnel. The stowable table of this embodiment includes slide-rail supports that positionably retain one part of a hinge, and with the tabletop connected to the other part of the hinge allows rotational movement when the tabletop is positioned into one of its positions. The table of this embodiment provides strong supports that will meet a 300 lb load requirement typically required by the air transport industry making the table suitable for many uses including a baby changing table. The stowable table has many other possible applications, including but not limited to a table, tray, shelf, or platform. Of particular interest on an airplane would be to use the stowable table as a deployable conference table, reading tray, computer table, or a baby changing table. The stowable table is not limited to airplane applications, since it could be useful on trains, boats, recreational vehicles, small apartment, dorms, cruise ships, and other vehicles, and may also include many other applications. In another embodiment, the stowable table includes a tabletop, support bracket and a back member. The tabletop has a top surface, a bottom surface and an end. The support bracket has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is pivotally coupled to the bottom surface of the tabletop. The back member has a bottom end, a top end, a back side and a front side, where the front side extends between the bottom end and the top end, wherein the lower end of the support bracket is pivotally connected to the bottom end, and the end of the tabletop is positionably connected to the front side between a stowed position and a deployed position. Thus the top surface of the tabletop faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed when the backside of the back member is selectively attachable to a surface wall. These and other embodiments of the stowable table are presented below. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a partial isomeric view of a stowable surface being used to advantage in a stowed position on an aircraft in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a partial isomeric view of the first embodiment of a stowable surface being used to advantage in a deployed position. FIG. 3 shows a front view of a stowable table in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention being used to advantage. FIG. 4 shows a front view of a stowable surface in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an illustrative side view showing the first embodiment of the present invention positioned in both the stowed position and the deployed position. FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the stowable surface of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the stowable surface of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 shows a partial exploded view of the latch assembly used to advantage on the stowable surface of FIG. 4. FIG. 9A shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a stowable platform in a stowed position in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention being used to advantage. FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the stowable platform of FIG. 9A shown in a deployed position. FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the stowable surface of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following figures the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same components of a given embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a partial isomeric view of a stowable surface 20 being used to advantage in a stowed position 47 on an aircraft 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Passenger aircrafts have bulkheads, partitions, and walls suitable to support tables that are attached and self-storing thereon. A wall 11 on the aircraft 10 typically includes a front side 12 that may be proportioned into a lower portion 13 and a mid portion 14 to which the stowable surface 20 may be attached. Simultaneous reference may be made to FIGS. 4, 6 and 10, which show the first embodiment of the invention in FIG. 1 being used to advantage. FIG. 4 shows a front view of a stowable surface in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the stowable surface of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the stowable surface of FIG. 4. The stowable surface 20, shown in a stowed position 47 in FIG. 1, includes a first pivotal coupler 26, a second pivotal coupler 28, a third pivotal coupler 30, a tabletop 22, a latch system 38, a support bracket 24, a first rail 34 and a second rail 36. The latch system 38 is connected to the tabletop 22 allowing for deployment between a stowed position 47 and a deployed position 48. The tabletop 22 has a top surface 40, a bottom surface 41 and a back end 42. The third pivotal coupler 30 has a first part 31 and a second part 32, where the first part 31 is connected to the back end 42 of the tabletop 22. The support bracket 24 has an upper end 44 and a lower end 46. The upper end 44 of the support bracket 24 is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the tabletop by the first pivotal coupler 26. The lower end 46 of the support bracket 24 is pivotally connected to the lower portion 13 of the wall 11 by the second pivotal coupler 28. The first rail 34 is connected to the wall 10 extending from the lower portion 13 through the mid portion 14. The second rail 36 runs substantially parallel to the first rail 34 and is connected to the wall 10 extending from the lower portion 13 through the mid portion 14. The first rail 34 and the second rail 14 positionally retain the second part 32 of the third pivotal coupler 30 between the rails 34, 36, thereby allowing pivotal rotation between the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the third pivotal coupler 30 while the second part 32 is positioned along the wall 10 between the stowed position 47 and the deployed position 48. The inventive stowable surface 20 allows the top surface 40 of the tabletop 22 to face outward when stowed and upward when deployed. The stowable surface 20 may be positioned into any position by actuating the latch system 38 thereby releasably retaining the tabletop 22 from the wall 11 so that the tabletop 22 may be located to a new position and fixedly connected again to the wall 11. One advantage to the first embodiment is that the rails 34, 36 positionably retain the second part 32 of the third pivotal coupler 30, thereby securing the stowable surface assembly to the wall between the stowed and deployed positions when the latch system is disengaged. This has the additional advantage of keeping the assembly in an assembled state. Optionally, it is recognized that the third pivotal coupler 30 and the rails 34, 36 may be eliminated where the latching system 38 that is connected to the tabletop 22 includes other engagement couplings for connecting it to the wall 10. Optionally, the latching system may releasably engage a strike 16 that is attached to the wall 10 or may releasably engage a trim 15 for locating the stowable surface 20 into the stowed position. Optionally, a person of skill in the art would also recognize that the rails 34 and 36 may be constructed out of a slide rail support 33 or a back member 64. Moreover, the rails 34 and 36 may be connected directly to the optional back member 64 as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the stowable surface of FIG. 4. The back member 64 has a bottom end 65, a top end 66, a back side 67 and a front side 68, where the back side 67 may be attached to wall 10. Further, the lower end 46 of the support bracket 24 may be pivotally connected to the bottom end 65 of the optional back member 64 with the second pivotal coupler 28, thereby allowing for a completed assembly prior to affixing the stowable surface to a wall. Also, each member may have stiffener elements that increase their structural strength, such as the elongated elements 25 shown on support bracket 24 in FIG. 7. It is further recognized that the pivotal couplers 26, 28, 30 have at least one rotational degree of freedom. However, in the present embodiment all of the pivotal couplers have only one rotational degree of freedom, all of which allow rotation generally in the same axial direction. The coupler forming the pivotal joint may be integrally made from one or both members of the constituent parts to which it pivotally joins. However, it is also recognized that the pivotal joint may be made from a typical hinge such as a piano hinge, which is then connected to each constituent part. Although not disclosed above, a pin may retain the two parts forming the pivotal joint or the two parts may form a complimentary hook and eyelet pivotal joint. Moreover, the two parts forming the pivotal joint may include any other suitable pivotal joint connector integrally constructed from the constituent parts, or otherwise. Where the pivotal joint is not integrally constructed from one or both of the constituent parts, the members of the pivotal joint may be fastened to each of the constituent parts by using an appropriate type of fastener. Returning to the first embodiment, the latch system 38 includes a latch assembly 53 connected to the tabletop 22, a deployed latch detent 54 on the wall 10, and an upper latch pawl 55 on the wall 10. The latch assembly is shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 10. FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of the latch assembly used to advantage on the stowable surface of FIG. 4. The latch assembly 53 includes a turn knob 56, a spring 57, a pull member 58 connected to the turn knob 56, and a hinged catch 59 connected to the pull member 58. The pull member 58 is biased by the spring 57 thereby releasably engaging the hinged catch 59 into the deployed latch detent 54 or the upper latch pawl 55. The hinged catch 59 is releasably disengageable from the deployed latch detent 54 or the upper latch pawl 55 when the turn knob 56 is rotated thereby overcoming the biased pull member 58. An operator who depresses a spring-loaded push button 60 while simultaneously rotating the turn knob 56 may actuate the latch assembly 53. FIG. 2 shows a partial isomeric view of the first embodiment of a stowable surface 20 being used to advantage in a deployed position 48. The tabletop 22 of the stowable surface 20 is positionably retained to the wall 11 of the aircraft 10 by the rails 34, 36. Advantageously, the top surface 40 of the tabletop 22 is oriented upward allowing for its use. Optionally, the stowable surface 20 may further include a spring stop (not shown) connected to one of the tabletop 22, the support bracket 24 and the wall 10, whereby the spring stop may compressively engage a different one of the tabletop 22, the support bracket 24 and the wall 10 when the tabletop is positioned into the stowed position 47. The spring stop may bias the assembly 20 into a snug stowed position when stowed, thereby reducing or eliminating noise associated with the vibrating parts during aircraft transport. FIG. 5 is an illustrative side view showing the first embodiment of the present invention positioned in both the stowed position 47 and the deployed position 48. The stowable surface 20 has a drop distance DD when positioned from the stowed position 47 and the deployed position 48. It should be recognized that the first pivotal coupler 26 and the second pivotal coupler 28, each having a rotational degree of freedom about each coupler's constituent parts, allows the third pivotal coupler 30 with its multiple degree of freedom to transition the tabletop 22 into position. This unique combination of couplers allows the stowable surface to be deployed and stowed within a smaller envelope than compared to a table surface traditionally mounted on a single hinge. Accordingly, the inventive stowable surface increases functionality while saving costly deployment space. FIG. 3 shows a front view of a stowable table 90 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention being used to advantage. The stowable table 90 includes a tabletop 91, a support bracket (not shown) and a back member (not shown). The tabletop 91 has a top surface 92, a bottom surface and an end 93. The support bracket includes an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the tabletop 92. The back member includes a bottom end, a top end, a back side and a front side, wherein the front side extends between the bottom end and the top end of the back member. The lower end of the support bracket is pivotally connected to the bottom end of the back member and the end 93 of the tabletop 91 is positionably connected to the front side of the back member, thereby allowing the tabletop 93 to be positioned between a stowed position and a deployed position when a latch assembly 94 is actuated. Also, the stowable table 90 of this embodiment is shown secured in the stowed position by the engagement of the latch assembly 94 and a strike plate 96. Inventively, the top surface 92 of the tabletop 91 faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed, when the back side of the back member is selectively attached to a surface wall. The tabletop 91 has a top surface 92 that is rectangular. Optionally, the tabletop may have any suitable shape, e.g. oval, square, semicircular, triangular, crescent or others shapes including partial shapes. FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a stowable platform 70 in a stowed position in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention being used to advantage. A stowable platform includes a first member 71, a second member 72 and a third member 73. The first member 71 has a first side 74, a second side 75 and a first end 76. The second member 72 has an upper end 77 and a lower end 78, whereby the upper end 77 is pivotally connected to the second side 75 of the first member 71. The third member 73 has a bottom end 79, a top end 80, a back side 81 and a front side 82, where the front side 82 extends between the bottom end 79 and the top end 80. The lower end 78 of the second member 72 is pivotally connected to the bottom end 79 of the third member 73, thereby, allowing the first end 76 of the first member 71 to be positionably connected to the front side 82 of the third member 73 between a stowed position and a deployed position. The pivotal connection between the first member 71 and the second member 72 is at a first pivot point 83. The pivotal connection between the second member 72 and the third member 73 is at a second pivot point 84. Also, the first member 71 is positionably connected to the front side 82 of the third member 73 about a pivot slide 85. Inventively, the first side 74 of the first member 71 faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed. In this embodiment a frame member is formed whereby the back side 81 of the third member 73 is selectively attached to a recessed portion 88 of a wall 89, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing flush mounting of the top surface or first side 74 of the first member 71 with surface of the wall 89. It is recognized that the frame member may optionally include the structure of a wall. The first member 71 has a center of gravity that may be designed to advantage to coincide with a strategic location. Specifically, the first member 71 may have a center of gravity Cg that is located between the first pivot point 83 and the second pivot point 84 when the table is in a deployed position, and the center of gravity transitions to the other side of the first pivot point 83 when the first member 71 is positioned into the stowed position. By locating the center of gravity on the first member 71 so that it transitions about the first pivot point 83, deployment and stowage of the first member 71 facilitates less effort or use of only one hand by an operator. Optionally, the stowable platform 70 may also include at least one travel stop (not shown) connected to the wall 89, the rails (not shown) or the third member 73. The travel stop limits movement of the second part of the third pivotal coupler beyond the travel stop when the first member 71 is positioned into the deployed position. It is recognized that a travel stop is not needed in the stowed direction because the linkage lengths of the parts naturally limit the travel distance. Optionally, a latch system, a latch assembly, a latch mechanism or any other type of securing or anchoring device may be attached to the first member 71 thereby allowing for positionable coupling to the third member 73. FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the stowable platform 70 of FIG. 9A shown in a deployed position. The stowable platform 70 has a deployment drop DD when it is positioned between the stowed vertical position and the deployed horizontal position. The deployment drop is approximated by the relationship: DD≅LP−(HP2−TP2)½, where LP is the length when stowed between the first end of the first member and the lower end of the second member being pivotally coupled to the bottom end, HP is the length between the pivotal couplings of the upper end and the lower end of the second member, and TP is the length between the upper end being pivotally coupled to the second side of the first member and the first end of the first member. It is recognized that the actual deployment drop will have a slight variation, which may be quantified or adjusted by COS(90-stowed angle) (given in degrees). When the stowed angle approaches zero, the variation approaches zero resulting in the above deployment drop approximation becoming the actual deployment drop. Specific fasteners have not been discussed above. However, it is recognized that parts that have zero degrees of freedom when connected together may be so fastened in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure, including without limitation: gluing, riveting, screwing, nailing, welding and crimping. While the invention has been described in connection with one or more embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION <EOH>Fold down tables, like infant diaper changing tables, are used on board aircraft and in other locations such as restrooms in order to facilitate providing a raised surface upon which work or tasks are more easily completed. The typical table is generally a rectangular platform about 27 inches wide and 15 inches deep, attached to the lavatory or other interior wall via a hinged joint. In particular, the infant changing table is normally found in the stowed position within the lavatory. Releasing a latch allows the platform to pivot downward from a vertical to a horizontal position conveniently exposing the “tabletop” or usable work surface, thereby allowing the user to utilize the work surface in its deployed position. However, this changing table may undesirably transfer debris to other surfaces when placed back into the stowed position, which is undetectable until the table is deployed by cleaning personnel. A table system that has a spherical hinge arrangement permitting substantially universal movement of the table between its stowed position and various positions of use is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,940 entitled “Stowable Table System.” Although the table has a compound rotational movement about a hinge, the table surface has the undesirable result of being folded into a cavity when stowed. Another table system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,342 entitled “Stowaway Table.” This table has a foldable table leaf that folds out when the table is lifted up and out, and is further supported by a strut. Although this table stows away, the table leaf is folded onto another leaf and then again into the cavity of a support frame for stowage having the undesirable effect mentioned above. Also, the strut is undesirably exposed when the table leaf is deployed or stowed. Yet another table system is described in U.S. Publication 2003/0188672 entitled “Stowable Surface” having the same undesirable effect of an inboard leaf that folds on top of the outboard leaf leaving the tabletop unexposed when stowed. Like the prior art just mentioned, the changing tables are utilizable for any particular purpose when folded outward exposing the work surface. However, changing tables inconveniently require cleaning personnel, i.e., janitors, ground service personnel or others, to deploy the work surface in order to expose and clean the work surface. Another disadvantage is the delay caused by the increased time required to clean the work surface, which may lead to an increase in turn around times on commercial transports such as airplanes and passenger trains. Increased turn times result in lost revenue for the commercial transportation supplier and delays in cleaning the transport may cause unnecessary passenger frustration. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a changing table designed with the work surface of the platform exposed while in the stowed position allowing ground service or cleaning personnel unrestricted access to this surface. Also, it would be desirable to provide a changing table that normally stows in a vertical orientation, against an interior bulkhead of a passenger lavatory or on any other wall with the work surface facing outward thereby allowing use of the work surface at a convenient height when deployed to the horizontal position. Moreover, a changing table is needed that reduces turnaround time and required effort for aircraft or other cleaning personnel to clean the work surface. Lastly, a changing table is needed that stows away and is also deployable in areas with limited space. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, a stowable table is provided. The stowable table provides a table top for areas with limited space. Also, the stowable table may reduce turnaround time and required effort when aircraft or other cleaning personnel clean the tabletop surface. Moreover, the stowable table advantageously provides a tabletop surface that normally stows in a vertical orientation, against an interior bulkhead, a passenger lavatory or on any other wall with the tabletop surface facing outward and allowing use of the tabletop surface at a convenient height when deployed into a horizontal position. Lastly, the stowable table is designed with the tabletop surface exposed while in the stowed position thereby allowing ground service or cleaning personnel unrestricted access in order to clean the surface, without unnecessarily having to deploy the table to get at it. In one embodiment, the stowable table incorporates a unique combination of support members, pivotal and positionable hinges, and a latch system that allows the stowable table to be folded away when not in use. The table can be stowed in a vertical orientation, against an interior bulkhead with the usable surface, i.e. tabletop, facing outward when closed. Since the tabletop faces out, it is easy and quick to clean by service cleaning personnel. The stowable table of this embodiment includes slide-rail supports that positionably retain one part of a hinge, and with the tabletop connected to the other part of the hinge allows rotational movement when the tabletop is positioned into one of its positions. The table of this embodiment provides strong supports that will meet a 300 lb load requirement typically required by the air transport industry making the table suitable for many uses including a baby changing table. The stowable table has many other possible applications, including but not limited to a table, tray, shelf, or platform. Of particular interest on an airplane would be to use the stowable table as a deployable conference table, reading tray, computer table, or a baby changing table. The stowable table is not limited to airplane applications, since it could be useful on trains, boats, recreational vehicles, small apartment, dorms, cruise ships, and other vehicles, and may also include many other applications. In another embodiment, the stowable table includes a tabletop, support bracket and a back member. The tabletop has a top surface, a bottom surface and an end. The support bracket has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is pivotally coupled to the bottom surface of the tabletop. The back member has a bottom end, a top end, a back side and a front side, where the front side extends between the bottom end and the top end, wherein the lower end of the support bracket is pivotally connected to the bottom end, and the end of the tabletop is positionably connected to the front side between a stowed position and a deployed position. Thus the top surface of the tabletop faces outward when stowed and upward when deployed when the backside of the back member is selectively attachable to a surface wall. These and other embodiments of the stowable table are presented below. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. | 20050407 | 20090526 | 20061012 | 96010.0 | A47B3700 | 0 | CHEN, JOSE V | STOWABLE TABLE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A47B | 2,005 |
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10,907,817 | ACCEPTED | Error Detection in Analyte Measurements Based on Measurement of System Resistance | Measurement of the series resistance of a working and counter electrode pair in an electrochemical test strip provide error detection for multiple variations in the quality of the test strip, as well as the operation of strip in the test meter. In particular, a single measurement of series resistance can be used to detect and generate an error message when an incorrect reading is likely to result due to (1) damaged electrode tracks, (2) fouled electrode surfaces, (3) dirty strip contacts, or (4) short circuit between the electrodes. | 1. A method for determination of an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of: (a) introducing the sample to an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes; (b) applying a potential difference, Vapp, between the electrodes of the test strip and observing a current signal sufficient to provide a determination of analyte in the sample; (c) switching off the applied potential at time tswtich and determining the magnitude, Vdrop, of a voltage drop arising from series electrode resistance, if present; (d) checking the determined magnitude of Vdrop against a predetermined range, and rejecting the test if the magnitude of Vdrop falls outside of the range, and (e) if the magnitude is within the predetermined range, proceeding to display or communicate the result from the determination of analyte. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein Vdrop is defined as the difference in potential between Vapp and the potential measured at a predetermined time after tswitch. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein Vdrop is defined as the difference between in potential between Vapp and the electrochemical potential, Velect. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein Velect is determined by extrapolating voltage decay observed in a time interval after tswitch when decrease in potential associated with series electrode resistance has occurred and determining the extrapoltaed value of potential at time tswitch. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the time interval after tswitch is from 0.5 to 2 milliseconds. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the time interval after tswitch is 1 millisecond. 7. A meter for receiving an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes and providing a determination of an analyte in a sample applied to the electrochemical test strip when received in the meter, said meter comprising (a) a housing having a slot for receiving an electrochemical test strip; (b) communications means for receiving input from and communicating a result to a user; and (c) means for applying a potential and to determine analyte concentration from an observed current, (d) means for switching off the potential at time tswitch and determining Vdrop; and (e) means for comparing Vdrop with a predetermined range and generating an error message in place of a result if Vdrop falls outside the range. 8. The meter of claim 7, wherein Vdrop is defined as the difference in potential between Vapp and the potential measured at a predetermined time after tswitch. 9. The meter claim 7, wherein Vdrop is defined as the difference between in potential between Vapp and the electrochemical potential, Velect. 10. The meter of claim 9, wherein Velect is determined by extrapolating voltage decay observed in a time interval after tswitch when decrease in potential associated with series electrode resistance has occurred and determining the extrapoltaed value of potential at time tswitch. 11. The meter of claim 10, wherein the time interval after tswitch is from 0.5 to 2 milliseconds. 12. The meter of claim 11, wherein the time interval after tswitch is 1 millisecond. 13. A measurement system comprising a meter in accordance with claim 7, and an electrochemical test strip disposed within the housing. 14. The measurement system of claim 13, wherein the electrochemical test strip measures glucose in a sample. 15. A method for detecting erroneous conditions in an analyte determination in an electrochemical test strip comprising determining the magnitude of series electrode resistance during analyte determination, checking the determined magnitude of the series electrode resistance against a predetermined range, and rejecting the test if the magnitude of series electrode resistance outside of the range. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application relates to error correction methods for use in electrochemical determination of analytes such as glucose, and to a meter, and meter-test strip combination for use in such a method. Small disposable electrochemical test strips are frequently used in the monitoring of blood glucose by diabetics. Such test strips can also be employed in the detection of other physiological chemicals of interest and substances of abuse. In general, the test strip comprises at least two electrodes and appropriate reagents for the test to be performed, and is manufactured as a single use, disposable element. The test strip is combined with a sample such as blood, saliva or urine before or after insertion in a reusable meter, which contains the mechanisms for detecting and processing an electrochemical signal from the test strip into an indication of the presence/absence or quantity of the analyte determined by the test strip. Electrochemical detection of glucose is conventionally achieved by applying a potential to an electrochemical cell containing a sample to be evaluated for the presence/amount of glucose, an enzyme that oxidizes glucose, such as glucose oxidase, and a redox mediator. As shown in FIG. 1, the enzyme oxidizes glucose to form gluconolactone and a reduced form of the enzyme. Oxidized mediator reacts with the reduced enzyme to regenerate the active oxidase and produced a reduced mediator. Reduced mediator is oxidized at one of the electrodes, and then diffuses back to either be reduced at the other electrode or by the reduced enzyme to complete the cycle, and to result in a measurable current. The measured current is related to the amount of glucose in the sample, and various techniques are known for determining glucose concentrations in such a system are known. (See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,284,125; 5,942,102; 5,352,2,351; and 5,243,516, which are incorporated herein by reference.) It is generally desirable in electrochemical test strips to utilize a small volume sample. Because these tests may be performed with considerable frequency, it is desirable to utilize disposable, single use test strips and to minimize the per strip cost. These desires favor less precise manufacturing methods. At the same time, there is a conflicting desire for use of the smallest possible sample volume, and determinations of sufficient accuracy and precision to be useful. It would therefore be useful to be able to make corrections for multiple variations in the quality of the strip based on measurements made at the time of use, or to reject strips that are too far outside acceptable parameters. It would further be desirable to make these corrections or to reject strips based upon one or at most a small number of measured parameters. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention makes use of a measure of the series resistance of a working and counter electrode pair in an electrochemical test strip to provide correction values for multiple variations in the quality of the test strip, as well as the operation of strip in the test meter. In particular, in accordance with the invention as single measurement of series resistance can be used to detect and generate an error message when an incorrect reading is likely to result due to (1) damaged electrode tracks, (2) fouled electrode surfaces, (3) dirty strip contacts, or (4) short circuit between the electrodes. In accordance with the method of the present invention, determination of an analyte such as glucose in a sample such as blood is achieved by the steps of: (a) introducing sample to an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes; (b) applying a potential difference, Vapp, between the electrodes of the test strip and observing a current signal sufficient to provide a determination of analyte in the sample; (c) switching off the applied potential at time tswtich and determining the magnitude, Vdrop, of the immediate voltage drop, if any; (d) checking the determined magnitude of Vdrop against a predetermined range, and rejecting the test if the magnitude of Vdrop falls outside of the range, and (e) if the magnitude is within the predetermined range, proceeding to display or communicate the result from the determination of analyte. The invention also provides a meter which is adapted to provide evaluate series electrode resistance and provide an error message where it is outside of a predetermined range. In a further aspect, the invention provides a measurement system comprising a meter which is adapted to evaluate series electrode resistance and provide an error message where it is outside of a predetermined range in combination with an electrochemical test strip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the electron transfer reactions that occur in a conventional amperometric glucose detector. FIG. 2 show the type of current versus time profiles observed in two different electrochemical test strip configurations. FIG. 3 shows the variation of potential as a function of time, when the applied potential used during amperomteric mode is switched off, and potentiometric measurements are made. FIGS. 4A and 4B show damage introduced into an electrode test strip, and the variation in Vdrop measured for damaged and undamaged electrodes. FIG. 5 illustrates the components of an embodiment of the invention schematically. FIG. 6 shows an exterior view of a meter. FIG. 7 shows connection of a test strip and connectors in a meter; FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram for switching between amperometric and potentiometric modes. FIG. 9 shows a circuit diagram for switching between amperometric and potentiometric modes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Definitions As used in the specification and claims of this application, the following definitions should be applied: (a) “analyte” refers to a material of interest that may be present in a sample. In the present application, the examples use glucose as an analyte, but the present invention is independent of both the type and amount of analyte. Accordingly, application to glucose detection systems should be viewed as merely a specific and non-limiting embodiment. (b) “determination of an analyte” refers to qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative processes for evaluating a sample. In a qualitative evaluation, a result indicates whether or not analyte was detected in the sample. In a semi-quantitative evaluation, the result indicates whether or not analyte is present above some pre-defined threshold. In a quantitative evaluation, the result is a numerical indication of the amount of analyte present. (c) “electrochemical test strip” refers to a strip having at least two electrodes, and any necessary reagents for determination of an analyte in a sample placed between the electrodes. In preferred embodiments, the electrochemical test strip is disposable after a single use, and has connectors for attachment to a separate and reusable meter that contains the electronics for applying potential, analyzing signals and displaying a result. (d) “facing electrodes” are a pair of electrodes disposed parallel to but in a separate plane from each other. Some or all of the opposed surfaces of a pair of facing electrodes overlap, such that potential gradients and current flows between the electrodes are in a direction substantially perpendicular to the opposed surfaces. Facing electrodes are distinguished from side-by-side electrodes in which the two electrode surfaces lie in the same plane, and in which potential gradients and current flow is substantially parallel to the surface of the electrodes. The present invention can be used with either facing or side-by-side electrodes. (e) “predetermined amount” is used in this application to refer to amounts that are determined empirically for a particular meter or test strip or meter/strip combination. The predetermined amounts will reflect an optimization for the needs of the user, taking into account the confidence levels needed, and need not achieve the best possible results or 100% accuracy. (f) “switching off” of the applied potential refers to the creation of an open circuit that forces the current to be zero (by opening a switch or introducing a high impedance into the circuit) that allows a built-up chemical concentration gradient and ion adsorption in the double layer to determine the potential between the electrodes. This is not the same thing as setting the voltage to zero volts. (g) “series electrode resistance” causes a difference between the applied voltage, and the actual voltage perceived by the electrochemistry at the electrode. Electrode resistance arises as a result of the resistance of the electrode material and the connectors associated with the electrodes, fouling of the electrode and similar factors. (h) Vdrop is the difference between the applied voltage and the actual voltage at the electrode that arises as a result of series electrode resistance. (i) “mediator” refers to a chemical species that is electrochemically detected. Numerous electron transfer mediators suitable for detection of analytes such as glucose are known, and include without limitation iron, ruthenium, and osmium compounds. In some embodiments of the invention, the mediator is produced through one or more reaction steps and is related to the concentration of the actual analyte, such as glucose. The present invention is also applicable, however, to circumstances in which the detected chemical species is the reduced form of the analyte to be detected, and this is also an embodiment of the invention. Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of the technique used to measure the value. II. Detection of Analyte, for Example Glucose FIG. 2 shows current versus time profiles observed in two different electrochemical test strip configurations, one with facing electrodes and one with side-by-side electrodes, where the electrochemical reagents are initially disposed only on the working electrode, and not on the counter electrode. In both cases, the current trace shows an immediate initial current 21 on the time scale shown following application of the potential. This current is associated with the initial charging of the double layer at the surface of the electrodes. Thereafter, the current decreases, because current is dependent on the mediator diffusing from the working electrode to the counter electrode. The duration of this reduced current (indicated by arrow 20) is dependent on the distance between the electrodes, and on the mobility of the mediator. Mediator mobility is a property of the mediator itself, i.e., the diffusion coefficient, but is also dependent on other sample properties such as hematocrit and viscosity. After the period of reduced current 20, the current rapidly rises to a peak current 22. In the case of facing electrodes, the current declines to a plateau current 23 which reflects the recycling or shuttling of mediator between the electrodes. In the case of side-by-side electrodes, the current continues to decay in the time scale indicated, as indicated by dashed line 24. At longer times, this curve 24 may also shows effects of recycling/shuttling of mediator if the electrodes are close enough together. In the region of the decay following the peak, before recycling becomes dominant, the current decay can be modeled by the Cottrell equation, i.e., 1/I2∝t where I is the current and t is time. Cottrell analysis can be utilized to determine glucose concentration as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,243,516; 5,352,351 and 6,284,125. Commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/907,803, filed Apr. 15, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a Cottrell analysis of analyte concentration that includes a mobility correction obtained when the applied potential is switched off after monitoring the current to obtain data for determination of analyte. As an alternative to Cottrell analysis, current in the plateau region 23 of FIG. 2 can be used to determine analyte concentration. This type of measurement is particularly applicable when using conduction cell test strips, as described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/924,510, which is incorporated herein by reference. In determining the numerical value of analyte concentration which is communicated/displayed to a user, one or more correction factors based on calibration values for a lot of strips, or measurements made during the analysis may be applied. Further, it will be understood that a look up table or other conversion system may be used to convert a raw value into a meaningful value for communication/display to the user. III. Determination of Vdrop After sufficient information is collected to make a determination of analyte, the applied potential is switched of at time tswtich. At this point in time, there remains a potential difference between the electrodes as a result of a chemical potential gradient. In the absence of resistance, this potential would decay with a time constant determined by the mobility of the mediator in the system. However, when the actual voltage profile of an electrochemical strip with carbon electrodes or other sources of resistance is measured, an immediate drop in voltage is observed after the applied potential is switched off. The magnitude of this drop, Vdrop is a function of several factors, including the resistance of the electrode material and the connectors associated with the electrodes, fouling of the electrode and similar factors. Thus, the drop is larger with carbon electrodes than with a low resistance electrode such as one made of gold, but may still be present regardless of the electrode material of other sources of series resistance are present. The magnitude of Vdrop is determined by observing the potential differences between the electrodes after tswitch. The decrease is potential is essentially immediate, i.e, it occurs within about the first 1 millisecond after tswitch. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, Vdrop can be approximated as the difference between the application voltage, Vapp, and the voltage measured some very short interval after tswitch for example at 1 milliseconds after tswitch. This approach is not ideal, however, because the potential difference continues to decrease, albeit at a slower rate, after the immediate voltage has occurred, and the rate of this further decrease is sample dependent. This, plus the fact that only one instantaneous values is used means that the determination in Vdrop in this way is subject to error that may be significant and not reproducible. A preferred method for determining Vdrop therefore is based on potential measurements made substantially after Vdrop has occurred. FIG. 3 shows the variation of potential as a function of time, when the applied potential used during amperometric mode (amp) is switched off, and potentiometric measurements (pot mode) are made. The interval 32 is a predetermined time which is selected such that the decrease in voltage as a result of resistance has occurred, and that subsequent voltage decreases are reasonably fit to a linear model. In some embodiments of the invention, the interval 32 is from 0.5 to 2 milliseconds, for example 1 millisecond. After the interval 32 has passed, data points in the potential versus time plot, for example those in region 33, are fit to a linear model to determine the slope and intercept of the line extrapolated back to tswitch. A value Velect, that is the electrochemical voltage, is determined as the voltage at tswitch assuming this straight line extrapolation. Vdrop is then given by the equation: Vdrop=Vapp−Velect. Non-linear fits might also be used if this provides a better model for a particular strip geometry. IV. Error Detection Using Vdrop In order to detect errors, the determined magnitude of Vdrop is checked against a predetermined range, and the test is rejected if the magnitude of Vdrop falls outside of the range. In some embodiment of the invention, the predetermined range is open-ended at one end, and thus is equivalent to a single threshold value. In other embodiments of the invention, the predetermined range has both an upper and a lower bound. In order to determine appropriate values of for the bounds of the predetermined range, a plurality of test strips are tested under conditions that are assumed to exclude error states. These measurements determine the range of normal values that are likely to be encountered. A second set of experiments is then performed in test strips in which errors are intentionally introduced. For example, test trips can be intentionally damaged, for example by scratching the electrode surface; intentionally fouled; the connectors can be intentionally dirtied to create strips that should have higher than normal series electrode resistance, and thus higher values of Vdrop. Finally, a set of experiments that are expected to produce low levels of Vdrop, for example experiments with shorted electrodes, are performed. The values for Vdrop for each of these sets of experiments are plotted, along a line, and a confidence range or threshold is defined in which most, if not all, of the non-error measurements and substantially none of the error measurements are included within the range. FIG. 4B shows one set of data determined in this way. V. Apparatus of the Invention The method of the invention can be used with any strip that has a working and a counter electrodes, providing that a meter apparatus is provided that can receive the strip and provide the necessary applications of voltage and signal processing. Such a meter also forms an aspect of the present invention. Thus, the invention provides a meter for receiving an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes and providing a determination of an analyte in a sample applied to the electrochemical test strip when received in the meter, said meter comprising (a) a housing having a slot for receiving an electrochemical test strip; (b) communications means for receiving input from and communicating a result to a user; and (c) means for applying a potential and to determine analyte concentration from an observed current, (d) means for switching off the potential and determining Vdrop; and (e) means for comparing Vdrop with a predetermined range and generating an error message in place of a result if Vdrop falls outside the range. FIG. 5 illustrates the components of an embodiment of the invention schematically. As shown in FIG. 5, potential 51 is generated by circuit 55 and applied to a test strip 50. This results in a current signal 52 which is stored at 53. At time tswitch, microprocessor 54 causes circuit 55 to stop applying potential and to start monitoring the potential difference 56 in the test strip, and determine series electrode resistance. If the series electrode resistance falls outside the predetermined range of acceptable values, an error message is sent to display 57. Otherwise, the stored current data is retrieved from 53 and a result is determined and sent to display 57. FIG. 6 shows an external view of a meter in accordance with the invention. The meter has a housing 61, and a display 62. The housing 61 has a slot 63, into which a test strip is inserted for use. The meter may also have a button 64 for signaling the start of the measurement cycle, or may have an internal mechanism for detecting the insertion of a test strip or the application of a sample. Such mechanisms are known in the art, for example from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,266,179; 5,320,732; 5,438,271 and 6,616,819, which are incorporated herein by reference. In the meter of the invention, buttons, displays such as LCD displays, RF, infrared or other wireless transmitters, wire connectors such as USB, parallel or serial connections constitute means for receiving input from and communicating a result to a user, and can be used individually and in various combinations. FIG. 7 shows an interior view in which the connection of the meter to a test strip is shown. As shown, the test strip 71 has contacts 72, 73 by which the electrodes are placed in electrical contact with contacts 74, 75 of the meter. The means for applying a potential and to determine analyte concentration from an observed current, means for switching off the potential and determining Vdrop; and means for comparing Vdrop with a predetermined range and generating an error message in place of a result if Vdrop falls outside the range comprises circuits, such as on a circuit board associated with a programmed microprocessor that interacts with the circuits to provide the desired switching between amperometric and potentiometric modes and to monitor current and voltage as described, and storage compoentns such as flash memory, EEPROMS or battery backed RAM. Apparatus suitable for switching between an amperometric mode of operation in which current is measured and a potentiometric mode of operation in which a potential difference between the electrodes is measured are described in U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 60/521,592, filed May 30, 2004, and 60/594,285 filed Mar. 25, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/907,790, filed Apr. 15, 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 8 shows an electrical schematic of a circuit useful as circuit 55 in FIG. 5. It will be appreciated, however, that other components can also be used, which achieve the same results in terms of applying and switching the voltage. Working electrode 80 is connected to op amp 81 via a connector containing switch 82, and to op amp 83. Counter electrode 84 is connected to op amps 85 and 86. Op amps 83, 85 and 86 are high impedance input amplifiers. When operating in amperometric mode to determine an analyte, a voltage V2 is applied to op amp 81, and a voltage V1 is applied to op amp 85, V2 being greater than V1. The resulting potential difference between the electrodes results in the generation of a current that is related to the amount of analyte, and this current can be monitored at output 87 and converted to an indication of the presence or amount of analyte. When switch 82 is opened to create an open circuit and stop application of the potential difference, current flow ceases, and the output of amplifier 86 assumes the potential of the counter electrode, while the output of amplifier 83 assumes the potential of the working electrode 80. The difference between the output from op amp 83 and op amp 86 indicates the decay in chemical potential and is processed in accordance with the methods described above to create an indication of partial fill. FIG. 9 shows an alternative version of this circuit using only two op amps and an increased number of switches. Working electrode 80 is connected to op amp 81 which received input voltage V2. Counter electrode 84 is connected to high input impedance op amp 90 via one of two switched paths. Input voltage V1 is connected to the circuit via a third switched path. When switch 91 and 93 are closed, and switch 92 is open, the circuit functions in amperometric mode, and the output at 95 reflects current flow at the electrodes. When switch 92 is closed, and switches 91 and 93 are open, the circuit operates in potentiometric mode and the output at 95 assumes the potential of the counter electrode (similar to amplifier 86 in FIG. 8). Thus, the output at 95 indirectly reflects the difference in potential between the electrodes. The actual difference in potential between the electrodes is the difference between the output at 95, and the output of op amp 81 (at 80, the working electrode). VI. Measurement System In actual use, the meter described above is combined with an electrochemical test strip for the determination of a particular analyte, such as glucose. This combination, referred to as a measurement system, forms a further aspect of the present invention. VII. Example To assess the relationship between strip damage and measured values of Vdrop two sets of test strips were evaluated. For data on “normal” cells, measurements were made using electrochemical test strips having facing screen printed carbon electrodes, a nominal sample volume of 625 nanoliters, and a viewing window. For data on damaged cells, the same type of strip was used, but a notch was cut into the side of the test strip creating a narrowed region in the working electrode track 41. (FIG. 4A). Blood samples used in the tests were freshly drawn (less than 8 hours old) using Vacutainer™ tubes, and were stabilized with EDTA as an anticoagulant. Vdrop was determined from Vapp-Velect, with Velect being determined by extrapolating the potential decay using a linear approximation back to time tswitch. FIG. 4B shows the determined values of Vdrop for damaged test strips (circles) and undamaged test strips (squares). Line A shows an appropriate threshold (open-ended range) for this test strip, which has a value of 130 mV. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This application relates to error correction methods for use in electrochemical determination of analytes such as glucose, and to a meter, and meter-test strip combination for use in such a method. Small disposable electrochemical test strips are frequently used in the monitoring of blood glucose by diabetics. Such test strips can also be employed in the detection of other physiological chemicals of interest and substances of abuse. In general, the test strip comprises at least two electrodes and appropriate reagents for the test to be performed, and is manufactured as a single use, disposable element. The test strip is combined with a sample such as blood, saliva or urine before or after insertion in a reusable meter, which contains the mechanisms for detecting and processing an electrochemical signal from the test strip into an indication of the presence/absence or quantity of the analyte determined by the test strip. Electrochemical detection of glucose is conventionally achieved by applying a potential to an electrochemical cell containing a sample to be evaluated for the presence/amount of glucose, an enzyme that oxidizes glucose, such as glucose oxidase, and a redox mediator. As shown in FIG. 1 , the enzyme oxidizes glucose to form gluconolactone and a reduced form of the enzyme. Oxidized mediator reacts with the reduced enzyme to regenerate the active oxidase and produced a reduced mediator. Reduced mediator is oxidized at one of the electrodes, and then diffuses back to either be reduced at the other electrode or by the reduced enzyme to complete the cycle, and to result in a measurable current. The measured current is related to the amount of glucose in the sample, and various techniques are known for determining glucose concentrations in such a system are known. (See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,284,125; 5,942,102; 5,352,2,351; and 5,243,516, which are incorporated herein by reference.) It is generally desirable in electrochemical test strips to utilize a small volume sample. Because these tests may be performed with considerable frequency, it is desirable to utilize disposable, single use test strips and to minimize the per strip cost. These desires favor less precise manufacturing methods. At the same time, there is a conflicting desire for use of the smallest possible sample volume, and determinations of sufficient accuracy and precision to be useful. It would therefore be useful to be able to make corrections for multiple variations in the quality of the strip based on measurements made at the time of use, or to reject strips that are too far outside acceptable parameters. It would further be desirable to make these corrections or to reject strips based upon one or at most a small number of measured parameters. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention makes use of a measure of the series resistance of a working and counter electrode pair in an electrochemical test strip to provide correction values for multiple variations in the quality of the test strip, as well as the operation of strip in the test meter. In particular, in accordance with the invention as single measurement of series resistance can be used to detect and generate an error message when an incorrect reading is likely to result due to (1) damaged electrode tracks, (2) fouled electrode surfaces, (3) dirty strip contacts, or (4) short circuit between the electrodes. In accordance with the method of the present invention, determination of an analyte such as glucose in a sample such as blood is achieved by the steps of: (a) introducing sample to an electrochemical test strip having working and counter electrodes; (b) applying a potential difference, V app , between the electrodes of the test strip and observing a current signal sufficient to provide a determination of analyte in the sample; (c) switching off the applied potential at time t swtich and determining the magnitude, V drop , of the immediate voltage drop, if any; (d) checking the determined magnitude of V drop against a predetermined range, and rejecting the test if the magnitude of V drop falls outside of the range, and (e) if the magnitude is within the predetermined range, proceeding to display or communicate the result from the determination of analyte. The invention also provides a meter which is adapted to provide evaluate series electrode resistance and provide an error message where it is outside of a predetermined range. In a further aspect, the invention provides a measurement system comprising a meter which is adapted to evaluate series electrode resistance and provide an error message where it is outside of a predetermined range in combination with an electrochemical test strip. | 20050415 | 20090414 | 20061019 | 66268.0 | G01F164 | 1 | BALL, JOHN C | ERROR DETECTION IN ANALYTE MEASUREMENTS BASED ON MEASUREMENT OF SYSTEM RESISTANCE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G01F | 2,005 |
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10,907,819 | ACCEPTED | DETECTION METHODS AND DETECTION DEVICES BASED ON THE QUANTUM CONFINEMENT EFFECTS | The invention describes detection methods and devices that comprise nanostructures and which detection mechanism is based on the quantum confinement effects. The nanostructures are built to have specific energy levels designed to match the energy levels of the targeted analyte that is to be detected. The analyte species are sensed by measuring charge or/and energy transfer between the species and the nanostructures, which will be proportional to the overlap between the density of states distribution in the nanostructures and the density of states distribution in the targeted analyte species. Different molecular species have different electronic density of states, so the charge or/and energy transfer between the targeted analyte and detector nanostructures will occur only for specific analyte which has the same electronic density of states as the detectors nanostructure. The detection methods, devices, and potential applications include, but are not limited to: chemical, biochemical, biological or biochemical analysis. | 1. A device for detecting biological and/or chemical materials comprising: a sensor that includes nanostructure or plurality of nanostructures which are engineered in such a way to have the density-of-states distribution determined by the quantum confinement to match the density-of-the states distribution in the targeted analyte; and electronics for monitoring the charge and/or energy transfer between the analyte and nanostructure or/and between the nanostructures. 2. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructure is a superlattice or an array of superlattices. 3. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructure is a quantum dot or an array of quantum dots. 4. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructure is a quantum wire or an array of quantum wires. 5. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructure is a nanotube or a plurality of nanotubes. 6. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructures are nanopores or/and thin films. 7. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructure is a photonic crystal or a plurality of photonic crystals. 8. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructure is any combination of superlattices, quantum dots, quantum wires, nanotubes, nanopores, thin films, or photonics crystals. 9. A device of claim 1, wherein nanostructure is any structure which has size dependent electrical, chemical or optical properties. 10. A device of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure is made of metal, semiconductor, isolator, organic or inorganic materials and has any regular or irregular geometrical shape. 11. A device of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure can form two-dimensional arrays or three-dimensional structures. 12. A device of claim 1, wherein targeted analyte(s) may be any chemical elements, compounds, molecules, bio molecule, bio agents, nucleotides, genes, nucleic acids (natural or synthetic), viral RNA and DNA, bacterial DNA, fungal DNA, cDNA, mRNA, DNA and RMA fragments, PNA (peptide nucleic acid), DNA (both genomics and cDNA), RNA or hybrid (where the nucleic acid contains any combination of deoxyribo and ribonucleotides, and any combinations of bases), single base pairs of DNA and RNA, proteins, various toxins, fungi, parasites, Rickettsia, microbial cultures, viruses, bacteria, or uniquely identifiable components of byproducts, and oligonucleotides. 13. A device of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure has inner and/or outer shell(s). 14. A device of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure core or/and nanostructure shell is functionalized by a ligand, wherein said ligand has sequences complementary to the sequences of targeted analyte, said ligand comprises at least one type of recognition oligonucleotides, and each type of recognition oligonucleotide comprises a sequence complementary to at least one portion of sequence of targeted analyte, and/or said one portion of the targeted nucleic acid. 15. A device of claim 1, further comprising electrical bias, ac or/and dc, applied on nanostructure. 16. A device of claim 1, further comprising light source applied on nanostructure and/or analyte. 17. A device of claim 1, further comprising electromagnetic fields, magnetic fields, temperature, acoustic waves and pressure applied on the nanostructure and/or the electrolyte. 18. A device of claim 1, further comprising any combination of electrical biases, light sources, electromagnetic fields, magnetic fields, temperature, acoustic waves and pressure applied on the nanostructure and/or the analyte. 19. A device of claim 18, further comprising a coincidence circuit configured to generate coincident detection signal in the response to the coincidence between the said charge transfer at the nanostructure and the applied light source, or/and coincidence between any combination of the applied fields: magnetic field, electromagnetic field, temperature, electrical bias, light source, and pressure. 20. A device as recited in claim 19, wherein said quantum confinement based nanostructure device is a functional component of a device selected from the group of devices consisting essentially of the nanoelectrophoretic devices, thermoelectric devices, time of flight devices, photoluminescence devices, fluorescence spectroscopy devices, electrophoresis devices, mass spectroscopy devices, ion mobility devices, nanoelectromechanical sensors, nanoscale fluidic bioseparators, DNA sequence detectors, photonic devices, immunosensors, and imagining devices. 21. A method for detecting biological and/or chemical materials including: a device described in claim 19; exposing said device to said analyte, biological and/or chemical material; applying electrical ac and/or dc bias to the sensor nanostructure; detecting and monitoring the charge and/or energy transfer between the analyte and the nanostructure or/and between the nanostructures. 22. A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said activation of charge transfer between the analyte and the nanostructure and/or between the nanostructures is accomplished by optically illuminating said nanostructure and/or analyte, applying magnetic fields, applying electromagnetic fields, applying temperature, applying pressure, or/and applying any combination of these effects. 23. A device as claimed in claim 22, when in addition to electrical measurement of the charge transfer, any other electrical signal is monitored, as for instance, conductivity, capacitance or impedance, and any additional measurement is done, for instance, time of flight, Raman, photoluminescence, fluorescence, mass spectroscopy, ion mobility, electrophoresis, and nanoelectromechanical measurements. 24. A method for separation and extraction of biological and/or chemical materials, the method comprising: a device described in claim 19; exposing said device to said analyte, biological and/or chemical material; applying electrical ac and/or dc bias to the sensor nanostructure; separation or/and extraction and/or transport of the chemical or/and biological material by applied electrical bias to the specific part of the nanostructure, or specific area or volume of the nanostructures or detecting system. 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said separation of material is activated or/and enhanced or/and conducted by optically illuminating nanostructure and/or analyte, by applying ac or/and dc magnetic fields, by applying electromagnetic fields, by applying temperature, by applying pressure, or/and by applying any combination of these effects. 26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein release of biological and/or chemical materials is controlled. 27. A device of claim 1, further comprising a data base which will contain information about the interaction between the analytes and nanostructure or between the nanostructures when analytes are present and when nanostructures have specific energy levels determined by the quantum confinement, such to match the energy level of the targeted analytes. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the methods and devices based on quantum confinement for detecting and determining structure and/or composition of chemical and/or biological materials or molecules, by detecting the charge and/or energy transfer between the sensor and the target material. The invention also includes transport, manipulation, separation and extraction of the biological and chemical materials from the target analyte. The invention relates to detection methods and devices, but it is not limited to: chemical, biochemical, biological or biochemical analysis, detection of a nucleic acid, DNA sequencing, detection of a specific protein, or group of proteins of interest present within complex samples, bioseparation, synthesis, immobilization of the biological and/or chemical agents, binding, isolation and concentration of the biological and/or chemical agents as well as maintaining the agent structure, activity and stability, chemical and bio catalysis, process control, diagnosis, monitoring of diseases, time of flight detection, nanoelectrophoretic devices, etc. THE BACKGROUND A variety of methods and sensors have been developed for chemical, biochemical, biological or biochemical analysis, control and detection. Biological species of interest include molecules, for example: sugars, nucleic acids, proteins, DNA, RNA, various toxins, bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, etc. The development of the claimed detection methods and detectors will have significant impact on broad range of applications related to medical diagnostic, drug development, food control and safety, the environment, energy production, and security. However, the invention has even broader range of applicability. Development of new nanostructured materials together with the emerging advances in micro, nano and superlattice structures and electronics create a new avenue for construction of more advanced methods and sensors. There exist a number of known methods for detecting biochemical materials. The most common are: optical absorption and reflection, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, fluorescence, electrophoresis, mass spectroscopy, ion mobility etc. The current generation of sensors is mostly constructed of a transducer in combination with a biological active surface. Many of these rely on specific ligand antiligand reactions as the detection mechanism. Others rely on electronic signals for detection, using DC or AC potentials, and detecting change in impedance, with or without using mediators for charge transfer to the electrode. Ideally, the sensors should be sensitive (low detection limits) and specific. For the gene probe, the extent of molecular complementarity between probe and target defines the specificity. In general, it is very difficult to obtain a perfect complementarity for targets with mismatches, since small variations in reaction conditions will alert the hybridization. It would be desirable to detect single molecule binding events with the specificity of a single base pair mismatch of a DNA. Novel functional materials such as superlattice structures, quantum dots, nanowires, nanotubes, porous membranes, with or without attached functional groups, have been used as a sensing elements in combination with various possible detection mechanisms. Some of the techniques take the advantage of the lengthwise similarity between the thickness of the superlattice layer and typical distance between bonding sites of biological and chemical molecules as well as between overall thickness of the superlattice structure and the length of such biological and chemical molecules. The surface binding of the biomolecules on the superlattice has been achieved by activating the superlattice by optical illumination or by electrical biasing; see for instance P. D. Brewer et al. US patent application publication US20050042773A1. The other example of using the combination of the nanostructure, functionalized or not functionalized, and the spacing between the electrodes is a modified time of flight experiment. The ionic current is measured when the voltage biases are applied across the nanocapillary or nanotube. The electrophoretical flow of a single stranded polynucleotides through the structure blocks and reduces the ionic current. Time of flight of these polynucleotides vary linearly with their length, and different nucleotides will have different blocking signals, which will allow one rapidly sequence the DNA (P. Yang et al. US patent application publication US20040262636A1. There are also other devices where one or more voltage sources are coupled to each of the plurality of nano or micro sized regions on the semiconductor substrate. The one or more voltage sources selectively apply voltage to any one or more of the plurality of nano or micro sized regions to attract a particular molecular species to the one or more of the plurality of nano or micro sized regions (K. Code et al. US patent application publication US20050032100A1. In one embodiment, complementary and non-complementary DNA is differentiated by measuring conductivity. Glass surface between two golden electrodes is modified by oligonucleotides complementary to the target DNA. Only complementary target DNA strands form nanoparticle assemblies between the two electrodes, and complete circuit by nanoparticle hybridization. This format is extended to substrate array, chips, with thousands of pairs of electrodes capable of testing for thousands of different nucleic acids (C. A. Mirkin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,432B2). Active microelectronic arrays that use DC and AC fields of transport and positioning of biochemical molecules, DNA, biological cells, antibodies, polymers, etc. are fabricated with 25 to 10,000 test sites or micro-locations. An example is 100 test site chip commercialized by Nanogen, from San Diego, Calif. The chip has 80 microns diameter test sites/microlocations with underlying platinum microelectrodes, and twenty auxiliary outer microelectrodes. The outer group of microelectrodes provides encompassing electric field for concentrating charged particles in the active test area. On the similar device fluorescent nucleic acid molecules which are about 7 nm in length were transported back and forth over a distance of about 200 microns (K. Code et al. US patent application publication US20040158051A1). There are many other applications of nanostructures, quantum dots, nanowires, nanotubes and superlattices for detection of biochemical molecules. However, their common characteristic is that they do not use quantum confinement in the sense it is applied in this invention. In all of the other applications, when used, the quantum confinement is related only to the optical detection methods. One of the examples is the selective infrared detection, whereby only the photons with energies equal to the difference of the energy levels can excite electrons. Another frequent quantum confinement application has been to eliminate energy momentum dispersion and to decrease phonon scattering rate and increase internal gain in a quantum dot based inter-sub band photoconductor (K. Code et al. US patent application publication US20040256612A1). The other application uses quantum dots that are substantially defect free, so that quantum dots exhibit photoluminescence with a quantum efficiency that is greater than 10 percent (H. W. L. Lee et al. US patent application publication US20050017260A1). In addition, there are number of sensors that rely on the use of particles and quantum dots, including magnetic particles, particularly for electrochemiluminescence detection (K. Code et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,746,974; 5,770,459). Very recently the AlGaN/GaN heterostructures have been predicted to act as efficient biosensors detecting pH values of electrolytes, provided the two-dimensional electron gas lies close the Ga oxide layer as in the case for N-face heterostructures (M. Bayer, C. Uhl, and P. Vogl, J. Appl. Phys. 97, 033703 (2005)). However, as it was said above, all of the examples enumerated do not use quantum confinement in a straight way applied to this invention. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to the new biochemical detection methods and devices, based on the quantum confinement effect, which may significantly benefit broad range of applications in science, health care, diagnostics, prognostics, security and safety. Over the years, various molecular detection techniques have been developed. This invention provides significant improvement in the sensitivity, specificity, cost reduction, device miniaturization, and time required for the detection. Before giving the specifics of the invention, it will be beneficiary to compare it with the progress that the optical spectroscopy brought to the development of the detection methods. Before the development of the optical spectroscopy it was possible to obtain only limited information about the material by optical measurements, for instance, transparency, absorbance, and color. However, the real progress in optical measurements has been made only after establishment of the spectroscopic methods which include measurements of the atomic and molecular spectrum, and measurement of spectral emission and absorption lines. We claim that the proposed invention will bring similar order of magnitude improvement in detection specificity and selectivity. Many methods have been developed which are based on measuring changes in the electrical current between the electrodes, caused by the presence of the specific analyte. Some of the methods are using nanoparticles and electrodes, measuring the change in the electrical current or electrical signals when analyte with the attached nanoparticle is present. In other cases the electrodes or the nanoparticles are functionalized to attract the specific analyte. However, all these methods are missing specificity, as the optical method missed it before the measurements of the spectral lines were applied. This invention is also based on the measurement of the charge and/or energy transfer between the nanostructures and the analytes; however, there is substantial difference between this and the existing methods. In this invention nanostructures are designed to create the quantum confinement, in such a way that the density distribution of the energy levels in the nanostructures matches the density energy levels distribution energy levels density distribution in the analyte. If the analogy with the optical spectroscopy is used again, only the photons which have the same energy as the energy levels separation in the analyte will be absorbed or emitted. Similarly, in the present invention, the charge and/or energy transfer between the nanostructure and targeted analyte will occur only when the electronic density of states in the detectors nanostructures is the same as the density of states in the analyte. This significantly increases sensitivity, selectivity and specificity of the analyte detection, since different analytes have different combination of the density energy levels distributions (similarly as the different analyte have different combination of the spectral lines). The nanostructure part of the detector device may be built, for instance, from quantum dots. The size and other parameters of the quantum dots can be chosen so that the three dimensional charge confinement of quantum dots creates specific energy levels designed to match the energy levels in the specific targeted analyte. The device may further contain other quantum dots with the other energy levels. In principle it may contain thousands of different kinds of quantum dots for detecting thousands of different analytes. Detection of the charge transfer or the absence of the charge transfer on the specific quantum dots will give confirmation of presence or absence of specific targeted analyte. In addition to having the nanostructure with the specific energy levels, the separation between the quantum dots also may be chosen to match the length similarity with the charge distribution in the analyte. Knowing the density of states distribution in the analyte, the separation or distance between the charges and the amount of the charges the complete distribution of the charge of the analyte may be determined. In the above described device the use of the quantum dots is chosen just as an example. The nanostructures which are used to build the device sensing element may be for instance superlattice structures, where the thickness and the area of the super lattice, determine the quantum confinement, and the density of states distribution of the analyte. The device can be also built from nanowires, nanotubes or any other nanostructure, where again the volume of the nanotube, nanowire or any chosen nanostructure is such that the density of states distribution in the nanostructures, created by quantum confinement, mimic the density of energy levels distribution in the specific analyte. The nanotube or nanowire, or in general any nanostructure, may be composite, and may be built from several isolated nanotubes, nanowires or nanostructures, which are all combined to make one large nanotube, nanowire or nanostructure. Having the above examples in mind, it is obvious that by using different nanostructures different resolution of the devices may be achieved. Superlattice materials, which are again taken here just as an example, may be chosen when the charge transfer with a resolution of a few Angstroms is required. The quantum dots and quantum wires may be chosen to obtain resolutions from a few nanometers to up to a few microns. So, the fine or coarse charge resolutions of biochemical molecules, proteins, amino acids, bacteria, viruses, etc. can be obtained by applying appropriate nanostructures or appropriate combination of nanostructures. The charge and/or energy transfer between the device and nanostructures and/or between the nanostructure elements may be initiated or modified by external electrical field, applied voltage bias, applied light, applied electromagnetic field, magnetic fields, temperature or the combination of these factors. The applied external effects may be dc or ac, and intensity and/or frequency of electric fields, voltage bias, magnetic fields, temperatures, light or their combination may change. The external fields may be designed to have the effect on the nanostructure confinement charge energy levels or to excite the energy states of the targeted analyte and to activate the charge transfer. The device nanostructure may or may not be functionalized by the attachment of specific biochemical groups, molecules, atoms, proteins, or antibodies; they will attract or repeal the specific atoms, molecules, groups or antibodies which are complementary or the same as in the analyte and are in some way characteristic for the specific analyte. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) The invention will be better understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purpose only: FIG. 1 illustrates the device according to the invention wherein a plurality of nanostructures (101) on a substrate (102) is connected to the chip (103) that supplies electrical bias to the nanostructure and also measures the charge and/or energy transfer between an analyte (104) and the nanostructure (101). The chip (103) also amplifies the signal and transmits signal further to the electronics (105), which may include coincidence units, and to the computer (106). FIG. 2A illustrates energy level distribution in a bulk material. FIG. 2b illustrates energy level distribution in a nanostructure whit a strong confinement. One can see continuous distribution of energy levels in a bulk material and discrete energy level distribution in a nanostructure. FIGS. 3A and 3B are a schematic of an individual quantum dot (301) on a substrate (302), or a quantum dot (303) in a substrate (304). FIG. 4 shows the energy levels for cylindrical quantum dots Ge on Si substrate as a function of the size of the quantum dots. FIG. 5 shows how the energy level distribution of a quantum dot depends on the shape of the quantum dots. The energy levels for the cylindrical, pyramidal and quantum ring shape dots are presented. FIG. 6 shows the change of the electron energy levels inside the quantum ring shape quantum dots FIG. 6a and cylindrical shape quantum dot FIG. 6b when the external magnetic field is applied. FIG. 7 shows the impact of the collective effects of the array of quantum dots, when the quantum dot is in the form of a quantum ring, to the shift of the ground state inside quantum dots. When the distances between the quantum rings are large, the energy level distribution in a quantum ring is the same as if the quantum ring was alone, isolated from other quantum dots. When the distances between the quantum rings are small, the collective effect of the array of quantum rings shifts the energy levels. FIG. 8A illustrates the basic principle of the sensor detection mechanism. The charge and/or energy transfer between the detector nanostructure elements and the targeted analyte will happen only if the density distribution of the energy levels of the nanostructure overlaps with the density distribution of the energy levels of the analyte. FIG. 8B illustrates analogy with the optical spectroscopy, where a photon will be absorbed by the material only if the energy levels inside material correspond to the photon energy. FIGS. 8C and 8D demonstrate the charge and/or energy transfer as a function of the overlap between the densities of the states. Only when the densities of the states overlap, the charge transfer occurs. FIG. 8E presents the overlap between the density of the states of the quantum dot and analyte, which results in the charge transfer from the analyte to the quantum dots. FIG. 8F shows the density of the states of nanostructure (812) that has no overlap with the density of states of an analyte (813); in this example there will be no charge tunneling transfer between the nanostructure and the analyte. FIG. 9 shows square wave functions for cylindrical quantum dot; the figures correspond to the ground state l=0, and to the exited states (n=1, l=1), (n=1, l=2), and (n=1, l=4) respectively. FIG. 10 demonstrates the charge transfer as a function of the overlap between the densities of states. The density of states for an inhomogeneous quantum dot are presented on the top figure, the density of states for a homogenous quantum dot are presented on the figure below. The charge transfer between these two structures will be proportional to the overlap of the density of states as it is shown on the lower figure. FIG. 11 demonstrates the application of the quantum confinement in the biochemical detector. In the case where the density-of-states distribution in the sensing nanostructure overlaps with the density-of-states distribution in the targeted analyte, the charge and/or energy transfer will occur. When the density distributions of the energy levels in the sensing element and the analyte are different, there is no charge transfer. FIGS. 12A and 12 B are the two schematics of the possible design of the detection system FIG. 12a shows one or more nanostructure sensing elements directly connected to the amplifier and electronics which registers the electrical signal. FIG. 12b presents designs where the nanostructure sensing elements are placed between electrodes. FIG. 13 presents an array that contains several segments with different nanostructures and varying spacing between them. Each segment of the array is designed to detect different analyte or part of the analyte with different charge distribution. FIG. 14 presents the arrays built with nanostructures designed to distinguish between the analytes which have the same density-of-states distributions but have different structures. Figure represents the situation where the pyramidal nanostructure will not be able to connect with all of the charge elements of the analyte as well as the ring shape nanostructure. FIGS. 15A and 15B demonstrate the importance of the spacing between the nanostructures. When the size of the spacing between the nanostructures is comparable to the size of the analyte, for instance both groups of the charges on the analyte will be detected, FIG. 15a. Only one group will be detected due to the mismatch of the sizes between the analyte and the nanostructure, FIG. 15b. FIG. 16 illustrates the importance of the quantum confinement and the density of states and how it gives an additional degree of the selectivity for detection of the species. Quantum dots (1601) and (1602) may have the same functionalization but different density states. In both cases the complementarity between the DNA and oligonucleotide is satisfied, but the charge transfer between the DNA and the nanostructure will happen only if simultaneously the density-of-states distribution between the nanostructure and the targeted DNA is also matched, for example only between dot (1601) and analyte. FIG. 17 presents the situation where combination of quantum dots and thin films or superlattices is used to build quantum dots (1701) from a number of layers of thin films or number of superlattice layers (1703, 1704, and 1705) and so on. FIG. 18 presents formation of the quantum dots on a combination of layers of conductive and isolating thin films. A specific group of quantum dots is connected to the specific conductive film which is isolated from other quantum dots and thin films. The second set of quantum dots is connected to another conductive thin film which is again isolated from other thin films and other quantum dots, and so on. When the targeted analyte is present, the different set of the quantum dots will send signal to the different thin film layer for the different specific analyte. Since the different thin film layers are connected to different electronics channels, knowing the combination of the thin films which produced the signal one can tell the precise spatial position of the quantum dots that produced the signal, can locate the targeted analyte, and also can specify the analyte. FIG. 19 presents three dimensional nanostructure structure constructed from two sets of two dimensional arrays placed close to each other in some kind of sandwich like structure so that the quantum dots will touch or/and almost touch each other and make a three-dimensional structure with shape similar to channels going between the quantum dots. FIG. 20 presents a nanotube which contain multi parts, each part of the nanotube has different length and composition, and it is designed to sense different analyte or different part of the analyte. FIG. 21 shows AFM image of CdSe quantum dots produced by ion implantation of Cd at 450 keV followed by ion implantation of Se at 330 keV. These implantation parameters insured an overlap of the Se and Cd depth profiles, with the peak of the profile at ˜200 nm. By subsequent annealing at 400° C. to 1000° C. for one hour CdSe nanocrystals are formed. FIG. 22 presents a sample device with the metallic microstrips on Si substrate and nanostructures, semiconductors quantum dots placed between the microstrips. The microstrips are separated for 50 microns, and each of the microstrip, is connected with the golden wires to the separate channel of VA chip which amplifies the signals from microstrips and also provides the bias for the micro strips and nanostructures. The chip also allows external triggering and timing with the other equipment and external electronics and it is further connected with the data acquisition system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The method and device will be described by giving the examples. The invention includes any method and device in which the quantum confinement is used to design the nanostructure used as a part of a device in such way that the energy levels in the nanostructures match the energy levels in the targeted analytes. The current examples are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, and it will be understood that a number of electronic devices can be implemented utilizing described methods. For illustrative purpose only, the invention is embodied in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Shown is a plurality of nanostructures (101) on a substrate (102) connected to the chip (103) that supplies electrical bias to the nanostructure and also measures the charge and/or energy transfer between the analyte (104) and the nanostructure (101); or/and the transfer between the nanostructure elements (101). The chip (103) also amplifies the signal and transmits signal further to the electronics (105), which may include coincidence units, and to the computer (106). The present invention provides new method and new generation of biochemical sensors for sensitive detection of target analytes. The sensor is based on the principles of the quantum confinement, applied on the nanostructures. The term “nanostructure” includes and it is applied to: superlattices, quantum dots, quantum wires, nanotubes, thin films, nanopores and other objects with size depended properties (e.g. electrical, chemical, and optical properties). Quantum dots can be differentiated from a quantum wire and quantum well, which have size dependent properties along at most one and two dimensions, respectively. Nanostructures can exist in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to cylinders, spheroids, tubes, rods, discs, pyramids, rings, and a plurality of other geometric and non geometric shapes. The quantum confinement effect occurs when electron and hole pairs are spatially confined within the nanostructure. When the size of a nanostructure is on the level of a hundred nanometers or less the confinement breaks the periodic potential, and thereby collapses the energy “bands” into separated energy levels. The energy level distribution in such nanostructures becomes discontinuous, since the charges cannot obtain arbitrary energy values but rather only discrete ones. The energy level distribution and other material properties in such nanostructures depend, among other factors, on the size and the shape of the nanostructures. FIG. 2a illustrates the energy level distribution in a bulk material and FIG. 2b illustrates the energy level distribution in a nanostructure with a strong confinement. One can see continuous distribution of energy levels in a bulk material and discrete energy level distribution in a nanostructure. The analyte or targeted analyte may be any or plurality of chemical elements, compounds, molecules, bio molecules, bio agents, nucleotides, genes, nucleic acids (natural or synthetic), viral RNA and DNA, bacterial DNA, fungal DNA, cDNA, mRNA, DNA and RMA fragments, PNA (peptide nucleic acid), DNA (both genomics and cDNA), RNA or hybrid (where the nucleic acid contains any combination of deoxyribo and ribo nucleotides, and any combinations of bases), single base pairs of DNA and RNA, proteins, various toxins, fungi, parasites, rickettsia, microbial cultures, viruses, bacteria, or uniquely identifiable components of byproducts, oligonucleotides, etc. The detection methods and potential applications include, but are not limited to: chemical, biochemical or biological analysis, process control, diagnosis, monitoring of diseases, DNA sequencing, chemical and biocatalysis, bioseparation, synthesis, immobilization of the biological and/or chemical agent, binding, isolating and concentrating the biological and/or chemical agents as well as maintaining the agent structure, activity and stability, etc. FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are a schematic of an individual quantum dot (301) on a substrate (302) or quantum dot (303) in a substrate (304). For example, the quantum dot may be made from an island (301) or insertion (303) of narrow-band-gap material on a wide-band-gap substrate (302) or (304). If such islands or insertions are large enough, they may be considered as locally formed quantum well (QW) insertions. If, on the other hand, the lateral size of the islands is comparable with or smaller than the excitonic Bohr radius and the band-gap difference between the island and the substrate material is large enough, quantum dots (QDs) are formed. They are confined in all three dimensions: one dimension of the confinement is defined by the QW width; the other two lateral dimensions are defined by the effective size of the QD island. While the vertical confinement is always strong, the lateral confinement may be both strong and weak, depending on a particular physical properties of the substrate and deposit, and a specific growth conditions. V. A. Schukin, N. N. Ledenbsov, D. Bimberg, Epitaxy of Nanostructures, Berlin, Springer 2004. The energy level distribution in the nanostructure as a function of the size of the nanostructure is illustrated in FIG. 4 for the case of the cylindrical Ge quantum dots on Si substrate. To get these results one needs to solve the Schrödinger equation. In this example, inputs into Schrödinger equation include potentials that take into account stress between the quantum dots and substrate, the material composition, and also the difference in the energy gap of the quantum dot and substrate. The figure demonstrates that by reducing the radius of the quantum dots the ground state energy level moves toward the higher energies and the entire spectrum also changes. B. Vlahovic, I. Filikhin, V. M. Suslov and K. Wang, Numerical Simulation of Electronic Properties in Quantum Dot Heterostructures. Technical Proceedings of the 2004 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Vol. 3, pp 130-132. Not only the size, but also the shape of the quantum dots has effect on the energy level distribution in a nanostructure. The nanostructures that have the same volume but differ in shape will in general have different energy states distribution. FIG. 5 shows how the energy levels distribution of a quantum dot depends on the shape of the quantum dots. The energy level distributions for the cylindrical, conical, and pyramidal quantum dots are presented. Again the energy levels are obtained by solving the Schrödinger equation; the input is the stress between quantum dots and substrate, and band gap potentials. See the previous reference, B. Vlahovic et al. In addition to depending on the size, shape, composition of the substrate and nanostructure and stress generated between the nanostructure and substrate, the energy distribution inside the nanostructure will also depend on the external factors, such as externally applied magnetic field, electrical bias, and temperature. FIG. 6 shows the change of the electron energy levels inside quantum ring, FIG. 6a, and cylindrical shape quantum dots FIG. 6b, when the external magnetic field is applied. The obtained values are again the solutions of the Schrödinger equation when the band gap and external magnetic fields are used as the inputs for the potential. One can see that the energy levels are discrete. FIG. 6a demonstrates the shift of the electron energy levels caused by the external magnetic field for InAs quantum ring embedded in GaAs substrate, with the inner radius R1=10 nm, the height H=1.5 nm and the outer radius R2=40 nm. FIG. 6b shows calculation of electron excitation energy levels for InAs/GaAs cylindrical shape (H=7 nm and R=10 nm) quantum dot for different values of the magnetic field strength B from 0 to 23 T. One can see excellent agreement between the calculations and the experiment, the gray-scale plot of the capacitance-gate voltage experimental traces that corresponds to the electron energy states. The quantum numbers of the electron states are marked as (n; l), where n is radial quantum number and l is orbital quantum number. The first line (0,0) of the plot corresponds to an occupation of the ground state (s-state) level of an electron pair with different projections of spins. The next double line (0,1) corresponds to an occupation of the p-state. The d-state represent the last double lines (0,2). The double lines, two lines for each state, is manifestation of the angular Zeeman-splitting, which lids to departing lines corresponding to the states with non-zero angular momentum. The broadening of the lines to the stripe is due to the variation of the size of quantum dots during the fabrication. The calculations for FIG. 6a are from I. Filikhin, V. M. Suslov and B. Vlahovic, electron spectral properties of the InAs/GaAs quantum ring, submitted to International Journal of Nanoscience (2005). The reference for calculations of FIG. 6b is I. Filikhin, E. Deyneka and B. Vlahovic, Energy of electron states of InAs/GaAs quantum dot, submitted to Appl. Phys. Lett. (2005). The experimental results are from B. T. Miller, W. Hansen, S. Manus, R. J. Luyken, A. Lorke, and J. P. Kotthaus, S. Huant, G. Medeiros-Ribeiro and P. M. Petroff, Phys. Rev. B 56, 6764 (1997). Consequently, in the design of the detector based on the quantum confinement, one needs to perform similar calculations. If the bias voltage or/and external electromagnetic field, magnetic field, and the temperature are applied, then one also needs to take these factors into consideration. It is necessary to mention that the energy levels in a single nanostructure will be different when that nanostructure is isolated from other nanostructures, then when that nanostructure is a part of two dimensional arrays of nanostructures or three dimensional arrangements of nanostructures. The impact of these collective effects to the energy levels is demonstrated in FIG. 7. Shown are the electron ground states inside a quantum ring as a function of the distances between the rings. When the separation is large, the energy levels in the quantum ring are the same as when the ring is isolated. When distances between the rings are small, the effects of the array shift the energy levels in the quantum rings towards lower energy values. One also needs to take this effect into account when engineering the device. The basic principle of the sensor is that the charge or/and energy transfer between the detector nanostructure elements and the targeted analyte will be proportional to the overlap of the energy level density distribution of the nanostructure and the energy level density distribution of the analyte. The FIG. 8a demonstrates an analyte (801) above a nanostructure array of quantum dots (803). In this example, the density of states for the analyte (804) are the same as the density of states for the quantum dots (805), which will make the charge and/or energy transfer between the analyte and the quantum dot possible. The situation is the same as in the optical spectroscopy, where a photon will be absorbed by material only if the energy levels inside material correspond to the photon energy, as it is demonstrated in FIG. 8b. This is the most important part for the operation of the device, so for that reason additional view of the same situation is given in FIG. 8c. The density of states for a nanostructure are denoted by 806, and those for an analyte by 807. Since the densities of states are identical, the charge transfer between the nanostructure and the analyte will occur when an electrical bias is applied on the nanostructure. In the case where the analyte and the nanostructure have different densities of states, as shown in FIG. 8d where there is no overlap between the nanostructure density of states (808) and the analyte density of states (809), the charge transfer between the analyte and the nanostructure will not be possible, regardless of the electrical bias applied on the nanostructure. One more detailed description of the detection mechanism is shown in FIG. 8e. Here the nanostructure density of states (810) is represented by the electronic confinement levels shown as (810). The levels are broadened due to various energy/momentum relaxation mechanisms. The figure demonstrates the case where the lower energy levels are occupied but some upper energy states are free, for instance due to the electrical bias applied. The analyte (biomolecule) density of states is represented by (811), and in this example all molecular energy levels are shown as occupied and broadened due to electron relaxation effects. Now, when there is overlap between the density of states of the nanostructure and analyte, as in the example shown, the charge tunneling from the molecule to the analyte will occur. If there is no overlap of the density of states, the tunneling from the molecule to the analyte will not occur. For instance, FIG. 8f shows the density of the states of nanostructure (812) that has no overlap with the density of states of an analyte (813); in this example there will be no charge tunneling transfer between the nanostructure and the analyte. The density of states of the nanostructure and analyte can be obtained from the spectrum of the eigenstates by evaluation of the corresponding integrals which include the nanostructure and analyte wave functions. The wave functions are obtained also as solutions of the Schrödinger equation. As an example, FIG. 9 shows square wave functions for cylindrical quantum dot; the figures correspond to the ground state l=0, and to the exited states (n=1, l=1), (n=1, l=2), and (n=1, l=4) respectively. The distribution of the density of states will depend on the effects of size, strain, composition, applied magnetic fields, applied electrical bias, applied electromagnetic fields, temperature, collective effects, and other parameters. The amount of the charge and/or energy transport between the elements of detector nanostructure and the targeted analyte will be proportional to the overlap between the density of states of the nanostructure and the density of states of the targeted analyte. Johnson et al. calculated the electronic and transport properties in SixGe1-x quantum wires and quantum dots with finite element modeling; T. Johnson, L. B. Freund, C. D. Akyüz, and A. Zaslaysky, Finite element analysis of strain effects on electronic and transport properties in quantum dots and wires, J. Appl. Phys., 84, 3714-3725(1998). Their calculations were consistent with the experimental results. For example, see M.-E. Pistol, N. Carlsson, C. Persson, W. Seifert, and L. Samuelson, Observation of Strain Effects in Semiconductor Dots Depending On Cap Layer Thickness, Appl. Phys. Lett. 67(10), 1438(1995); C. D. Akyuz, A. Zaslaysky, L. B. Freund, D. A. Syphers, and T. O. Sedgwick, Inhomogeneous strain in individual quantum dots probed by transport measurements, Appl. Phys. Lett. 72(14), 1739-1741(1998). See also I. Filikhin, E. Deyneka and B. Vlahovic, Energy dependent effective mass model of InAs/GaAs quantum ring, Modelling Simul. Mater. Sci. Eng. 12, 1121-1130 (2004). FIG. 10 demonstrates the charge transfer as a function of the overlap between the densities of states. The A denotes a composite quantum dot which has the first peak of the density states that corresponds to the inner part of the quantum dot, and the second peak of the density of states that corresponds to the outside part of the quantum dot. The B represents a homogeneous quantum dot with its density of states. When two quantum dots A and B are placed together (AB), and a bias is applied, the charge transport between the quantum dots occurs. One can see that the amount of the charge transport is proportional to the overlap between the density of states for quantum dot A and quantum dot B. The application of the quantum confinement in the biochemical detector is demonstrated in FIG. 11. The nanostructure sensing elements (1101) and (1102) are built with the specific energy levels and specific energy states distributions (1103) and (1104), respectively. Above the sensing element shown are the targeted analytes (1105) and (1106), with their density-of-states distributions (1107) and (1108), respectively. In the case where the density-of-states distribution in the sensing nanostructure is the same as in the targeted analyte, the charge and/or energy transfer will occur. This is the case where the analyte (1105) is over the nanostructure (1102), since the density of states (1107) of the analyte (1105), is the same as the density of states (1104) of the nanostructure (1102). This is also the case when the analyte (1106) is over the nanostructure (1103), since the density of states (1108) and (1103) are the same. In both cases there will be the charge transfer from the analyte to the nanostructure, when an electrical bias is applied on the nanostructure. When the density of states in the sensing element and the analyte are different, the density of states (1107) of the analyte (1105) and the density of states (1103) of the analyte (1101), and also the density of states (1108) of the analyte (1106) and the density of states (1104) of the nanostructure (1102), there will be no charge transfer. Two schematics of the possible design of the detection system are presented in FIGS. 12a and 12b. FIG. 12a shows one or more nanostructure sensing elements (1201) and (1202) directly connected to the amplifier (1203) and electronics which registers the electrical signal. FIG. 12b presents designs where the nanostructure sensing elements (1204), (1205) and (1206) are placed between electrodes (1207). When the charge and/or energy transfer between the nanostructure sensing elements and the analyte occurs, the electronics registers charge transfer, current, change of conductivity, capacitance, impedance, or change in any other electrical property, associated by the electrodes and nanostructures. The nanostructure sensing elements may form an array which can be built for detecting just one specific analyte or may be built for the simultaneous detection of many targeted analytes. The array may contain the nanostructure elements of different shape, composition or spacing. All segments of the array may be the same or each segment of the array can be different. FIG. 13 presents an array that contains several segments with different nanostructures and varying spacing between them. Each segment of the array is designed to detect different analyte or part of the analyte with different charge distribution. The density of states of each part of the nanostructure arrays are denoted below the array. Each part of the array has nanostructures that have different density states, because of that, each part of the array will have charge transfer with the different analytes. It is important to note that the nanostructure may be built in such a way to have different shape but the same density-of-states distribution. The arrays built with this kind of nanostructures will be used to distinguish between the analytes which have the same density-of-states distributions but have different structures. FIG. 14 represents that situation, where the pyramidal nanostructure (1401) will obviously not be able to connect with all of the charge elements of the analyte (1402) as well as the ring shape nanostructure (1403). The spacing between the nanostructures is also an important factor, as it is demonstrated in FIGS. 15a and 15b. As the example shown in FIG. 15a demonstrates, when the size of the spacing between the nanostructures (1501) is comparable to the size of the analyte (1502), both groups of the charges of the analyte (1502) will be detected. FIG. 15b shows the situation where only one group will be detected due to the mismatch of the sizes between the analyte and the nanostructures. The nanostructures can be built from a single homogeneous monoatomic materials or polyatomic materials. The material may be without impurities, or can contain impurities, can be doped or implanted, can be detect free or can contain a range of defects, vacancies, dislocations, etc. The nanostructure can optionally be surrounded partially or completely by another material. Further, we will call a “core” the inner part of the material. The outside or surrounding material we will call a “shell”, even when it does not have shell type geometry. For instance, in the case of the quantum dots we can have a “core” as the inner part and a “shell” as the surrounding material. There can be several layers of shells, which can be complete or partially complete. When nanostructure is for example a nanotube, the nanotube may include inner part, which can be optionally surrounded with one or more layers of materials or shells. The different part of the length of a nanotube may be built from different materials and may have different inner and outer diameters, which are chosen such that quantum confinement provides a desired energy level distribution inside the nanotube. Thin films and superlattices may also be homogeneous, partially homogeneous or substantially inhomogeneous. One layer of the superlattice or thin film may contain areas built from different materials of different thickness to achieve quantum confinement and different state density distributions for different areas or volumes of superlattice or thin film nanostructure based detector. Nanostructures with or without shell may also be optionally functionalized or hybridized, in order to attract or repel the specific analyte. For instance, they can consist of ligands which can comprise single analyte specie or two or more types of analyte species. The ligands, which are chosen here just as an example, can be one or more active groups or antibodies of particular species of interest for trapping the particular biological agent (antigen). In addition, ligands can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or amphiphilic and can be in form of layers, rods, tubes, etc. The ligands can also be oligonucleotides, having for instance a sequence complementary to the sequence of one of the portions of the selected nucleic acid. The “shell” can also be any molecule, molecular group, or functional group coupled (attached) to the nanostructure to impact interaction between the nanostructure and the surrounding material and/or properties of individual nanostructure. It can control electrical, optical, transport, chemical, physical, geometrical spacing or combination of the properties. For instance, a physically rigid active group bound to the nanostructure can act as a physical inter-particle spacing. As other example, a group covalently bound to the nanostructure may enhance charge transfer between the analyte and nanostructure. The functionalization of the nanostructure can be done on outer and/or inner surface of the nanostructure. It can be done on core and/or shell of the nanostructure. So, for example, the ligand can be also inner part of the nanostructure, for instance, inner part of the nanotubes. Such methods are known in the art, see for instance U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,432B2 and reference therein. Let as describe as an example the detection of a DNA by a functionalized nanostructures. In general, different portions of the nucleic acid have different sequences which will be recognized with nanostructures carrying one or more different oligonucleotides, preferably attached to different nanostructures. The first oligonucleotide attached to the first nanostructure, for instance first line of quantum dot, has a sequence complementary to the first portion of a DNA. The second oligonucleotide attached to the second nanostructure (second line of quantum dot) has a sequence complementary to a second portion of the targeted sequence in the DNA, and so on. The different parts of an array with different combinations of the functionalized nanostructures will obviously detect the different sequences of the DNA. Knowing which combinations of the nanostructures are active and which nanostructure detected charge transfer will allow one to make the DNA sequence. Here it is important to mention that the nanostructures (in this example, quantum dots) may have the same functionalization but different density of states, as it is demonstrated in FIG. 16. The first quantum dot (1601) has the same functionalization as the second quantum dot (1602), but the two quantum dots have different energy states. The difference in energy states is illustrated by the different shapes of these two quantum dots; first is cylindrical, and the second is conic. The density of states in the first quantum dot (1601) is chosen to match the density of states in the analyte. In this case the analyte is the detectable portion of a DNA. This will allow charge transport between the DNA and the cylindrical nanostructure (1601). The second quantum dot (1602) is designed so that the density of states of that quantum dot does not match the density of states of the same portion of the DNA. Thus, the charge transfer between that quantum dot and DNA will not happen, regardless of the fact that this quantum dot has the same functionalization as the first quantum dot, and that it attracts and bins the same portion of the DNA, as it is illustrated in the figure. In both cases the complementarity between the DNA and oligonucleotide is satisfied, but the charge transfer between the DNA and the nanostructure will happen only if simultaneously the density-of-states distribution between the nanostructure and the targeted DNA is also matched. This gives an additional degree of selectivity for the detection of the species. In the same figure there is also third quantum dot (1603) which has the functionalization which is not the complementary to the targeted portion of the DNA. So there will be no hybridization and no binding between this quantum dot and the DNA. The charge transfer for this reason will not happen between this quantum dot and the DNA. One can note that although the oligonucleotide on the first and the second nanostructure may be the same they still could detect different molecules, if the density of states in the first and second nanostructure are different. For example, the oligonucleotide will attract and bind the same type of the molecule, but the charge or/and energy transfer will occur only between the molecule which has density of states that overlaps with the density of states of the nanostructure. The quantum dot which has the same functionalization but different density of states from the analyte will not register any charge or/and energy transfer. This demonstrates how the quantum confinement increases the selectivity. It also shows that in some cases the functionalization can be replaced by the quantum confinement. Because different portions of the array have different density of states and are designed to detect charge and/or energy transfer between different portions of the DNA, one can imagine not functionalized array of nanostructures which can be used for the DNA sequencing. The combination of the nanostructure size, shape or/and distances between the nanostructures and the functionalizations can also be chosen. So, when oligonucleotide attached to the nanostructure hybridizes to a specific nucleic acid, a detectable change in charge transfer occurs. In an embodiment, the combination of nanostructures may be used. For instance, FIG. 17 presents the situation where combination of quantum dots and thin films or superlattices is used to build quantum dots (1701) from a number of layers of thin films or number of supperlattice layers (1703, 1704, and 1705) and so on. The dimensions of the quantum dots can be for instance, just as an example, 5 to 50 nm in radius and 50 nm in height, but the thickness of one layer of the superlattice form which the quantum dot is build can be just as thin as, for instance, a few Angstroms. Quantum dots or some other nanostructure may be build form thousands of such layers. Each of the superlattice layers which are used to build quantum dots can be made from different material; for instance, they can be built from materials with different work functions. In this example, when such superlattices or thin films that comprise different work function materials are exposed to the light, they will be charged differently. The thickness of each superlattice or thin film layer (1703, 1704, and 1705) can be different, so that each thin film or superlattice will have different density-of-states distribution due to the confinement. The spacing between films can be done so that the charge distribution attracts or pushes away specific analyte. An array of such thin film or superlattice composites can be built and each quantum dot in that array can be attached to a different electrical potential, exposed to different electromagnetic field and/or exposed to a light of different wavelengths. The electronics that bring bias on the quantum dots can also sense the transfer of charges or/and energy between the quantum dots and the analyte or charge and/or energy transfer caused change of the capacitance or any other electrical characteristic of the quantum dots (or group of quantum dots when an analyte is present or it is in the close vicinity of a quantum dot or it is between them). As one example, the said thickness of the superlattices and/or thin films is chosen so that on the edges of the quantum dots which contain a multilayers of these films, specific base sequence (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine) of DNA or RNA will bind on the edges of these superlattices or/and thin films. When the binding occurs, the charge or/and energy transfer between the superlattice or film and the bases of bind DNA or the change in a measured electrical signal related to that quantum dot or group of quantum dots will occur. Each of the bases (A, T, G, C) has a specific charge arrangement and specific charge bonding with a specific energy level. So, the binding of the bases will be specific and the charge and/or energy transfer will occur only when the energy level density distribution in the particular level of the supperlattice or/and film overlaps with the energy level density distribution in the bind base. See for instance FIG. 17. Another combination of these two nanostructures could be a formation of the quantum dots on the layers of thin films; see FIG. 18. On one layer of thin film (1801), which can be, for instance, conductive and just a few Angstroms thick, deposited is one set of quantum dots (1802). In the second step, that layer of thin film is connected by the electronics (1803) and covered by isolator film (1804). In the following step new layer of the conductive thin film is deposited over the previously deposited electrically isolating film (1805). On that layer new set of quantum dots is deposited in a line, for instance, perpendicular to the first line (1806). This new set of quantum dots may or may not be different from the first set of quantum dots. This layer is now connected to the new channel of electronics (1807) and covered by isolator film (1808). The process can continue further by deposition of new conductive film and new set of quantum dots, new line of quantum dots, which again can have different orientation then previously deposited quantum dots (1809). Note that the height of quantum dots is much larger than total thickness of all layers of the film together. So, the quantum dots are going through the layers of the films. When the targeted analyte is present, the different set of the quantum dots will send signal to the different thin film layer for the different specific analyte. Since the different thin film layers are connected to different electronics channels, knowing the combination of the thin films which produced the signal one can tell the precise spatial position of the quantum dots that produced the signal and can locate the targeted analyte. Also knowing the density distribution of energy levels that are specific for the quantum dots that produced the signals, one can make further specification of the analyte. Note that this method gives possibility to significantly reduce the number of the connections between the quantum dots and the electronics, and at the same time gives an accurate location of the signal. The nanostructures may have two-dimensional (arrays) or three-dimensional configurations. One can also imagine that two or more two-dimensional configurations form three dimensional structure. For instance, two sets of two dimensional arrays can be placed close to each other in some kind of sandwich-like structure so that the quantum dots will touch or/and almost touch each other and make the three-dimensional structure. One possible three-dimensional structure will have shape similar to channels going between the quantum dots; see FIG. 19. One can imagine that variety of the three dimensional configurations can be made with this sandwich-like approach of using two arrays of two-dimensional quantum dots. Two dimensional quantum dot structures that will be the building blocks of three dimensional-structures can have different shapes and different two-dimensional distributions. The above description of making three-dimensional structure using two-dimensional nanostructure arrays is given here just as an example. It is clear variety of real three dimensional structures can be made using variety of combinations of nanostructures, such as quantum dots, wires, nanotubes, superlattices, and thin films. The array of quantum dots comprised from several layers of superlattices or thin films can be, for instance, produced in a following way. The layers of superlattices or thin films are deposited each on a substrate. Each layer of the film and/or superlattice can have different thickness to achieve desired density of states by quantum confinement. For instance, from thousands to hundreds of thousands layers can be deposited over each other, each having different composition and thickness, if needed. In the next step, surface (outside portion of the circle below the quantum dots) is removed by photolithography, computerized atomic force microscope, and plasma ion etching of the parts. This process would, for instance, form cylindrical quantum dots. The nanotubes which contain multi parts may be formed in a similar way. For example, see the nanotubes shown in FIG. 20; each part of a nanotube may have different length and composition. Only in this case by photolithography or atomic force microscope and the plasma ion etching, an inner part of the circle will be also removed and the nanotube will be formed. There are also other possible methods. For instance, we can first form the nanorods, follow that by the deposition of film layers or superlattices and then remove nanorods. Also there are methods for making uniform size holes and create nanotubes by high energy beams. Using combination of nanostructures, such as superlattices, thin films, quantum dots, quantum wires, nanotubes, etc., one can imagine that variety of the two and three dimensional structures can be formed, and that above models serve just as a possible examples. The distribution of the energy levels in the detector nanostructures in addition to the nanostructure design, such as size, shape and composition can be also controlled by outside applied fields, such as magnetic field, electromagnetic field, applied electrical voltage, temperature, pressure, acoustic waves, and light. These external factors will consequently affect the charge transfer between the analyte and the device. However, these external factors can also be used to initiate the charge transfer, for instance, to excite energy of charges in the targeted analyte above needed threshold required for the charge transfer to happen. One can imagine such a device where the light with specific energy (wavelength) is applied to the targeted analyte to extract the charges from the analyte and to initiate charge transfer. The timing between the applied light and the measurement of the charge signal can be also changed. One can imagine the device in which in addition to the frequency (time duration) of the applied electromagnetic field, the voltage or the applied light can be changed during the experiment to initiate charge or/and energy transfer or to discriminate the signals from different analytes. One can also imagine changing the temperature of the analyte or applying the magnetic field in the same time, or applying any combination of these external factors in the same time or in any time order as well as applying all of them in the same time. One can imagine the device in which the charge or/and energy transfer between the nanostructure and the analyte or between the nanostructures or between the analytes is initiated by changing the frequency of applied electromagnetic field. The electronics registers the signal when the charge or/and energy transfer occur(s). Note that in this case there is no need to measure the charge transfer; only the energy transfer can be registered. The process can be compared with that in NMR. There are density of states in the nanostructure and the density of states in the analyte which overlap. The externally applied electromagnetic field will cause charge or energy transfer between nanostructure and analyte, or between the nanostructures when analyte is present, or between the analytes when analytes are close to the nanostructure. The electronics will register the energy transfer, similarly to how it registers energy transfer in NMR when transfer between two states happens. One can also imagine that in the addition to measurement of the charge transfer other physical observables can be measured too, in the same time or in any time combination. For instance, one can measure charge transfer in the combination with the photoluminescence or in the combination with the measurement of time of flight of electrolyte from one nanostructure to another, when magnetic field is applied or not and when temperature is changed or not. By combining results from different experiments one can give more accurate interpretation of the results. For instance, by comparing photoluminescence signals from the quantum dots with the specific energy level distribution one can get confirmation about the energy states in the targeted analyte using spectroscopy and the electrical measurements. Said measurement of the time of flight, and applied magnetic field can give additional information about the mass and about the viscosity, etc. Consequently, applying the described method of quantum confinement to the existing methods, such as electrophoresis, photoluminescence, fluorescence spectroscopy, time of flight, ion mobility, spectrometry, etc., one can greatly improve selectivity of these methods. Biological molecules are generally charged, so they could also be manipulated using voltage bias applied on the detectors nanostructures. This can also increase the process of selecting and grouping the targeted analyte on the detector array prior to applying for instance photoluminescence. The charge and/or energy transfer may be also obtained from a nanostructure to the analyte. Again, using the quantum confinement this charge transfer may be selective, happening only when the quantum confinement is satisfied. After receiving the charge transfer the analyte may be then manipulated further. Additional fields can separate or/and transport such charged analyte. Alternatively, some other methods may be used to detect such charged electrolyte, for instance, any spectroscopic or time of flight methods. There are many known ways to produce nanostructures with controlled shape and size. For instance, quantum dots may be produced by ion implantation, pulsed laser deposition, pulsed electron deposition, from chemical precursor, by photolithography, plasma ion etching, etc. For instance, by applying the pulsed laser deposition one can produce quantum dots of different sizes which will decrease from the center of the laser plume toward the edges. The good examples of size-controlled variety of quantum dots include the size selected Si and InAs quantum dots produced with picosecond pulsed laser deposition. See, e.g. M. H. Wu, R. Mu, A. Ueda, D. Henderson, and B. Vlahovic, Micro Raman Spectroscopy of Silicon Nanocrystals Produced by Picosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation, Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 738, G12.2.1, 1-5. 2003. D. O. Henderson, R. H. Wu, R Mu, and A. Ueda, B. Vlahovic, M. Jaksic, Fabrication of Self-Assembled, Size-Graded Si Quantum Dots by Pulsed Laser Deposition, MRS Meeting, San Francisco, Apr. 21-25, 2003. H. Wu, R. Mu, A. Ueda, D. O. Henderson, and B. Vlahovic, Micro Raman Spectroscopy of Silicon Nanocrystals Produced by Picosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation, MRS Meeting, San Francisco, Apr. 21-25, 2003. The quantum dots can be also produced inside substrate. Ion implantation provides a direct way of fabricating quantum dots in dielectric hosts. Ion beams are isotopically clean and therefore do not have the inherent impurities which are present in chemical synthesis. Moreover, ion implantation is not constrained by the equilibrium thermodynamics which limits how much quantum dot material can be incorporated in a melt phase (e.g. dissolving CdSe in a glass). Ion implantation is a brute force method which circumvents the constraints imposed by equilibrium thermodynamics; we simply add as much material as desired, which exceeds the amount that could be introduced from the melt phase. Under this condition we have a supersaturated solid solution that is meta-stable. Annealing the meta-stable system causes the formation of quantum dots at concentrations that could not be achieved by synthetic chemical routes. As example illustrated is implantation of Cd followed by Se to affect the formation of CdSe quantum dots. The implantation parameters are as follows: 1) Implanted Cd at 450 keV at ion doses of 1×1016, 3×1016, 6×1016 and 1×1017 ions cm2. 2) Implanted Se at 330 keV at ion doses of 1×1016, 3×1016, 6×1016 and 1×1016 ions cm2. These implantation parameters insured an overlap of the Se and Cd depth profiles. The peak of the profile should is at ˜200 nm and the FWHH is also ˜200 nm. The implanted samples were later annealed at 400° C. to 1000° C. for one hour in 5% hydrogen+95% Ar atmosphere. These are the annealing conditions used previously for growing Se, Cd and CdSe nanocrystals for these ions implanted in the silica windows. These annealing conditions promoted diffusion of the implanted ions, which in turn lead to nucleation. Once a critical nucleus is formed, the nanocrystals will begin to grow; the ultimate size will depend on the annealing time. Included is AFM image, of such produced quantum dots FIG. 21, D. O. Henderson, R. Mu, M. H. Wu, A. Ueda, A. Meldrum, C. W. White, M. Jaksic, and B. Vlahovic, The Optical Properties of Selenium Nanocrystals Fabricated by Ion Implantation, Proceedings of MRS Spring Meeting, April 21-25, San Francisco, 2003. D. Denmark, A. Ueda, C. L. Shao, M. H. Wu, R. Mu, C. W. White, B. Vlahovic, C. I. Muntele, D. Ila, and Y. C. Liu, Indium phosphide nanocrystals formed in silica by sequential ion implantation, accepted for Surface & Coatings Technology (2004). For quantum dots produced from chemical precursors, the size can be controlled by controlling the surface tension. The methods of quantum dots functionalization is well described, for instance, in H. Lee US 2005/0017260, A Mirkin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,432 B2 and references herein. There are also well known methods for fabrication of other nanostructures, for instance, nanotubes with uniformly controlled inner diameter from 1-100 nm and functionalization of inner and outer surfaces, which are chemically stable and can have variable controlled length and desired electrical characteristics (insulating, semiconducting, metallic). At least one group has been using the tubular structures prepared using porous alumina as template for biological separation. The other group is using semiconductor nanowires as templates for formations of nanotubes; see for instance P. Yang, US 2004/0262636A1. The electronics required to complete described nanosensor device is also well known. As it is illustrated in the FIG. 1, nanostructures can be connected to the multichannel amplifier which can be further connected to the other electronics, for instance, triggers and coincidence electronics, controllers, and finally computer, which may control entire process of data acquisition and analysis. A sample device that comprises the metallic microstrips on Si substrate and nanostructures, semiconductors quantum dots, placed between the microstrips is shown on FIG. 22. The microstrips are separated for 50 microns, and each of the microstrips is connected with the golden wires to the separate channel of VA chip which amplifies the signals from microstrips and also provides the bias for the micro strips and nanostructures. The chip also allows external triggering and timing with the other equipment and external electronics and it is further connected with the data acquisition system. When an analyte is above the quantum dots or in the contact with the quantum dots the microstrips associated with that quantum dots send the signal to the electronics. The signal is different if there is an overlap between the density states in the quantum dots and the analyte or if there is no any overlap between the density states between the quantum dots and the analyte. One can use earlier described calculations to design: the size, composition and geometry of the substrate; nanostructure's core and shell; ligands, and externally applied fields (such as bias, light, magnetic field, temperature, pressure, etc.). However, one can also create the database, which will include effects of all the above parameters on the interaction between the nanostructures and analytes. Using the database, the initial design of nanostructures based on the calculations can be further improved by making the comparisons with the experimental data. In the analysis of the plurality of the data obtained (for instance, an array of thousands of quantum dots), a computer can compare the signals for different quantum dots with tabulated experimental data. The comparison will take into the account applied external parameters which will result in the identification of the targeted analyte, its composition, structure, etc. It is worth nothing that it is not necessary to know exact values or distribution of the energy levels in the targeted analyte. An array of the nanostructures with a plurality of the energy levels can be created, for instance, quantum dots with broad variety of the charge energy levels, specific shapes, compositions, distances, applied magnetic or electromagnetic fields. The parameters are calculated prior to the formation, so that the range of the energy levels in the nanostructures overlaps with the targeted range of the energy levels in the analytes for which the detection system is designed. The calibration of the device can be made in such a way that a known analyte is introduced into the device. The record can be kept of particular nanostructure—analyte interaction, i.e. for instance which quantum dots will register a charge transfer. Then the different analyte can be introduced and again measurements can be done to determine which quantum dots are now experiencing interaction (charge transfer with the targeted analyte). The process can continue and the database of the nanostructure responses to the introduced specific analytes can be made. When unknown analyte or plurality of unknown analytes is introduced into the device to be analyzed, knowing which nanostructures have received signals will tell us over which part of the device is a particular analyte. The DNA sequencing can be done in the same way. Once it is established which part of the nanostructure is responsible for which base, knowing which structure is having signals will give information about the base which is associated with that nanostructures. By knowing the nanostructure or the combination of the nanostructures that have signal and by monitoring how the signal(s) change in time, one can reconstruct the order of the bases in the DNA and complete the DNA sequencing. The effect of the external fields can also be monitored and recorded. In a similar way the calibration of the device which will be used, for instance, for separation of analyte can be done. The different electrical bias (dc or ac) or electromagnetic field or any other physical variable can be applied on the device which contains known analyte placed over the nanostructures. The effect of the particular combination of voltage, electrical fields, light magnetic fields etc. can be then observed and recorded. The created database can be used to apply necessary physical variable or combination of the variables to create desired effect on the analyte, such as its motion, separation, extraction etc. While the present invention has been described with references to the specific examples thereof, it should be understood by these skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made and equivalents may be substituted to the present invention without departing from the true spirit and the scope of the invention. It is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of this invention provided they come in the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Many modifications may be made to adopt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, methods, process step or steps, to the objective spirit of the invention. | <SOH> THE BACKGROUND <EOH>A variety of methods and sensors have been developed for chemical, biochemical, biological or biochemical analysis, control and detection. Biological species of interest include molecules, for example: sugars, nucleic acids, proteins, DNA, RNA, various toxins, bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, etc. The development of the claimed detection methods and detectors will have significant impact on broad range of applications related to medical diagnostic, drug development, food control and safety, the environment, energy production, and security. However, the invention has even broader range of applicability. Development of new nanostructured materials together with the emerging advances in micro, nano and superlattice structures and electronics create a new avenue for construction of more advanced methods and sensors. There exist a number of known methods for detecting biochemical materials. The most common are: optical absorption and reflection, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, fluorescence, electrophoresis, mass spectroscopy, ion mobility etc. The current generation of sensors is mostly constructed of a transducer in combination with a biological active surface. Many of these rely on specific ligand antiligand reactions as the detection mechanism. Others rely on electronic signals for detection, using DC or AC potentials, and detecting change in impedance, with or without using mediators for charge transfer to the electrode. Ideally, the sensors should be sensitive (low detection limits) and specific. For the gene probe, the extent of molecular complementarity between probe and target defines the specificity. In general, it is very difficult to obtain a perfect complementarity for targets with mismatches, since small variations in reaction conditions will alert the hybridization. It would be desirable to detect single molecule binding events with the specificity of a single base pair mismatch of a DNA. Novel functional materials such as superlattice structures, quantum dots, nanowires, nanotubes, porous membranes, with or without attached functional groups, have been used as a sensing elements in combination with various possible detection mechanisms. Some of the techniques take the advantage of the lengthwise similarity between the thickness of the superlattice layer and typical distance between bonding sites of biological and chemical molecules as well as between overall thickness of the superlattice structure and the length of such biological and chemical molecules. The surface binding of the biomolecules on the superlattice has been achieved by activating the superlattice by optical illumination or by electrical biasing; see for instance P. D. Brewer et al. US patent application publication US20050042773A1. The other example of using the combination of the nanostructure, functionalized or not functionalized, and the spacing between the electrodes is a modified time of flight experiment. The ionic current is measured when the voltage biases are applied across the nanocapillary or nanotube. The electrophoretical flow of a single stranded polynucleotides through the structure blocks and reduces the ionic current. Time of flight of these polynucleotides vary linearly with their length, and different nucleotides will have different blocking signals, which will allow one rapidly sequence the DNA (P. Yang et al. US patent application publication US20040262636A1. There are also other devices where one or more voltage sources are coupled to each of the plurality of nano or micro sized regions on the semiconductor substrate. The one or more voltage sources selectively apply voltage to any one or more of the plurality of nano or micro sized regions to attract a particular molecular species to the one or more of the plurality of nano or micro sized regions (K. Code et al. US patent application publication US20050032100A1. In one embodiment, complementary and non-complementary DNA is differentiated by measuring conductivity. Glass surface between two golden electrodes is modified by oligonucleotides complementary to the target DNA. Only complementary target DNA strands form nanoparticle assemblies between the two electrodes, and complete circuit by nanoparticle hybridization. This format is extended to substrate array, chips, with thousands of pairs of electrodes capable of testing for thousands of different nucleic acids (C. A. Mirkin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,432B2). Active microelectronic arrays that use DC and AC fields of transport and positioning of biochemical molecules, DNA, biological cells, antibodies, polymers, etc. are fabricated with 25 to 10,000 test sites or micro-locations. An example is 100 test site chip commercialized by Nanogen, from San Diego, Calif. The chip has 80 microns diameter test sites/microlocations with underlying platinum microelectrodes, and twenty auxiliary outer microelectrodes. The outer group of microelectrodes provides encompassing electric field for concentrating charged particles in the active test area. On the similar device fluorescent nucleic acid molecules which are about 7 nm in length were transported back and forth over a distance of about 200 microns (K. Code et al. US patent application publication US20040158051A1). There are many other applications of nanostructures, quantum dots, nanowires, nanotubes and superlattices for detection of biochemical molecules. However, their common characteristic is that they do not use quantum confinement in the sense it is applied in this invention. In all of the other applications, when used, the quantum confinement is related only to the optical detection methods. One of the examples is the selective infrared detection, whereby only the photons with energies equal to the difference of the energy levels can excite electrons. Another frequent quantum confinement application has been to eliminate energy momentum dispersion and to decrease phonon scattering rate and increase internal gain in a quantum dot based inter-sub band photoconductor (K. Code et al. US patent application publication US20040256612A1). The other application uses quantum dots that are substantially defect free, so that quantum dots exhibit photoluminescence with a quantum efficiency that is greater than 10 percent (H. W. L. Lee et al. US patent application publication US20050017260A1). In addition, there are number of sensors that rely on the use of particles and quantum dots, including magnetic particles, particularly for electrochemiluminescence detection (K. Code et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,746,974; 5,770,459). Very recently the AlGaN/GaN heterostructures have been predicted to act as efficient biosensors detecting pH values of electrolytes, provided the two-dimensional electron gas lies close the Ga oxide layer as in the case for N-face heterostructures (M. Bayer, C. Uhl, and P. Vogl, J. Appl. Phys. 97, 033703 (2005)). However, as it was said above, all of the examples enumerated do not use quantum confinement in a straight way applied to this invention. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention pertains to the new biochemical detection methods and devices, based on the quantum confinement effect, which may significantly benefit broad range of applications in science, health care, diagnostics, prognostics, security and safety. Over the years, various molecular detection techniques have been developed. This invention provides significant improvement in the sensitivity, specificity, cost reduction, device miniaturization, and time required for the detection. Before giving the specifics of the invention, it will be beneficiary to compare it with the progress that the optical spectroscopy brought to the development of the detection methods. Before the development of the optical spectroscopy it was possible to obtain only limited information about the material by optical measurements, for instance, transparency, absorbance, and color. However, the real progress in optical measurements has been made only after establishment of the spectroscopic methods which include measurements of the atomic and molecular spectrum, and measurement of spectral emission and absorption lines. We claim that the proposed invention will bring similar order of magnitude improvement in detection specificity and selectivity. Many methods have been developed which are based on measuring changes in the electrical current between the electrodes, caused by the presence of the specific analyte. Some of the methods are using nanoparticles and electrodes, measuring the change in the electrical current or electrical signals when analyte with the attached nanoparticle is present. In other cases the electrodes or the nanoparticles are functionalized to attract the specific analyte. However, all these methods are missing specificity, as the optical method missed it before the measurements of the spectral lines were applied. This invention is also based on the measurement of the charge and/or energy transfer between the nanostructures and the analytes; however, there is substantial difference between this and the existing methods. In this invention nanostructures are designed to create the quantum confinement, in such a way that the density distribution of the energy levels in the nanostructures matches the density energy levels distribution energy levels density distribution in the analyte. If the analogy with the optical spectroscopy is used again, only the photons which have the same energy as the energy levels separation in the analyte will be absorbed or emitted. Similarly, in the present invention, the charge and/or energy transfer between the nanostructure and targeted analyte will occur only when the electronic density of states in the detectors nanostructures is the same as the density of states in the analyte. This significantly increases sensitivity, selectivity and specificity of the analyte detection, since different analytes have different combination of the density energy levels distributions (similarly as the different analyte have different combination of the spectral lines). The nanostructure part of the detector device may be built, for instance, from quantum dots. The size and other parameters of the quantum dots can be chosen so that the three dimensional charge confinement of quantum dots creates specific energy levels designed to match the energy levels in the specific targeted analyte. The device may further contain other quantum dots with the other energy levels. In principle it may contain thousands of different kinds of quantum dots for detecting thousands of different analytes. Detection of the charge transfer or the absence of the charge transfer on the specific quantum dots will give confirmation of presence or absence of specific targeted analyte. In addition to having the nanostructure with the specific energy levels, the separation between the quantum dots also may be chosen to match the length similarity with the charge distribution in the analyte. Knowing the density of states distribution in the analyte, the separation or distance between the charges and the amount of the charges the complete distribution of the charge of the analyte may be determined. In the above described device the use of the quantum dots is chosen just as an example. The nanostructures which are used to build the device sensing element may be for instance superlattice structures, where the thickness and the area of the super lattice, determine the quantum confinement, and the density of states distribution of the analyte. The device can be also built from nanowires, nanotubes or any other nanostructure, where again the volume of the nanotube, nanowire or any chosen nanostructure is such that the density of states distribution in the nanostructures, created by quantum confinement, mimic the density of energy levels distribution in the specific analyte. The nanotube or nanowire, or in general any nanostructure, may be composite, and may be built from several isolated nanotubes, nanowires or nanostructures, which are all combined to make one large nanotube, nanowire or nanostructure. Having the above examples in mind, it is obvious that by using different nanostructures different resolution of the devices may be achieved. Superlattice materials, which are again taken here just as an example, may be chosen when the charge transfer with a resolution of a few Angstroms is required. The quantum dots and quantum wires may be chosen to obtain resolutions from a few nanometers to up to a few microns. So, the fine or coarse charge resolutions of biochemical molecules, proteins, amino acids, bacteria, viruses, etc. can be obtained by applying appropriate nanostructures or appropriate combination of nanostructures. The charge and/or energy transfer between the device and nanostructures and/or between the nanostructure elements may be initiated or modified by external electrical field, applied voltage bias, applied light, applied electromagnetic field, magnetic fields, temperature or the combination of these factors. The applied external effects may be dc or ac, and intensity and/or frequency of electric fields, voltage bias, magnetic fields, temperatures, light or their combination may change. The external fields may be designed to have the effect on the nanostructure confinement charge energy levels or to excite the energy states of the targeted analyte and to activate the charge transfer. The device nanostructure may or may not be functionalized by the attachment of specific biochemical groups, molecules, atoms, proteins, or antibodies; they will attract or repeal the specific atoms, molecules, groups or antibodies which are complementary or the same as in the analyte and are in some way characteristic for the specific analyte. | 20050415 | 20120911 | 20091231 | 71230.0 | G01N2726 | 0 | SIEFKE, SAMUEL P | DETECTION METHODS AND DETECTION DEVICES BASED ON THE QUANTUM CONFINEMENT EFFECTS | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | G01N | 2,005 |
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10,907,829 | ACCEPTED | FLASH MEMORY CELL, FLASH MEMORY CELL ARRAY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF | A flash memory cell array comprises a substrate, a string of memory cell structures and source region/drain region. Each of memory cell structures includes a stack gate structure including a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate and a gate cap layer formed on the substrate; a spacer is set on the sidewall of the select gate; a control gate connected to the stack gate structure is set on the one side of the stack gate structure; a floating gate is set between the control gate and the substrate; an inter-gate dielectric layer is set between the control gate and the floating gate; and a tunneling dielectric layer is set between the floating gate and the substrate. The source region/drain region is set in the substrate near outer control gate and stack gate structure of the flash memory cell array. | 1. A method for fabricating a flash memory cell array, comprising: providing a substrate having a device insulating structure; forming a plurality of stack gate structures on said substrate, and said stack gate structure including a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a gate cap layer, wherein said select gate dielectric layer being formed between said substrate and said select gate, said gate cap layer being formed on said select gate; forming a tunneling dielectric layer on said substrate; forming a spacer along a sidewall of said select gate; forming a floating gate between each of said stack gate structures, wherein said floating gate includes a recess and connected to said stack gate structure, and an upper sidewall of the floating gate is defined as between a top surface of said gate cap layer and a top surface of said select gate; forming an inter-gate dielectric layer on said floating gate; forming a control gate to fill at least one gap between each of said stack gate structures; removing a portion of said stack gate structures excluding a predetermined area of said flash memory cell array; and forming a drain region and a source region in said substrate, said drain region and said source region being on the one side and the other side out of said control gates and said stack gate structures respectively. 2. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 1, wherein the step of forming said floating gate further comprises: forming a first conducting layer on said substrate; forming a material layer on said first conducting layer, and said material layer filling at least one gap between each of said stack gate structures; removing a portion of said material layer until a top surface of said material layer is between a top surface of said cap layer and a top surface of said select gate; removing a first portion of said first conducting layer by using said material layer as a mask; removing the material layer; and removing a second portion of said first conducting layer on said device insulating structure to form said floating gate. 3. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 2, wherein said material layer includes a photoresist layer. 4. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 2, wherein said material layer includes an anti-reflecting coating layer. 5. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 2, wherein said material layer step is formed by performing a spin coating process. 6. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 2, wherein the portion of said material layer is removed by performing an etching back process. 7. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 1, wherein the step of forming said control gate comprises: forming a second conducting layer on said substrate; and removing a portion of said second conducting layer, until a top surface of said gate cap layer is exposed, to form said control gate. 8. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 7, wherein the portion of said second conducting layer is removed by performing an etching back process or a chemical mechanical polishing process. 9. A method for fabricating a flash memory cell array, comprising: providing a substrate having a device insulating structure; forming a plurality of stack gate structures on said substrate, and each of said stack gate structure including a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a gate cap layer, wherein said select gate dielectric layer is formed between said substrate and said select gate, said gate cap layer is formed on said select gate; forming a tunneling dielectric layer on said substrate; forming a spacer along a sidewall of said select gate; forming a floating gate between each of said stack gate structures; forming an inter-gate dielectric layer on said floating gate; forming a control gate in at least one gap between each of said stack gate structures; removing a portion of said stack gate structures excluding a predetermined area of said flash memory cell array; and forming a drain region and a source region in said substrate, said drain region and said source region being on the one side and the other side of said control gates and said stack gate structures respectively. 10. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 9, wherein the step of forming said floating gate comprises: forming a first conducting layer on said substrate; removing a first portion of said first conducting layer until a top surface of said first conducting layer is between a top surface of said gate cap layer and a top surface of said select gate; and removing a second portion of said first conducting layer on said device insulating structure to form said floating gate. 11. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 9, wherein the step of removing the portion of said conducting layer comprises performing an etching back process. 12. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 9, wherein the step of forming said control gate comprises: forming a second conducting layer on said substrate; and removing a portion of said second conducting layer, until a top surface of said cap layer is exposed, to form said control gate. 13. The method for fabricating a flash memory cell array of claim 12, wherein the step of removing the portion of said second conducting layer comprises performing an etching back process or a chemical mechanical polishing process. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional of a prior application Ser. No. 10/604,819, filed August 19, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a flash memory cell array and manufacturing method thereof. 2. Background of the Related Art Flash memory is a non-volatile solid state memory that maintains data even after all power sources have been disconnected. Flash memory has been widely used in personal computers and other electronic equipment because of its programmable features allowing writing, erasing and reading data a number of times. A conventional flash memory cell is a transistor comprising a control gate, a doped polysilicon floating gate and an oxide layer separating these two gates from each other. A tunnel oxide layer separates the floating gate and the substrate. Because the floating gate is insulated by oxide, any negative charge on a floating gate does not leak, even if the power is off. To write/erase the data in the cell, a bias voltage is applied to the drain in order to push electrons into the floating gate or pull electrons out of the floating gate by Fowler-Nordhem tunneling. To read the data in the cell, a working voltage is applied to the control gate to determine whether the channel is on or off. The value of the data (“0” or “1”) depends on the amounts of electrons trapped in the floating gate, which affect the status of the channel. During data erase operation, however, it is very difficult to control the amount of the electrons flowing out of the floating gate and may make the floating gate positively charged due to over-pulling the trapped electrons. This effect is so call “over-erase”. If the over-erase effect is too severe, the channel will be always on, even without applying the working voltage to the control gate. It causes to mis-read the value in the cell. To prevent the over-erase effect, some flash memory devices have used split gate design. It has an additional “select gate” on the side wall of the control gate and the floating gate and uses an oxide layer separating the select gate from the control gate, the floating gate, and the substrate. Hence, even if the over-erase effect occurred, the channel below the erase gate would still be off to avoid mis-reading the data. However, the size of the split-gate flash memory cell becomes larger than that of conventional flash memory cell because it requires a larger area for the split gate structure. This would cause the concern in high integration density issue. One may use NAND gate array, instead of NOR gate array, for split gate flash memory in order to increase its integration density because NAND gate array allows serial connection of the memory cells. However, the write/read operations are much more complicated for NAND gate array. Furthermore, the current is smaller due to the serial connection, which seriously affects the performance of the memory cells because of a longer write/erase cycles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a flash memory cell, a flash memory cell array and manufacturing method thereof to manufacture flash memory cells suitable for NAND gate array structure by using source-side injection (“SSI”) to enhance the programming speed and efficiency of the cells. It is another object of the invention to provide a flash memory cell, a flash memory cell array and manufacturing method thereof to increase the area between the control gate and the floating gate thereby increasing the gate's coupling rate to enhance the cell's performance. The present invention provides a flash memory cell, which comprises a substrate, a stack gate structure formed on the substrate. The stack gate structure includes a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a gate cap layer. The select gate dielectric layer is formed between the substrate and the select gate. The gate cap layer is formed on the select gate. A spacer formed is along the sidewall of the select gate, a control gate is connected to the stack gate structure, wherein the control gate is formed on the one side of the stack gate structure. A floating gate formed between the control gate and the substrate. The floating gate includes a recess, a inter-gate dielectric layer formed between the control gate and the floating gate. A tunneling dielectric layer is formed between the floating gate and the substrate. A drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are formed on the one side and the other side of the control gate and the stack gate structure respectively. In the present invention, the floating gate includes a recess. This increases the contact surface area between the control gate and the floating gate to raise the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and to reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cells' operation speed and efficiency. The present invention also provide a flash memory cell array, which comprises a substrate, a plurality of flash memory cell structures on the substrate, and a drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are formed on the one side and the other side of the control gates and the stack gate structures respectively. Each of the flash memory cell structures includes a stack gate structure formed on the substrate. The stack gate structure includes a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate and a gate cap layer wherein the select gate dielectric layer is formed between the substrate and the select gate and the gate cap layer is formed on the select gate. A spacer is formed along the sidewall of the select gate. A control gate is connected to the stack gate structure. The control gate is formed on one side of the stack gate structure. A floating gate is formed between the control gate and the substrate and includes a recess. An inter-gate dielectric layer is formed between the control gate and the floating gate, wherein the control gate, the inter-gate dielectric layer, and the floating gate, constitutes a stack structure. A tunneling dielectric layer is formed between the floating gate and the substrate. The stack gate structure of the plurality of flash memory cell structures are positioned juxtaposing alternatively with the stack structure. Because there is no gap between each flash memory cell structure, and therefore a highly integrated flash memory cell array can be realized. Furthermore, the floating gate includes a recess. This increases the contact surface area between the control gate and the floating gate to raise the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and to reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cells' operation speed and efficiency. This present invention also provides a method for fabricating a flash memory cell array. A substrate having a device insulating structure is provided. A plurality of stack gate structures are formed on the substrate. The stack gate structure includes a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a cap layer, the select gate dielectric layer formed between the substrate and the select gate, the cap layer formed on the select gate. A tunnel dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. A spacer is formed along the sidewall of the select gate. A floating gate is formed between each of the stack gate structures, wherein the floating gate includes a recess, and an top surface of the floating gate connected to the stack gate structure is between a top surface of the cap layer and a top surface of the select gate. Next, an inter-gate dielectric layer is formed on the floating gate. Next, a control gate is formed to fill the gap between each of the stack gate structures. Then the plurality of stack gate structures are removed to isolate a predetermined area of the flash memory cell array. Next, a drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are positioned on the one side and the other side of the control gates and the stack gate structures respectively. In this present invention, the steps of forming the floating gate include forming a first conducting layer on the substrate; forming a material layer on the first conducting layer, wherein the material layer fills the gap between each of the stack gate structures; removing a portion of the material layer until the top surface of the material layer is between the top surface of said cap layer and the top surface of the select gate; removing a portion of the first conducting layer by using the material layer as a mask; removing the material layer; and removing the portion of the first conducting layer on the device insulating structure to form the floating gate. In this present invention, the step of forming the control gate step includes forming a second conducting layer on the substrate; and removing a portion of the second conducting layer, until the top surface of the cap layer is exposed, to form the control gate. In the present invention, the floating gate includes a recess. This increases the area between the control gate and the floating gate to raise the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and to reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cells' operation speed and efficiency. Moreover, this present invention fills the gap between the stack gate structures with a conducting layer to form the control gate. Hence the process of the present invention is more simplified compared to the conventional process because no photolithography process is involved. Furthermore, the present invention uses the hot carrier effect to program each flash memory cell as a unit, and uses Fowler-Nordhem tunneling to erase the entire flash memory cell array. Hence, the higher efficiency for electron injection can reduce the current required for operating the flash memory cell and increase the operation speed. Furthermore, it also reduces the energy consumption of the entire array. The present invention also provides a method for fabricating a flash memory cell array. A substrate having a device insulating structure is provided. Next, a plurality of stack gate structures are formed on the substrate, wherein the stack gate structure including a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a cap layer, the select gate dielectric layer formed between the substrate and the select gate, and wherein the cap layer is formed on the select gate. Next, a tunnel dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. Next, a spacer is formed along the sidewall of the select gate. Next, a floating gate is formed between the stack gate structures. An inter-gate dielectric layer is formed on the floating gate. A control gate is formed to fill at least one gap between the stack gate structures. A portion of stack gate structures excluding a predetermined area of the flash memory cell array are removed. A drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are formed on the one side and the other side of the control gates and the stack gate structures respectively. In this present invention, the step of forming the floating gate further comprises forming a first conducting layer on the substrate; removing a portion of the first conducting layer until the top surface of the first conducting layer is between the top surface of the cap layer and the top surface of the select gate; and removing the portion of the first conducting layer on the device insulating structure to form the floating gate. In this present invention, the step of forming the control gate further comprises forming a second conducting layer on the substrate; and removing a portion of the second conducting layer, until the top surface of the cap layer is exposed, to form the control gate. Moreover, this present invention fills the gap between the stack gate structures with a conducting layer to form the control gate. Hence the process of the present invention is substantially simplified compared to the conventional process because no photolithography is involved. The above is a brief description of some deficiencies in the prior art and advantages of the present invention. Other features, advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, accompanying drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. FIG. 1A is a top view of a NAND type flash memory cell array of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross section of a NAND type flash memory cell array taken along the line A-A′ of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a cross section of a flash memory cell structure of the present invention. FIGS. 2A-2F show a progressive process flowchart of a NAND type flash memory cell array according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a circuit layout of a NAND type flash memory cell array of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. FIG. 1A shows a top view of a NAND type flash memory cell array of the present invention. FIG. 1B show the cross section (along A-A′ of FIG. 1A) of a NAND type flash memory cell array of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the flash memory cell structure of the present invention comprise a substrate 100; a device insulating structure 102, an active region 104; a plurality of stack gate structures 106a-106d, wherein each of the stack gate structure includes a select gate dielectric layer 108, a select gate 110 and a gate cap layer 112); a spacer 114, a tunneling dielectric layer 116, a plurality of floating gates 118a-118d, a plurality of control gates 120a-120d, a plurality of inter-gate dielectric layers 122, a drain region 124, and a source region 126. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, substrate 100 is a P-type substrate, and there is a deep N well 128 in substrate 100. Device insulating structure 102 is set in substrate 100 to define the active region 104. A plurality of stack gate structures 106a-106d is set on the substrate 100 and perpendicular to the active region 104. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of stack gate structures 106a-106d is about 2000-3500 Å. The material of the select gate dielectric layer 108 is comprised of, for example, silicon dioxide with a thickness of about 160-170Å. The material of the select gate 110 comprises, for example, doped polysilicon with a thickness of about 600-1000 Å. The material of the gate cap layer 112 comprises, for example, silicon dioxide with a thickness of about 1000-1500 Å. The spacer 114 is set along the sidewall of the select gate 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the material of spacer 114 comprises, for example, silicon dioxide. A plurality of control gates 120a-120d are set on the substrate 100 and on the one side of the stack gate structures 106a-106d respectively, and are orthogonal to the active region 104. Control gates 120a-120d are connected to stack gate structures 106a-106d respectively, i.e., the stack gate structures juxtapose alternatively with control gates. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the material of the control gates 120a-120d comprises, for example, doped polysilicon. The floating gates 118a-118d are respectively set above the substrate 100 where the control gates 120a-120d cross the active region 104. Namely, floating gates 118a-118d are set between the control gates 120a-120d and the active region 104 of the substrate 100. For example, each of the floating gates 118a-118d has a recess opening 119, and the upper surfaces of the floating gates 118a˜118d at the the stack gate structures 106a-106d side could be formed between the upper surface of the select gate 110 and the upper surface of the cap layer 112, for example. The tunneling dielectric layer 116 is set between the floating gates 118a-118d and the substrate 100. The inter-gate dielectric layer 122 is set between the control gates 120a-120d and the floating gates 118a-118d. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the material of the tunneling dielectric layer 116 comprises, for example, silicon dioxide with a thickness of about 60-90Å. The material of the inter-gate dielectric layer 122 comprises, for example, silicon, dioxide/silicon nitrite/silicon dioxide with a thickness of about 70/70/60Å. The material of the inter-gate dielectric layer 122 comprises, for example, silicon dioxide/silicon nitrite. In the active region 104, the flash memory cell array 130 comprises a plurality of stack gate structures 106a-106d, a spacer 114, a tunnel dielectric layer 116, a plurality of floating gate 118a-118d, a plurality of control gates 102a-120d, and an inter-gate dielectric layer 122. A drain region 124 in substrate 100 is set on the one side of the stack gate structure 106a of the flash memory cell array 130. A source region 126 in substrate 100 is set on the one side of the control gate 120d of the flash memory cell array 130. That is, the flash memory cell array 130 comprises a plurality of stacked gate structures including a plurality control gates 102a-120d and a plurality of floating gates 118a-118d, and a plurality of stack gate structures 106a-106d, wherein each of stack gate structures 106a-106d and each of the stack structures juxtapose alternatively. The drain region 124 and the source region 126 are set on each side of the flash memory cell array 130. In the flash memory cell array 130, the stack structures (which include control gate 120a-120d and floating gates 118a-118d) and stack gate structures 106a-106d in the active region 104 constitute the flash memory cell structures 132a-132d respectively. Because there is no gap between the flash memory cell structures 132a-132d, this design allows further increase in the integration density of the flash memory cell array 130. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of floating gates 118a-118d includes a recess 119. This recess 119 increases the contact surface area between floating gates 118a-118d and control gates 120a-120d, which raises the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cells' operation speed and efficiency. The above embodiments illustrate four flash memory cell structures as an example to describe the merits of the invention. One skilled in the art may apply any number of flash memory cell structures as needed. FIG. 1C shows the cross section of a single flash memory cell structure of the present invention. This single flash memory cell structure 132 includes a stack gate structures 106, a spacer 114, a tunneling dielectric layer 116, a floating gates 118, a control gate 120, an inter-gate dielectric layer 122, a drain region 124 set on the one side of stack gate structures 106, and a source region 126 set on the one side of control gate 120. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, floating gate 118 includes a recess 119. This recess 119 increases the contact surface area between floating gate 118 and control gate 120, which raises the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cell structure's operation speed and efficiency. The following description will illustrate the method of fabricating a flash memory cell array. Referring to FIG. 2A, A substrate 200 is provided. The substrate 200 is, for example, a P-type substrate. A device insulating structure (not shown in the figures) and a deep N well 202 are formed in substrate 200. Then a dielectric layer 204, a conducting layer 206 and a cap layer 208 are formed in substrate 200 in sequence. Preferably, the material of the dielectric layer 204 comprises, for example, silicon dioxide. For example, the dielectric layer 204 may be formed by thermal oxidation. Preferably, the material of the conducting layer 206 comprises doped polysilicon and can be formed by depositing a layer of undoped polysilicon by using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and followed by an ion implantation. The material of the cap layer 208 is comprised of, for example, a silicon dioxide and can be formed by using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process using tetra ethyl ortho silicate (TEOS) and ozone. Referring to FIG. 2B, the cap layer 208, the conducting layer 206, and the dielectric layer 204 are patterned to form a gate cap layer 208a, a gate conducting layer 206a, and a gate dielectric layer 204a, constituting the stacked gate structure 210. The gate conducting layer 206a and the gate dielectric layer 204a serve as the select layer and the select gate dielectric layer of the flash memory cell respectively. A tunneling dielectric layer 212 is formed on the substrate 200. Next, a spacer 214 is formed on the sidewall of the gate conducting layer 206a. Preferably, the tunneling dielectric layer 212 and the spacer 214 are formed by performing thermal oxidation. Referring to FIG. 2C, another conducting layer 216 is formed on the substrate 200 such that the conducting layer 216 does not completely fill or partially fill the gap between the stacked gate structures 210. Preferably, the material of conducting layer 216 comprises doped polysilicon and can be formed by depositing an undoped polysilicon layer using a chemical vapor deposition process and then performing an ion implantation. A material layer 218 is formed over the conducting layer 216 to completely fill the gap between the stack gate structure 210, such that a top surface of the material layer 218 is laterally positioned between a top portion of the gate cap layer 208a and a top portion of the gate conducting layer 206a. Preferably, the material of the material layer 218 is comprised of a photoresist layer or an anti-reflecting coating layer and can be formed by performing a spin-coating process and then etching back. Referring to FIG. 2D, a portion of the conducting layer 216 is removed by using the material layer 218 as a mask, so that a top surface of the remaining conducting layer 216 is laterally positioned between a top portion of the gate conducting layer 206a and a top portion of the gate cap layer 208a. After removing the material layer 218, a photolithography etching process is performed to remove a portion of conducting layer 216 positioned above the device insulating structure, in order to form a patterned conducting layer 216a between the stacked gate structures 210. The patterned conducting layer 216a forms the floating gate of the flash memory cell. The patterned conducting layer 216a includes a recess 219 so as to increase the contact surface area between itself and the control gate that is subsequently formed. Alternatively, the patterned conducting layer 216a can be formed by performing an etching back to remove a portion of conducting layer 216 so that a top surface of the conducting layer 216 is laterally positioned between a top surface of the gate conducting layer 206a and a top surface of the gate cap layer 208a. A portion of the conducting layer 216 positioned above the device insulating structure is removed to form the patterned conducting layer 216a. Referring to FIG. 2E, an inter-gate dielectric layer 220 is formed over the patterned conducting layer 216a. Preferably, the material of the inter-gate dielectric layer 220 comprises silicon dioxide/silicon nitride/silicon dioxide, and can be formed by performing a thermal oxidation to form a silicon dioxide layer and then performing a CVD to form a silicon nitride layer and a silicon dioxide layer. Then another conducting layer 222 is formed over the substrate 200 to completely fill the gap between the stack gate structures 210. Preferably, the conducting layer 222 is formed by forming a conducting material layer over substrate 200 and then removing a portion of conducting material layer until a top surface of the gate cap layer 208a is exposed. The material of the conducting layer 222 comprises doped polysilicon and can be formed by forming an undoped polysilicon layer using a chemical vapor deposition and then performing an ion implantation. Referring to FIG. 2F, a patterned photoresist layer (not shown) is formed over the substrate 200 to cover a predetermined area for forming the flash memory cell array 224. Then the exposed stacked gate structures or conducting layers are removed by using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask. Then the source region 226 and the drain region 228 are formed in the substrate 200 located at two sides of the flash memory cell array 224 by ion implantation. The drain region 226 is positioned on one side of the flash memory cell array 224 with the conducting layer 222 (control gate). The source region 228 is positioned on the other side of the flash memory cell array 224 with the stack gate structure 210 (select gate). The rest of the fabrication process of the flash memory cell array 224 is well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described hereinafter. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floating gate (patterned conducting layer 216a) includes a recess. This recess increases the contact surface area between the floating gate (patterned conducting layer 216a) and the control gate (conducting layer 222), which raises the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cell structure's operation speed and efficiency. Moreover, the gap between the stack gate structures 210 is filled with a conducting layer to form the control gate (conducting layer 222). Hence the fabrication process of the present invention is more simplified compared to the conventional process because no photolithography process is required. The above embodiments of the present invention illustrate the method of fabricating four flash memory cell structures as an example however the present invention is not restricted to fabrication of four memory cell structures, any number of flash memory cell structures may be fabricated as required using the fabrication process of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a simplified circuit of a NAND type flash memory cell array of the present invention. In FIG. 3, an embodiment of a four flash memory cell array is used to demonstrate its operation. Referring to FIG. 3, this flash memory cell array includes four flash memory cells Qn1-Qn4 serial connected, select gate lines SG1-SG4 connected to the select gates of Qn1-Qn4 respectively, and control gate line CG1-CG4 connected to the control gates of Qn1-Qn4 respectively. Before programming the array, a 4.5V, a 7V, a 11V, and a 0V are applied to the source region, SG1-SG4, CG1-CG4, and the drain region respectively, to turn on the channels of Qn1-Qn4. During programming the array, using Qn2 as an example, a 4.5V, a 1.5V, a 7V, a 9V, a 11V, and a 0V are applied to the source region, the selected select gate line SG2, the non-selected select gate lines (SG1, SG3, and SG4), the selected control gate line CG2, the non-selected control gate lines (CG1, CG3, and CG4), and the substrate respectively, to cause source-side injection in order to inject electrons into the selected flash memory cell Qn2 and program it. During reading the data from the array, a 0V, a 4.5V, a 1.5V, and a 1.5V are applied to the source region, SG1-SG4, CG1-CG4, and the drain region (the bit line) respectively. The value of the cell (“0” of “1”) depends on whether the floating gate is negatively charged or positively charged. If the floating gate is negatively charged, the flash memory cell's channel is off and the current is small. On the other hand, if the floating gate is positively charged, the flash memory cell's channel is on and the current can pass through the channel. During erasing the data in the array, a 0V is applied to source region, SG1-SG4, and CG1-CG4 and a 11V is applied to the substrate, thereby causing Fowler-Nordhem tunneling to push electrons from the floating gates into the substrate to erase the flash memory cell array. The present invention uses the hot carrier effect to program each flash memory cell as a unit, and uses Fowler-Nordhem tunneling to erase the entire flash memory cell array. Hence, the higher efficiency for electron injection can reduce the current required for operating the flash memory cell and increase the operation speed. Furthermore, it also reduces the energy consumption of the entire array. The above description provides a full and complete description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Various modifications, alternate construction, and equivalent may be made by those skilled in the art without changing the scope or spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a flash memory cell array and manufacturing method thereof. 2. Background of the Related Art Flash memory is a non-volatile solid state memory that maintains data even after all power sources have been disconnected. Flash memory has been widely used in personal computers and other electronic equipment because of its programmable features allowing writing, erasing and reading data a number of times. A conventional flash memory cell is a transistor comprising a control gate, a doped polysilicon floating gate and an oxide layer separating these two gates from each other. A tunnel oxide layer separates the floating gate and the substrate. Because the floating gate is insulated by oxide, any negative charge on a floating gate does not leak, even if the power is off. To write/erase the data in the cell, a bias voltage is applied to the drain in order to push electrons into the floating gate or pull electrons out of the floating gate by Fowler-Nordhem tunneling. To read the data in the cell, a working voltage is applied to the control gate to determine whether the channel is on or off. The value of the data (“0” or “1”) depends on the amounts of electrons trapped in the floating gate, which affect the status of the channel. During data erase operation, however, it is very difficult to control the amount of the electrons flowing out of the floating gate and may make the floating gate positively charged due to over-pulling the trapped electrons. This effect is so call “over-erase”. If the over-erase effect is too severe, the channel will be always on, even without applying the working voltage to the control gate. It causes to mis-read the value in the cell. To prevent the over-erase effect, some flash memory devices have used split gate design. It has an additional “select gate” on the side wall of the control gate and the floating gate and uses an oxide layer separating the select gate from the control gate, the floating gate, and the substrate. Hence, even if the over-erase effect occurred, the channel below the erase gate would still be off to avoid mis-reading the data. However, the size of the split-gate flash memory cell becomes larger than that of conventional flash memory cell because it requires a larger area for the split gate structure. This would cause the concern in high integration density issue. One may use NAND gate array, instead of NOR gate array, for split gate flash memory in order to increase its integration density because NAND gate array allows serial connection of the memory cells. However, the write/read operations are much more complicated for NAND gate array. Furthermore, the current is smaller due to the serial connection, which seriously affects the performance of the memory cells because of a longer write/erase cycles. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An object of the invention is to provide a flash memory cell, a flash memory cell array and manufacturing method thereof to manufacture flash memory cells suitable for NAND gate array structure by using source-side injection (“SSI”) to enhance the programming speed and efficiency of the cells. It is another object of the invention to provide a flash memory cell, a flash memory cell array and manufacturing method thereof to increase the area between the control gate and the floating gate thereby increasing the gate's coupling rate to enhance the cell's performance. The present invention provides a flash memory cell, which comprises a substrate, a stack gate structure formed on the substrate. The stack gate structure includes a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a gate cap layer. The select gate dielectric layer is formed between the substrate and the select gate. The gate cap layer is formed on the select gate. A spacer formed is along the sidewall of the select gate, a control gate is connected to the stack gate structure, wherein the control gate is formed on the one side of the stack gate structure. A floating gate formed between the control gate and the substrate. The floating gate includes a recess, a inter-gate dielectric layer formed between the control gate and the floating gate. A tunneling dielectric layer is formed between the floating gate and the substrate. A drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are formed on the one side and the other side of the control gate and the stack gate structure respectively. In the present invention, the floating gate includes a recess. This increases the contact surface area between the control gate and the floating gate to raise the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and to reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cells' operation speed and efficiency. The present invention also provide a flash memory cell array, which comprises a substrate, a plurality of flash memory cell structures on the substrate, and a drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are formed on the one side and the other side of the control gates and the stack gate structures respectively. Each of the flash memory cell structures includes a stack gate structure formed on the substrate. The stack gate structure includes a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate and a gate cap layer wherein the select gate dielectric layer is formed between the substrate and the select gate and the gate cap layer is formed on the select gate. A spacer is formed along the sidewall of the select gate. A control gate is connected to the stack gate structure. The control gate is formed on one side of the stack gate structure. A floating gate is formed between the control gate and the substrate and includes a recess. An inter-gate dielectric layer is formed between the control gate and the floating gate, wherein the control gate, the inter-gate dielectric layer, and the floating gate, constitutes a stack structure. A tunneling dielectric layer is formed between the floating gate and the substrate. The stack gate structure of the plurality of flash memory cell structures are positioned juxtaposing alternatively with the stack structure. Because there is no gap between each flash memory cell structure, and therefore a highly integrated flash memory cell array can be realized. Furthermore, the floating gate includes a recess. This increases the contact surface area between the control gate and the floating gate to raise the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and to reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cells' operation speed and efficiency. This present invention also provides a method for fabricating a flash memory cell array. A substrate having a device insulating structure is provided. A plurality of stack gate structures are formed on the substrate. The stack gate structure includes a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a cap layer, the select gate dielectric layer formed between the substrate and the select gate, the cap layer formed on the select gate. A tunnel dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. A spacer is formed along the sidewall of the select gate. A floating gate is formed between each of the stack gate structures, wherein the floating gate includes a recess, and an top surface of the floating gate connected to the stack gate structure is between a top surface of the cap layer and a top surface of the select gate. Next, an inter-gate dielectric layer is formed on the floating gate. Next, a control gate is formed to fill the gap between each of the stack gate structures. Then the plurality of stack gate structures are removed to isolate a predetermined area of the flash memory cell array. Next, a drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are positioned on the one side and the other side of the control gates and the stack gate structures respectively. In this present invention, the steps of forming the floating gate include forming a first conducting layer on the substrate; forming a material layer on the first conducting layer, wherein the material layer fills the gap between each of the stack gate structures; removing a portion of the material layer until the top surface of the material layer is between the top surface of said cap layer and the top surface of the select gate; removing a portion of the first conducting layer by using the material layer as a mask; removing the material layer; and removing the portion of the first conducting layer on the device insulating structure to form the floating gate. In this present invention, the step of forming the control gate step includes forming a second conducting layer on the substrate; and removing a portion of the second conducting layer, until the top surface of the cap layer is exposed, to form the control gate. In the present invention, the floating gate includes a recess. This increases the area between the control gate and the floating gate to raise the gate coupling rate of flash memory cells and to reduce the working voltage, thereby enhancing flash memory cells' operation speed and efficiency. Moreover, this present invention fills the gap between the stack gate structures with a conducting layer to form the control gate. Hence the process of the present invention is more simplified compared to the conventional process because no photolithography process is involved. Furthermore, the present invention uses the hot carrier effect to program each flash memory cell as a unit, and uses Fowler-Nordhem tunneling to erase the entire flash memory cell array. Hence, the higher efficiency for electron injection can reduce the current required for operating the flash memory cell and increase the operation speed. Furthermore, it also reduces the energy consumption of the entire array. The present invention also provides a method for fabricating a flash memory cell array. A substrate having a device insulating structure is provided. Next, a plurality of stack gate structures are formed on the substrate, wherein the stack gate structure including a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate, and a cap layer, the select gate dielectric layer formed between the substrate and the select gate, and wherein the cap layer is formed on the select gate. Next, a tunnel dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. Next, a spacer is formed along the sidewall of the select gate. Next, a floating gate is formed between the stack gate structures. An inter-gate dielectric layer is formed on the floating gate. A control gate is formed to fill at least one gap between the stack gate structures. A portion of stack gate structures excluding a predetermined area of the flash memory cell array are removed. A drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate, wherein the drain region and the source region are formed on the one side and the other side of the control gates and the stack gate structures respectively. In this present invention, the step of forming the floating gate further comprises forming a first conducting layer on the substrate; removing a portion of the first conducting layer until the top surface of the first conducting layer is between the top surface of the cap layer and the top surface of the select gate; and removing the portion of the first conducting layer on the device insulating structure to form the floating gate. In this present invention, the step of forming the control gate further comprises forming a second conducting layer on the substrate; and removing a portion of the second conducting layer, until the top surface of the cap layer is exposed, to form the control gate. Moreover, this present invention fills the gap between the stack gate structures with a conducting layer to form the control gate. Hence the process of the present invention is substantially simplified compared to the conventional process because no photolithography is involved. The above is a brief description of some deficiencies in the prior art and advantages of the present invention. Other features, advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, accompanying drawings and appended claims. | 20050418 | 20070123 | 20050804 | 57995.0 | 0 | CHAUDHARI, CHANDRA P | MANUFACTURING METHOD A FLASH MEMORY CELL ARRAY | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,907,834 | ACCEPTED | Absorbable Anchor for Hernia Mesh Fixation | A method of forming and deploying an improved absorbable anchor for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The absorbable anchor of the present invention functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to soft tissue. The anchor is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide. | 1. A mesh anchor for penetrating tissue and fixating mesh having a longitudinal axis comprising: a. A head section with a distal surface and a proximal surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, b. A truncated body section having a proximal end and a distal end and a length, the proximal end of which is attached to the distal surface of the head, wherein the body section defines a surface, and c. Threads extending from the surface of the body section, the threads having a root diameter. 2. The mesh anchor according to claim 1 wherein the anchor comprises a bio-absorbable polymer, either a homo polymer of either polylactide or polyglycolide or co-polymer of polylactide and polyglycolide. 3. The mesh anchor according to claim 1 wherein the anchor polymer exhibits a young's modulus in the range of 150,000 to 2,000,000 PSI. 4. The mesh anchor according to claim 1 wherein the anchor exhibits a tensile strength in the range of 5,000 to 10,000 PSI. 5. The mesh anchor according to claim 1 wherein the anchor polymer exhibits an absorption time in vivo between 1.5 and 14 months. 6. The mesh anchor according to claim 1 wherein the anchor exhibits a glass transition temperature in the range of 40 to 60 degrees centigrade. 7. The mesh anchor according to claim 1 wherein the thread to root diameter ratio is between 1.25 and 5. 8. A mesh anchor for penetrating tissue and fixating mesh having a longitudinal axis comprising: d. A head section with a distal and a proximal surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, e. A mesh retaining section having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of which is attached to the distal surface of the head, and f. Threads, having a truncated tapered thread root diameter, attached to the proximal end of the mesh retaining section, such that the diameter of the thread attached to the mesh retaining section is larger than the diameter of the distal end of the mesh retaining section. 9. The mesh anchor according to claim 8 wherein the anchor comprises a bio-absorbable polymer, either a homo polymer of either polylactide or polyglycolide or co-polymer of polylactide and polyglycolide. 10. The mesh anchor according to claim 8 wherein the anchor polymer exhibits a young's modulus in the range of 150,000 to 2,000,000 PSI. 11. The mesh anchor according to claim 8 wherein the anchor exhibits a tensile strength in the range of 5,000 to 10,000 PSI. 12. The mesh anchor according to claim 8 wherein the anchor polymer exhibits an absorption time in vivo between 1.5 and 14 months. 13. The mesh anchor according to claim 8 wherein the anchor exhibits a glass transition temperature in the range of 40 to 60 degrees centigrade. 14. The mesh-anchor according to claim 8 wherein the thread to root diameter ratio is between 1.25 and 5. 15. A method of producing and deploying a surgical anchor for anchoring mesh to tissue comprising: g. Forming the anchor from at least one bio-absorbable polymer, h. Providing a surgical anchor delivery device, i. Loading the anchor into the delivery device, j. Sterilizing the anchor at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, k. Packaging the anchor and the delivery device in a hermetically sealed package, l. Delivering the anchor and delivery device to a surgical site further packaged in an insulated container such that the anchor temperature does not exceed the glass transition temperature of the polymer, m. Removing the delivery device and the anchor from the insulated container and the hermetically sealed package, n. Inserting the delivery device and the anchor into a surgical field, o. Penetrating tissue with the anchor, and p. Imbedding the anchor into the tissue. 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the bio-absorbable polymer is a homo polymer of either polylactide or polyglycolide or co-polymer of polylactide and polyglycolide. 17. The method according to claim 15 wherein the bio-absorbable polymer is a co-polymer of polylactide and polyglycolide with a molar content of polylactide ranging, preferably, from 50 to 100 percent. 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the anchor polymer exhibits a Young's modulus in the range of 150,000 to 2,000,000 PSI. 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the anchor exhibits a tensile strength in the range of 5,000 to 10,000 PSI. 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the anchor polymer exhibits absorption time in vivo between 1.5 and 14 months. 21. The method of claim 15 wherein the anchor exhibits a glass transition temperature in the range of 40 to 60 degrees centigrade. 22. The method according to claim 15 wherein sterilization is effectuated using ethylene oxide. 23. The method according to claim 15 wherein sterilization is effectuated using gamma radiation. 24. The method according to claim 15 wherein sterilization is effectuated using electron beam radiation. 25. The method according to claims 23 and 24 wherein the radiation level is, preferably, equal to 25 kgy or less. 26. The method according to claim 15 with the addition of mesh in the penetrating step to read, penetrating mesh and tissue with the anchor. 27. A method of deploying a surgical anchor for anchoring mesh to tissue using an applier, the anchor comprising a head with a threaded portion and a slotted portion and a threaded tissue penetrating section, the applier having a longitudinal axis and comprising a handle, an actuator engaged with a rotator, an anchor retainer, an anchor advancer, a force reactor, and an anchor ejector, including the steps of: q. Retaining the anchor in the applier prior to the ejection step owing to the engagement of the threaded portion of the head and the anchor retainer, r. Rotating the anchor about the longitudinal axis by activating the actuator that rotates the rotator and anchor owing to the engagement of the rotator and the slotted portion of the head, s. Advancing the anchor distally in the applier, t. Bracing the anchor against proximal movement using the force reactor, u. Screwing the threaded tissue penetrating section into the mesh and tissue, v. Ejecting the anchor from the applier by advancing the anchor into the ejector. 28. The method according to claim 27 wherein the anchor, its head and tissue penetrating sections are formed from either a homo polymer of either polylactide or polyglycolide or a co-polymer of polylactide and polyglycolide. 29. The method according to claim 27 wherein the rotator is a free running helical screw and nut. 30. The method according to claim 29 wherein the helical screw and nut are made from materials with a coefficient of static friction less than 0.2. 31. The method according to claim 29 wherein the helical screw and nut are made from materials with a coefficient of static friction less than 0.15. 32. The method according to claim 29 wherein the applier contains more than one anchor such that they are not in forced engagement with each other. | The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/709,297 and 10/905,020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to surgical fasteners and their associated applicators, and more particularly, surgically fastening material to tissue and their method of use. In laparoscopic repair of hernias surgical fasteners have been used to attach repair mesh over the hernia defect so that bowel and other abdominal tissue are blocked from forming an external bulge that is typical of abdominal hernias. The role of the fasteners is to keep the mesh in proper position until tissue ingrowth is adequate to hold the mesh in place under various internal and external conditions. Adequate ingrowth usually takes place in 6-8 weeks. After that time the fasteners play no therapeutic role. Fixation anchors comprise a mesh fixation feature, or head, a mesh-tissue interface section, and a tissue-snaring feature that holds the anchor in place under force developed inside or outside the body. At present, there are a variety of surgical devices and fasteners available for the surgeon to use in endoscopic and open procedures to attach the mesh patch to the inguinal floor or abdominal wall. One such mesh attachment instrument uses a helical wire fastener formed in the shape of a helical compression spring. Multiple helical wire fasteners are stored serially within the 5 mm shaft, and are screwed or rotated into the mesh and the overlaid tissue to form the anchor for the prosthesis. A load spring is used to bias or feed the plurality of helical fasteners distally within the shaft. A protrusion extends into the shaft, while preventing the ejection of the stack of fasteners by the load spring, allows passage of the rotating fastener. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,582,616 and 5,810,882 by Lee Bolduc, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,221 by Jeffrey Stein describe instruments and fasteners of this type. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,203,864 and 5,290,297 by Phillips describe two embodiments of a hernia fastener and delivery devices. One of the Phillips fasteners is formed in the shape of a unidirectional dart with flexible anchor members. The dart is forced through the mesh and into tissue by a drive rod urged distally by the surgeon's thumb. The anchor members are forced inward until the distal end of the dart penetrates the overlaid tissue and then the anchor members, presumably, expand outward without any proximal force on the dart thus forming an anchor arrangement. This requires an extremely forceful spring force generated by the anchor members. Multiple darts are stored in a rotating cylinder, much like a revolver handgun. Phillips second fastener embodiment is a flexible H shaped device. The tissue penetrating means is a hollow needle containing one of the legs of the H. The H shape is flattened with the cross member and the other leg remaining outside the hollow needle owing to a longitudinal slot therein. A drive rod urged distally by the surgeon's thumb again delivers the fastener. The contained leg of the H penetrates the mesh and tissue. After ejection the fastener presumably returns to the equilibrium H shape with one leg below the tissue and one leg in contact with the mesh with the cross member penetrating the mesh and the tissue, similar to some plastic clothing tag attachments. Phillips depicts the installed device returning to the H shape but he fails to teach how to generate enough spring action from the device to overcome the high radial forces generated by the tissue. A series of patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,572,626, 6,551,333, 6,447,524, and 6,425,900 and patent applications 200200877170 and 20020068947 by Kuhns and Kodel, all assigned to Ethicon, describe super elastic, or shape metal fasteners and a delivery mechanism for them. The fasteners are stored in the delivery device in a smaller state and upon insertion into the mesh and tissue, transitions to a larger anchor shaped state. The Ethicon fastener is delivered by an elaborate multistage mechanism through a hollow needle that has penetrated the mesh and the tissue. The hollow needle is then retracted to leave the fastener to change shape to a more suitable configuration for holding the mesh in place. The primary problem with these prior art fasteners is that the mesh is attached to body tissue in as many as 100 places for large ventral hernias. This results in a large quantity of metal remaining in the body as permanent implants, even though after the ingrowth phase the fasteners serve no useful purpose. Compounding this problem the distal ends of the fasteners are sharp pointed and thus pose a continued pain or nerve damage hazard. One alternative to metallic fixation devices is bio-absorbable materials. These materials are degraded in the body by hydrolysis. After degradation the body metabolizes them as carbon dioxide and water. These materials require special attention to many design details that are much more demanding than their counterparts in metallic fixation devices such as applicator tool design, sterilization processes, and packaging. Metallic tacks or anchors provide structural strength that simplifies their insertion and since the materials, usually titanium or nickel-titanium alloys (shape metal), are chemical and radiation resistant and are very temperature tolerant many options are available to the designer. Not so for bio-absorbable materials. The basic considerations of an effective mesh fixation applicator and absorbable anchor are the material strength, absorption time, the sterilization method, and packaging requirements, the ease of insertion of the anchor through the mesh and into the tissue, the ease of ejecting the anchor from the tool, the fixation strength of the anchor once implanted, the time required after insertion for the anchor to be degraded and metabolized by the body are all effected by the choice of anchor material, the geometry of the design, and the forming process. Materials of appropriate strength are generally limited to synthetic materials. Currently, the U.S. FDA has cleared devices made from polyglycolide (PG), polylactide (PL), poly caprolactone, poly dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate, and some of their co-polymers for implant in the human body. These materials and their co-polymers exhibit a wide variation of properties. Flex modulus ranges from a few thousand to a few million PSI, tensile strength ranges from 1000 to 20,000 PSI, in vivo absorption times range from a few days to more than two years, glass transition temperatures range from 30-65 degrees centigrade, all with acceptable bio-responses. Unfortunately, however, the optimum values of each of these properties are not available in any one of these materials so that it is necessary to make performance tradeoffs. Mechanical Properties Most hernia mesh fixation devices are currently used in laparoscopic hernia repair. In general laparoscopic entry ports have been standardized to either 5 or 10 mm (nominal) diameter. In the case of prior art of metallic fixation devices 5 mm applicators are universally employed. Since it is not clear that the medical advantages of the use of absorbable anchors would totally out weigh the disadvantages of moving to a 10 mm applicator it must be assumed that absorbable anchors must also employ 5 mm applicators. Because of the lower strength of absorbable material this requirement imposes severe design constraints on both the applier and the anchor. After successful insertion there are two ways for a fixation anchor to fail. It can fracture, separating the mesh holding feature from the tissue-snaring feature, or it can pull out of the tissue owing to inadequate tissue snaring. Increased forces are placed on the anchor during sudden elevations of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) caused by straining, coughing or the Valsalva maneuver, a medical procedure whereby patients close their nose and mouth and forcibly exhale to test for certain heart conditions. The later can generate an IAP of up to 6.5 PSI. For nonporous mesh and a hernia area of 50 square centimeters, for example this increased IAP places 50.3 pounds of force on the anchors fixating the mesh. Typically 40 anchors would be used to secure the hernia mesh of 150 square centimeters so that each anchor would, at this elevated IAP, experience approximately a 1.26-pound tensile force on the mesh-retaining feature and the tissue-snare feature. The tensile strength between these two features and the tissue snare force must exceed this force generated by the increased IAP or else the mesh fixation can fail. The strength and flexibility of the anchor material are of major importance in the design considerations of the applicator, particularly in the case of anchors formed from polymers. Ory, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,506) teaches the use of L Lactic Acid polymer. Ory discloses adequate fixation strengths but the applicator device required to insert his anchor is necessarily 10 mm in diameter thereby causing the procedure to be more invasive than necessary. Ory further discloses a hollow needle with a large outside diameter, through which the anchor is inserted, that forms a rather large hole in the mesh and tissue to supply adequate columnar strength for penetration of the anchor. Entry holes of this size can give rise to multiple small hernias know as Swiss cheese hernias. Absorption Time There are two forms of PL, one synthesized from the d optical isomer and the other from the l optical isomer. These are sometimes designated DPL and LPL. A polymer with 50-50 random mixture of L and D is herein designated DLPL. High molecular weight homo and co-polymers of PG and PL exhibit absorption times ranging from 1 month to greater than 24 months. Homo crystalline PG and PL generally require greater than 6 months to absorb and thus are not optimum materials for hernia mesh fixation. Amorphous co-polymers of PG and PL, on the other hand, typically degrade in less than 6 months and are preferably used in the present invention. For high molecular weight co-polymers of PG and PL the actual absorption time is dependent on the molar ratio and the residual monomer content. For a given monomer residual the absorption time varies from about 1 month to about 5 months as the molar content of DLPL increases from 50 to 85 percent with PG decreasing from 50 to 15 percent. Co-polymers of DLPL and PG in the molar range of 50 to 85 percent of DLPL are preferred for this invention. The geometry of the anchor also effects the absorption time. Smaller high surface area devices absorb faster. The time required for the human body to react to the foreign body of the mesh for tissue ingrowth into the mesh is typically 10 days. However, mesh migration and mesh contraction can occur for more than two months if not adequately stabilized. Since fixation anchors can impinge upon nerves and cause pain it is desirable for the anchors to be absorbed as soon as possible after the tissue ingrowth and after the mesh is secure against migration or contraction. For most absorbable materials there is a difference between the time for loss of fixation strength and mass loss. Fixation strength decreases quicker than anchor mass owing to some degree of crystalline structure in the polymer. For these reasons the preferred absorption time for the current invention is 3-5 months after implant. Temperature Effects Glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature above which a polymer becomes soft, can loose its shape, and upon re-cooling can shrink considerably. Both crystalline and amorphous polymers exhibit glass transitions in a temperature range that depends on the mobility of the molecules, which is effected by a number of factors such as molecular weight and the amount of residual monomers. Glass transition temperatures range from about 43 to 55 degrees centigrade (deg. C.) for co-polymers of PG and DLPL. Where as 100% PG has a Tg of 35-40 deg. C. and 100% PL exhibits a Tg from 50-60 deg. C. Since the core temperature of the body can reach 40 degrees C. the preferred Tg for the material comprising the current invention is greater than 40 deg. C. In addition hernia mesh anchors are often manufactured and shipped via surface transportation under uncontrolled, extreme heat conditions. Temperatures in commercial shipping compartments in the summer can exceed 60 degrees C. It is necessary then to provide thermal protection in the packaging so that the anchor temperature does not exceed its Tg. Sterilization and Packaging Bio-absorbable polymers degrade when exposed to high humidity and temperature. Autoclaving cannot be used, for example. Most ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization processes employ steam and high temperatures (above Tg) to obtain reasonable “kill” times for the bio-burden commonly found on the device. High doses of gamma radiation or electron beam radiation (E Bream), both accepted methods of sterilization for many devices, could weaken the mechanical properties of PG, PL and their co-polymers. It is therefore necessary during the manufacturing process of the anchor and its applicator to maintain cleanliness to a high degree such that the bio-burden of the components is small enough so that pathogens are adequately eradicated with less severe forms of sterilization. Radiation doses above 25 kilogray (kgy) are known to lessen the mechanical strength of bio-absorbable polymers whereas some pathogens are known to resist radiation doses below 10 kgy. It is therefore necessary, for the preferred embodiment of the present invention during manufacturing to keep the pathogen count below a certain threshold to insure the accepted regulatory standards are met for radiation levels between 10 and 25 kgy. In a second embodiment of the present invention it is necessary during manufacturing to keep the pathogen count below a certain threshold to insure the accepted regulatory standards are obtained for sterilization using a non-steam, low temperature, ethylene oxide (ETO) process below Tg of the anchor polymer. Anchors of the present invention must be carefully packaged to maintain adequate shelf life prior to use. Care must be taken to hermetically seal the device and to either vacuum pack, flood the package with a non-reactive dry gas prior to sealing, or to pack the device with a desiccant to absorb any water vapor since hydrolysis breaks down the backbone of the co-polymers. ETO sterilization requires the gas to contact the device to be sterilized. Devices that are not humidity sensitive can be packaged in a breathable packaging material so that ETO can diffuse in, and after sterilization, diffuse out so that the device can be sterilized without unsealing the packaging. For the alternate embodiment of the present invention the device must be hermetically sealed after sterilization with ETO. Since gamma radiation and electron beam radiation sterilization can be accomplished through hermetically sealed packaging without disturbing the seal, either of these two sterilization processes is employed for the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Ory, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,506), Criscuolo, et al (US application 20040092937), Phillips (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,203,864 and 5,290,297), Kayan (U.S. application 20040204723), and Shipp (U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/709,297 and 10/905,020) have suggested the use of bio-absorbable materials for use as hernia mesh fixation devices to solve the problems associated with the permanency of metal implants. Ory, preferably, suggests forming the fixation device from LPL but the absorption time for LPL can exceed two years, much longer than optimum for hernia fixation devices since the lessening of pain depends on mass loss of the device. While Phillips and Kayan advocate the use of bio-absorbable material to form the anchor neither teach any details or methods for effectuating such a device. Criscuolo suggests the use of PG and PL with an absorption time of 2-3 weeks but does not disclose a method of forming the device that results in such an absorption time. In any respect, migration and contraction of the mesh has been documented to occur up to 8 weeks after implant. Loss of fixation after 2 to 3 weeks could well lead to hernia recurrence. Hernia mesh such as PTFE based mesh manufactured by W. L. Gore is difficult to penetrate since the material is tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic. Attempts to penetrate these types of meshes with a puncture type applicator result in the mesh indenting into the tissue to a significant depth prior to penetration, especially for soft tissue. This indentation sometimes allows the tissue penetrator means, often a hollow needle, to penetrate through the abdomen wall and into the surgeon's hand, thus exposing the surgeon to potential hepatitis and AIDS viruses. The anchor of the present invention is equipped with screw threads that easily penetrate tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh with a minimum of indentation. Once the threads are screwed through the mesh the underlying tissue is pull toward the mesh by the threads rather than push away from the mesh as is the case with puncture type devices. Details of the method of manufacturing the improved anchor are herein provided. What is needed then is an absorbable mesh fixation anchor and a method of forming an absorbable mesh fixation anchor that exhibits a known absorption time and that exhibits the mechanical properties adequate for the desired fixation strength and the required implant forces. What is also needed is a method of packaging an absorbable mesh fixation device and the delivery device that minimizes the effects of high ambient shipping temperatures and humidity. What is also needed is a method of sterilization of an absorbable mesh fixation anchor and its delivery device that has minimal effect on their physical properties, particularly the anchor. What is further needed then is an absorbable mesh fixation anchor of improved geometry that easily penetrates tough, non macro-porous, and relatively inelastic mesh with minimal indentation to minimize the possibility of the anchor breaching the abdominal wall. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method of producing and deploying a bio-absorbable hernia mesh fixation anchor exhibiting an in vivo absorption time between 1.5 and 13 months and its method of use is disclosed. A method of sterilization and a method of packaging the anchor to retain the critical physical properties of the anchor prior to implantation are also disclosed. The hernia mesh fixation device of the present invention is, preferably, injection molded using any of a variety of mole fractions of d, l-lactide and glycolide co-polymers, depending upon the desired absorption time, and mechanical properties. Preferably the mole ratio is 75-25 percent d, l lactide to glycolide yielding an absorption time after implant of 4-5 months and a glass transition temperature of 49 Deg. C. The modulus of elasticity of the preferred embodiment is 192,000 PSI and the tensile strength is 7200 PSI after injection molding at 150 Deg. C. The anchor of the present invention comprises a head with a threaded portion and a slotted portion, a threaded tissue-snaring section formed on a truncated body section that, upon rotation, easily penetrates tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh and pulls underlying tissue toward the head of the anchor, firmly anchoring the mesh to the tissue and thus avoiding excessive indentation of the abdominal wall during deployment. The anchor deliver device, or applier, of the present invention has a longitudinal axis, a handle, an actuator engaged with a rotator, an anchor retainer, an anchor advancer, a force reactor, and an anchor ejector. Sterilization standards by the U.S. FDA allow radiation doses less than 25 kgy provided the bio-burden is below 1000 colony forming units (CFU). The components of the delivery device and the anchors of the present invention are manufactured and assembled under clean room conditions such the bio-burden is well below 1000 CFUs. This allows gamma and E Beam sterilization with doses below the damage threshold of the preferred co-polymers of DLPL and PG, 25 kgy. Mechanical properties of the injected molded anchor of the present invention have been retested after dosing with 25 kgy E Beam. The same values of flex modulus and tensile strength were measured before and after dosing. Gamma or E Beam is the preferred sterilization process, however, an alternate embodiment comprises sterilization employing ethylene oxide without the use of steam and dosed at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. For the preferred embodiment of the present invention the delivery device loaded with anchors is first sealed into a vacuum formed tray with a breathable Tyvek (a registered trademark of DuPont) lid. This tray is then further hermetically sealed into a foil pouch. The foil pouch is then placed inside an insulated shipping container. The insulation is adequate to assure that the temperature of the anchor remains below 30 deg. C. after exposure to severe heat conditions sometimes experienced during shipping. Gamma or E Beam sterilization is accomplished by radiation through the shipping container. In an alternate embodiment the sealed vacuum formed tray is placed into the hermetically sealed foil pouch after ETO sterilization. The ETO will penetrate the breathable lid. After the ETO process the device is sealed into the foil pouch and the pouch is placed into the thermally insulated container described above for shipping. BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of the anchor according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is the distal end view of the anchor according to the present invention. FIG. 3 depicts the anchor fixating mesh to tissue. FIG. 4 depicts the shape of the tissue penetrating threads of the anchor. FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the proximal end of the applier according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the distal end of the applier according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlargement of a cutaway view of the distal end of the applier according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, depictions of the anchor of the current invention, generally designated as 10. Anchor 10 comprises three sections, head section 11, mesh retention section 12, and threaded tissue-snaring section 13. Head section 11 comprises two opposing threaded sections 15 with head threads 17 and two opposing open or slotted sections 16. The distal surface of head section 11 is formed onto the proximal end of mesh retention section 12. Mesh retention section 12 may, alternately, be tapered or right-cylinder shaped or may be omitted, which would allow the proximal end of threaded tissue-snaring section 13 to abut the distal end of head section 11. Unlike the embodiment of anchor 10 with no mesh retention section 12, either the conical or cylindrical configuration mesh retention section 12 locks mesh 52 on to anchor 10 when mesh 52 is screwed past the proximal-most tissue-snaring thread 18 since there is no thread located in mesh retention section 12 that would allow mesh 52 to be unscrewed from anchor 10. Mesh retention section 12 is generally cylindrical or conical shaped with a dimension transverse to its longitudinal axis that is smaller than the transverse dimension of head 11 and the transverse dimension of proximal most tissue-snaring thread 18. Threaded tissue-snaring section 13 comprises helical threads formed onto a tapered truncated body section 19. Distal point 14 is the terminus of the distal most tissue-snaring thread. FIG. 4 is an angled view of the threaded tissue-snaring section 13 of the preferred embodiment. Body section 19 is tapered and thus becomes smaller toward the distal end of threaded tissue-snaring section 13 and terminates, or truncates, distally prior to reaching an apex. The taper can take the form of a linear taper, a convex, or a concave taper. A concave taper is preferable in that it, for a given length, yields the minimum diameter body section 19 upon truncation, preferably less than 0.01 inches. The dimension D shown in FIG. 4 is the transverse dimension of the distal most thread in the threaded tissue-snaring section 13. D should be as large as design constraints will allow, preferably greater than 0.040 inches. A small truncated body diameter and a large value of D minimizes tissue indentation. The tissue-snaring threads terminate at distal tip 14, which is distal of the truncation point of body section 19. This geometry allows for ease of mesh penetration and minimizes indentation of the mesh into soft tissue as compared to a non-truncated body with tapered threads. For a given force applied to mesh 52 by the surgeon exerting a distal force on applier 20 the larger is the dimension D the less the pressure to cause indentation of tissue 51 and mesh 52. Turning now to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 depicting the delivery device, or applier, for mesh anchor 10, generally designated as 20. FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the proximal or handle end of applier 20. The proximal end of applier 20 comprises handle 21, outer tube 22, inner tube 23, trigger 24, actuator 25, return spring 26, helix nut 27, helix 28, clutch pin 31, clutch 32 clutch engager 34, and outer tube pins 33. FIG. 6 depicts the distal end 30 of applier 20 with twenty anchors 10 loaded ready for use. FIG. 7 is cutaway view of an enlargement of the distal end 30 of applier 20 depicting the distal most five anchors 10. Head threads 17 of anchors 10 engage internal screw threads 38 in outer tube 22. The distal end of inner tube 23 is slotted to accept multiple anchors 10 leaving two tines and two slots, not shown because of the cutaway. The two tines engage slots 15 in anchors 10 and head threads 17 extend through the inner tube slots 16 to engage outer tube threads 38. Rotation of inner tube 23 about its longitudinal axis rotates anchors 10 and advances them distally owing to head threads 17 engagement with outer tube threads 38. In the preferred embodiment anchors 10 are not in forced engagement with each other to avoid damage to distal tip 14 of anchors 10. In a preferred embodiment there are twenty-four tube threads 38 per inch, the overall length of anchor 10 is 0.203 inches, with five full turns of inner tube 23 advancing anchors 10 0.208 inches. The distal end of outer tube 22 comprises counter bored 39 that preferably has a depth of 0.030 inches, which allows distal most anchor 10 to release from outer tube threads 38 in the last three quarters of a turn of a five turn actuation sequence in the application and ejection process, as will be detailed below. Five embodiments of anchor 10 are described herein comprising four different molar ratios of DLPL and PG. The resins of the co-polymers in each case were prepared using well-known techniques of polymerization of cyclic dimmers. The molar percentages (M) of DLPL and PG were measured along with the residual monomer percentage (RM). After polymerization the resins were thoroughly dried. Anchor 10 was then injection molded in a standard micro-molding machine at 150 Deg. C. The transition glass temperature (Tg), the absorption time at 37 Deg. C. (to 20% of the original mass) (AT), the tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus (YM) were then measured. Anchor 10 was then subjected to 25 kgy E Beam radiation and the tensile strength and Young's modulus re-measured. Standard techniques, well known by those skilled in the art, were employed in the measurements of each of the parameters. The results are shown below: Case I M, M, Tg, DLPL, PG, RM, Deg. AT, TS, YN, Parameter % % % C. Months PSI PSI 100 0 2.1 49.4 13 6100 206,000 Case II M, M, Tg, DLPL, PG, RM, Deg. AT, TS, YN, Parameter % % % C. Months PSI PSI 85 15 2.1 49.7 5.8 7900 198,000 Case III M, M, Tg, DLPL, PG, RM, Deg. AT, TS, YN, Parameter % % % C. Months PSI PSI 75 25 1.6 49.1 4.3 7200 192,000 Case IV M, M, Tg, DLPL, PG, RM, Deg. AT, TS, YN, Parameter % % % C. Months PSI PSI 65 35 1.9 47.2 3.2 74000 190,000 Case V M, M, Tg, DLPL, PG, RM, Deg. AT, TS, YN, Parameter % % % C. Months PSI PSI 52 48 1.2 46.7 1.5 8100 188,000 In each case retesting the tensile strength and Young's modulus after subjecting the anchor 10 to 25 kgy E Beam radiation yielded results statistically indistinguishable from the values in the tables above. To design an appropriate insulated shipping container the historical average daily temperatures over a “hot weather route” from Florida to Arizona were obtained from www.engr.udayton.edu/weather. Heat flux data were determined from the historical data resulting in an insulation requirement of 2.5 inches of Cellofoam (a registered trademark of Cellofoam of North America, Inc.) with a thermal R-value of 3.86 per inch of thickness. Anchors 10 were then shipped over the route packed in the insulated container and the internal temperature of a un-air conditioned cargo space of a roadway common carrier was measured during a five-day trip from Jacksonville Fla. to Phoenix Ariz. from Sep. 9 till Sep. 14, 2004. The internal temperatures of the cargo space, Tc, and the internal temperature of the insulated container, Ti, containing anchors 10 were recorded every 30 minutes. The minimum and maximum temperatures in the cargo space and the insulated container are shown below: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Maximum Tc 37 34 29 48 50 Deg. C Minimum Tc 24 18 15 27 27 Deg. C Maximum Ti 27 27 26 27 27 Temperature, Deg. C Minimum Ti 24 26 21 24 24 Temperature, Deg. C Thus it is seen from the data above that the insulated shipping container is adequate for maintaining anchor 10 temperatures well below the glass transition temperature of 49 Deg. C. of the preferred co-polymer, 75/25 DLPL/PG, Case III above. The preferred embodiment for the current invention is an injection molded anchor as depicted in FIG. 1 comprising 75% DLPL, 25% PG, sterilized with radiation, either gamma or E Beam, at 25 kgy and packaged first in a hermetically sealed pack and an insulated shipping container. Applier Loading and Operation Multiple anchors 10 are loaded onto the tines of inner tube 23 head to tail with tips 14 pointed distally. Anchors 10 are rotationally orientated such that the tines of inner tube 23 engage head slots 16. The proximal end of the loaded inner tube assembly is inserted into the distal end of outer tube 22 until proximal-most anchor 10 encounters outer tube threads 38. The inner tube assembly is then rotated until the distal end of inner tube 23 is flush with or slightly recessed into outer tube 22. In this position the proximal end of inner tube 23 is proximal of the proximal end of outer tube 22. Near the proximal end of inner tube 23 a drill through hole perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is located to accept clutch pin 31 for securing clutch 32 to inner tube 23. The inner and outer tube and clutch assembly is then affixed into handle 21 with outer tube pins 33 (one from each side) which allows for inner tube 23 to rotate inside outer tube 22. The loaded applier 20 is placed into a surgical field, usually through a 5 mm trocar, and the distal end of applier 20 is held firmly against mesh 52, which covers tissue 51. Outer tube threads 38 act as a force reactor to counter the distal force, generated by the screw-in process of the threaded tissue-snaring section 13, so that anchors 10 are unable to move proximally. Outer tube threads 38 engaging head threads 17 also restrain anchors 10 from falling out of the distal end of applier 20 under the influence of gravity, for example. Trigger 24 is then squeezed rotating actuator 25 against helix nut 27. Helix nut 27 and helix 28 are design according to well-known art such that the force applied to helix nut 27 causes helix nut 27 to move distally and rotate helix 28 in a right-hand manner when helix nut 27 and helix 28 are threaded in a left hand manner. The primary design consideration is the coefficient of static friction (COSF) between helix nut 27 and helix 28 for a given helix thread pitch. According to well-known art there exists a critical value of COSF for a given pitch above which the system is self-locking and below which helix nut 27 linear movement causes helix 28 to rotate. In the preferred embodiment the system comprises a left hand double helix with a pitch of 0.100 inches, lead of 0.200 inches and COSF less than 0.2 and preferably less than 0.15. One inch distal movement of helix nut 27 causes helix 28 and clutch engager 34 to make five full revolutions. Clutch 32 is designed such that as helix 28 and hence clutch engager 34 rotate in a right-hand sense inner tube 23 rotates five full turns in a right-hand sense. As explained above rotation of inner tube 23 rotates anchors 10. Tip 14 of distal most-anchor 10 engages and penetrates mesh 52 and threaded tissue-snaring section 13 screws into and draws tissue 51 and mesh 52 together. During the last three quarters of a rotation of the five revolutions head threads 17 of distal most anchor 10 enter into counter bore 39. Removal of the distal end 30 of applier 20 from mesh 52 releases distal-most anchor 10 and ejects it from applier 20. Mesh 52 is thus affixed to tissue 51. After the anchor screw-in process is complete trigger 24 is released, reset spring 26 returns actuator 25 to its start, or home, position. This returns helix nut 37 proximally since it is attached to actuator 25. As helix nut 37 returns proximal helix 28 and clutch engager 34 rotates in the left-hand sense. Clutch 31 is detached from the rotation owing to the clutch design, thus inner tube 23 does not rotate during the reset process leaving the stack of anchors 10 forward in the same position as before, less distal-most anchor 10. Applier 20 is fully reset and ready for the deployment of the next anchor 10. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the absorbable anchor of the present invention functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to tissue. The anchor of the present invention will disintegrate after the body has secured the mesh against migration and contraction. The absorbable anchor of the present invention can be sterilized so that mechanical properties are maintained and it can be shipped under severe temperature conditions with insulated packaging so that the glass transition temperature is not exceeded. It will also be appreciated that the absorbable anchor of the present invention may be utilized in a number of applications such as hernia repair, bladder neck suspension, and implant drug delivery systems. While several particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent by those skilled in the art that other modifications are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates to surgical fasteners and their associated applicators, and more particularly, surgically fastening material to tissue and their method of use. In laparoscopic repair of hernias surgical fasteners have been used to attach repair mesh over the hernia defect so that bowel and other abdominal tissue are blocked from forming an external bulge that is typical of abdominal hernias. The role of the fasteners is to keep the mesh in proper position until tissue ingrowth is adequate to hold the mesh in place under various internal and external conditions. Adequate ingrowth usually takes place in 6-8 weeks. After that time the fasteners play no therapeutic role. Fixation anchors comprise a mesh fixation feature, or head, a mesh-tissue interface section, and a tissue-snaring feature that holds the anchor in place under force developed inside or outside the body. At present, there are a variety of surgical devices and fasteners available for the surgeon to use in endoscopic and open procedures to attach the mesh patch to the inguinal floor or abdominal wall. One such mesh attachment instrument uses a helical wire fastener formed in the shape of a helical compression spring. Multiple helical wire fasteners are stored serially within the 5 mm shaft, and are screwed or rotated into the mesh and the overlaid tissue to form the anchor for the prosthesis. A load spring is used to bias or feed the plurality of helical fasteners distally within the shaft. A protrusion extends into the shaft, while preventing the ejection of the stack of fasteners by the load spring, allows passage of the rotating fastener. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,582,616 and 5,810,882 by Lee Bolduc, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,221 by Jeffrey Stein describe instruments and fasteners of this type. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,203,864 and 5,290,297 by Phillips describe two embodiments of a hernia fastener and delivery devices. One of the Phillips fasteners is formed in the shape of a unidirectional dart with flexible anchor members. The dart is forced through the mesh and into tissue by a drive rod urged distally by the surgeon's thumb. The anchor members are forced inward until the distal end of the dart penetrates the overlaid tissue and then the anchor members, presumably, expand outward without any proximal force on the dart thus forming an anchor arrangement. This requires an extremely forceful spring force generated by the anchor members. Multiple darts are stored in a rotating cylinder, much like a revolver handgun. Phillips second fastener embodiment is a flexible H shaped device. The tissue penetrating means is a hollow needle containing one of the legs of the H. The H shape is flattened with the cross member and the other leg remaining outside the hollow needle owing to a longitudinal slot therein. A drive rod urged distally by the surgeon's thumb again delivers the fastener. The contained leg of the H penetrates the mesh and tissue. After ejection the fastener presumably returns to the equilibrium H shape with one leg below the tissue and one leg in contact with the mesh with the cross member penetrating the mesh and the tissue, similar to some plastic clothing tag attachments. Phillips depicts the installed device returning to the H shape but he fails to teach how to generate enough spring action from the device to overcome the high radial forces generated by the tissue. A series of patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,572,626, 6,551,333, 6,447,524, and 6,425,900 and patent applications 200200877170 and 20020068947 by Kuhns and Kodel, all assigned to Ethicon, describe super elastic, or shape metal fasteners and a delivery mechanism for them. The fasteners are stored in the delivery device in a smaller state and upon insertion into the mesh and tissue, transitions to a larger anchor shaped state. The Ethicon fastener is delivered by an elaborate multistage mechanism through a hollow needle that has penetrated the mesh and the tissue. The hollow needle is then retracted to leave the fastener to change shape to a more suitable configuration for holding the mesh in place. The primary problem with these prior art fasteners is that the mesh is attached to body tissue in as many as 100 places for large ventral hernias. This results in a large quantity of metal remaining in the body as permanent implants, even though after the ingrowth phase the fasteners serve no useful purpose. Compounding this problem the distal ends of the fasteners are sharp pointed and thus pose a continued pain or nerve damage hazard. One alternative to metallic fixation devices is bio-absorbable materials. These materials are degraded in the body by hydrolysis. After degradation the body metabolizes them as carbon dioxide and water. These materials require special attention to many design details that are much more demanding than their counterparts in metallic fixation devices such as applicator tool design, sterilization processes, and packaging. Metallic tacks or anchors provide structural strength that simplifies their insertion and since the materials, usually titanium or nickel-titanium alloys (shape metal), are chemical and radiation resistant and are very temperature tolerant many options are available to the designer. Not so for bio-absorbable materials. The basic considerations of an effective mesh fixation applicator and absorbable anchor are the material strength, absorption time, the sterilization method, and packaging requirements, the ease of insertion of the anchor through the mesh and into the tissue, the ease of ejecting the anchor from the tool, the fixation strength of the anchor once implanted, the time required after insertion for the anchor to be degraded and metabolized by the body are all effected by the choice of anchor material, the geometry of the design, and the forming process. Materials of appropriate strength are generally limited to synthetic materials. Currently, the U.S. FDA has cleared devices made from polyglycolide (PG), polylactide (PL), poly caprolactone, poly dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate, and some of their co-polymers for implant in the human body. These materials and their co-polymers exhibit a wide variation of properties. Flex modulus ranges from a few thousand to a few million PSI, tensile strength ranges from 1000 to 20,000 PSI, in vivo absorption times range from a few days to more than two years, glass transition temperatures range from 30-65 degrees centigrade, all with acceptable bio-responses. Unfortunately, however, the optimum values of each of these properties are not available in any one of these materials so that it is necessary to make performance tradeoffs. Mechanical Properties Most hernia mesh fixation devices are currently used in laparoscopic hernia repair. In general laparoscopic entry ports have been standardized to either 5 or 10 mm (nominal) diameter. In the case of prior art of metallic fixation devices 5 mm applicators are universally employed. Since it is not clear that the medical advantages of the use of absorbable anchors would totally out weigh the disadvantages of moving to a 10 mm applicator it must be assumed that absorbable anchors must also employ 5 mm applicators. Because of the lower strength of absorbable material this requirement imposes severe design constraints on both the applier and the anchor. After successful insertion there are two ways for a fixation anchor to fail. It can fracture, separating the mesh holding feature from the tissue-snaring feature, or it can pull out of the tissue owing to inadequate tissue snaring. Increased forces are placed on the anchor during sudden elevations of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) caused by straining, coughing or the Valsalva maneuver, a medical procedure whereby patients close their nose and mouth and forcibly exhale to test for certain heart conditions. The later can generate an IAP of up to 6.5 PSI. For nonporous mesh and a hernia area of 50 square centimeters, for example this increased IAP places 50.3 pounds of force on the anchors fixating the mesh. Typically 40 anchors would be used to secure the hernia mesh of 150 square centimeters so that each anchor would, at this elevated IAP, experience approximately a 1.26-pound tensile force on the mesh-retaining feature and the tissue-snare feature. The tensile strength between these two features and the tissue snare force must exceed this force generated by the increased IAP or else the mesh fixation can fail. The strength and flexibility of the anchor material are of major importance in the design considerations of the applicator, particularly in the case of anchors formed from polymers. Ory, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,506) teaches the use of L Lactic Acid polymer. Ory discloses adequate fixation strengths but the applicator device required to insert his anchor is necessarily 10 mm in diameter thereby causing the procedure to be more invasive than necessary. Ory further discloses a hollow needle with a large outside diameter, through which the anchor is inserted, that forms a rather large hole in the mesh and tissue to supply adequate columnar strength for penetration of the anchor. Entry holes of this size can give rise to multiple small hernias know as Swiss cheese hernias. Absorption Time There are two forms of PL, one synthesized from the d optical isomer and the other from the l optical isomer. These are sometimes designated DPL and LPL. A polymer with 50-50 random mixture of L and D is herein designated DLPL. High molecular weight homo and co-polymers of PG and PL exhibit absorption times ranging from 1 month to greater than 24 months. Homo crystalline PG and PL generally require greater than 6 months to absorb and thus are not optimum materials for hernia mesh fixation. Amorphous co-polymers of PG and PL, on the other hand, typically degrade in less than 6 months and are preferably used in the present invention. For high molecular weight co-polymers of PG and PL the actual absorption time is dependent on the molar ratio and the residual monomer content. For a given monomer residual the absorption time varies from about 1 month to about 5 months as the molar content of DLPL increases from 50 to 85 percent with PG decreasing from 50 to 15 percent. Co-polymers of DLPL and PG in the molar range of 50 to 85 percent of DLPL are preferred for this invention. The geometry of the anchor also effects the absorption time. Smaller high surface area devices absorb faster. The time required for the human body to react to the foreign body of the mesh for tissue ingrowth into the mesh is typically 10 days. However, mesh migration and mesh contraction can occur for more than two months if not adequately stabilized. Since fixation anchors can impinge upon nerves and cause pain it is desirable for the anchors to be absorbed as soon as possible after the tissue ingrowth and after the mesh is secure against migration or contraction. For most absorbable materials there is a difference between the time for loss of fixation strength and mass loss. Fixation strength decreases quicker than anchor mass owing to some degree of crystalline structure in the polymer. For these reasons the preferred absorption time for the current invention is 3-5 months after implant. Temperature Effects Glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature above which a polymer becomes soft, can loose its shape, and upon re-cooling can shrink considerably. Both crystalline and amorphous polymers exhibit glass transitions in a temperature range that depends on the mobility of the molecules, which is effected by a number of factors such as molecular weight and the amount of residual monomers. Glass transition temperatures range from about 43 to 55 degrees centigrade (deg. C.) for co-polymers of PG and DLPL. Where as 100% PG has a Tg of 35-40 deg. C. and 100% PL exhibits a Tg from 50-60 deg. C. Since the core temperature of the body can reach 40 degrees C. the preferred Tg for the material comprising the current invention is greater than 40 deg. C. In addition hernia mesh anchors are often manufactured and shipped via surface transportation under uncontrolled, extreme heat conditions. Temperatures in commercial shipping compartments in the summer can exceed 60 degrees C. It is necessary then to provide thermal protection in the packaging so that the anchor temperature does not exceed its Tg. Sterilization and Packaging Bio-absorbable polymers degrade when exposed to high humidity and temperature. Autoclaving cannot be used, for example. Most ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization processes employ steam and high temperatures (above Tg) to obtain reasonable “kill” times for the bio-burden commonly found on the device. High doses of gamma radiation or electron beam radiation (E Bream), both accepted methods of sterilization for many devices, could weaken the mechanical properties of PG, PL and their co-polymers. It is therefore necessary during the manufacturing process of the anchor and its applicator to maintain cleanliness to a high degree such that the bio-burden of the components is small enough so that pathogens are adequately eradicated with less severe forms of sterilization. Radiation doses above 25 kilogray (kgy) are known to lessen the mechanical strength of bio-absorbable polymers whereas some pathogens are known to resist radiation doses below 10 kgy. It is therefore necessary, for the preferred embodiment of the present invention during manufacturing to keep the pathogen count below a certain threshold to insure the accepted regulatory standards are met for radiation levels between 10 and 25 kgy. In a second embodiment of the present invention it is necessary during manufacturing to keep the pathogen count below a certain threshold to insure the accepted regulatory standards are obtained for sterilization using a non-steam, low temperature, ethylene oxide (ETO) process below Tg of the anchor polymer. Anchors of the present invention must be carefully packaged to maintain adequate shelf life prior to use. Care must be taken to hermetically seal the device and to either vacuum pack, flood the package with a non-reactive dry gas prior to sealing, or to pack the device with a desiccant to absorb any water vapor since hydrolysis breaks down the backbone of the co-polymers. ETO sterilization requires the gas to contact the device to be sterilized. Devices that are not humidity sensitive can be packaged in a breathable packaging material so that ETO can diffuse in, and after sterilization, diffuse out so that the device can be sterilized without unsealing the packaging. For the alternate embodiment of the present invention the device must be hermetically sealed after sterilization with ETO. Since gamma radiation and electron beam radiation sterilization can be accomplished through hermetically sealed packaging without disturbing the seal, either of these two sterilization processes is employed for the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Ory, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,506), Criscuolo, et al (US application 20040092937), Phillips (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,203,864 and 5,290,297), Kayan (U.S. application 20040204723), and Shipp (U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/709,297 and 10/905,020) have suggested the use of bio-absorbable materials for use as hernia mesh fixation devices to solve the problems associated with the permanency of metal implants. Ory, preferably, suggests forming the fixation device from LPL but the absorption time for LPL can exceed two years, much longer than optimum for hernia fixation devices since the lessening of pain depends on mass loss of the device. While Phillips and Kayan advocate the use of bio-absorbable material to form the anchor neither teach any details or methods for effectuating such a device. Criscuolo suggests the use of PG and PL with an absorption time of 2-3 weeks but does not disclose a method of forming the device that results in such an absorption time. In any respect, migration and contraction of the mesh has been documented to occur up to 8 weeks after implant. Loss of fixation after 2 to 3 weeks could well lead to hernia recurrence. Hernia mesh such as PTFE based mesh manufactured by W. L. Gore is difficult to penetrate since the material is tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic. Attempts to penetrate these types of meshes with a puncture type applicator result in the mesh indenting into the tissue to a significant depth prior to penetration, especially for soft tissue. This indentation sometimes allows the tissue penetrator means, often a hollow needle, to penetrate through the abdomen wall and into the surgeon's hand, thus exposing the surgeon to potential hepatitis and AIDS viruses. The anchor of the present invention is equipped with screw threads that easily penetrate tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh with a minimum of indentation. Once the threads are screwed through the mesh the underlying tissue is pull toward the mesh by the threads rather than push away from the mesh as is the case with puncture type devices. Details of the method of manufacturing the improved anchor are herein provided. What is needed then is an absorbable mesh fixation anchor and a method of forming an absorbable mesh fixation anchor that exhibits a known absorption time and that exhibits the mechanical properties adequate for the desired fixation strength and the required implant forces. What is also needed is a method of packaging an absorbable mesh fixation device and the delivery device that minimizes the effects of high ambient shipping temperatures and humidity. What is also needed is a method of sterilization of an absorbable mesh fixation anchor and its delivery device that has minimal effect on their physical properties, particularly the anchor. What is further needed then is an absorbable mesh fixation anchor of improved geometry that easily penetrates tough, non macro-porous, and relatively inelastic mesh with minimal indentation to minimize the possibility of the anchor breaching the abdominal wall. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A method of producing and deploying a bio-absorbable hernia mesh fixation anchor exhibiting an in vivo absorption time between 1.5 and 13 months and its method of use is disclosed. A method of sterilization and a method of packaging the anchor to retain the critical physical properties of the anchor prior to implantation are also disclosed. The hernia mesh fixation device of the present invention is, preferably, injection molded using any of a variety of mole fractions of d, l-lactide and glycolide co-polymers, depending upon the desired absorption time, and mechanical properties. Preferably the mole ratio is 75-25 percent d, l lactide to glycolide yielding an absorption time after implant of 4-5 months and a glass transition temperature of 49 Deg. C. The modulus of elasticity of the preferred embodiment is 192,000 PSI and the tensile strength is 7200 PSI after injection molding at 150 Deg. C. The anchor of the present invention comprises a head with a threaded portion and a slotted portion, a threaded tissue-snaring section formed on a truncated body section that, upon rotation, easily penetrates tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh and pulls underlying tissue toward the head of the anchor, firmly anchoring the mesh to the tissue and thus avoiding excessive indentation of the abdominal wall during deployment. The anchor deliver device, or applier, of the present invention has a longitudinal axis, a handle, an actuator engaged with a rotator, an anchor retainer, an anchor advancer, a force reactor, and an anchor ejector. Sterilization standards by the U.S. FDA allow radiation doses less than 25 kgy provided the bio-burden is below 1000 colony forming units (CFU). The components of the delivery device and the anchors of the present invention are manufactured and assembled under clean room conditions such the bio-burden is well below 1000 CFUs. This allows gamma and E Beam sterilization with doses below the damage threshold of the preferred co-polymers of DLPL and PG, 25 kgy. Mechanical properties of the injected molded anchor of the present invention have been retested after dosing with 25 kgy E Beam. The same values of flex modulus and tensile strength were measured before and after dosing. Gamma or E Beam is the preferred sterilization process, however, an alternate embodiment comprises sterilization employing ethylene oxide without the use of steam and dosed at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. For the preferred embodiment of the present invention the delivery device loaded with anchors is first sealed into a vacuum formed tray with a breathable Tyvek (a registered trademark of DuPont) lid. This tray is then further hermetically sealed into a foil pouch. The foil pouch is then placed inside an insulated shipping container. The insulation is adequate to assure that the temperature of the anchor remains below 30 deg. C. after exposure to severe heat conditions sometimes experienced during shipping. Gamma or E Beam sterilization is accomplished by radiation through the shipping container. In an alternate embodiment the sealed vacuum formed tray is placed into the hermetically sealed foil pouch after ETO sterilization. The ETO will penetrate the breathable lid. After the ETO process the device is sealed into the foil pouch and the pouch is placed into the thermally insulated container described above for shipping. | 20050418 | 20120214 | 20060615 | 58724.0 | A61B1758 | 0 | NGUYEN, TUAN VAN | ABSORBABLE ANCHOR FOR HERNIA MESH FIXATION | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | A61B | 2,005 |
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10,907,852 | ACCEPTED | IDENTIFICATION BRACELET WITH SEALABLE WINDOW | An identification bracelet for mounting about a person's wrist or the like incorporates a sealable window to protect wearer-related information against contact with moisture and the like. The bracelet includes a flexible band defining an information-bearing zone, in combination with an overlying adhesive-backed transparent cover strip. In an initial state, the cover strip has opposite ends securely adhered to the band, and a central window segment separated from the band by a peel-off release film. The window segment is adapted for lift-away separation from the band as by tearing along a line of weakness line at one end thereof to expose the information-bearing zone for receiving wearer-related information, and for facilitated peel-off removal of the release film, followed by adhesively seating the strip central window segment onto the band in a manner defining a sealed perimeter overlying and protecting the wearer-related information. | 1. An identification bracelet, comprising: an elongated flexible band having first and second ends, and defining an information-bearing zone on one side thereof; an adhesive-backed and substantially transparent cover strip defining a flexible central window segment between opposite strip ends, said opposite strip ends being initially adhered to said band generally at opposite ends of said information-bearing zone to position said central window segment in overlying relation to said information-bearing zone; said central window segment including one end separable from said band to permit said window segment to be lifted upwardly relative to said band to expose said information-bearing zone to receive wearer-related information, said window segment being thereupon movable to a position overlying said information-bearing zone with at least a perimeter of said window segment sealingly adhered to said band for defining a sealed perimeter circumscribing the wearer-related information; and fastener means for retaining said band in a closed loop configuration. 2. The identification bracelet of claim 1 further including a peel-off release film carried by said central window segment to initially separate said central window segment from said band and thereby prevent adherence thereof to said information-bearing zone on said band, said release film being exposed for access and removal from said central window segment, when said central window segment is lifted upwardly relative to said band. 3. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein said one end of said central window segment is separable from one of said strip ends adhered to said band, to permit said one end of said window segment to be lifted upwardly relative to said band. 4. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein said band and said central window segment of said cover strip are formed from a substantially moisture-impervious material. 5. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein the wearer-related information comprises human-readable information. 6. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein the wearer-related information comprises machine-readable information. 7. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein the wearer-related information is carried by an RFID device. 8. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein the wearer-related information comprises bar code information. 9. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein the wearer-related information is applied to a card, tag or label, said card, tag or label having a size and shape for placement onto said information-bearing zone on said band. 10. The identification bracelet of claim 3 further including a line of weakness formed in said cover strip generally at said one end of said central window segment. 11. The identification bracelet of claim 1 further including a hinge line formed in said cover strip generally at an opposite end of said central window segment. 12. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein said information-bearing zone on said band is independent of said fastener means. 13. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein said fastener means comprises at least one fastener component mounted generally at at least one of said first and second ends of said band. 14. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein a plurality of said identification bracelets are assembled in a sheet form and each separable from said sheet form by tear-away separation along at least one line of weakness therebetween. 15. The identification bracelet of claim 1 wherein a plurality of said identification bracelets are assembled end-to-end and each separable along at least one line of weakness therebetween. 16. An identification bracelet, comprising: an elongated flexible band formed from a substantially moisture-impervious material, said band having first and second ends, and defining an information-bearing zone on one side thereof; an adhesive-backed and substantially transparent cover strip defining a flexible central window segment formed from a substantially moisture impervious material and extending between opposite strip ends, said opposite strip ends being adhered to said band generally at opposite ends of said information-bearing zone to position said central window segment in overlying relation to said information-bearing zone; a peel-off release film carried by said central window segment to separate said central window segment from said band and thereby prevent adherence thereof to said information-bearing zone on said band; said central window segment including one end separable from one of said strip ends along a line of weakness formed in said cover strip generally at said one end of said central window segment, to permit said window segment to be lifted upwardly relative to said band to expose said information-bearing zone to receive wearer-related information, and to facilitate access to and removal of said release film from said central window segment, said window segment being thereupon movable to a position overlying said information-bearing zone with at least a perimeter of said window segment sealingly adhered to said band for defining a sealed perimeter circumscribing the wearer-related information; and fastener means for retaining said band in a closed loop configuration. 17. The identification bracelet of claim 16 wherein the wearer-related information is selected from the group consisting essentially of human-readable and machine-readable information. 18. The identification bracelet of claim 16 wherein the wearer-related information is carried by an RFID device. 19. The identification bracelet of claim 16 wherein the wearer-related information comprises bar code information. 20. The identification bracelet of claim 16 wherein the wearer-related information is applied to a card, tag or label, said card, tag or label having a size and shape for placement onto said information-bearing zone on said band. 21. The identification bracelet of claim 16 further including a hinge line formed in said cover strip generally at an opposite end of said central window segment. 22. The identification bracelet of claim 16 wherein said information-bearing zone on said band is independent of said fastener means. 23. A sheet form comprising a plurality of said identification bracelets according to claim 16 arrayed in connected relation, each of said plurality of identification bracelets being adapted for separation along at least one line of weakness therebetween. 24. A supply reel comprising a plurality of said identification bracelets according to claim 16 arrayed in end-to-end connected relation, each of said plurality of identification bracelets being adapted for separation along a line of weakness therebetween. 25. An identification bracelet, comprising: an elongated flexible band having first and second ends, and defining an information-bearing zone on one side thereof; a transparent cover strip defining a flexible central window segment between opposite strip ends, said opposite strip ends being adhered to said band generally at opposite ends of said information-bearing zone to position said central window segment in overlying relation to said information-bearing zone; said cover strip including a line of weakness disposed generally between said central window segment and one of said strip ends adhered to said band, said central window segment being separable along said line of weakness from said one strip end to permit said window segment to be lifted upwardly relative to said band to expose said information-bearing zone to receive wearer-related information, said window segment being thereupon movable to a position overlying said information-bearing zone and including adhesive means for sealingly adhering said window segment to said band along an hermetically sealed perimeter circumscribing the wearer-related information. 26. The identification bracelet of claim 25 further including fastener means for retaining said band in a closed loop configuration. 27. The identification bracelet of claim 25 wherein said band and said central window segment of said cover strip are formed from a substantially moisture-impervious material. 28. The identification bracelet of claim 25 wherein the wearer-related information is selected from the group consisting essentially of human-readable and machine-readable information. 29. The identification bracelet of claim 25 wherein the wearer-related information is carried by an RFID device. 30. The identification bracelet of claim 25 wherein the wearer-related information comprises bar code information. 31. The identification bracelet of claim 25 wherein the wearer-related information is applied to a card, tag or label, said card, tag or label having a size and shape for placement onto said information-bearing zone on said band. 32. A sheet form comprising a plurality of said identification bracelets according to claim 25 arrayed in connected relation, each of said plurality of identification bracelets being adapted for separation along at least one line of weakness therebetween. 33. A supply reel comprising a plurality of said identification bracelets according to claim 25 arrayed in end-to-end connected relation, each of said plurality of identification bracelets being adapted for separation along a line of weakness therebetween. 34. In an identification bracelet comprising an elongated flexible band having first and second ends, an information-bearing zone defined on one side thereof, and fastener means for retaining the band in a closed loop configuration, a method of protecting wearer-related information on the information-bearing zone, said method comprising the steps of: providing a transparent cover strip defining a flexible central window segment between opposite strip ends; mounting the opposite strip ends of the cover strip to the band generally at opposite ends of said information-bearing zone to position the central window segment in overlying relation to the information-bearing zone; lifting the central window segment relative to said band at one of the opposite strip ends to expose the information-bearing zone; applying wearer-related information to the exposed information-bearing zone on the band; and returning the window segment to a position overlying the information-bearing zone and sealingly adhering the window segment to the band along an hermetically sealed perimeter circumscribing the information-bearing zone and the wearer-related information thereon. 35. The method of claim 34 further including the step of separating the central window segment from one of the opposite strip ends mounted to the band prior to said lifting step. 36. The method of claim 34 wherein said step of mounting the opposite strips ends to the band comprises an adhesive mounting step. 37. The method of claim 34 wherein the cover strip is backed with a transparent adhesive, and further including the step of initially lining the central window segment with a peel-off strip for initially preventing adhesion of the central window segment with the band, and removing the peel-off strip subsequent to said lifting step. 38. The method of claim 35 further including the step of forming a line of weakness in the cover strip between the central window segment and one of the strip opposite ends mounted to the band, said separating step comprising severing the cover strip along the line of weakness. 39. The method of claim 34 further including the step of forming a hinge line between the central window segment and the other of the strip opposite ends mounted to the band. 40. The method of 34 wherein said applying step comprises manually applying the wearer-related information to the information-bearing zone. 41. The method of claim 34 wherein said applying step comprises applying the wearer-related information to a card, tag or label having a size and shape for placement onto said information-bearing zone on said band, and placing the card, tag or label onto the band. 42. A method of producing a succession of elongated identification bracelets, comprising the steps of: conveying an elongate web of band-forming material along a production path; mounting opposite ends of transparent cover strip-forming material onto the web of band-forming material; and subdividing the web of band-forming material and the cover strip-forming material into a plurality of elongated flexible identification bracelets each having a transparent cover strip having opposite ends mounted to an elongated flexible band, and with said transparent cover strip further including a central window segment formed between said opposite ends and overlying an information-bearing zone on said band; said subdividing step including forming at least one line of weakness between adjoining bracelets. 43. The method of claim 42 wherein said plurality of elongated flexible bracelets are formed side-by-side. 44. The method of claim 42 wherein said plurality of elongated flexible bracelets are formed end-to-end. 45. The method of claim 42 wherein the opposite ends of the transparent cover strip-forming material are adhesively secured to said web of band-forming material. 46. The method of claim 42 the cover strip-forming material is backed with a transparent adhesive, and further including the step of initially lining the cover strip-forming material between the opposite ends thereof with a peel-off strip for initially preventing adhesion with the band. 47. The method of claim 42 further including the step of forming a line of weakness is the cover strip-forming material generally adjacent one of the opposite ends thereof. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to improvements in identification appliances such as wristbands and the like for mounting onto a specific person or object, and for carrying information associated with the specific band wearer. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved identification bracelet having a sealable window for overlying and protecting wearer-related information applied to or carried by the bracelet against contact with moisture and the like for an extended period of time, wherein such moisture contact could otherwise interfere with or adversely impact human and/or machine reading of the wearer-related information. Bracelet-type identification appliances such as wristbands and the like are commonly worn by individual patients in a hospital or other medical facility. The identification bracelet normally carries certain human-readable patient identification information such as patient name, room number, patient identification (ID) number, etc., wherein this identification information can be printed directly onto the bracelet, or otherwise applied to a card, tag or label that is affixed to or suitably carried by the bracelet. In addition, a variety of machine-readable information may be similarly applied to or carried by the bracelet, such as bar code information which may duplicate the human-readable patient identification information but may also include selected patient condition information. In recent years, such identification bracelets have also incorporated radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits having the capacity to receive and store significant patient medical history in addition to patent identification and condition information. Such identification bracelets have also been used in a wide range of non-medical environments. Moisture contact with the wearer-related information carried by the identification bracelet can interfere with and thereby prevent accurate reading thereof by human or automated means. In this regard, some bracelet designs have incorporated a transparent window element to overlie and thereby provide some protection for wearer-related information visible through the transparent window. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,221,063; 4,285,146; 4,318,234; 4,386,795; and 5,581,924 depict a bracelet wherein a transparent window element cooperates with an underlying band to define a small slotted pocket for slide-fit reception of a card, tag or label having the wearer-related information printed thereon and viewable through the window element. However, many of these bracelet designs provide only limited protection, and, more specifically, are not sealed against water intrusion upon immersion of the bracelet as may occur, for example, during bathing. Alternative bracelet configurations have been proposed wherein the transparent window element is backed with a transparent, typically pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,197,899 and 6,546,656 which depict the transparent window element adhesively positioned over an information-bearing zone or region formed on or carried by an underlying flexible band. The transparent window element is initially adhered at one end to the underlying band and thus comprises a movable flap that can be lifted to expose the information-bearing zone, and further to permit a peel-off film to be removed from the flap before downward displacement into adhered relation with the band in a position overlying the information-bearing zone. Hermetic sealing of the periphery of the information-bearing zone, however, is at best limited to provide minimal protection against water intrusion. In addition, in these bracelet designs, the movable flap is incompatible with convenient and economical manufacturing methods particularly such as producing a plurality of ready-to-use bracelets in a snap-apart or break-apart sheet form. Moreover, the transparent window element in these designs is combined with fastener means for adhesively mounting the bracelet about the wearer's wrist or the like, resulting in a complex bracelet construction with limited inherent variable size adjustment capability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,623 describes another alternative bracelet construction including a tubular band formed from transparent plastic, and defining an internal pocket for slide-fit reception of an information-bearing card, tag or label, with a connector element provided for press-fit reception into the opposite ends of the band to form and retain the band into a closed loop configuration wrapped about a person's wrist or the like. While this bracelet design may provide improved hermetic protection against ingress or moisture or other liquids into contact with the information-bearing card or the like, the tubular band construction does not provide inherent size adjustment capability. In addition, the tubular band construction is also not susceptible to convenient and economical manufacturing methods particularly such as producing a plurality of ready-to-use bracelets in snap-apart or break-apart sheet form. There exists, therefore, a significant need for further improvements in and to identification bracelets of the type used in a medical facility and the like, particularly wherein a transparent window element is mounted onto an underlying flexible band in a manner conducive to economical manufacture in multi-bracelet sheet form, and further wherein a transparent window element is adapted to overlie and hermetically seal underlying wearer-related information against contact with moisture and the like. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, an improved identification bracelet is provided for mounting about a person's wrist or the like, and includes a sealable window to protect wearer-related information against potentially damaging contact with moisture and the like, wherein such moisture contact can interfere with or adversely impact human and/or machine reading of the wearer-related information. The improved bracelet is designed for economical manufacture in a convenient sheet form including multiple bracelets adapted for snap-apart separation from the sheet in a ready-to-use state, or in an end-to-end roll form. In one preferred form, the identification bracelet comprises an elongated flexible band constructed from a moisture-resistant material to include an information-bearing zone adapted to receive and support wearer-related information such as information printed or written directly thereon, or information applied to a card, tag or label positioned thereon. A transparent, adhesive-backed cover strip spans the information-bearing zone in overlying relation thereto, with opposite ends of the cover strip securely adhered to the underlying band generally at opposite ends of the information-bearing zone. This central window segment is initially separated or easily separable from the underlying band, as by means of a peel-off release film on the underside of the cover strip. At the time of use, one end of the cover strip central window segment is adapted for lift-away separation from the flexible band, as by tearing the cover strip along a line of weakness such as a perforation line formed therein at a position generally overlying one end of the information-bearing zone on the band. This now-separated end of the cover strip central window segment can be raised relative to the flexible band to expose the information-bearing zone for receiving the wearer-related information, and also for exposing the release film on the underside of the central window segment for peel-off removal. The central window segment can then be pressed downwardly onto the band, into firmly seated and sealed adherence therewith. The cover strip central window segment and the flexible band cooperatively define an hermetically sealed perimeter circumscribing the wearer-related information to safeguard such information against subsequent contact with moisture and the like, thereby safeguarding the information for reliable and accurate reading by human and/or machine means. The identification bracelet further includes fastener means for retaining the elongated band in a closed loop configuration of selected diametric size wrapped about the wrist or the like of a person or object associated therewith. In one preferred form, the fastener means includes interengageable fastener elements at opposite ends of the flexible band, and preferably independent of the information-bearing zone on the band, such as snap-fit engageable male and female components at one end of the band for engagement with one of a longitudinally spaced-apart series of fastener ports formed in the other end of the band, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,924 which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternative fastening elements such as adhesive fastening means and the like may be used. Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a sheet form incorporating a plurality of separable identification bracelets each having a sealable window and constructed in accordance with the novel features of the invention; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a single identification bracelet having a sealable window in accordance with the invention, and showing opposite ends of an adhesive-backed transparent cover strip initially adhered to an underlying flexible band; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the adhesive-backed transparent cover strip in exploded relation to the underlying flexible band; FIG. 4 is a top perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but depicting an initial step for manipulating the identification bracelet to separate or sever one end of the transparent cover strip from the underlying flexible band; FIG. 5 is a top perspective view showing an identification card, tag or label in exploded relation to the identification bracelet with the protective cover strip in a raised position; FIG. 6 is a further top perspective view illustrating peel-off separation of a protective paper or the like from the underside of the transparent cover strip to expose an adhesive film on the underside of said cover strip; FIG. 7 is another top perspective view showing removal of the peel-off protective paper or the like for disposal, following peel-off separation from the cover strip; FIG. 8 is a top perspective view illustrating sealed seating of the adhesive-backed cover strip onto the flexible band in overlying relation to the identification card, tag or label, and further with a perimeter region of the cover strip in adhesively sealed engagement with a perimeter region of the information-bearing zone on the flexible band to define a sealed window protecting the identification card, tag or label against contact with moisture or the like; FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the identification bracelet of FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the identification bracelet; FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmented vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 11-11 of FIG. 9; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the assembled identification bracelet oriented in a closed loop configuration for mounting about a person's wrist or the like, and further illustrating a fastener for retaining the bracelet in the closed loop configuration of desired diametric size; FIG. 13 is a fragmented top perspective view similar to FIG. 4, but depicting an alternative preferred form of the invention; FIG. 14 is a somewhat schematic perspective view showing one exemplary production line process for producing the identification bracelet in sheet form; FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a supply reel carrying material used for the adhesive-backed transparent cover strip, for use in the production process of FIG. 14; FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view corresponding generally with the encircled region 16 of FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a succession of identification bracelets constructed in accordance with the invention, in end-to-end array; FIG. 18 shows the end-to-end bracelets of FIG. 17 carried on a supply reel; and FIG. 19 illustrates a dispenser for dispensing the end-to-end bracelets of FIGS. 17-18 one at a time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in the exemplary drawings, an improved identification bracelet referred to generally by the reference numeral 10 is provided for mounting in a closed loop configuration (FIG. 12) about the wrist or the like of a person or object associated therewith, wherein the bracelet 10 includes or carries wearer-related information 12 (FIGS. 5-9 and 12) associated with the specific person or object. The wearer-related information 12 may be provided in human-readable and/or machine-readable form, and, in accordance with a primary aspect of the invention, is protectively encased within a sealed window where it is safeguarded against contact with moisture and the like. The improved bracelet 10 has a construction suitable for convenient and economical manufacture in a sheet assembly or form 14 (FIG. 1) including multiple bracelets 10 adapted for snap-apart or tear-off separation from the form 14 in a ready-to-use state. Information-bearing identification bracelets and the like are widely used in a number of applications wherein a convenient and lightweight, relatively inobtrusive identification appliance is desired for use in verifying the identity and/or other key information pertaining to a person or object to whom the bracelet is attached. As one key example, such identification bracelets are well known for use in a hospital or other medical facility to identify an individual patient. That is, wearer-related information such as patient name, etc., is applied to the bracelet which is then affixed about the wrist or the like of the associated patient. The wearer-related information may be applied in human-readable written, typed or printed form, and/or such information may be applied in a machine-readable format such as bar code or by means of memory circuits such as radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. The use of machine-readable formats beneficially expands the volume and type of information, such as patient medical records and/or patient condition information, that can be inputted to and subsequently read from the identification bracelet. The improved identification bracelet 10 of the present invention beneficially accommodates a wide range of wearer-related information applied directly to the bracelet, or otherwise mounted onto the bracelet as by means of a card, tag or label 18 (FIGS. 5-9 and 11-12), including human-readable and/or machine-readable formats applied thereto by suitable printing methods, such as laser printing, while effectively safeguarding the wearer-related information against potentially damaging contact with moisture and other liquids including solvents and the like, as well as potentially damaging contact with abrasive surfaces, to which the bracelet may be exposed in the course of normal, typically multi-day usage cycle. In the example of an identification bracelet used by a medical patient, the patient may be required to shower or bathe, or otherwise be subjected to various liquids in the course of a hospital stay and related treatment regimen. Moisture contact with the wearer-related information can cause written information to loose clarity, and can interfere with operation of electronic memory circuits, resulting in interference with and/or prevention of information read-out by human or machine methods. The present invention safeguards the wearer-related information against contact with moisture or the like, in a bracelet construction that is suitable for economical manufacture and convenient use, and is compatible with existing facility procedures for printing cards, tags or labels. As shown in FIGS. 5-9 and 12, the machine-readable information may bar code information printed directly onto the bracelet, or printed onto the card, tag or label 18, and/or an RFID device or chip 15 mounted onto the bracelet or alternately onto the card, tag or label 18. As shown generally in FIGS. 2-3, each identification bracelet 10 of the present invention comprises an elongated strap or band 20 having a single or multi-ply or multi-layer construction formed from a soft, smooth, non-abrasive, flexible and lightweight moisture-resistant or moisture-impervious, and stretch-resistant material of selected color, and shaped to define an upwardly presented information-bearing zone 22 thereon. In one preferred form, the band material comprises a multi-ply durable plastic strap including adhesive bonded layers (not shown) having a combined thickness on the order of about 10-12 mils. The information-bearing zone 22 is positioned longitudinally between a first band end 24 and a second band end 26, at least one of which includes fastener means adapted for shaping and retaining the band in a closed loop configuration (FIG. 12) of selected diametric size wrapped about the wrist or the like of a person or object to be associated therewith. Accordingly, the information-bearing zone 22 on the band 20 is independent of such fastener means. The illustrative drawings show the first band end 24 to include fastener means such as snap-fit engageable male and female fastener components 28 and 30 adapted to interlock through a selected one of a series of longitudinally spaced fastener ports 32 formed in the second band end 26, as shown and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,924 which is incorporated by reference herein. Such fastener components are beneficially designed for self-locking, and effectively permit removal of the bracelet 10 from a person's wrist or the like only by cutting and destroying the bracelet. Persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that a variety of different fastener means and fastener constructions, such as adhesive fastener elements, and alternative mechanical fastener elements, may be used. A transparent cover strip 34 is mounted onto the flexible band 20 in a position extending over or spanning the information-bearing zone 22 on the band. This transparent cover strip 34 is also formed from a lightweight and water-resistant or water-impervious and substantially transparent material such as a plastic film, and, in the preferred form, is backed by a thin layer of a transparent adhesive material such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In an initial configuration, opposite ends 36 and 38 of the adhesive-backed cover strip 34 are securely adhered to the flexible band 20 respectively at opposite ends of the underlying information-bearing zone 22. However, a central region of the cover strip 34, defining a transparent central window segment 40, is initially separated or spaced from the band and thus is not adhered thereto, by means of a thin peel-off paper-based release film 42. Thus, in the initial as-constructed configuration, the cover strip 34 has both ends firmly connected by the adhesive backing to the band 20 at opposite ends of the information-bearing zone 22, with the peel-off release film 42 separating the central window segment 40 from the underlying information-bearing zone 22 on the band 20. This initial as-constructed configuration is particularly suitable for convenient and economical production in the sheet form 14 as viewed in FIG. 1, wherein this form 14 includes multiple identification bracelets 10 in substantially side-by-side relation and adapted for individual snap-apart or tear-apart separation from the sheet form 14 along appropriate inter-bracelet lines of weakness such as perforation lines 44, when bracelet use is desired. FIG. 4 shows initial manipulation of the identification bracelet 10 preparatory to addition of appropriate wearer-related information 12 to the information-bearing zone 22. As shown, the central window segment 40 can be separated from the adjacent adhesively anchored end 38 of the cover strip 34, as by tearing along a pre-formed line of weakness such as a perforation line 48 or the like formed in the cover strip. The thus-separated end 46 of the central window segment 40 can then be raised relative to the underlying information-bearing zone 22, effectively pivoting the window segment 40 upwardly about a hinge or fold line 49 adjacent the still anchored opposite end 36 of the cover strip as viewed in FIG. 5. This exposes the information-bearing zone 22 for receiving the wearer-related information 12, as by placement of the card, tag or label 18 thereon, or alternately by direct hand-written application of the wearer-related information on the information-bearing zone 22. With the window segment 40 in the raised position, the peel-off release paper-based film 42 is substantially exposed for easy access and removal (FIGS. 6-7), thereby exposing the thin-film transparent adhesive backing. In particular, FIG. 6 shows peel-off separation of the release film 42 from the window segment, and FIG. 7 shows removal of the peeled-off release film 42 for appropriate disposal. Upon subsequent downward displacement of the strip central window segment 40, the adhesive-backed window segment can be pressed and seated firmly onto the information-bearing zone 22 of the band 20 (FIGS. 8-9 and 11), with the adhesive backing 50 in intimate adhered engagement with the underlying band 20 as viewed best in FIG. 11. Importantly, the wearer-related information 12 applied to this zone 22 is positioned with a perimeter spaced inwardly from a perimeter of the zone 22, so that a moisture-impermeable hermetic seal perimeter circumscribing the information 12 is cooperatively defined by the window segment 40 and the underlying band 20. Thus, the window segment 40 and band 20 cooperatively form the sealable window encasing the wearer-related information 18 for reliable and accurate information read-out by human and/or machine means. Persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that alternative forms of the invention may be employed to achieve the desired moisture-impermeable hermetic seal perimeter circumscribing the wearer-related information 12 on the information-bearing zone 22 of the band 20. For example, in lieu of the pressure sensitive adhesive and peel-off release film 42 initially underlying the transparent central window segment 40, other techniques such as heat sealing of the central window segment 40 onto the underlying band 20 following placement of the wearer-related information 12 on the zone 22 may be used. In use, the bracelet 10 thus incorporates the wearer-related information 12 viewable through the transparent central window segment 40. Importantly, this window segment 40 comprising a laminating element which cooperates with the underlying band 20 to hermetically encase the wearer-related information 12 on the information-bearing zone 22 is a manner that is protected against moisture ingress. The hermetic seal perimeter circumscribing the wearer-related information is sufficiently flexible to accommodate normal bending and use of the bracelet 10 in a closed loop configuration (FIG. 12) mounted onto the wrist or the like of a person or the like associated with the information 12. The thus-formed sealed window thereby safeguards the wearer-related information 12 against potentially damaging contact with moisture and other liquids, while permitting normal activities such as bathing and showering, etc. FIG. 13 depicts an alternative preferred form of the invention, wherein components similar to those shown and described in FIGS. 1-12 are identified by common reference numerals increased by 200. As shown, a modified identification bracelet 210 comprises an elongated flexible strap or band 220 shaped to define an upwardly presented information-bearing zone 222 positioned longitudinally between a first band end 224 having fastener components, such as the illustrative male and femal snap-fit members 228 and 230, and a second band end 226 having multiple fastener ports 232 formed therein. A transparent cover strip 134 overlies the information-bearing zone 222 and is backed by a thin transparent adhesive layer or film for affixation to the band 220. In the configuration shown, opposite ends 236 and 238 of the cover strip 234 are adhered to the underlying band 220, with a transparent central window segment 140 defined between these adhered ends 236, 238. A peel-off, paper-based release film 242 is shown underlying the central window segment 240, to extend from a hinge line 249 proximate the adhered strip end 236 to a position spaced a short distance from the opposite end of the cover strip 234 thereby defining the opposite strip end 238 with exposed adhesive for initial adherence to the band 220. In use, the adhered end 238 of the cover strip 234 can be lifted and separated from the underlying band 220, as viewed in FIG. 13. This exposes the information-bearing zone 222 for receiving and supporting the wearer-related information, all as shown and described previously herein with respect to FIGS. 1-12. Following placement of the wearer-related information on the zone 222, the release film 242 can be separated from the central window segment 240, followed in turn by adhesive seating and sealing of the window segment 240 and the associated strip end 238 with the underlying band 220. Importantly, the window segment 240 and cover strip end 238 effectively define an hermetically sealed perimeter circumscribing and thus protecting the wearer-related information, while visually exposing such information for human and/or machine communication. Accordingly, the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13 also provides for initial adherence of both ends 236, 238 of the transparent cover strip 234 with the band 220, for simplified manufacturing of the bracelet 220 in sheet or roll form. FIGS. 14-16 illustrate one exemplary production process for manufacturing the identification bracelet 10 of the present invention in multi-bracelet sheets 14 as depicted in FIG. 1, although it will be understood that a similar production process may be employed for manufacturing the bracelet 210 as depicted in FIG. 13. In this regard, the bracelet construction wherein both of the opposite ends 36, 38 of the cover strip 34 are securely anchored as by adherence onto the underlying band 20 beneficially accommodates a variety of production processes without concern for an otherwise loose or free flap-type structure lifting prematurely to interfere with high volume production. More specifically, FIG. 14 shows an elongated web 114 of suitable band-forming material that is conveyed as by drawing from a supply reel (not shown) or the like through a sequence of process stations. At an initial laminating station 60, an elongated web 134 of suitable cover strip-forming material is drawn from a supply reel 62 for adhesive placement onto the band-forming material 114. In this regard, FIGS. 15-16 show the supply reel 62 carrying the cover strip-forming material 134 having the transparent adhesive film applied to one side thereof and protectively covered by a peel-off release layer 142. This peel-off release layer 142 includes elongated cuts or slits 64 spaced inwardly short distances from the opposed edges thereof. The cover strip-forming material 134 is drawn from the supply reel 62 over suitable guide reels 66 and 68 which guide and press the material 134 onto the underlying band-forming material 114. Importantly, thin edge strips 70 and 72 of the release layer 142 are separated from the material 134 by a waste roller 74, so that the opposite edges of the material 134 are pressed into secure adhered engagement with the band-forming material 114. These adhered opposite edges of the cover strip-forming material 134 correspond with the opposite ends 36, 38 of each cover strip 34, with the remaining central portion of the release layer 142 corresponding with the release film 42, all as previously shown and described herein. From the laminating station 60, the partially underlying band-forming material 114 and the overlying cover strip-forming material 134 are drawn or transported further through a sequence of die cutting stations, such as an outline die station 76 for cutting the underlying material into the outline shape of a succession of individual bracelets 10 separable along adjoining lines of weakness such as perforations 44, and a hole cutting station 78 for cutting multiple fastener ports 32 in each bracelet 10. An additional perforation die station 80 then forms the line of weakness such as the perforation 48 between the central window segment 40 and one adhesively anchored end 38 of each cover strip 34. Although rotary die elements are shown, it will be understood that other types of die elements, including non-rotary die elements, may be used. A waste web station 82 separates any remaining marginal material from the elongated succession of bracelets 10 which can then be formed into the desired multi-bracelet sheets 14. FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an alternative multi-bracelet construction, wherein individual identification bracelets 10 of the present invention are produced in end-to-end interconnected array adapted for tear-away separation along lines of weakness such as perforations 90. The end-to-end bracelets 10 can be assembled within a supply reel 92 (FIGS. 18-19) that can be mounted within a dispenser 94 for convenient draw-out dispensing of the bracelets 10 one at a time. Irrespective of the production process and direction, i.e., side-by-side in multi-bracelet sheet form as viewed in FIG. 14, or end-to-end in multi-bracelet roll form as viewed in FIGS. 18-19, the cover strip 34 on each bracelet 10 is adhered securely at both ends 36, 38 thereof to the underlying band 20 whereby there are no free-ended flaps or similar structures that can limit production method or direction, and/or can caused production equipment to jam. A variety of further modifications and improvements in and to the identification bracelet 10 of the present invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, no limitation on the invention is intended by the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to improvements in identification appliances such as wristbands and the like for mounting onto a specific person or object, and for carrying information associated with the specific band wearer. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved identification bracelet having a sealable window for overlying and protecting wearer-related information applied to or carried by the bracelet against contact with moisture and the like for an extended period of time, wherein such moisture contact could otherwise interfere with or adversely impact human and/or machine reading of the wearer-related information. Bracelet-type identification appliances such as wristbands and the like are commonly worn by individual patients in a hospital or other medical facility. The identification bracelet normally carries certain human-readable patient identification information such as patient name, room number, patient identification (ID) number, etc., wherein this identification information can be printed directly onto the bracelet, or otherwise applied to a card, tag or label that is affixed to or suitably carried by the bracelet. In addition, a variety of machine-readable information may be similarly applied to or carried by the bracelet, such as bar code information which may duplicate the human-readable patient identification information but may also include selected patient condition information. In recent years, such identification bracelets have also incorporated radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits having the capacity to receive and store significant patient medical history in addition to patent identification and condition information. Such identification bracelets have also been used in a wide range of non-medical environments. Moisture contact with the wearer-related information carried by the identification bracelet can interfere with and thereby prevent accurate reading thereof by human or automated means. In this regard, some bracelet designs have incorporated a transparent window element to overlie and thereby provide some protection for wearer-related information visible through the transparent window. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,221,063; 4,285,146; 4,318,234; 4,386,795; and 5,581,924 depict a bracelet wherein a transparent window element cooperates with an underlying band to define a small slotted pocket for slide-fit reception of a card, tag or label having the wearer-related information printed thereon and viewable through the window element. However, many of these bracelet designs provide only limited protection, and, more specifically, are not sealed against water intrusion upon immersion of the bracelet as may occur, for example, during bathing. Alternative bracelet configurations have been proposed wherein the transparent window element is backed with a transparent, typically pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,197,899 and 6,546,656 which depict the transparent window element adhesively positioned over an information-bearing zone or region formed on or carried by an underlying flexible band. The transparent window element is initially adhered at one end to the underlying band and thus comprises a movable flap that can be lifted to expose the information-bearing zone, and further to permit a peel-off film to be removed from the flap before downward displacement into adhered relation with the band in a position overlying the information-bearing zone. Hermetic sealing of the periphery of the information-bearing zone, however, is at best limited to provide minimal protection against water intrusion. In addition, in these bracelet designs, the movable flap is incompatible with convenient and economical manufacturing methods particularly such as producing a plurality of ready-to-use bracelets in a snap-apart or break-apart sheet form. Moreover, the transparent window element in these designs is combined with fastener means for adhesively mounting the bracelet about the wearer's wrist or the like, resulting in a complex bracelet construction with limited inherent variable size adjustment capability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,623 describes another alternative bracelet construction including a tubular band formed from transparent plastic, and defining an internal pocket for slide-fit reception of an information-bearing card, tag or label, with a connector element provided for press-fit reception into the opposite ends of the band to form and retain the band into a closed loop configuration wrapped about a person's wrist or the like. While this bracelet design may provide improved hermetic protection against ingress or moisture or other liquids into contact with the information-bearing card or the like, the tubular band construction does not provide inherent size adjustment capability. In addition, the tubular band construction is also not susceptible to convenient and economical manufacturing methods particularly such as producing a plurality of ready-to-use bracelets in snap-apart or break-apart sheet form. There exists, therefore, a significant need for further improvements in and to identification bracelets of the type used in a medical facility and the like, particularly wherein a transparent window element is mounted onto an underlying flexible band in a manner conducive to economical manufacture in multi-bracelet sheet form, and further wherein a transparent window element is adapted to overlie and hermetically seal underlying wearer-related information against contact with moisture and the like. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with the invention, an improved identification bracelet is provided for mounting about a person's wrist or the like, and includes a sealable window to protect wearer-related information against potentially damaging contact with moisture and the like, wherein such moisture contact can interfere with or adversely impact human and/or machine reading of the wearer-related information. The improved bracelet is designed for economical manufacture in a convenient sheet form including multiple bracelets adapted for snap-apart separation from the sheet in a ready-to-use state, or in an end-to-end roll form. In one preferred form, the identification bracelet comprises an elongated flexible band constructed from a moisture-resistant material to include an information-bearing zone adapted to receive and support wearer-related information such as information printed or written directly thereon, or information applied to a card, tag or label positioned thereon. A transparent, adhesive-backed cover strip spans the information-bearing zone in overlying relation thereto, with opposite ends of the cover strip securely adhered to the underlying band generally at opposite ends of the information-bearing zone. This central window segment is initially separated or easily separable from the underlying band, as by means of a peel-off release film on the underside of the cover strip. At the time of use, one end of the cover strip central window segment is adapted for lift-away separation from the flexible band, as by tearing the cover strip along a line of weakness such as a perforation line formed therein at a position generally overlying one end of the information-bearing zone on the band. This now-separated end of the cover strip central window segment can be raised relative to the flexible band to expose the information-bearing zone for receiving the wearer-related information, and also for exposing the release film on the underside of the central window segment for peel-off removal. The central window segment can then be pressed downwardly onto the band, into firmly seated and sealed adherence therewith. The cover strip central window segment and the flexible band cooperatively define an hermetically sealed perimeter circumscribing the wearer-related information to safeguard such information against subsequent contact with moisture and the like, thereby safeguarding the information for reliable and accurate reading by human and/or machine means. The identification bracelet further includes fastener means for retaining the elongated band in a closed loop configuration of selected diametric size wrapped about the wrist or the like of a person or object associated therewith. In one preferred form, the fastener means includes interengageable fastener elements at opposite ends of the flexible band, and preferably independent of the information-bearing zone on the band, such as snap-fit engageable male and female components at one end of the band for engagement with one of a longitudinally spaced-apart series of fastener ports formed in the other end of the band, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,924 which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternative fastening elements such as adhesive fastening means and the like may be used. Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. | 20050418 | 20070710 | 20061019 | 60833.0 | A44C500 | 1 | VERAA, CHRISTOPHER | IDENTIFICATION BRACELET WITH SEALABLE WINDOW | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A44C | 2,005 |
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10,908,130 | ACCEPTED | DRILL AND DRILL TIP FOR CHIP REMOVING MACHINING | The present invention relates to a drill and a drill tip for chip removing machining. The drill has a drill body, a drill tip and a shank portion. The drill tip comprises at least one cutting edge and at least one peripherally arranged guide member. The drill has a center axis. The guide member of the drill tip comprises a part-cylindrical first surface portion and an eccentric second surface portion. The first surface portion connects axially rearwardly along the guide member to the second surface portion. | 1. A drill for, with respect to a work piece, rotary chip removing machining, comprising a drill body, a drill tip, and a shank portion, the drill tip comprising at least one cutting edge and at least one peripherally arranged guide member, the drill having a center axis, the guide member comprising a part-cylindrical first surface portion and an eccentric second surface portion, the first surface portion connecting axially rearwardly along the guide member to the second surface portion. 2. The drill according to claim 1, wherein a first surface portion situated closest to the cutting edge has a circumferential extension coinciding with an imaginary cylinder, which is concentric with the center axis. 3. The drill according to claim 2, wherein the first surface portion connects axially rearwardly to the second surface portion, which has an eccentrical shape in relation to the center axis. 4. The drill according to claim 3, wherein the first surface portion lacks a clearance angle and in that the second surface portion forms a clearance angle. 5. The drill according to claim 4, wherein the first surface portion is shorter in the axial direction than the second surface portion. 6. The drill according to claim 2, wherein the first surface portion lacks a clearance angle and in that the second surface portion forms a clearance angle. 7. The drill according to claim 2, wherein the first surface portion is shorter in the axial direction than the second surface portion. 8. The drill according to claim 1, wherein the first surface portion connects axially rearwardly to the second surface portion, which has an eccentrical shape in relation to the center axis. 9. The drill according to claim 1, wherein the first surface portion lacks a clearance angle and in that the second surface portion forms a clearance angle. 10. The drill according to claim 1, wherein the first surface portion is shorter in an axial direction than the second surface portion. 11. The drill according to claim 10, wherein the first surface portion is less than half of the axial length of the second surface portion. 12. The drill according to claim 11, wherein the first surface portion is 0.1 to 0.5 times the axial length of the second surface portion. 13. Drill tip for a drill for rotary chip removing machining, comprising at least one cutting edge, and at least one guide member, the drill tip having a center axis, the guide member comprising a part-cylindrical first surface portion and an eccentric second surface portion, the first surface portion connecting axially rearwardly along the guide member to the second surface portion. 14. The drill tip according to claim 13, wherein a first surface portion situated closest to the cutting edge has a circumferential extension coinciding with an imaginary cylinder, which is concentric with the center axis. 15. The drill tip according to claim 14, wherein the first surface portion connects axially rearwardly to the second surface portion, which has an eccentric shape in relation to the center axis. 16. The drill tip according to claim 15, wherein the first surface portion lacks clearance angle and in that the second surface portion forms a clearance angle. 17. The drill tip according to claim 16, wherein the first surface portion is shorter in an axial direction than the second surface portion. 18. The drill tip according to claim 13, wherein the first surface portion connects axially rearwardly to the second surface portion, which has an eccentric shape in relation to the center axis. 19. The drill tip according to claim 13, wherein the first surface portion lacks clearance angle and in that the second surface portion forms a clearance angle. 20. The drill tip according to claim 13, wherein the first surface portion is shorter in an axial direction than the second surface portion. | The present invention relates to a drill and a drill tip for chip removing machining. Through U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,660 a drill with a releasable drill tip anchored to a drill body by means of a pull rod is previously known. In itself the known drill renders a very good hole tolerance when the drill rotates. However, the known drill is not suitable in stationary applications as in boring where the known drill may jam in the drilled hole in the case of angular errors being present in the machine or in the chucking. Another drill is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,075, where the risk for the drill to seize in the hole is apparent. It is desirable to provide a design of a drill, whereby said design eliminates the problems of prior art. It is desirable to provide a drill with good guidance regardless of whether the drill rotates or not. It is desirable to provide a drill, rendering low boring torque. It is desirable to provide a drill adapted for a number of working materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A shows a drill tip according to the present invention in a side view. FIG. 1B shows the drill tip in a top view. FIG. 1C shows the drill tip in a perspective view. FIG. 1D shows a magnification of the drill tip in FIG. 1C. FIGS. 2A and 2B show a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIGS. 3A and 3B show an alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIGS. 4A and 4B show an additional alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIGS. 5A and 5B show an additional alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIG. 5C shows the drilling tool in FIG. 5A in a side view rotated approximately 90°. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The embodiment of a drill according to the invention and shown in FIG. 2 is a so called helix drill, which in this case comprises a drill tip 10 or a forward end in the feed direction, a pull rod arrangement not shown, a drill body 12 and a shank 13. A portion of the drill tip is shown in magnification. With this tool it is possible to release and replace the drill tip although the drill body is fixed in the machine. The drilling tool has also been described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,660. The drill body is provided with chip flutes 18A, extending along the lands of the drill along a helical path at a substantially constant distance from the center axis CL. The chip flutes can extend along the entire body or along a part thereof. The drill body 12 at its end facing the drill tip 10 is provided with a front surface against which a support surface 16 of the drill tip 10 is provided to abut. The greatest diameter of the front surface is smaller than the greatest diameter of the drill tip but preferably the same as the smallest diameter of the drill tip. The drill body preferably has flush channels. The drill body 12 can be made of steel, cemented carbide or high speed steel. One of the free ends or shank portions of the drill body 12 is intended to be fastened to a rotatable spindle (not shown) in a drill machine while the opposite second free end comprises a front surface and a fastening hole, not shown. The free end of the pull rod is provided to project through the fastening hole. The front surface has a circular basic shape and comprises two groove portions. Each groove portion covers substantially half the front surface and comprises a number of identical grooves or slots spaced from each other. A second groove portion is delimited by a first groove portion. Substantially each slot in the first groove portion intersects the envelope surface of the drill body at two places while substantially each slot in the second groove portion intersects the envelope surface of the drill body at one place. The drill tip 10, see especially FIGS. 1A-1D, is provided with at least one cutting edge at its end facing the drill body 12, and may be given a different design depending on the working material. The drill tip 10 has an edge 19 for drilling including a chisel edge 24. The drill tip 10 is made in hard material, preferably cemented carbide and most preferably in injection molded cemented carbide and comprises two upper clearance surfaces 15, a support surface 16 and them uniting first 17 and second 18 curved surfaces. All these surfaces and appending edges are made in the same material, which is preferably in injection molded cemented carbide. Lines of intersection between the second curved surfaces or the chip flutes 18 and the clearance surfaces 15 form the main cutting edges 19, preferably via, strengthening chamfers, not shown. The first curved surfaces 17 are provided radially inside the greatest diameter D of the drill tip and may have part-cylindrical shape. A margin or guide member 40 is provided at each leading end of the first curved surface 17, in the direction of rotation (that is when the drill tip according to FIG. 1B is rotated counter-clockwise). Lines of intersection between guides 40 and the chip flutes 18 form secondary cutting edges 20. Each guide member 40 consists of at least two surface portions 41 and 42. The first surface portion 41 situated closest to the cutting edge 19 has a circumferential extension that coincides with an imaginary cylinder C, which is concentric with the center axis CL, whereby the first surface portion 41 can be said to constitute a part-cylindrical guide member. The surface portion 41 is defined by a radius R, the radial center of which is provided on the center axis CL. The surface portion 41 consequently has no clearance angle with respect to the drilled hole, not shown. The axial extension or length L of the surface portion 41 is 0.1 to 0.5 times the diameter D. The first surface portion 41 connects axially rearwardly along the guide member to the second surface portion 42, which has, in relation to the center axis CL, an eccentrical shape and thereby forms a greater clearance angle with respect to the wall of the hole than the surface portion 41, whereby the second surface portion 42 can be said to constitute an eccentrical guide member. Each eccentrical guide member 42 shown in the embodiment is cylindrical with a radial center provided spaced from the center axis CL. The eccentrical guide member 42 can alternatively have a different shape, such as planar or curved. Although it is an advantage for the tool life of the guide member if the surface portion 42 supports the surface portion 41, it is conceivable that the surface portion 42 is concentric with the center axis CL but has a radius smaller than the radius of the surface portion 41. The first surface portion 41 is shorter in the axial direction than the second surface portion 42, preferably less than half, most preferably 0.1 to 0.5 times the axial length of the second surface portion 42. As it appears foremost from FIG. 1D a third surface portion 43 could be provided in front of the second surface portion in the direction of rotation. The third surface portion 43 has a circumferential extension that coincides with the first surface portion 41 and thereby with the imaginary cylinder C. The third surface portion 43 has the same axial extension as the second surface portion 42 but is narrower in tangential direction. The guide members 40 of the drill tip are consequently both part-cylindrical and eccentrical. A part-cylindrical guide member has the advantage of rendering a very good hole tolerance and fits best with rotary tools. An eccentrical guide member works excellently in stationary applications. With this geometry is avoided that the drill tip seizes in the self-drilled hole due to angular errors in the machine or in the chucking at stationary application such as in a lathe. In addition, good hole tolerance is obtained in the drilled hole and better support for centering at the entrance into the work piece, resulting in better roundness of the hole as compared to entirely eccentrical guide members. Furthermore, the corners are less worn due to the better centering. With a correctly combined variant of both types while designing the guide member, a guide member utilizing the advantages of both will be obtained, without obtaining any influence of their drawbacks. The part-cylindrical portion shall be provided closest to the cutting edge, with a length rendering a great support during drilling, but not so long that it renders a seizing effect for angular displacements between the work piece and the tool. Thereby a drill is obtained that is more universal and which renders the best possible precision in all types of applications. The guide member can alternatively be adapted for a drill body with straight chip flutes. The drill tip preferably comprises also a coring-out surface 21 that reaches the center of the drill tip and which forms an angle with the central axis or axis of rotation CL of the tool. The angle lies within the interval 40 to 50°, preferably around 45°. The largest diameter of the drill tip constitutes the diametral distance D between the radially outermost points of the guide members 40. The height Y of the drill tip is substantially equal to the diameter D, in order to minimize the wear from chips on the joint between the drill tip and the drill body. The greatest diameter of the support surface 16 is preferably less than diameter D, in order to obtain clearance during machining. Flushing holes 23, substantially parallel to the rotational axis CL, can run through the drill tip from the support surface 16 to the orifice in respective upper clearance surface 15. The flushing holes are preferably provided on a line, on each side of the center axis CL. The drill consequently comprises a drill body 12, a drill tip 10 and a means for fastening 11, wherein the drill body has a front surface 14 and the drill tip has a support surface 16 arranged to releasably abut against each other. The drill body has a shank portion. The drill tip consists of cemented carbide and comprises at least one cutting edge 19 and a central hole or protrusion, not shown, cooperating with the means for fastening. The hole/protrusion and the cutting edge are integrated with the drill tip 10. The drill tip comprises guide members 40. The drill tip has a center axis CL. The guide members 40 of the drill tip 10 comprise both part-cylindrical first surface portions 41 and eccentrical second surface portions 42. A first surface portion 41 situated closest to the cutting edge 19 has a circumferential extension that coincides with an imaginary cylinder C, which is concentric with the center axis CL. The first surface portion 41 connects axially rearwardly to a second surface portion 42, which has, in relation to the center axis CL, an eccentrical shape. The first surface portion 41 lacks clearance angle with respect to the drilled hole and in that the second surface portion 42 forms a clearance angle with respect to the wall of the hole. The first surface portion 41 is shorter in the axial direction than the second surface portion 42, preferably less than half, most preferably 0.1 to 0.5 times the axial length of the second surface portion 42. The drill tip 10 has a circular basic shape as well as at least one cutting edge 19, which is integrated with the drill tip 10, which at its end facing away from the cutting edge is provided with a support surface 16. The drill tip consists of cemented carbide and comprises a central hole or protrusion, not shown, to cooperate with a means for fastening. The hole/protrusion and the cutting edge are integrated with the drill tip. The drill tip comprises guide members 40. The drill tip has a center axis CL. The guide members 40 of the drill tip 10 comprise both part-cylindrical first surface portions 41 and eccentrical second surface portions 42. The drill tip 10 and the drill body 12 may comprise support 16 and front surfaces, respectively, in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,060. Likewise, it is possible to utilize other means for fastening than a central pull rod; for example it is possible to hold the drill tip by means of a bayonet coupling such as indicated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,953. In FIG. 3A an alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention is shown. A portion of the drill tip is shown in magnification in FIG. 3B. The drilling tool is a solid helix drill, which comprises a drill tip 10A, a drill body 12A as well as a shank 13A. The drill tip 10A comprises guide members 40A, which as mentioned above comprises both part-cylindrical first surface portions 41A and eccentrical second surface portions 42A. The axial extension or length L of the surface portion 41A is 0.1 to 0.5 times the diameter D. A third surface portion 43A may be provided in front of the second surface portion in the direction of rotation. The third surface portion 43A has a circumferential extension coinciding with the first surface portion 41A and thereby with the imaginary cylinder C. Also in other respects the guide members 40A substantially have the same design as the guide members 40. In FIG. 4A another alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention is shown. A portion of the drill tip is shown in magnification in FIG. 4B. The drilling tool is a helix drill with brazed cemented carbide cutting inserts. The drill comprises a drill tip 10B, a drill body 12B as well as a shank 13B. The drill tip 10B comprises guide members 40B, which as mentioned above comprises both part-cylindrical first surface portions 41B and eccentrical second surface portions 42B. The axial extension or length L of the surface portion 41B is 0.1 to 0.5 times the diameter D. A third surface portion 43A may be provided in front of the second surface portion in the direction of rotation. The third surface portion 43B has a circumferential extension coinciding with the first surface portion 41B and thereby with the imaginary cylinder C. Also in other respects the guide members 40B substantially have the same design as the guide members 40. In FIGS. 5A-5C still another alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention is shown. A portion of the drill tip is shown in magnification in FIG. 5B. The drilling tool is a drill with screwed cemented carbide cutting inserts, having a central insert and a peripheral insert, wherein both are indexable inserts. The central insert is in this embodiment not identical with the peripheral insert. The central insert has different clearance and different shape regarding the edges of the cutting insert. The drill comprises a drill tip 10C, a drill body 12C as well as a shank 13C. The drill tip 10C comprises at least one guide member 40C provided on the peripheral insert, which guide member as mentioned above comprises both part-cylindrical first surface portions 41C and eccentrical second surface portions 42C. The axial extension or length L of the surface portion 41C is 0.1 to 0.5 times the diameter D. A third surface portion 43C may be provided in front of the second surface portion in the direction of rotation. The third surface portion 43C has a circumferential extension coinciding with the first surface portion 41C and thereby with the imaginary cylinder C. Also in other respects the guide members 40C substantially have the same design as the guide members 40. In all the shown embodiments of a drill according to the present invention the first surface portion 41-41C connects axially rearwardly along the guide member 40-40C to the second surface portion 42-42C, thereby comprising in fact all drills regardless of the axial inclination of the guide members.. The invention is in no way limited to the above described embodiments and may be freely varied within the limits of the subsequent claims. The drill tip is preferably coated with layer of e.g. Al2O3,TiN and/or TiCN. In certain cases it may be well-founded with brazed-on super hard materials such as CBN or PCD on the cutting edges and/or the guide members. The disclosures in Swedish patent application No. 0401175-5, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference. Although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically described may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1A shows a drill tip according to the present invention in a side view. FIG. 1B shows the drill tip in a top view. FIG. 1C shows the drill tip in a perspective view. FIG. 1D shows a magnification of the drill tip in FIG. 1C . FIGS. 2A and 2B show a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIGS. 3A and 3B show an alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIGS. 4A and 4B show an additional alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIGS. 5A and 5B show an additional alternative embodiment of a drilling tool according to the present invention and a portion of the drill tip in magnification, respectively, in a side view. FIG. 5C shows the drilling tool in FIG. 5A in a side view rotated approximately 90°. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20050428 | 20080304 | 20051110 | 66168.0 | 0 | HOWELL, DANIEL W | DRILL AND DRILL TIP FOR CHIP REMOVING MACHINING | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,908,193 | ACCEPTED | WOOD BORING BIT WITH INCREASED SPEED, EFFICIENCY AND EASE OF USE | A wood boring bit for boring holes in wood and other similar work surfaces having a central longitudinal axis, a main body, a pilot screw tip and a partial flute with a cutting edge and a cutting spur. The flute portion may be defined by a partial helical section having a distal end joined to the main body and a lead edge disposed toward said screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge preferably do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. The partial flute provides improved waste removal and allows the user to access the cutting edge of the flute for maintenance purposes. | 1. A wood boring bit for boring a hole along a longitudinal central axis comprising: a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a pilot screw tip extending from said first end; and a flute portion adjacent said first end, wherein said flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, said partial helical section having a distal end joined to said shaft portion and a lead edge disposed toward said screw tip; wherein said distal end and said lead edge do not overlap along said central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around said axis. 2. The wood boring bit of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said partial helical section is joined to said second end of said shaft portion. 3. The wood boring bit of claim 1, wherein said screw tip has a base approximately adjacent to said lead edge of said flute and said lead edge of said flute having a beveled cutting edge. 4. The wood boring bit of claim 3, wherein said cutting edge is integrally formed to said lead edge of said flute. 5. The wood boring bit of claim 3, wherein said beveled cutting edge is beveled at between 30° and 90° from said central axis. 6. The wood boring bit of claim 3, wherein the cutting edge is approximately 45° from said central axis. 7. The wood boring bit of claim 1, wherein said flute further comprises an outer surface approximately parallel to said central axis, and wherein said flute includes a cutting spur disposed along said outer surface toward said lead edge. 8. The wood boring bit of claim 3, wherein said flute further comprises an outer surface approximately parallel to said central axis, and wherein said flute includes a cutting spur disposed along said outer surface toward said lead edge of said flute. 9. A wood boring bit extending along a longitudinal central axis comprising: a main body; a screw tip attached to said main body; and a flute attached to said main body, said flute defined by a partial helical section having a distal end and a lead edge; wherein said distal end and said lead edge do not overlap along said central axis and are disposed equal to or less than 360° from one another. 10. The wood boring bit of claim 9, wherein said screw tip is removable from said main body. 11. The wood boring bit of claim 9, wherein said screw tip has a base approximately adjacent to said main body and said lead edge of said flute being disposed toward said base and including a beveled cutting edge. 12. The wood boring bit of claim 11, wherein said beveled cutting edge is beveled at between 30° and 90° from said central axis. 13. The wood boring bit of claim 12, wherein the cutting edge is approximately 45° from said central axis. 14. The wood boring bit of claim 9, wherein said flute further comprises an outer surface approximately parallel to said central axis, and wherein said flute includes a cutting spur disposed along said outer surface of said flute toward said lead edge. 15. The wood boring bit of claim 11, wherein said flute further comprises an outer surface approximately parallel to said central axis, and wherein said flute includes a cutting spur disposed along said outer surface of said flute toward said lead edge. 16. The wood boring bit of claim 14, wherein the flute further comprises an inner surface defined by a plane lying within a warped surface of said partial helical section. 17. The wood boring bit of claim 11, wherein said cutting edge is approximately tangent to said main body. 18. The wood boring bit of claim 11, wherein said cutting edge is approximately perpendicular to said central axis. 19. The wood boring bit of claim 11, wherein said bit further comprises a second flute defined by a second partial helical section having an outer surface and a lead edge defined by a second cutting edge beveled to an angle between 30° and 90°; said bit further including a second cutting spur disposed along said outer surface of said second flute toward said lead edge. 20. A wood boring bit having a longitudinal central axis comprising: a screw tip; a shaft portion having a first end and a second end; and a first flute portion, wherein said flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, said partial helical section having a distal end integral to said second end of said shaft portion, and a lead edge disposed toward said screw tip, wherein said distal end and said lead edge do not overlap along said central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around said axis; and a second flute portion having an outer surface and a lead edge, said lead edge defined by a cutting edge and said outer surface having a cutting spur extending slightly outward therefrom. 21. A wood boring bit extending along a longitudinal central axis comprising: a main body; a flute attached to said main body, said flute defined by a partial helical section having a distal end and a lead edge; wherein said distal end and said lead edge do not overlap along said central axis and are disposed equal to or less than 360° from one another. 22. The wood boring bit of claim 21 wherein said lead edge of said flute includes a beveled cutting edge. 23. The wood boring bit of claim 22, wherein said beveled cutting edge is beveled at between 30° and 90° from said central axis. 24. The wood boring bit of claim 23, wherein the cutting edge is approximately 45° from said central axis. 25. The wood boring bit of claim 21, wherein said flute further comprises an outer surface approximately parallel to said central axis, and wherein said flute includes a cutting spur disposed along said outer surface of said flute toward said lead edge. 26. The wood boring bit of claim 22, wherein said cutting edge is approximately tangent to said main body. 27. The wood boring bit of claim 22, wherein said cutting edge is approximately perpendicular to said central axis. 28. The wood boring bit of claim 22, wherein said bit further comprises a second flute defined by a second partial helical section having an outer surface and a lead edge defined by a second cutting edge beveled to an angle between 30° and 90°; said bit further including a second cutting spur disposed along said outer surface of said flute toward said lead edge. 29. A kit for a wood boring drill assembly, the kit comprising: a drill implement; a wood boring bit for boring a hole along a longitudinal central axis, said wood boring bit removably attached to said drill implement and comprising: a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a pilot screw tip extending from said first end, and a flute portion adjacent said first end; wherein said flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, said partial helical section having a distal end joined to said shaft portion and a lead edge disposed toward said screw tip; and wherein said distal end and said lead edge do not overlap along said central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around said axis. 30. A method for boring a hole in a work surface comprising: providing a drill; providing a wood boring bit comprising: a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a pilot screw tip extending from said first end, and a flute portion adjacent said first end; wherein said flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, said partial helical section having a distal end joined to said shaft portion and a lead edge disposed toward said screw tip; and wherein said distal end and said lead edge do not overlap along said central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around said axis; removably attaching said wood boring bit to a receiving portion of said drill; and holding the drill a distance away from a work piece and exerting pressure on said work piece with said wood boring bit so that said bit is urged through the work surface creating a hole in said surface. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a non-provisional patent application of Ser. No. 60/568,493, filed May 4, 2004, entitled “High Efficiency Wood Boring Bit”, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference and is assigned to the same assignee as this application and claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional application Ser. No. 60/568,493 under 35 USC §119(e). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Drill bits are used by a variety of industries for a variety of purposes. For this reason there are many different types of drill bits that a user may choose from depending on the job that they intend to do. Flat bits or spade bits are predominately used by electricians and plumbers to bore larger holes in wood for running electrical wire and water lines. Generally, speed, hole quality, and ease of use are important features of spade bits. Currently flat bits address only hole quality, leaving the user wanting a bit that is faster and easier to use. An auger-type drill bit has a number of advantages over spade bits. For example, the auger bit generally has a screw tip which aides the user by making the drill bit self-feeding, thereby increasing the ease of use. Augers usually include a helical section-shaped flute that extends up the body of the bit to provide a mechanism for waste removal, thereby increasing the speed and efficiency of use. The auger too has disadvantages, such as a flute that is too narrow or too long causing the waste material to get caught in the bit, a cutting edge that becomes dull, making the bit increasingly difficult to use, and unbalanced or poor hole quality. Therefore, it would be beneficial to combine the advantages of a spade bit and an auger bit that is capable making wood boring drill bits easier to use, more precise, and faster. In addition, it would be desirable to create a wood boring drill bit with a cutting edge that is not cumbersome to sharpen. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of this invention includes a wood boring bit for boring a hole along a longitudinal central axis including a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a pilot screw tip extending from the first end, and a flute portion adjacent the first end. The flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, the partial helical section having a distal end joined to the shaft portion and a lead edge disposed toward the screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge of the flute desirably do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. In another aspect of this invention, a wood boring bit extending along a longitudinal central axis includes a main body and a flute attached to the main body. The flute is defined by a partial helical section having a distal end and a lead edge. The distal end and the lead edge desirably do not overlap along the central axis and are disposed equal to or less than 360° from one another. Optionally, the bit may include a screw tip attached to the main body. In yet another aspect of this invention a wood boring bit having a longitudinal central axis includes a screw tip, a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, and a first flute portion. The first flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, the partial helical section having a distal end integral to the second end of the shaft portion, and a lead edge disposed toward the screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge of the first flute desirably do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. This bit further includes a second flute portion having an outer surface and a lead edge. The lead edge is defined by a cutting edge and the outer surface having a cutting spur extending slightly outward therefrom. Another aspect of this invention includes a kit for a wood boring drill assembly. The kit including a drill implement and a wood boring bit for boring a hole along a longitudinal central axis. The wood boring bit is desirably removably attached to the drill implement and includes a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a pilot screw tip extending from the first end, and a flute portion adjacent the first end. The flute portion is desirably defined by a partial helical section, the partial helical section having a distal end joined to the shaft portion and a lead edge disposed toward the screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. Also, another aspect of the present invention includes a method for boring a hole in a work surface including the steps of providing a drill, providing a wood boring bit as described in any of the above aspects, removably attaching the wood boring bit to a receiving portion of the drill, and holding the drill a distance away from a work piece and exerting pressure on the work piece with the wood boring bit so that the bit is urged through the work surface creating a hole in the surface. Further features of the invention will be described or become apparent in the course of the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the wood boring bit of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the wood boring bit of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross section along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a representation of the top perspective view of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the placement of the cutting edge on the main body of the wood boring bit of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, the wood boring bit 20 of the present invention has an elongate shaft or main body portion 40, a screw tip 60, and a partial flute 80. The flute 80 includes a lead edge 86 with a cutting edge 88 and a cutting spur 90. The main body portion 40 has a first end 42 a second end 44 disposed at opposite sides of a longitudinal central axis L. The first end 42 of the main body 40 is desirably adapted to removably fit into a drill (not shown). An annular groove (not shown) may be cast in the main body 40, approximately 0.25 inch from the end of the main body, toward the first end 42. This annular groove provides the bit with the ability to interface with a plurality of quick change apparatuses and to easily be used with different types of electric drills. The second end 44 of the main body 40 is preferably integrally forged with the partial flute portion 80 of the drill bit. The partial flute 80 extends between the second end 44 of the main body portion to the throat 22 of the bit 20, adjacent the screw tip 60. The flute 80 includes a distal end 82, adjacent the main body portion 40 of the bit 20, and a leading edge 86 disposed toward the throat 22 of the bit 20. The partial flute 80 is defined by an outer surface 92 and an inner surface 94. The outer surface 92 is a helical structure that does not completely encircle the longitudinal central axis L of the drill bit 20. The distal end 82 of the flute 80 and the lead edge 86 of the flute 80 are disposed along the longitudinal central axis L. Desirably, the flute gradually recedes from the lead edge to the distal end of the flute, effectively decreasing the radius of the helical section as it descends the main body. Preferably, the distal end 82 progresses radially inwardly toward the shaft and does not radially overlap the lead edge along the axis L. Desirably, the distal end and the lead edge are less than 360° from one another (FIG. 1) around the axis. The inner surface 94 of the flute 80 is defined by the warped or ramped surface of the helical section. The shape of the helix is a multitude of compound angles and projections. The shape of the flute 80 may be described as a nautilus shape when the bit is viewed from the top (FIG. 4). The nautilus shape is basically a circle that continuously spirals inward toward the central longitudinal axis but never overlaps. The spiral is preferably a logarithmic spiral, but may be defined as a hyperbolic or parabolic spiral. The nautilus-shaped flute minimizes the amount of material required to forge the tool and also helps prevent the bit from getting lodged in the work surface or wood in which it is to bore a hole. The screw tip 60 is a self-feeding screw such that in use the screw tip 60 causes the bit 20 to engage and be drawn into the wood or the work surface. The screw tip 60 may be integrally forged with the throat 22 of the bit 20 or it may be removable from the rest of the bit (FIG. 7). If the tip 60 is removable, it may include a second screw portion 62 that is threaded into a mating hole 64 in the throat 22 of the bit 20. Referring again to FIG. 1 and now to FIG. 3, desirably, the outer surface 92 of the lead edge 86 of the flute 80 includes a cutting spur 90. The cutting spur 90 improves the hole quality and minimizes breakout. The spur 90 extends slightly outwardly from the outer surface 92 of the flute 80. The distal edge 96 of the spur extends along the central longitudinal axis L at a slight angle α from the axis L. Preferably, the angle α is between about 1° and 5°, more preferably, between about 2° and 3°. The spur 90 defines the outer diameter of the bore hole of the bit which will be slightly larger than the diameter of the flute itself. This allows the bit to more easily move through the wood and prevents the bit from being lodged in the work surface. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 8, the cutting edge 88 is defined by the leading edge 86 of the flute 80. Desirably, the bit 20 includes a solid core 24 for added rigidity; however the bit 20 may be constructed without a solid core (not shown). The solid core 24 extends from the second end 44 of the main body portion through center of the flute 80 along the longitudinal central axis L and terminates at the throat 22 of the bit 20. The outer surface 92 of the flute 80 at the lead edge 86 may be separated from the solid core 24 of the bit 20 by the cutting edge 88. Referring to FIG. 5, the cutting edge 88 can either be placed at the center C of the main body 40, perpendicular to the central axis, or may be ahead of center or tangent T to the outer surface of the solid core 24. The cutting edge 88 may be cast or forged integrally with the flute 80 of the bit 20. The edge 88 may be cast at an angle between 90° and 30°, thereby creating a cutting surface 98. Desirably the surface will be at a 45° angle from the central axis. See FIG. 8. Desirably, the cutting edge 88 is re-sharpenable to extend the life of the bit. Typically, cutting edges of auger bits are difficult to re-sharpen. Because of the partial flute 80, it is easier for the user to access the cutting edge 88 and the cutting surface 98 to re-sharpen them repeatedly. Referring now to FIG. 6, the drill bit 20 of the present invention may include a second partial flute 100 disposed along the solid core 24 of the bit 20. Desirably, the second flute 100 is disposed toward the throat 22 of the bit 20 and includes a second cutting spur 110 and a second cutting edge 108. The second flute 100 provides a more balanced cut and better hole quality. For purposes of illustration, the second flute 100 will be similar to the first flute 80. The second flute 100, however, has an outer surface 112 which extends a shorter distance from the throat 22 of the bit 20 toward the distal end 102 of the second flute 100. The second flute 100 is disposed along the solid core 24 in a manner that does not disrupt the nautilus shape of the first flute 80 (see FIG. 4) in that it does not complete a circle around the longitudinal central axis L. It will be appreciated that the above description related to embodiments by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described herein whether or not expressly described. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Drill bits are used by a variety of industries for a variety of purposes. For this reason there are many different types of drill bits that a user may choose from depending on the job that they intend to do. Flat bits or spade bits are predominately used by electricians and plumbers to bore larger holes in wood for running electrical wire and water lines. Generally, speed, hole quality, and ease of use are important features of spade bits. Currently flat bits address only hole quality, leaving the user wanting a bit that is faster and easier to use. An auger-type drill bit has a number of advantages over spade bits. For example, the auger bit generally has a screw tip which aides the user by making the drill bit self-feeding, thereby increasing the ease of use. Augers usually include a helical section-shaped flute that extends up the body of the bit to provide a mechanism for waste removal, thereby increasing the speed and efficiency of use. The auger too has disadvantages, such as a flute that is too narrow or too long causing the waste material to get caught in the bit, a cutting edge that becomes dull, making the bit increasingly difficult to use, and unbalanced or poor hole quality. Therefore, it would be beneficial to combine the advantages of a spade bit and an auger bit that is capable making wood boring drill bits easier to use, more precise, and faster. In addition, it would be desirable to create a wood boring drill bit with a cutting edge that is not cumbersome to sharpen. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>One aspect of this invention includes a wood boring bit for boring a hole along a longitudinal central axis including a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a pilot screw tip extending from the first end, and a flute portion adjacent the first end. The flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, the partial helical section having a distal end joined to the shaft portion and a lead edge disposed toward the screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge of the flute desirably do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. In another aspect of this invention, a wood boring bit extending along a longitudinal central axis includes a main body and a flute attached to the main body. The flute is defined by a partial helical section having a distal end and a lead edge. The distal end and the lead edge desirably do not overlap along the central axis and are disposed equal to or less than 360° from one another. Optionally, the bit may include a screw tip attached to the main body. In yet another aspect of this invention a wood boring bit having a longitudinal central axis includes a screw tip, a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, and a first flute portion. The first flute portion is defined by a partial helical section, the partial helical section having a distal end integral to the second end of the shaft portion, and a lead edge disposed toward the screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge of the first flute desirably do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. This bit further includes a second flute portion having an outer surface and a lead edge. The lead edge is defined by a cutting edge and the outer surface having a cutting spur extending slightly outward therefrom. Another aspect of this invention includes a kit for a wood boring drill assembly. The kit including a drill implement and a wood boring bit for boring a hole along a longitudinal central axis. The wood boring bit is desirably removably attached to the drill implement and includes a shaft portion having a first end and a second end, a pilot screw tip extending from the first end, and a flute portion adjacent the first end. The flute portion is desirably defined by a partial helical section, the partial helical section having a distal end joined to the shaft portion and a lead edge disposed toward the screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. Also, another aspect of the present invention includes a method for boring a hole in a work surface including the steps of providing a drill, providing a wood boring bit as described in any of the above aspects, removably attaching the wood boring bit to a receiving portion of the drill, and holding the drill a distance away from a work piece and exerting pressure on the work piece with the wood boring bit so that the bit is urged through the work surface creating a hole in the surface. Further features of the invention will be described or become apparent in the course of the following detailed description. | 20050502 | 20080826 | 20051110 | 66168.0 | 0 | HOWELL, DANIEL W | WOOD BORING BIT WITH INCREASED SPEED, EFFICIENCY AND EASE OF USE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,908,373 | ACCEPTED | Rechargeable Media Distribution and Play System | An electronic media distribution/play system includes a service facility that has a communications network interface and maintains a data file catalog. The catalog is sent over the network to requesting users, and the system processes payments from customers in establishing file access authorizations. Encrypted user-selected files and a player program are transmitted to each customer for metered access to received data files as limited by the authorization, and customers can make additional selections and play the encrypted files freely while the authorization remains established. The system can transmit the data files from local storage, and also provide links to encrypted files that are stored at remote vendor facilities. Authorizations can be for selected portions or class levels of the catalog, and for terms measured as calendar time, play time, and collective number of plays. Also disclosed is a method for facilitating the distribution and accessing of electronic files. | 1. A system for playing electronic files comprising: a player program for accessing the electronic files, wherein the player program meters access to the electronic files as limited by an authorization, and wherein the authorization is capable of one or more subsequent augmentations. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program comprises at least one of player program patches or plug-in for accessing the electronic files. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the one of more subsequent augmentations comprises an extension. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic files comprise at least one of media files, such as music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic files comprise computer programs including at least one of word processing programs, graphic design programs, or editing programs. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program comprise data capable of being distributed to users over at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio telecast, or other data transmission channels. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program is embodied on at least one of computer chips, computer hard drives, or other computer hardware devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program is embodied on at least one of compact discs, floppy discs, or other data storage devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program comprises of one or more computer software programs, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio telecast, or other data transmission channels. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of plays. 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified duration. 12. The system of claim 111 wherein the specified duration is measured in usage time. 13. The system of claim 111 wherein the specified duration is measured in calendar time. 14. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of files. 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified type or category of files. 16. The system of claim 1 wherein the augmentations are achieved by the introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data. 17. The system of claim 1 wherein the augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of one or more new or additional player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins. 18. A system comprising one or more player programs, the one or more player programs being implemented for metering access to the electronic files as limited by the authorization, and the authorization being capable of at least one of one or more subsequent extensions or other augmentations. 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the one or more player programs comprise at least one of one or more player program patches or plug-ins for accessing the electronic files. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the electronic files are media files including at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 21. The system of claim 18 wherein the electronic files comprise computer programs including at least one of word processing programs, graphic design programs, or editing programs. 22. The system of claim 18 wherein the one or more player programs comprise data capable of being distributed to users over at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels. 23. The system of claim 18 wherein the one or more player programs are embodied on at least one of computer chips, computer hard drives, or other computer hardware devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels. 24. The system of claim 18 wherein the player program is embodied on at least one of compact discs, floppy discs, or other data storage devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels. 25. The system of claim 18 wherein the player program comprises of one or more computer software programs, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio telecast, or other data transmission channels. 26. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of plays. 27. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified duration. 28. The system of claim 27 wherein the specified duration is measured in usage time. 29. The system of claim 27 wherein the specified duration is measured in calendar time. 30. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of files. 31. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified type or category of files. 32. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data. 33. The system of claim 16 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of one or more new or additional player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins. 34. A system comprising one or more player devices for accessing electronic files, the devices metering access to the electronic files as limited by the authorization, and the authorization being capable of at least one of one or more subsequent extensions or other augmentations. 35. The system of claim 34 wherein the electronic files comprise media files including at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 36. The system of claim 34 wherein the electronic files are computer programs comprising at least one of word processing programs, graphic design programs, or editing programs. 37. The system of claim 34 wherein the one or more player devices comprise or are capable of comprising at least one of player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins. 38. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of plays. 39. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified duration. 40. The system of claim 39 wherein the specified duration is measured in usage time. 41. The system of claim 39 wherein the specified duration is measured in calendar time. 42. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of files. 43. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified type or category of files. 44. The system of claim 34 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data. 45. The system of claim 34 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of one or more new or additional player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins. 46. A method comprising: providing an authorization level for a media file that is violated if a number of times the media file is used exceeds an initial authorized value; tracking a number of times the media file is used; disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value. 47. A method comprising: providing an authorization level for a media file that is violated if a usage time of the media file exceeds an initial authorized value; tracking a usage time of the media file; disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value. 48. A method comprising: providing an authorization level for a media file that is violated if a calendar time exceeds an initial authorized value; disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value. 49. A method comprising: providing an authorization level for a plurality of media files that is violated if usage of a number media files of the plurality of media files exceeds an initial authorized value; tracking usage of a number media files of the plurality of media files; disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value. 50. A method comprising: providing an authorization level for a first plurality of media files in a first category and a second plurality of media files in a second category that is violated when a media file is not in an initial authorized category; disallowing usage of a media file when media file is not in the initial authorized category; and providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of a media file a category other than the initial authorized category is permitted. 51. The method of claim 46 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file. 52. The method of claim 46 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 53. The method of claim 46 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program. 54. The method of claim 46 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data. 55. The method of claim 46 further comprising: distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels. 56. The method of claim 47 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file. 57. The method of claim 47 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 58. The method of claim 47 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program. 59. The method of claim 47 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data. 60. The method of claim 47 further comprising: distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels. 61. The method of claim 48 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file. 62. The method of claim 48 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 63. The method of claim 48 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program. 64. The method of claim 48 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data. 65. The method of claim 48 further comprising: distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels. 66. The method of claim 49 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file. 67. The method of claim 49 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 68. The method of claim 49 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program. 69. The method of claim 49 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data. 70. The method of claim 49 further comprising: distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels. 71. The method of claim 50 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file. 72. The method of claim 50 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs. 73. The method of claim 50 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program. 74. The method of claim 50 further comprising: distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/910,438, filed Jul. 19, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/484,632, filed Jan. 18, 2000, which are incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electronic media players, and more particularly to media that is downloadable over a communication network. The distribution of software such as computer programs to be executed and data to be accessed has traditionally been by means of physical media that is either sold or rented. For example, computer programs are distributed on magnetic disks, and more recently on optical compact disks. Audio works such as musical recordings have been distributed on grooved records, magnetic tape, and compact disks; and movies have been distributed on magnetic tape and video disks of various formats. Often it is desired to restrict operation of the software to authorized users and/or for authorized uses. U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,234 to Edwards, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,038 to Grantz et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,169 to Noguchi, for example, disclose various schemes for restricting copying and use of the software. More recently, public access communication channels such as the Internet have been developed to the point that distribution of large volumes of software is feasible electronically. However, the protection of the software against unauthorized use and copying is typically awkward, bothersome, and ineffective. U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,423 to Lau discloses a system for downloading and playing music wherein certain copyrighted material may only be used for a specific length of time. The system of Lau includes a service center having a user accessible library of selectable programs, a base unit from which user generated program selections are transmitted to the service center, and a cassette for storing programs downloaded by the base unit from the service center. In one implementation, the date and time of downloading and playing of particular program selections is stored in memory of the base unit and/or the cassette. Copyright information is programmed into a control program of the cassette to limit the usage of each selected program. U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,736 to Walker discloses downloadable information having access through a keyed device. These systems of the prior art exhibit a number of shortcomings, including one or more of the following: 1. They are difficult to use in that they require physical delivery of media and/or keys; 2. They are expensive to manage in that uses must be metered separately for particular works; and 3. They require undesirable compromises between the number of available works and the cost of obtaining access. Thus there is a need for an electronic media distribution system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention meets this need by providing a rechargeable media distribution and play system that is particularly efficient, versatile, and easy to use. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a service facility having an electronically accessible catalog of electronic files, and an interface to a communications network. The system can transmit the catalog to a requesting user, and set up customer accounts, process payments from customers for establishing file access authorizations, and enables transmission user-selected files to customers. The system also provides a player program to each customer for metering access to received data files as limited by the authorization. Optionally, the system is enabled for transmitting the selected files to the customer only while the authorization remains established. The system can also be implemented for receiving the user request and feeding the catalog to the user via the network interface. Also, or alternatively, communications with the user for defining the user account can be through the network interface. Preferably the system can set an authorization level of the customer's authorization to a first value corresponding to a first authorized plurality of the electronic files, and to a second value corresponding to a second plurality of the electronic files. The system can also provide augmenting the authorization in accordance with further processing of payments by the customer. Preferably the system can, in defining the customer account, identify existing file access software to be used by the customer, and the player program is in the form of a software patch to be used in conjunction with the existing file access software. The identifying of the existing file access software can be by electronically interrogating a computer being used by the user to determine a default media player setting of that computer, the system selecting the software patch from a stored plurality of player patches. Preferably the system enables transmissions of the data files and the player program in encrypted form, with the player program decrypting the received data files only while authorization remains established. Preferably the authorization is independent of both the selected files and the number of files selected among those that are authorized. Thus customers can freely access all of the files and play any of selected files, to the extent of a blanket authorization, which can also be recharged based on further payments. Authorization can be only for a period of time which can be calendar time, optionally commencing upon use of the player program. Alternatively, the time is measured only during the accessing data of the received data files by the player program. In another alternative, authorization can be for a collective number of accesses of data of the received data files, and the numbered accesses can be counted only after a threshold period of time of accessing the data files. Preferably the system processes renewals and extensions of customer authorizations in conjunction with processing of further payments from the customers. The system can have storage of at least some of the data files at the service facility. Preferably the system facilitates transmission of at least some of the electronic files to customers from remote locations, preferably further including means for redirecting customer communications to remote source facilities over the network. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for facilitating distribution of electronic files to be accessed, including providing the catalog of the electronic files for access by users of a communication network; defining a customer account for a user to identify the user as a customer, to process payments from the customer and to establish authorization for accessing an authorized plurality of the electronic files; enabling transmission of selected electronic files to the customer as received data files over the communication network in response to a customer order; and providing to the customer a player program for accessing and metering access to the received data files. The enabling can be for the selected electronic files to be transmitted in encrypted form, and providing with the player program means for decrypting the received data files. The invention also provides a process for playing electronic media using the method described above wherein the authorization is for a predetermined length of time, the method further including activating the player program; monitoring elapsed time; and inhibiting operation of the player program when the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period. The monitoring can be only during the accessing of the received data files. The inhibiting can be suppressed until the end of a currently accessed data file. The monitoring can be of calendar time, in which case the monitoring optionally commences only upon accessing of data of the received data files. Also, the inhibiting can be suppressed until the end of a currently accessed data file. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: FIG. 1 is a pictorial block diagram of an electronic media distribution system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a distribution process using the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a computer flow chart of a service facility distribution program for implementing the process of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a customer facility media player program for implementing the process of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a flow chart portion showing an alternative configuration of the player program of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing another alternative configuration of the player program of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an alternative configuration of a portion of the player program of FIG. 6; and FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing further details of the distribution program of FIG. 3 within region 7 thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to a system for distributing and playing electronic media that is particularly efficient, easy to use, and effective in accommodating differing patterns of use. With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a distribution system 10 includes a service facility 111 that can be implemented as a server computer 12 being connected to an electronic communication network 14, there being a plurality of user facilities 15 that can also be connected to the network 14, one such being designated customer facility 15C and being implemented as a customer computer 16. It is contemplated that a plurality of source or vendor facilities 17 are also connected to the communication network 14, such facilities being operated by holders of works to be distributed as facilitated by the system 10 of the present invention and further described below. Connections to the network 14 are by respective communication lines 18, which can be telephone utility lines. Connections can also be by satellite, cable, fiber, radio, cellular phone, in any combination. As shown in FIG. 2, the service computer 12 includes an operator interface 20 having a screen display 21, a keyboard 22, a mouse 23. The computer 12 also includes memory 24 and a modem interface 26 for connecting to the network through an available communication line 18. The memory 24, at least some of which is typically non-volatile, has a web server program 28 and a library server program 30 having access to mass data storage 32 in accordance with the present invention. The mass data storage 32 is loaded with a library of data files (one such being designated 33) by an accession program 34, the accession program also generating a catalog 35 that is periodically updated and saved in the data storage 32. As further described below in connection with FIGS. 3 and 7, some or all of the data files can be retained in the vendor facilities 17. The customer computer 16 includes a counterpart of the operator interface, designated 20′, the memory 24, and the modem interface 26. In addition to having counterparts of the screen display 21, keyboard 22, mouse 23, the operator interface 20′ includes a pair of audio speakers 25, the computer 16 further including a media interface 36 for driving the speakers 25. In an exemplary implementation of the customer computer 16, the memory 24 has a web browser 38 by which data made available by the service facility 11 is accessed and saved in a suitable mass storage device such as a conventional hard disk drive 40. In further accordance with the present invention, the memory 24 of the customer computer receives a media player program 42 for conditionally accessing received data as further described below. It will be understood that the player program 42 can be in the form of a program “patch” or “plug-in” to be used in conjunction with a commercially and/or publicly available media player. Media players are known devices for accessing media files. In the context of this application, media files are electronic files that are typically digital in form, and include, without limitation: a) books and other text-only material; b) music, audio books, and other audio-only material; c) films, television programming, and other audio-visual material; d) games and other interactive material; and e) software programs. In the case of software programs, it will be understood that the media player 42 functions somewhat as an operating system for encrypted programs. Suitable software media players to be patched with counterparts of the media player 42 include WINAMP PLAYER, available from AOL Time Warner of New York, N.Y.; WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER, available from Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash.; and REALPLAYER, available from RealNetworks, Inc., of Seattle, Wash. These players play music files, whether compressed in the known MP3 format or otherwise, and the WINDOWS and REALPLAYER players also play audio-visual files. Book and text-only files can be played on the Software Reader software of Gemstar eBook Group, Redwood City, Calif., and the Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader 2.2, available from Adobe Systems, Inc. of San. Francisco, Calif. Games and interactive material can be played on Dreamcast, available from Sega of America Dreamcast, Inc. of San Franciaco, Calif., and Sony PlayStation, available from Sony Corp. of New York, N.Y. With further reference to FIGS. 2-4 and 8, a distribution process 50 is provided wherein the accession program 34 maintains a library of recordings and a user of the customer computer 16 interacts with the library server program 30 of the server computer 12 over the network 14. It will be understood that the library server program 30 and the accession program 34 can be respective modules of an integrated computer program. As shown in FIG. 3, the accession program 34 is programmed to include a receive data step 52 in which bibliographic data and, optionally, full records, of one or more works to be distributed are received in computer-readable form such as on a digitally recorded compact disk. As described above in connection with FIG. 1, the data can also be transmitted from one or more of the vendor facilities 17 via the computer network 14, or by any suitable means. When the complete work is included, the data is subjected to a first level of encryption, being stored in the data file 33 in an encrypt and store step 53. Finally, the catalog 35 is updated in a maintain catalog step 54 for including the new work(s). A test local step 55 is interposed after the receive data step 52 for bypassing the encrypt and store step 53 when the data includes bibliographic information but not the full record of particular works, the bibliographic information in such cases including URL fields or other suitable data for enabling subsequent user access to full encrypted records of such works. It will be understood that the test local step 55 can be omitted when all of the data either includes the full records or does not include any full records. Also, catalog listings for new versions of previously accessioned works normally replace previous listings (except older versions for which further user access is to be permitted). Once the catalog 35 reflects current status of the data file 33, the library server program 30 is entered for activating a network web page by which users can communicate with the distribution system 10, in an activate web page step 56. Such communication is diagramed in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 shows further details of user communication including delivery of works from vendor facilities 17, and FIG. 8 shows communication that includes shared file transfer between users of the delivery system 10. A user accessing the web page is presented with an election to receive a listing of the catalog 35. Accordingly, the process 50 includes a test catalog request step 58 for determining such user request, in which case the catalog is provided in a return catalog step 59. It will be understood that the return catalog step 59 can be performed by simply transmitting a listing of the catalog 35 over the computer network 14 to the requesting user, the browser 38 automatically opening and displaying a file containing the listing in a conventional manner. Alternatively, an option can be provided for the user to request a hard copy of the catalog 35 to be mailed, in which case the process 50 proceeds to obtain appropriate mailing information from the user. It will be understood that in either case, the user can be given the option to select a portion only of the catalog that contains one or more categories of subject matter, author, artist, publisher, etc., and whether or not “new releases” are to be included. Program control is passed from the return catalog step 59 to the test catalog request step 58 for handling further catalog requests by the user, if any, and as further described herein. A user accessing the web page is also presented with an election to place a new order. Accordingly, the process 50 includes a test order step 60 for determining such user request, which is processed as described below. The user is further presented with an election to open a new account. Accordingly, the process 50 includes a test account step 62 for determining such user request. If the user has not requested any of the three, control is returned to the request catalog step 58, the process 50 thus looping and waiting for another user request. When the user has requested a new account, control is passed to a get user data step 64 in which the user provides identification data and payment authorization in a conventional manner and, optionally, a desired authorization level that can define a number of plays, a period of time (which can be play time or calendar time, for example), and premium options such as whether play of “new releases” is to be authorized. Also, the payment authorization can selectively enable automatic periodic or repeated payments for “recharging” of the authorization. Once the user's account is established, a customer flag for that user is set in a set cflag step 65 with control passing to the test catalog request step 58 for further processing of that user's transactions. It will be understood that the customer flag (or other associated stored variable(s)) can be further set according to details of the authorization; and/or further to define that user's requirements regarding the player program 42. For example, the user's computer can be interrogated (and/or the user can be asked) to identify its default media player, for selection of a “plug-in” version of the media player 42 to be used as a software patch on the user's identified default media player. In either case a “stand-alone” counterpart media player 42 is optionally selectable. In the case that the user requests a new order, control is passed from the test new order step 60 to a test cflag step 66. If the customer flag for that user has not yet been set, control passes to a logon step 68 in which the user enters a customer identifier and password which are compared in a test logon step 69 with data previously received in the get user data step 64. If the logon is unsuccessful, control is passed to the get user data step 64, it being assumed that the user had not previously established an account. In case the user had previously established an account yet failed to properly logon, the process 50 can include an appropriate recovery procedure according to methods known in the art. Once logon is successfully completed, control is passed from the test logon step 69 to the set cflag step 65 in which the customer flag is set for that user (now confirmed as a customer) as described above. As further described above, control is returned from the set cflag step 65 to the test catalog request step 58 as before in anticipation of the user requesting placement of a new order as a customer, control being passed successively by the new order step 60 to the test cflag step 66 which, in the case of the customer flag having been set, control is passed to a get list step 70 wherein the customer selects items from the catalog 35 to be downloaded over the computer network 14 to the mass storage device 40 of the customer computer 16. (It is also contemplated that integrity checks of customers can be made at any time the customers are communicating on the network 14.) Upon a detected violation of customer integrity, a command can be transmitted for disabling the customer's media player 42, the customer's authorization can be canceled, the customer's media player 42 can be reset or re-calibrated to block extension of the authorization, or the authorization can be reduced to match a correct remaining authorization as determined at the service facility 11. In making selections, the customer can search for particular works by category, author, artist, publisher, etc. In the case of music, searching can also be by lyrics and melody. In the case of films, searching can be by title, genre, actor, director, writer, producer, music composer, decade released, etc. In the case of books, searching can be by author, title, publisher, or text. It will be understood that when the customer flag (or associated customer data) contains restrictions on use, such as accessing catalog items that are not “new releases”, only items that are consistent with the customer's authorization level are permitted to be selected. Alternatively, other items can be selected and downloaded, but not accessed unless and until the customer's authorization is augmented appropriately. The customer is invited to approve of his selections in a test list step 71 from which control is returned to the get list step 70 in case the customer is dissatisfied with his previous selection; otherwise, control is passed to a set authorization level step 72 in which an authorization variable is set in accordance with previously established payment authorizations as determined in the get user data step 64. Next, control is passed to a do transaction step 74 in which selected files are copied from the data file 33 (for locally stored works). The selected data files are then further encrypted, preferably in a manner that permits decryption only by the particular customer, such as by public-private key encryption or other suitable means, in a second level encrypt step 76. Alternatively, such as when data files are to be encrypted alike for all customers, only a single encryption is needed, which can be done in the first level encrypt and store step 53 or the second level encrypt step 76. The files as thus encrypted are then transmitted over the computer network 14 in an output files step 78. Users that are new customers also receive appropriate codes and/or software (the player program 42) for enabling playback of the works. As further security against unauthorized file access, a new key or coding element can be added or substituted to both the media files and the media player 42 each month. (This addition or substitution is contemplated to be made to the player 42 one month prior to that for the media files to facilitate customer subscriptions for variable subscription months rather than the same month periods for all customers.) This helps insure against tampering with the player to render it perpetually charged, because it could then play files then resident but not those thereafter obtained. Also, a periodic integrity check would reveal a lack of current key(s) and/or coding, in which case the player can be disabled. It will be understood that the term “player program 42” is inclusive of stand-alone file access software, software patches including portions of the exemplary player program 42 as described below in connection with FIG. 4, and variant counterparts thereof as further described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6, to be used in conjunction with a conventional or commercial media player or other file access software to be run by the customer computer 16C, or otherwise operated by the customer. The term is further inclusive of any hardware and/or software device or appliance that the customer may use to access encrypted files having been delivered as facilitated by operation of the system 10 of the present invention. With particular reference to FIG. 8, an exemplary configuration of the distribution process 50 has the transaction step 74 including a program loop executing, for each catalog selection, a counterpart of the test local step 55 for branching to a set link step 75 in which a universal resource locator (URL) is derived (or copied) from the catalog data for that selection. Typically, the URL is to an encrypted full record of the selection that is maintained at one of the vendor facilities 17 being accessible via the computer network 14. It will be understood that more than one such URL may be associated with a particular work when the work is available from plural vendors, additional URLs facilitating access to such works when there is excessive network traffic directed to particular vendors. Encryption of the files at the vendor facilities can be done individually by counterparts of the second level encrypt step 76 as described above, or single encrypted copies of each work can be transmitted from the vendor facilities 17 as also described above in connection with FIG. 3. Further, it is contemplated, particularly in implementations of the present invention that use the same encryption of data files for multiple customers, that customers will be permitted to copy and play encrypted files from other customers, so long as appropriate authorization remains in effect. Thus the vendor facilities 17 and the computers of other customers are sometimes collectively referred to as source facilities. In cases wherein the sharing customers do not operate web pages of their own, an e-mail request can be used in place of an ordinary URL. The transaction step 74 is completed, when the program loop is done processing the customer's library selections, by determining in an identify player step which, if any, counterpart of the player program 42 is to be transmitted to the customer. This determination is based on interrogation of the customer flag (described above in connection with the set cflag step 65 of FIG. 3) which can contain the identity of the customer's default media player, if any, as well as the customer's authorization level, and whether the customer is a new customer (not previously receiving a counterpart of the media player 42). Also or in the alternative, the customer flag (or other suitable variable) can signify whether the authorization level has changed and/or whether the customer's default (or otherwise identified) media player has changed, in which cases a new download of a media player 42 counterpart is to be performed. Following the transaction step 74 as implemented in FIG. 8, the second level encrypt step 76 is repeated, if necessary, to uniquely encrypt the identified counterpart media player 42 for the currently requesting customer. As described before, this on-line encryption is not required if no media player counterpart is to be transmitted in the current session, or to the extent that the same encryption can be transmitted to plural customers, in which case it is contemplated that some other unique or quasi-unique code(s) are to be transmitted with a generically encrypted counterpart of the media player 42. When the customer's authorization is to be “recharged” an entirely new media player 42 can be downloaded, or merely codes or other control information to modify a previously downloaded player 42. Thus the media distribution system 10 of the present invention preferably provides for retention of some or all of the data files 33 at vendor facilities 17, for facilitating quality control, record keeping, and marketing activities by operators of the vendor facilities 17. Methods of record keeping include tracking of data by the host server, setting of cookies on customers' computers, either alone or’ in combination. The data can include customer identity (by real name or pseudonym), the number of downloads to the customer's computer, the number of uploads vrom the customer's computer, and the number of plays of each media file. With respect to the data files 33 being retained at vendor facilities 17, the accession program 34 does not process and store the data, but does generate records of the catalog 35 as described above. Royalty payments to those having rights in the data files 33, whether stored at the service facility 11, at vendor facilities 17, or elsewhere, can be made from funds received by the customers, and the payments can be allocated commensurate with conventional practice, being prorated for example according to the frequency of selection of particular works by the customers. Allocations can also be based on the number of plays of works belonging to particular copyright holders, the number of downloads of such works, the total playing time of such works, or any combination thereof. It will be understood that in implementations integrating the library accession and server programs 30 and 34, when the outcome of the test account step 62 is negative control may be returned to the receive data step 52 instead of the test request step 58, with provision for an interrupt redirection to the return catalog step 59, the user data step 64, and the test cflag step 66 for servicing corresponding user requests being offered on the web page. With particular reference to FIG. 4, the player program 42 is implemented for permitting the user to freely play whatever files of the catalog 35 he has downloaded from the server computer 12 and/or any of the vendor facilities 17 as enabled or otherwise facilitated by the delivery system 10, until a composite authorization for play is expended. It will be understood that the composite authorization may change, such as when a customer account previously authorized to play “new releases” is recharged at a lower level. Also, the system 10 may be implemented to play preview portions only of some works unless and until a higher authorization is purchased. In the exemplary implementation of FIG. 4, the authorization is in the form of a total elapsed time of play. Accordingly, the player program 42 includes a display collection list step 80 in which all files previously downloaded from the server computer 12 are displayed on the screen display 21 of the customer computer 16. This list step 80 can also incorporate search and/or navigation capabilities for facilitating customer review of certain portions of the list when it is particularly long. Next, the program 42 verifies current authorization to play a selected file in a test authorization step 82. If authorization is not current, control is passed to a test server contact step 84 wherein the user is invited to establish network contact with the server computer 12, in which case the program 42 waits in an obtain authorization step 85 for authorization to be obtained or appropriately augmented; otherwise, the player program 42 is terminated. From the obtain authorization step 85 control is returned to the test authorization step 82 for verification of the authorization, in which case control is passed to a select file step 86 for determining which of the listed files the user wishes to have played. Once the selection is made, control passes to a set meter step 88, which in the case of the exemplary implementation of FIG. 3, transfers a currently available play time as authorized to a clock register that is maintained by the player program 42. In this implementation an appropriate setting is the number of minutes of play authorization currently available to the user. The selected file is then accessed and played, with decryption, in a start play step 90 and a timer is activated in a start clock step 91, with control passing to a test end step 92 for testing whether play of the selected file has run to completion, in which case termination of play is processed in a stop play step 93 (the clock is deactivated), with the user's currently remaining play authorization being updated, control being returned to the test authorization step 82 at which point the user is invited to select another file, etc. until he either terminates the program or runs out of authorization as described below. The user is also provided with an option to terminate play prior to the end of the file in a test user stop step 94, in which case control is transferred to the stop play step 93. As play continues, with negative outcomes of the test end step 92 and the test user stop step 94, a test tick step 95 determines whether the clock has run for a predetermined time (one minute in the current example), in which case the meter that was previously set in the set meter step 88 is decremented in a decrement meter step 96. Otherwise, control is returned to the test end step 92. Following the decrement meter step 96, the meter is tested for underflow in a test timeout step 97. If not, control is returned to the test end step 92; otherwise, control is passed to the stop play step 93 for termination of the play. When the media player 42 is to be supplied as a patch counterpart to be run in conjunction with an existing media player or other resident file access device of the customer, the essential included elements are that portion of the start play step 90 that permits decryption of files being played, and means for terminating play upon expiration of necessary authorization (such as the steps 82, 84, 85, 88, 91, 95, 96, and 97 of FIG. 4). Other aspects of navigation of the encrypted files can be controlled by the previously resident program, although the patch counterpart preferably is set for principally (such as by a default file folder) accessing only those files whose delivery is facilitated by the delivery system 10 of the present invention. Although the patch could also be set for exclusive access of files associated with the system 10, it is also preferred that pre-existing functions of the customer's resident file access device remain operational. If the customer's authorization expires, the plug-in-patch implementation of the media player 42 ceases to function, preferably leaving the resident access device to function as if the patch had not been applied. With further reference to FIG. 5, an alternative implementation of the player program, designated 42′, provides a predetermined number of plays (25, for example) rather than a predetermined play time. In this implementation, the meter is set in the set meter step 88 to the current available number of plays. The program 42′ proceeds as described above in connection with FIG. 4 through the start clock step 91, the test end step 92, the test user stop step 94 to the test tick step 95 for testing whether a threshold period of time has elapsed from the start clock step 91 for avoiding debiting of the user's authorizations until play has proceeded for an introductory period of time. Once that introductory time has elapsed, the test tick step 95 reaches an affirmative result, with control passing to the decrement meter step 96 in which the play authorization is decremented by one. In the alternative implementation of FIG. 5, control passes from the decrement meter step 96 to a stop clock step 98 for stopping the clock so as to limit the decrementing of the meter to a single unit for each file played. In another alternative, the play authorization is for a period of time as in the implementation of FIG. 4, but with play continuing to the end of a file being played when timeout occurs. In this case, the test timeout step 97 is omitted from the implementation of FIG. 4, control returning directly from the decrement meter step 96 to the test end step 92. The player program 82 can utilize a conventional clock of the customer computer 16C in the start clock step 91 and the test tick step 95, for example by storing a counterpart of the system time in the start clock step 91, and comparing that counterpart with current system time in the test tick step 95, finding a positive outcome when the time difference reaches a predetermined interval (one minute in the example described previously). In connection with the positive outcome, the stored counterpart of the system time can be incremented by one minute for subsequent comparisons in a next tick interval. Of course, the stored counterpart can alternatively be initially set in the start clock step 91 to one minute ahead of the system time for facilitating the comparison by detecting a change in sign of the difference between the values in the test tick step 95. This approach is impervious to errors or intentional offsetting of the system time from actual time that may be present in the customer computer 16C prior to execution of the start clock step 91. To guard against unauthorized resetting of system time during playing time, there are several alternatives. For example: 1. Use a separate software clock that is responsive to a system timer interrupt; 2. The above in combination with a periodic integrity check of the software clock program instructions; 3. Either of the above in combination with periodically relocating the software clock program instructions and registers; 4. Any of the above in combination with downloading of new encrypted timer software in each activation of the output files step of the library server program 30; and 4. Requiring use of a clock or system time of the server computer 12 during operation of the player program 42. Instead of having the authorizations be for a predetermined amount of playing time, it is also contemplated, even preferred, to have authorizations based on calendar time, in which case there is a need to guard against resetting of system time whether or not the player program 42 is in operation. For this purpose, the library server program can be implemented to provide an encoded counterpart of the system time (and date) of the server computer 12, as well as an expiration time, in the output files step 78 (whether for downloading data files or just for recharging). The player program 42 can then make comparisons between the system times, taking appropriate action in the event that there is a significant change in the difference. It will be understood that in implementations based on calendar time there is no requirement for monitoring elapsed playing time as described above in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5. However, such monitoring can be utilized for allocating royalty payments' and/or for guarding against resetting of the system time (because usage time should never exceed elapsed calendar time). With further reference to FIG. 6, another counterpart of the player program, designated 42″, has a timer module 100 associated therewith, the timer module 100 being implemented to run when the customer computer 16C is operating, notwithstanding the player program 42″ being inactive. As shown in FIG. 6, upon starting the player program 42″, a determination is made of whether the program is being run for the first time by the customer computer 16C in a test first play step 102, in which case a launch timer module step 104 generates and stores appropriate files for implementing and running the timer module 100, using programming elements that are known to those having skill in the art. Accordingly, the timer module 100 is restarted whenever the computer 16C is subsequently booted-up or restarted, the module 100 monitoring a system date and time of the computer 16C as well as separately maintaining a timer calendar date and time. The timer calendar date and time is automatically advanced by a difference between the system date and time and a corresponding date and time last saved in a previous period of running of the timer module 100. When the test first play step 102 has a negative outcome (on a subsequent starting of the player program 42″) control passes to a test timer step 106, wherein the presence and operation of the timer module 100 is verified, and an appropriate match of the timer date and time with the system date and time is determined, in which case control is passed to the display list collection step 80, described above in connection with FIG. 4; otherwise, the player program 42″ is terminated based on unauthorized tampering with calendar/time settings. The player program 42″ of FIG. 6 is implemented for operation with authorizations based on calendar time, with the set meter, start clock, test tick, and decrement meter steps 88, 91, 95, and 96 of FIG. 4 being omitted. Thus control passes directly from the select file step 86 to the start play step 90; from the start play step 90 to the test end stop 92; and from a negative outcome of the test user stop step 94 to a counterpart of the timeout test step, designated 97′. In the timeout test step 97′, the calendar date and time of the timer module 100 is compared with termination date and time as currently authorized, with control returning to the test end step 92 or the stop play step 93 as described above in connection with FIG. 4. It will be understood the timeout test step 97′ (as well as the test user stop step 94) can be omitted when it is desired that play continue to the end of a particular data file, control passing from a negative result of the test user stop step 94 to the test end step 92. Thus the player program 42″ as shown in FIG. 6 provides additional protection against unauthorized tampering with calendar and time settings of the customer computer 16C. Further protection can be provided by including, in the obtain authorization step 85, a comparison of the calendar date and time of the timer module 100 and/or the system time of the customer computer 16C with the system time and date of the server computer 12, with termination in the event that tampering is detected. Similarly, the above comparison would be performed in the get list step 70, the set authorization step 72 and/or the do transaction step 74 of the distribution process 50, with the process being terminated as to customers that are determined to have attempted to misuse the process. With further reference to FIG. 7, an alternative configuration of the player program 42″ has a counterpart of the test authorization step, designated 82′, implemented for determining authorization but not for the selected file. In this alternative, the select file step precedes the test authorization step 82′, and if the authorization is insufficient (low), control is returned to the display list step 80. If sufficient authorization is present, control passes to the start play step 90; otherwise, the test server contact step 84 is performed as before in the implementation of FIG. 6. It is further contemplated that a standalone device can be provided for implementing all or appropriate functions of the customer computer 16C, in which case a battery powered system clock can be implemented in a secure manner for setting only in accordance with the system time of the server computer 12. (Such device in implementations according to FIGS. 4 and 5 would not require the clock to be settable to date and time of day.) In a most preferred implementation of the present invention, authorizations can be purchased by customers on a monthly basis, with payments either made conventionally by check, etc., by phone, or on-line, with the system being configured for automatic debiting of bank accounts and credit accounts as authorized by the customers. While the authorizations remain in effect, customers are free to visit the service facility web site, download unlimited encrypted digital media files as authorized, play those files unlimited times, and share those files with friends (who are able to play them when and so long as THEY have purchased authorization). Rather than require prospective customers to learn a new media player, they are invited user to visit the service facility website, identify their default music player, and download the media player 42 in the form of a software plug-in for that player. The plug-in enables the customer's player to play encrypted music files, or more generally to access encrypted electronic files of any supported type. The patch preferably provides additional buttons in the user's player, including “Company Home,” “Share Music,” and “Burn CD.” The “Company Home” button opens the Company homepage, wherefrom the customer can search for and download music files as the encrypted data files 33, and purchase authorizations. The “Share Music” button launches an e-mail dialogue box with a space for destination addressee, a space for a message, and a menu of the sender's music files and compilations for easy attachment to the message. More particularly, the attachment only has a set of links to the music files on servers of the service facility 11 and/or source facilities such as vendor facilities 17. Recipients would then download the files directly from such server. Preferably the service facility 11 is copied with these e-mails for maintenance of such links as alternate sources for the encrypted data files 33. Alternatively, actual media file attachments to e-mail communications between customers are possible, such “pier-to-pier” transfers correspondingly reducing communication traffic with the service facility 11 and the vendor facilities 17. The “Burn CD” feature invites the customer to burn an encrypted music file or compilation from his hard drive. Any user of the “burned” CD would still be required to be an authorized customer to access such copied media files. In summary, the present invention includes up to three software components which can be delivered to the customer's computer via download from a central server, via download from other customers on a “pier-to pier” (P2P) basis, or via a removable drive medium such as a disk or CD-ROM. These three components are: (a) the media player 42, as a stand-alone application or as a patch; (b) a program that simultaneously compresses media files for efficient transfer (such as compression of CD files to MP3 format) and encrypts the result into a proprietary format; and (c) a program that encrypts unencrypted media files into the proprietary format as and when such files are downloaded to the customer's computer. Other software elements, such as those for maintaining the catalog 35, and for establishing and maintaining customer accounts, are not contemplated to be delivered to customers, although some or all of these elements can potentially be distributed to one or more of the vendor facilities 17, and/or being retained at the service facility 11. The above-described ability of the service facility 111 to provide network links to remote source facilities from which customers receive selections as encrypted files advantageously allows vendors such as record companies to house encrypted music files on their own servers, for enhanced quality control, record keeping, and marketing options. The distribution system 10 of the present invention does this while providing a single catalog (or portions thereof) in which to search the offerings of multiple suppliers of electronic files. The link occurs through the Company domain and/or a back channel and preferably retains a frame around the user's screen with buttons for “Company Home,” “Search Music,” “Browse Music,” etc., the browse option providing preview play of possible selections. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, kiosks can be provided for dispensing and/or recharging standalone devices that serve in place of at least some of the customer computer 16C. Also, the data files, suitably encrypted, can be provided from the service facility 11 or other suitable source in the form of a CD or other form of removable drive medium, for play on the standalone devices and/or customer computers 16C. Further, usage can be limited or metered based on the number of media files downloaded, or the total size of the files downloaded, as well as elapsed calendar time and elapsed usage time, or any combination of these measures. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not necessarily be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to electronic media players, and more particularly to media that is downloadable over a communication network. The distribution of software such as computer programs to be executed and data to be accessed has traditionally been by means of physical media that is either sold or rented. For example, computer programs are distributed on magnetic disks, and more recently on optical compact disks. Audio works such as musical recordings have been distributed on grooved records, magnetic tape, and compact disks; and movies have been distributed on magnetic tape and video disks of various formats. Often it is desired to restrict operation of the software to authorized users and/or for authorized uses. U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,234 to Edwards, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,038 to Grantz et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,169 to Noguchi, for example, disclose various schemes for restricting copying and use of the software. More recently, public access communication channels such as the Internet have been developed to the point that distribution of large volumes of software is feasible electronically. However, the protection of the software against unauthorized use and copying is typically awkward, bothersome, and ineffective. U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,423 to Lau discloses a system for downloading and playing music wherein certain copyrighted material may only be used for a specific length of time. The system of Lau includes a service center having a user accessible library of selectable programs, a base unit from which user generated program selections are transmitted to the service center, and a cassette for storing programs downloaded by the base unit from the service center. In one implementation, the date and time of downloading and playing of particular program selections is stored in memory of the base unit and/or the cassette. Copyright information is programmed into a control program of the cassette to limit the usage of each selected program. U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,736 to Walker discloses downloadable information having access through a keyed device. These systems of the prior art exhibit a number of shortcomings, including one or more of the following: 1. They are difficult to use in that they require physical delivery of media and/or keys; 2. They are expensive to manage in that uses must be metered separately for particular works; and 3. They require undesirable compromises between the number of available works and the cost of obtaining access. Thus there is a need for an electronic media distribution system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention meets this need by providing a rechargeable media distribution and play system that is particularly efficient, versatile, and easy to use. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a service facility having an electronically accessible catalog of electronic files, and an interface to a communications network. The system can transmit the catalog to a requesting user, and set up customer accounts, process payments from customers for establishing file access authorizations, and enables transmission user-selected files to customers. The system also provides a player program to each customer for metering access to received data files as limited by the authorization. Optionally, the system is enabled for transmitting the selected files to the customer only while the authorization remains established. The system can also be implemented for receiving the user request and feeding the catalog to the user via the network interface. Also, or alternatively, communications with the user for defining the user account can be through the network interface. Preferably the system can set an authorization level of the customer's authorization to a first value corresponding to a first authorized plurality of the electronic files, and to a second value corresponding to a second plurality of the electronic files. The system can also provide augmenting the authorization in accordance with further processing of payments by the customer. Preferably the system can, in defining the customer account, identify existing file access software to be used by the customer, and the player program is in the form of a software patch to be used in conjunction with the existing file access software. The identifying of the existing file access software can be by electronically interrogating a computer being used by the user to determine a default media player setting of that computer, the system selecting the software patch from a stored plurality of player patches. Preferably the system enables transmissions of the data files and the player program in encrypted form, with the player program decrypting the received data files only while authorization remains established. Preferably the authorization is independent of both the selected files and the number of files selected among those that are authorized. Thus customers can freely access all of the files and play any of selected files, to the extent of a blanket authorization, which can also be recharged based on further payments. Authorization can be only for a period of time which can be calendar time, optionally commencing upon use of the player program. Alternatively, the time is measured only during the accessing data of the received data files by the player program. In another alternative, authorization can be for a collective number of accesses of data of the received data files, and the numbered accesses can be counted only after a threshold period of time of accessing the data files. Preferably the system processes renewals and extensions of customer authorizations in conjunction with processing of further payments from the customers. The system can have storage of at least some of the data files at the service facility. Preferably the system facilitates transmission of at least some of the electronic files to customers from remote locations, preferably further including means for redirecting customer communications to remote source facilities over the network. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for facilitating distribution of electronic files to be accessed, including providing the catalog of the electronic files for access by users of a communication network; defining a customer account for a user to identify the user as a customer, to process payments from the customer and to establish authorization for accessing an authorized plurality of the electronic files; enabling transmission of selected electronic files to the customer as received data files over the communication network in response to a customer order; and providing to the customer a player program for accessing and metering access to the received data files. The enabling can be for the selected electronic files to be transmitted in encrypted form, and providing with the player program means for decrypting the received data files. The invention also provides a process for playing electronic media using the method described above wherein the authorization is for a predetermined length of time, the method further including activating the player program; monitoring elapsed time; and inhibiting operation of the player program when the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period. The monitoring can be only during the accessing of the received data files. The inhibiting can be suppressed until the end of a currently accessed data file. The monitoring can be of calendar time, in which case the monitoring optionally commences only upon accessing of data of the received data files. Also, the inhibiting can be suppressed until the end of a currently accessed data file. | 20050509 | 20110125 | 20050825 | 60232.0 | 1 | ALAM, SHAHID AL | RECHARGEABLE MEDIA DISTRIBUTION AND PLAY SYSTEM | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,908,410 | ACCEPTED | Variable Size Coil Tubing Gripping Elements | A variable ram for coiled tubing comprises a pair of opposing rams, each ram having a ram body with a vertical channel formed therein; a pair of opposing pins within each ram head, the pins extending into the channel; and a toothed gripper having a hole therein sized to mount over its respective pin. | 1. A variable ram for coiled tubing comprising: a. a pair of opposing rams, each ram having a ram body with a vertical channel formed therein; b. a pair of opposing pins within each ram body, the pins extending into the channel; and c. a first toothed gripper having a well therein sized to mount over one of the pair of pins and a second toothed gripper having a well therein sized to mount over the other of the pair of pins. 2. The ram of claim 1, wherein the first and second grippers are retained on their respective pins by abutting engagement between the first and second grippers. 3. The ram of claim 1, wherein the first and second grippers are loosely mounted on their respective pins. 4. The ram of claim 1, wherein the first and second grippers are adapted to accommodate the outside diameter of coiled tubing at either end of a transition zone. 5. The ram of claim 1, wherein the first and second grippers each rotate about a respective vertical axis centered on an end of its respective pin. 6. A method of gripping a tube through a blowout preventer, comprising the steps of: a. loosely mounting a pair of opposing gripper elements, each gripper mounted on the head of its respective pin; b. inserting a tubular through the blowout preventer; and c. pressing the loosely mounted pair of opposing gripper elements against the tubular so that the gripper elements grip around the tubular. 7. A variable, gripping slip ram for coiled tubing comprising: a. a pair of opposing rams, each ram having a ram body with a vertical channel formed therein; and b. at least two grippers loosely held within the vertical channel and adapted to grip a range of sizes of tubes within the ram. | This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/509,795 filed Oct. 9, 2003 and PCT Application Ser. No. PCT/US04/032792 filed Oct. 5, 2004. This is the National Phase filing of the PCT application. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of blowout preventers for tubing, and, more particularly, to a slip ram in a blowout preventer adapted to accommodate tubing which tapers or otherwise varies in its outside diameter. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of blowout preventers in drilling, completion, workover, and production of oil and gas wells is well known. Such blowout preventers generally include a housing with a bore extending through the housing. Opposed chambers extend laterally on either side of the bore in the housing and communicate with the bore. Rams within the chambers are connected to rods that are supported for moving the rams inwardly into the bore to close off the bore. This action divides the bore into a zone above the rams and a zone below the rams. The rods also serve to retract outwardly from the bore to open the bore. Various types of rams may be employed such as those which engage circumferentially around a pipe or tubular member for sealing engagement with the tube or pipe, while others are provided with cutting surfaces for shearing tubular members or cables which extend through the bore of the blowout preventer. Blowout preventers (BOPs) are also commonly used in coiled tubing systems. Such BOPs provide a means of holding the tubing and isolating the well bore pressure during a variety of conditions, including emergencies. The configuration of the BOP rams and sideport facility allows well-control operations to be conducted under a variety of conditions. Newer blowout preventers include four sets of rams, which may be referred to herein as a “Quad BOP”. The system comprises a set of four stacked elements, each with a different function. Blind rams are shut when there is no tubing or tool string extending through the body of the BOP. Shear rams are designed to close on and cut through the tubing. Slip rams close on and hold the tubing, ideally without damaging the surface of the piping or other tubular member. Finally, pipe rams seal around the tubing when it is in place. Each of the rams should only be actuated when the tubing is stationary; otherwise, damage to either the BOP or the tubing is likely. Of the four types of rams just described, the present invention is directed to the slip ram type for use with tubing. As previously explained, a slip ram closes onto a tubular, and in the case of the present invention, closes on and holds tubing. Slip segments to grip and suspend coiled tubing are well known and widely used in coiled tubing applications. The slips are typically installed in a set of rams. The slips are most often made in two pieces, one piece in each ram, with gripper teeth on the semi circle resulting in near 360 degrees coverage of the coiled tubing diameter. The gripper section is machined to a specific inside diameter to match the outside diameter of the coiled tubing. This system works reasonably well as long as the coiled tubing is of a constant diameter. Over-worked coiled tubing may become undersized, oversized, or out of round, all of which reduce, or negate the effectiveness of the slip segment gripper teeth. Furthermore, recent innovations have provided tubing which has a substantially constant inside diameter, but a substantially constantly increasing outside diameter, so that the tubing presents a tapered aspect in its outside diameter. Development of such a tapered outside diameter coiled tubing renders the gripping system with a set diameter unworkable. In other words, with a first length of tubing through the slip ram, a relatively small diameter of tubing must be accommodated by the slip ram. However, with a longer length of tubing down hole, a larger diameter of tubing must be grasped and held. Current structures of slip rams offer a set diameter of the ram, provided in equal halves on either side of the tubular, and this is incapable of accommodating the varying diameter of tubing which is presented to the slip ram, if the outside diameter of the tubing varies with length. It is believed that the prior art has failed to solve, or even address this problem. In summary, as coiled tubing technology has advanced, the need to go deeper has also advanced. Inherent problems with increased depth are many, included among these is increased tubing string weight. One method of reducing string weight is to use different sizes of coiled tubing joined together. Therefore the need arises to be able to perform all of the conventional pressure control methods, one of which, and the subject of this invention, is to grip and hold the variable size tubing, including the transition zone. The present invention addresses this need in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a gripping element that is arranged in opposing pairs and is held within the confines of a conventional coil tubing ram to grip and hold variable sized coil tubing. Typically, the transition zone between smaller (lower) and the larger (upper) tubing elements is on the order of eight feet which creates a taper over this distance. The design of the gripping elements allows a contact patch of sufficient size to be employed over any portion of the variable sized coiled tubing string. The elements which make up each pair are pinned relatively loosely to a ram body so that the pair acting in concert can accommodate a range of outside diameters of the tubing through the ram. These and other features and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. FIG. 1 is an elevation section view of an actuator and coiled tubing slip ram constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top section view of a slip ram with one gripper element shown. FIG. 3 is a top section view of the slip ram of FIG. 1, with the gripper around a smaller section of coiled tubing. FIG. 4 is a top view of four gripper elements of this invention. FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a ram showing the mounting of gripper elements. FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a ram from the side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 illustrates the slip of the present invention in its intended environment. An actuator 10 includes a cylinder body 12 enclosing a cylinder chamber 14 having a piston 16 therein. A close port 18 directs hydraulic fluid pressure to one side of the piston to close the ram, and an open port 20 directs hydraulic fluid pressure to the other side of the piston to open the ram. The piston 16 connects to a rod 22 which terminates at a flange 24 which connects to a slip 26 of this invention, shown and described below in greater detail. The slip 26 moves within a body 28 of a blowout preventer which is aligned along a center axis 30. It is to be understood that a similar slip (not shown in FIG. 1) is positioned opposite the slip 26 to enclose a coiled tubing 32 passing through the blowout preventer. Upon actuation, the slip 26 closes in around the coiled tubing 32 in a manner to be described below. FIG. 2 illustrates a variable gripper element 33 of this invention. The gripper element comprises a ram body 34 which includes an opening 36 to receive the flange 24 at the end of the rod 22, as shown in FIG. 1. The ram body 34 has a first hole 38 and a second hole 40 formed therein. The first hole 38 receives a first pin 42 and the second hole receives a second pin 44. The pins 42 and 44 extend into a vertical channel 46. A toothed gripper 48 is loosely mounted onto the pin 42 and positioned within the channel 46. A complementary toothed gripper 48 is mounted on the pin 44 and abutting contact between the grippers keeps them within the channel. The gripper 48 defines a well 49 which is large in relation to a head 51 on the pin 42 so that the gripper is free to conform to a range of sizes of tubing. Since the gripper is loosely mounted, a smaller coiled tubing, such as that shown in FIG. 3, causes the toothed gripper to rotate back into the channel 46, effectively closing around the coiled tubing. In this way, the slip of the present invention is capable of accommodating the outside diameter of coiled tubing at either end of a transition zone. This is because the each of the grippers rotates about a vertical axis defined by its respective pin head. FIG. 4 shows a set of four toothed grippers, numbered 48, 50, 52, and 54. Grippers 48 and 50 act together, and grippers 52 and 54 act together to collapse in around a coiled tubing. Each of the gripper has a well 49 (See FIG. 2) formed therein to receive its respective pin. Finally, note now particularly FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 provides a face-on view of a ram body 34 with the grippers 48 and 50 closed in abutting engagement just enough to enclose a tubing inserted between them. Sufficient play is provided by mounting the grippers loosely on pins 38 and 40, all within the channel 46, as shown in FIG. 6. The principles, preferred embodiment, and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. This invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, since these are regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Moreover, variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The use of blowout preventers in drilling, completion, workover, and production of oil and gas wells is well known. Such blowout preventers generally include a housing with a bore extending through the housing. Opposed chambers extend laterally on either side of the bore in the housing and communicate with the bore. Rams within the chambers are connected to rods that are supported for moving the rams inwardly into the bore to close off the bore. This action divides the bore into a zone above the rams and a zone below the rams. The rods also serve to retract outwardly from the bore to open the bore. Various types of rams may be employed such as those which engage circumferentially around a pipe or tubular member for sealing engagement with the tube or pipe, while others are provided with cutting surfaces for shearing tubular members or cables which extend through the bore of the blowout preventer. Blowout preventers (BOPs) are also commonly used in coiled tubing systems. Such BOPs provide a means of holding the tubing and isolating the well bore pressure during a variety of conditions, including emergencies. The configuration of the BOP rams and sideport facility allows well-control operations to be conducted under a variety of conditions. Newer blowout preventers include four sets of rams, which may be referred to herein as a “Quad BOP”. The system comprises a set of four stacked elements, each with a different function. Blind rams are shut when there is no tubing or tool string extending through the body of the BOP. Shear rams are designed to close on and cut through the tubing. Slip rams close on and hold the tubing, ideally without damaging the surface of the piping or other tubular member. Finally, pipe rams seal around the tubing when it is in place. Each of the rams should only be actuated when the tubing is stationary; otherwise, damage to either the BOP or the tubing is likely. Of the four types of rams just described, the present invention is directed to the slip ram type for use with tubing. As previously explained, a slip ram closes onto a tubular, and in the case of the present invention, closes on and holds tubing. Slip segments to grip and suspend coiled tubing are well known and widely used in coiled tubing applications. The slips are typically installed in a set of rams. The slips are most often made in two pieces, one piece in each ram, with gripper teeth on the semi circle resulting in near 360 degrees coverage of the coiled tubing diameter. The gripper section is machined to a specific inside diameter to match the outside diameter of the coiled tubing. This system works reasonably well as long as the coiled tubing is of a constant diameter. Over-worked coiled tubing may become undersized, oversized, or out of round, all of which reduce, or negate the effectiveness of the slip segment gripper teeth. Furthermore, recent innovations have provided tubing which has a substantially constant inside diameter, but a substantially constantly increasing outside diameter, so that the tubing presents a tapered aspect in its outside diameter. Development of such a tapered outside diameter coiled tubing renders the gripping system with a set diameter unworkable. In other words, with a first length of tubing through the slip ram, a relatively small diameter of tubing must be accommodated by the slip ram. However, with a longer length of tubing down hole, a larger diameter of tubing must be grasped and held. Current structures of slip rams offer a set diameter of the ram, provided in equal halves on either side of the tubular, and this is incapable of accommodating the varying diameter of tubing which is presented to the slip ram, if the outside diameter of the tubing varies with length. It is believed that the prior art has failed to solve, or even address this problem. In summary, as coiled tubing technology has advanced, the need to go deeper has also advanced. Inherent problems with increased depth are many, included among these is increased tubing string weight. One method of reducing string weight is to use different sizes of coiled tubing joined together. Therefore the need arises to be able to perform all of the conventional pressure control methods, one of which, and the subject of this invention, is to grip and hold the variable size tubing, including the transition zone. The present invention addresses this need in the art. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a gripping element that is arranged in opposing pairs and is held within the confines of a conventional coil tubing ram to grip and hold variable sized coil tubing. Typically, the transition zone between smaller (lower) and the larger (upper) tubing elements is on the order of eight feet which creates a taper over this distance. The design of the gripping elements allows a contact patch of sufficient size to be employed over any portion of the variable sized coiled tubing string. The elements which make up each pair are pinned relatively loosely to a ram body so that the pair acting in concert can accommodate a range of outside diameters of the tubing through the ram. These and other features and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. | 20050511 | 20070918 | 20061116 | 98919.0 | E21B2300 | 0 | ANDREWS, DAVID L | VARIABLE SIZE COIL TUBING GRIPPING ELEMENTS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | E21B | 2,005 |
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10,908,491 | ACCEPTED | NON-CONTINUOUS ENCAPSULATION LAYER FOR MIM CAPACITOR | The present invention relates to metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors and field effect transistors (FETs) formed on a semiconductor substrate. The FETs are formed in Front End of Line (FEOL) levels below the MIM capacitors which are formed in upper Back End of Line (BEOL) levels. An insulator layer is selectively formed to encapsulate at least a top plate of the MIM capacitor to protect the MIM capacitor from damage due to process steps such as, for example, reactive ion etching. By selective formation of the insulator layer on the MIM capacitor, openings in the inter-level dielectric layers are provided so that hydrogen and/or deuterium diffusion to the FETs can occur. | 1. A semiconductor structure comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of levels formed thereupon; a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor formed on an inter-level dielectric layer in a first of the plurality of levels; and an insulator layer selectively formed on said MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are insulator layer-free and provide a path for diffusion of hydrogen and/or deuterium. 2. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein said MIM capacitor comprises a bottom metal plate formed on the inter-level dielectric layer, a capacitor dielectric layer on the bottom metal plate and a top plate on the capacitor dielectric layer. 3. The semiconductor structure of claim 2, wherein said insulator layer encapsulates the top metal plate and the capacitor dielectric layer. 4. The semiconductor structure of claim 2, wherein edge portions of said insulator layer are self-aligned to respective edge portions of the bottom metal plate. 5. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein said insulator layer comprises silicon nitride. 6. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the inter-level dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide. 7. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein a second of the plurality of levels is located between an upper surface of the substrate and the first of the plurality of levels, the second of the plurality of levels comprises a field effect transistor (FET) formed thereupon. 8. The semiconductor structure of claim 7, wherein said portions provide a path for diffusion of hydrogen and/or deuterium to the FET. 9. An integrated circuit comprising: a substrate comprising a lower level including a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs) and an upper level; a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor formed on an inter-level dielectric layer in the upper level; and a silicon nitride layer selectively encapsulating a portion of the MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are silicon nitride layer-free, said silicon nitride layer-free portions allow hydrogen and/or deuterium to diffuse to the FETs. 10. The integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein the MIM capacitor comprises a bottom metal plate adjacent the inter-level dielectric, a capacitor dielectric layer on the bottom metal plate and a top plate on the capacitor dielectric layer. 11. The integrated circuit of claim 10, wherein said silicon nitride layer encapsulates the top metal plate. 12. The integrated circuit of claim 11, wherein said silicon nitride layer encapsulates the capacitor dielectric layer. 13. The integrated circuit of claim 12 wherein said silicon nitride layer encapsulates a portion of the bottom metal plate. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional application of non-provisional U.S. application Ser. No. 10/709,133, filed Apr. 15, 2004, now allowed. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1.Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to semiconductors and, more particularly, to metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors for integrated circuits. 2. Background of the Invention The integration of MIM capacitors and field effect transistors (FETs) on an integrated circuit are important because analog circuits usually require precision capacitors as well as transistors. The on-chip integration of MIM capacitors, FETs, and other devices reduces the cost associated with fabricating integrated circuits. Semiconductor capacitors are prone to dielectric damage during fabrication that lead to reliability fails due to dielectric breakdown. For example, a MIM capacitor can have a reliability sensitivity to the etch of the inter-level dielectric (ILD) for the vias used to contact the top plate of the MIM capacitor. The integration of high performance inductors with MIM capacitors on a semiconductor chip is done in part with relatively large, tall vias in the inter-level dielectric above the MIM capacitor, which results in prolonged exposure of the MIM capacitor to the via etch. To reduce the exposure of the top plate to the prolonged via etch, an insulator layer such as, for example, silicon nitride, is formed covering the entire substrate including the top plate of the capacitor and the inter-level dielectric. Referring to FIG. 1, a substrate 10 is provided upon which front-end-of-line (FEOL) levels 20 including semiconductor structures such as, for example, FETs (not shown) and inter-level dielectric layer 25 are formed. Back-end-of-line levels 30 are subsequently formed upon the FEOL levels 20, and include semiconductor structures such as, for example, interconnect 35 and MIM capacitor 40. Conventionally, MIM capacitor 40 is formed on inter-level dielectric layer 25 by depositing a bottom metal layer 45, a portion of which forms a bottom metal plate of the MIM capacitor and another portion of which forms an electrical contact area, depositing a dielectric layer 50 on the bottom metal layer 45, and depositing on the dielectric layer 50 a top metal layer 55, a portion of which forms a top metal plate of the MIM capacitor and another portion of which forms an electrical contact area. Over the MIM capacitor, an insulator layer 60 is deposited to cover inter-level dielectric 25, interconnect 35 and MIM capacitor 40. Processing continues with a deposition to form inter-level dielectric 65 and a reactive ion etch to form via 70. The insulator layer 60 acts as an etch stop for the MIM capacitor top plate 55 to prevent exposure to the via etch, thus preventing breakdown of the MIM capacitor dielectric. Although reliability of the capacitor dielectric is improved in conventional MIM capacitor fabrication, it has been observed that the performance of FETs formed on FEOL levels 20 below the insulator layer 60 are degraded. The formation of a MIM capacitor with reduced sensitivity to dielectric damage without degrading the performance of FETs is desired. SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is thus an object of the present invention to provide MIM capacitors with reduced sensitivity to dielectric damage without degrading the performance of FETs in an integrated circuit. The foregoing and other objects of the invention are realized, in a first aspect, by a semiconductor structure comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of levels formed thereupon; a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor formed on an inter-level dielectric layerin a first of the plurality of levels; and an insulator layer selectively formed on said MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are insulator layer-free. Another aspect of the invention is a method of forming a semiconductor structure comprising the steps of: providing a substrate comprising a plurality of levels formed thereupon; forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor on an inter-level dielectric layer in a first of the plurality of levels; and selectively forming an insulator layer on said MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are insulator layer-free. A further aspect of the invention is an integrated circuit comprising: a substrate comprising a lower level including a plurality of field effect transistors and an upper level; a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor formed on an inter-level dielectric layer in the upper level; and a silicon nitride layer selectively encapsulating a portion of the MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are silicon nitride layer-free, said silicon nitride layer-free portions allow hydrogen and/or deuterium to diffuse to the FETs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more apparent upon review of the detailed description of the invention as rendered below. In the description to follow, reference will be made to the several figures of the accompanying Drawing, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional MIM capacitor. FIGS. 2A-E show a MIM capacitor formed according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With the integration of MIM capacitors and FETs on integrated circuit chips, MIM capacitor processing is typically performed in BEOL levels subsequent to FET processing in FEOL levels and, as such, the effect of MIM capacitor processing is not expected to have an effect on FET performance. The inventors have observed that when MIM capacitors and FETs are formed by conventional means such as was described with reference to FIG. 1, the performance of the FETs degraded. For example, it was observed that an increase in threshold voltage shift over time occurred in FETs which were integrated with MIM capacitors in an integrated circuit. It was determined that the shift in threshold voltage was related to the out-diffusion of hydrogen or deuterium from the channel regions of the FETs when MIM capacitors and FETs are formed in an integrated circuit chip. Without the integration of MIM capacitors, FETs formed in FEOL levels are exposed to subsequent processing steps such as, for example, a high temperature anneal in a BEOL level which results in hydrogen or deuterium diffusing through inter-level dielectrics to the FETs. Hydrogen or deuterium which diffuses out of the channel regions of the FETs is replaced by hydrogen or deuterium supplied from the ambient atmosphere (i.e. high temperature anneal). Thus, threshold voltage shifts are avoided since the channel regions of the FETs are not depleted of hydrogen or deuterium. For MIM capacitors formed according to conventional techniques as described with reference to FIG. 1, it has been determined that the etch stop layer (i.e. insulator layer 60) has an effect on the diffusion of hydrogen or deuterium from the ambient atmosphere to the FETs. For example, it has been determined that silicon nitride etch stop layer 60 formed over the entire substrate is a barrier to ambient hydrogen or deuterium diffusion during subsequent anneals. Hydrogen or deuterium is not able to diffuse from the ambient atmosphere to the channel regions of the FETs to replace hydrogen or deuterium which diffuses out of the FET channel regions. The out-diffusion of hydrogen or deuterium causes a loss of passivation in the channel regions, leading to an increase in threshold voltage shift over time due to hot-electron effects. The invention relates to forming MIM capacitors on BEOL levels without degrading the performance of FETs formed on FEOL levels by providing a path for diffusion of hydrogen and/or deuterium from the BEOL levels to the FETs. This is accomplished by selective formation of an insulator layer on the MIM capacitors. A portion of the insulator layer is selectively removed from an inter-level dielectric layer such that ambient hydrogen and/or deuterium may diffuse to the FETs while another portion of the insulator layer remains on the MIM capacitors to prevent damage to the capacitor dielectric caused by etch processes. Referring to FIG. 2A, a substrate 100 is provided upon which FEOL levels 105 are formed by methods known to those skilled in the art. Substrate 100 can be selected from materials such as, for example, silicon or silicon-on-insulator (SOI). FEOL levels 105 comprise semiconductor structures such as, for example, FETs, interconnects and isolation regions (not shown). BEOL levels 110 are subsequently formed upon the FEOL levels 105, and include semiconductor structures such as, for example, inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer 115, and interconnects and MIM capacitors (described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 2B). ILD layer 115 can be formed of known a dielectric material such as, for example, silicon oxide or a low-k dielectric such as SILK (available from Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich.). FIGS. 2B-E show the formation of a MIM capacitor according to the invention. FIG. 2B shows a lower metal layer 120 such as, for example, a layer of aluminum is formed on ILD layer 115 by methods known in the art such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition. Aluminum layer 120 is subsequently patterned and etched as described hereinafter to provide the bottom plate of a MIM capacitor and interconnects. A capacitor dielectric 125 such as, for example, silicon oxide or silicon nitride is formed on aluminum layer 120. A top metal plate 130 such as, for example, titanium nitride (TiN) is formed on the capacitor dielectric 125. The capacitor dielectric 125 and the top metal plate 130 are defined using, for example, known photolithographic and etch processes. An insulator layer 135 is then formed as shown in FIG. 2C using a known process such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition, sputter deposition or physical vapor deposition. Insulator layer 135 comprises a material which has a lower etch rate than ILD layer 115 during a subsequent via etch process. For example, when an oxide ILD layer 115 is utilized, a preferred material for use as insulator layer 135 is silicon nitride. Referring to FIG. 2D, a photoresist layer 140 is patterned using known photolithographic processes. Exposed portions of aluminum layer 120 and silicon nitride layer 135 are removed by known etch processes such as, for example, a reactive ion etching to form the bottom plate 145 of MIM capacitor 150 and interconnects 155 as shown in FIG. 2E. Silicon nitride layer 135 encapsulates a portion of MIM capacitor 150 including capacitor dielectric 125 and top metal plate 130, and also remains on the upper surface of the interconnects 155, which is of no consequence. However, the silicon nitride layer 135 is removed from all other regions of the substrate resulting in openings 160 which are permeable to hydrogen and/or deuterium diffusion. Processing continues with a subsequent inter-level dielectric deposition and formation of via studs in the ILD level (not shown). The silicon nitride layer 135 acts as an etch stop for the top metal plate 130 to prevent exposure of the top metal plate 130 to the via etch. By selectively forming openings 160 during MIM capacitor 150 processing in the BEOL levels 110 according to the invention, ambient hydrogen and/or deuterium can diffuse through diffusion paths 165 to FETs formed on FEOL levels 105, and the silicon nitride layer 135 remains on the top plate 130 of the MIM capacitors 150 to prevent damage to capacitor dielectric 125 due to etch processes which are exposed to MIM capacitors 150. For integrated circuit design rules that limit the maximum metal density to, for example, about 70%, at least about 30% of the substrate would include openings 160 which would be permeable to hydrogen and/or deuterium diffusion. The inventors have observed that the performance of FETs improved by incorporating openings 160 in integrated circuits including MIM capacitors and FETs. The invention provides reliable MIM capacitors without degrading the performance of FETs. While the invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the spirit and scope of the invention is not limited thereby. Rather, various modifications may be made to the invention as described above without departing from the overall scope of the invention as described above and as set forth in the several claims appended hereto. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>1.Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to semiconductors and, more particularly, to metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors for integrated circuits. 2. Background of the Invention The integration of MIM capacitors and field effect transistors (FETs) on an integrated circuit are important because analog circuits usually require precision capacitors as well as transistors. The on-chip integration of MIM capacitors, FETs, and other devices reduces the cost associated with fabricating integrated circuits. Semiconductor capacitors are prone to dielectric damage during fabrication that lead to reliability fails due to dielectric breakdown. For example, a MIM capacitor can have a reliability sensitivity to the etch of the inter-level dielectric (ILD) for the vias used to contact the top plate of the MIM capacitor. The integration of high performance inductors with MIM capacitors on a semiconductor chip is done in part with relatively large, tall vias in the inter-level dielectric above the MIM capacitor, which results in prolonged exposure of the MIM capacitor to the via etch. To reduce the exposure of the top plate to the prolonged via etch, an insulator layer such as, for example, silicon nitride, is formed covering the entire substrate including the top plate of the capacitor and the inter-level dielectric. Referring to FIG. 1 , a substrate 10 is provided upon which front-end-of-line (FEOL) levels 20 including semiconductor structures such as, for example, FETs (not shown) and inter-level dielectric layer 25 are formed. Back-end-of-line levels 30 are subsequently formed upon the FEOL levels 20 , and include semiconductor structures such as, for example, interconnect 35 and MIM capacitor 40 . Conventionally, MIM capacitor 40 is formed on inter-level dielectric layer 25 by depositing a bottom metal layer 45 , a portion of which forms a bottom metal plate of the MIM capacitor and another portion of which forms an electrical contact area, depositing a dielectric layer 50 on the bottom metal layer 45 , and depositing on the dielectric layer 50 a top metal layer 55 , a portion of which forms a top metal plate of the MIM capacitor and another portion of which forms an electrical contact area. Over the MIM capacitor, an insulator layer 60 is deposited to cover inter-level dielectric 25 , interconnect 35 and MIM capacitor 40 . Processing continues with a deposition to form inter-level dielectric 65 and a reactive ion etch to form via 70 . The insulator layer 60 acts as an etch stop for the MIM capacitor top plate 55 to prevent exposure to the via etch, thus preventing breakdown of the MIM capacitor dielectric. Although reliability of the capacitor dielectric is improved in conventional MIM capacitor fabrication, it has been observed that the performance of FETs formed on FEOL levels 20 below the insulator layer 60 are degraded. The formation of a MIM capacitor with reduced sensitivity to dielectric damage without degrading the performance of FETs is desired. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>It is thus an object of the present invention to provide MIM capacitors with reduced sensitivity to dielectric damage without degrading the performance of FETs in an integrated circuit. The foregoing and other objects of the invention are realized, in a first aspect, by a semiconductor structure comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of levels formed thereupon; a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor formed on an inter-level dielectric layerin a first of the plurality of levels; and an insulator layer selectively formed on said MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are insulator layer-free. Another aspect of the invention is a method of forming a semiconductor structure comprising the steps of: providing a substrate comprising a plurality of levels formed thereupon; forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor on an inter-level dielectric layer in a first of the plurality of levels; and selectively forming an insulator layer on said MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are insulator layer-free. A further aspect of the invention is an integrated circuit comprising: a substrate comprising a lower level including a plurality of field effect transistors and an upper level; a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor formed on an inter-level dielectric layer in the upper level; and a silicon nitride layer selectively encapsulating a portion of the MIM capacitor, wherein portions of the inter-level dielectric layer are silicon nitride layer-free, said silicon nitride layer-free portions allow hydrogen and/or deuterium to diffuse to the FETs. | 20050513 | 20080205 | 20050901 | 71637.0 | 0 | WARREN, MATTHEW E | NON-CONTINUOUS ENCAPSULATION LAYER FOR MIM CAPACITOR | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,908,565 | ACCEPTED | MANAGING LOCATION INFORMATION FOR A GROUP OF USERS | A user designated as a group leader of a group of users manages location information for the group of users using a base device. In particular, a client device is identified for each user in the group of users and an area within which each user in the group of users is to remain is defined. Subsequently, the base device can obtain location information for the client device(s) and process the location information for use by the group leader. For example, the base device can display the current location of one or more users, display the relative location of one or more users with respect to the group leader, and/or determine if one or more users are outside of the area. The group leader can then coordinate the group by communicating with one or more users in the group. In this manner, the group leader can make more informed decisions about the status of each group member and more efficiently coordinate the re-grouping and/or movement of the group of users. | 1. A method of managing location information for a group of users, the method comprising: obtaining a base device, wherein the base device is used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader; identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and processing the location information on the base device for use by the group leader. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising initializing a tracking session for the set of client devices and the base device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the area is defined as a maximum radius from the group leader. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising overriding the defined area for at least one of the group of users, wherein the at least one of the group of users is allowed to leave the area. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the obtaining location information step includes: requesting location information for at least one of the set of client devices; and receiving location information from the at least one of the set of client devices. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the obtaining location information step further includes defining an update period, wherein the requesting and receiving steps are periodically performed for each of the set of client devices based on the update period. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: requesting location information for the base device from a location identification system; receiving the location information for the base device from the location identification system; and providing the location information for the base device for processing by at least one of the set of client devices. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a request to one of the set of client devices for the corresponding user to move to a location of the group leader. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining that one of the client devices is outside the area. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a help request from one of the client devices. 11. A computer-readable medium for enabling a computer infrastructure to manage location information for a group of users, the computer-readable medium comprising computer program code for performing the method steps of claim 1. 12. A method of managing location information for a group of users on a base device used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader, the method comprising: identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein the area comprises a maximum radius from the group leader and wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; defining an update period; and periodically obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices based on the update period. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining whether one of the client devices is outside the area based on the location information for the one of the client devices; and generating an alarm when one of the client devices is outside the area. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising periodically obtaining location information for the base device, wherein the determining step is further based on the location information for the base device. 15. A system for managing location information for a group of users, the system comprising: a base device used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader, the base device including: means for identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; means for defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; means for obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and means for processing the location information. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the base device further includes means for overriding the defined area for at least one of the group of users. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the base device further includes: means for requesting location information from a location identification system; means for receiving the location information from the location identification system; and means for providing the location information for processing by at least one of the set of client devices. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the base device further includes means for determining that one of the client devices is outside the area. 19. The system of claim 15, further comprising at least one client device including: means for requesting location information from a location identification system; means for receiving the location information from the location identification system; and means for providing the location information for processing by the base device. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one client device further includes: means for generating a help request; and means for providing the help request for processing by the base device. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field The invention relates generally to monitoring the locations of a group of users, and more particularly, to an improved solution for managing location information for the group of users. 2. Related Art Frequently, when a group of individuals visit a relatively large location, such as an amusement park, a business convention, a shopping mall, or the like, the group will split up and move about the location according to each individual's particular interests. As a result, the group will often set a predetermined time and/or location at which to meet. However, often, one or more members of the group may not arrive at the location and the group must spend time and effort in locating these individuals. To locate an individual, a mobile telephone can be used to talk to the individual and determine his/her location. However, in order to change a rendezvous time and/or location for the entire group, a telephone call will be required for each individual in the group. When use of a mobile telephone is not available/desired, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device can be used to locate an individual. For example, a family can rent an RFID device from an amusement park and pin it to a child. When the child is lost, detection of the RFID device at one or more RFID hot spots located in the amusement park can be enabled. Once the RFID device is detected, the parent(s) can be notified, and the area searched for the child. These solutions have several limitations. For example, there is no ability for one member of the group (e.g., a group leader) to easily monitor the location of the other members of the group and/or members of the group to determine the location of the group leader. Further, when two-way communication is possible, it is limited to two group members and each individual will need to describe his/her location, which may be difficult in an unfamiliar environment. As a result, these solutions fail to provide a comprehensive solution for determining when a member of the group moves beyond an allowed area and/or for changing a rendezvous location. As the size of a group increases (e.g., a tour group), the effort required to locate one or more missing group members and/or change a pre-determined arrangement increases substantially. As a result, the group leader may not make any effort to locate missing member(s) and/or change the arrangement. In light of the above, a need exists for an improved solution for managing location information for a group of users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a solution for managing location information for a group of users, in which a user designated as a group leader of the group manages the location information using a base device. In particular, a client device is identified for each user in the group of users and an area within which each user in the group of users is to remain is defined. Subsequently, the base device can obtain location information for the client device(s) and process the location information for use by the group leader. For example, the base device can display the current location of one or more users, display the relative location of one or more users with respect to the group leader, and/or determine if one or more users are outside of the area. Additionally, the group leader can coordinate the group by communicating with one or more users in the group. In this manner, the group leader can make more informed decisions about the status of each group member and more efficiently coordinate the re-grouping and/or movement of the group of users. A first aspect of the invention provides a method of managing location information for a group of users, the method comprising: obtaining a base device, wherein the base device is used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader; identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and processing the location information on the base device for use by the group leader. A second aspect of the invention provides a method of managing location information for a group of users on a base device used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader, the method comprising: identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein the area comprises a maximum radius from the group leader and wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; defining an update period; and periodically obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices based on the update period. A third aspect of the invention provides a system for managing location information for a group of users, the system comprising: a base device used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader, the base device including: means for identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; means for defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; means for obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and means for processing the location information. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a computer-readable medium that includes computer program code that enable a computer infrastructure to perform a method of managing location information for a group of users, the method comprising: identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and processing the location information. A fifth aspect of the invention provides a computer-readable medium that includes computer program code to enable a computer infrastructure to manage location information for a group of users. A sixth aspect of the invention provides a business method for managing location information for a group of users. A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of generating a system for managing location information for a group of users. The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve the problems herein described and other problems not discussed, which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the invention, in which: FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system for managing location information for a group of users; FIG. 2 shows an illustrative system for obtaining location information; FIG. 3 shows illustrative method steps for managing location information; FIG. 4 shows illustrative method steps for obtaining location information; and FIG. 5 shows illustrative steps for processing location information. It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION As indicated above, the invention provides a solution for managing location information for a group of users, in which a user designated as a group leader of the group manages the location information using a base device. In particular, a client device is identified for each user in the group of users and an area within which each user in the group of users is to remain is defined. Subsequently, the base device can obtain location information for the client device(s) and process the location information for use by the group leader. For example, the base device can display the current location of one or more users, display the relative location of one or more users with respect to the group leader, and/or determine if one or more users are outside of the area. Additionally, the group leader can coordinate the group by communicating with one or more users in the group. In this manner, the group leader can make more informed decisions about the status of each group member and more efficiently coordinate the re-grouping and/or movement of the group of users. Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system 10 for managing location information (info.) 50 for a group of users 52A-B. To this extent, system 10 includes a computer infrastructure 12 that can perform the various process steps described herein for managing location information 50. In particular, computer infrastructure 12 is shown including a base device 14 that comprises a base location system 30, which enables base device 14 to manage location information 50 by performing the process steps of the invention. Base device 14 is shown including a processor 20, a memory 22A, an input/output (I/O) interface 24, and a bus 26. Further, base device 14 is shown in communication with an external I/O device/resource 28 and a storage system 22B. As is known in the art, in general, processor 20 executes computer program code, such as base location system 30, that is stored in memory 22A and/or storage system 22B. While executing computer program code, processor 20 can read and/or write data, such as location information 50, to/from memory 22A, storage system 22B, and/or I/O interface 24. Bus 26 provides a communication link between each of the components in base device 14. I/O device 28 can comprise any device that enables group leader 52A to interact with base device 14 or any device that enables base device 14 to communicate with one or more other computing devices, such as client device 16. In any event, base device 14 can comprise any general purpose computing article of manufacture capable of executing computer program code installed by a user, such as group leader 52A (e.g., a personal computer, server, handheld device, etc.). However, it is understood that base device 14 and base location system 30 are only representative of various possible equivalent computing devices that may perform the various process steps of the invention. To this extent, in other embodiments, base device 14 can comprise any specific purpose computing article of manufacture comprising hardware and/or computer program code for performing specific functions, any computing article of manufacture that comprises a combination of specific purpose and general purpose hardware/software, or the like. In each case, the program code and hardware can be created using standard programming and engineering techniques, respectively. Similarly, computer infrastructure 12 is only illustrative of various types of computer infrastructures for implementing the invention. For example, in one embodiment, computer infrastructure 12 comprises two or more computing devices that communicate over any type of wired and/or wireless communications link, such as a network, a shared memory, or the like, to perform the various process steps of the invention. When the communications link comprises a network, the network can comprise any combination of one or more types of networks (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a virtual private network, etc.). Regardless, communications between the computing devices may utilize any combination of various types of transmission techniques. To this extent, computer infrastructure 12 can further comprise a client device 16. Client device 16 is shown in communication with base device 14 over a communications link 18. As discussed above, communications link 18 can comprise any combination of various types of communications links as is known in the art. In one embodiment, client device 16 comprises a computing device that is in communication with base device 14 over a wireless local area network (LAN), a cellular network, or the like. Regardless, it is understood that client device 16 can comprise the same components (processor, memory, I/O interface, etc.) as shown for base device 14. These components have not been separately shown and discussed for brevity. As previously mentioned and discussed further below, base location system 30 enables computing infrastructure 12 to manage location information 50 for a group of users 52A-B. To this extent, base location system 30 is shown including a location system 32A for obtaining location information 50 for base device 14, a session system 34 for initializing a tracking session, an area system 36 for defining an area for the group, a processing system 38 for processing location information 38, and a coordination system 40 for enabling group leader 52A to coordinate the group. Operation of each of these systems is discussed further below. However, it is understood that some of the various systems shown in FIG. 1 can be implemented independently, combined, and/or stored in memory for one or more separate computing devices that communicate over a network. Further, it is understood that some of the systems and/or functionality may not be implemented, or additional systems and/or functionality may be included as part of system 10. Regardless, the invention provides a solution for managing location information 50 for a group (two or more) of users 52A-B. In particular, one user 52A of the group of users is designated as a group leader 52A. Group leader 52A can comprise any entity, for example, an individual that is designated to be responsible for all users 52A-B in the group. For example, group leader 52A can comprise a parent, a chaperone, a high-ranking officer, or the like. In any event, group leader 52A manages location information 50 for the group of users 52A-B on base device 14. As discussed above, base device 14 can comprise any type of computing device. In one embodiment, base device 14 can comprise an off-the-shelf handheld computing device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, or the like. Base device 14 can be obtained by group leader 52A by, for example, installing base location system 30 onto the handheld computing device. Group leader 52A can use base device 14 to communicate with and/or obtain location information 50 for each user 52B in the group. To this extent, each user 52B uses a client device 16 that is in communication with base device 14. Similar to base device 14, each client device 16 can comprise an off-the-shelf handheld computing device such as a mobile telephone, or other wireless communications device. Each client device 16 includes a client location system 42 that provides the necessary functionality for obtaining location information 50 about user 52B and communicating with base device 14. Base location system 30 and client location system 42 are both shown including location systems 32A-B, respectively. Location systems 32A-B obtain location information 50 for the corresponding device 14, 16. For example, FIG. 2 shows an illustrative system for obtaining location information 50 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, base device 14 and each client device 16A-B can obtain location information 50 (FIG. 1) from a location identification system 60. In one embodiment, location identification system 60 comprises a global positioning system (GPS) and location systems 32A-B (FIG. 1) comprise systems that can obtain information from the GPS. In this case, each location system 32A-B can send a request for location information 50 for the corresponding device 14, 16A-B to location identification system 60. Location identification system 60 can determine the location information 50 (e.g., longitude, latitude, etc.) and provide it in a response that is received by the location system 32A-B for the corresponding device 14, 16A-B. Regardless, it is understood that location systems 32A-B could be implemented apart from base location system 30 (FIG. 1) and/or client location system 42 (FIG. 1). For example, location systems 32A-B could comprise standard functionality for base device 14 and/or client devices 16A-B. Further, it is understood that GPS is merely illustrative of various systems that could be used to obtain location information for base device 14 and/or client devices 16A-B. In any event, FIG. 3 shows illustrative method steps for managing location information 50 (FIG. 1), which can be implemented by the various systems of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in order to manage location information 50 for users 52A-B, in step S1 of FIG. 3, base device 14 can identify each client device 16. To this extent, base device 14 is shown including a session system 34, which can identify a set (one or more) of client devices 16 for which location information 50 will be managed. In one embodiment, group leader 52A can provide contact information for each client device 16 to session system 34. Alternatively, session system 34 can send a generic query for client devices 16 to identify themselves. In response, each client device 16 can respond to the query with contact information for the corresponding client device 16. It is understood that any solution for limiting the possible client devices 16 can be used. For example, base location system 30 can send encrypted messages that only client location systems 42 having a corresponding private key or the like can read. Once identified, group leader 52A can further provide a user-friendly identification for each client device 16. For example, group leader 52A can enter a name of the user 52B that is using the corresponding client device 16. Subsequently, various interfaces provided to group leader 52A can use the user-friendly identification to identify each device 16. In step S2 of FIG. 3, session system 34 can further initialize a tracking session for the set of client devices 16 and base device 14. In one embodiment, session system 34 generates a unique session identifier for the tracking session that is used in all messages sent between base device 14 and client device(s) 16. For example, session system 34 could generate the session identifier by concatenating a serial number of base device 14 with a time stamp for the start of the initialization. Further, session system 34 can use a unique identifier for each client device 16. For example, session system 34 could assign a unique sequence number to each client device 16. To this extent, session system 34 can communicate the session identifier and unique sequence number to each client device 16 as part of the initialization of the tracking session. Subsequently, when base device 14 desires to communicate with all client devices 16, the session identifier is included in the message, and when base device 14 desires to communicate with a particular client device 16, the session identifier and corresponding sequence number are included in the message. In step S3 of FIG. 3, group leader 52A can further define an area within which each user 52A-B in the group of users 52A-B is to remain. To this extent, base location system 30 is shown including an area system 36 for defining the area. For example, when users 52A-B are visiting a particular geographical location (e.g., an amusement park, mall, or the like), the area can be defined by the geographical location. In this case, group leader 52A can use area system 36 to obtain the area from an external database or the like that includes location information for the geographical location. Alternatively, the area can be defined as a maximum radius from a starting location of the group and/or a maximum radius from the location of group leader 52A. In the latter case, the defined area will change as group leader 52A changes his/her location. As discussed further below, when a user 52B leaves the defined area, base location system 30 can generate an alarm or the like for group leader 52A. However, one or more users 52B could be entitled to leave the defined area without generating an alarm. For example, it may be known that a user 52B will leave the area for a certain time period, a user 52B may be purposefully located outside of the defined area, or the like. To this extent, in step S4 of FIG. 3, group leader 52A can determine if one or more users 52A-B is allowed to leave the defined area. If so, then in step S5, group leader 52A can use area system 36 to override the defined area for the one or more users 52A-B. In particular, group leader 52A could use an interface generated by area system 36 to select the corresponding user(s) 52B that is/are allowed to leave the defined area. For example, returning to FIG. 2, group leader 52A (FIG. 1) may define an area 70 within which client devices 16A-B (and their corresponding users) are to remain. As shown, client device 16B is outside of the defined area 70. In this case, if the defined area 70 has not been overridden for the corresponding user, base device 14 can generate an alarm. Alternatively, if the defined area 70 has been overridden for the corresponding user, then no alarm would be generated. Returning to FIGS. 1 and 3, in step S6 of FIG. 3, location system 32A can obtain location information 50. In particular, location system 32A can obtain location information 50 for each client device 16 and/or base device 14. To this extent, FIG. 4 shows illustrative method steps for obtaining location information, which can be implemented by location system 32A (FIG. 1). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in step L1, location system 32A can define an update period for location information 50. In one embodiment, location system 32A can enable group leader 52A to select a desired update period. Alternatively, location system 32A can use a default update period (e.g., one minute) that may or may not be altered by group leader 52A. In any event, location information 50 can be periodically updated based on the update period. For example, in step L2, location system 32A can request location information 50 from one or more client device(s) 16. Subsequently, in step L3, location system 32A can receive location information 50 from the client device(s) 16 in response to the request. Additionally, as discussed further below, location information 50 for base device 14 may also be desired. To this extent, in step L4, location system 32A can obtain location information 50 for base device 14. For example, as discussed above, base device 14 can request and receive location information 50 from a location identification system 60 (FIG. 2). Further, similar to location information 50 for client device(s) 16, the location information 50 for base device 14 can be periodically obtained based on the update period. In step L5, location system 32A can determine if the update period has expired. If so, then flow can return to step L2 and/or step L4, in which location information 50 is updated. If not, flow can proceed to step L6, in which location system 32A determines if an update of location information 50 has been requested. For example, group leader 52A could use an interface generated by location system 32A to request an update of the location information 50 for base device 14 and/or one or more client device(s) 16. If a request has been received, then flow can return to step L2 and/or step L4 and the requested location information 50 can be obtained. Alternatively, location system 32A can return to step L5 until the update period has expired. Returning to FIGS. 1 and 3, after location information 50 is obtained in step S6, processing system 38 processes the location information 50 in step S7 as discussed further below. In step S8, base location system 30 determines if the tracking session is to continue, and if so, flow can return to step S6, in which location system 32A obtains new location information 50 that is subsequently processed by processing system 38 in step S7. Processing system 38 can process location information 50 for use by group leader 52A on base device 14. To this extent, processing system 38 can perform various operations based on location information 50. For example, FIG. 5 shows illustrative steps for processing location information 50 that can be implemented by processing system 38 (FIG. 1). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in step P1 of FIG. 5, processing system 38 can display location information on a display device for base device 14. In one embodiment, processing system 38 can display the location information 50 for all client devices 16 in a graphical manner. To this extent, location information 50 for base device 14 can be used to generate the display. For example, a location of base device 14 could be used as a center of the graphical area displayed. Similarly, processing system 38 can display location information 50 for a selected client device 16. To this extent, group leader 52A could use an interface or the like generated by processing system 38 to designate a desired client device 16 for which location information 50 is desired. In response, processing system 38 could display a direction and/or distance from base device 14 for the designated client device 16. In any event, in step P2, processing system 38 can determine if one or more client devices 16 are outside of the defined area 70 (FIG. 2). As discussed above, area 70 could be a predetermined area (e.g., area of an amusement park) or a variable area that is based on the location of base device 14 (e.g., maximum radius from the current location of base device 14). Further, processing system 38 can determine if any client device 16 that is outside the defined area 70 is to remain within the defined area 70. If so, then in step P3, processing system 38 can generate a perimeter alarm. The perimeter alarm can comprise any type of sensory alarm (e.g., visual, audible, vibrating, or the like) that can be used to alert group leader 52A. Further, processing system 38 can display the last known location for the client device 16 that has left the defined area 70. This data can be used by group leader 52A to determine any action that may be required. Still further, processing system 38 could send an alarm message to the client device 16, which could also generate an alarm for the corresponding user 52B. In addition to merely processing location information 50, base location system 30 can include a coordination system 40 that enables group leader 52A to coordinate the actions of each user 52A-B within the group. For example, in response to the perimeter alarm discussed above, in step P4 coordination system 40 can enable group leader 52A to request that the corresponding user 52B return to a predetermined meeting location and/or the location of group leader 52A. If such a request is desired, then in step P5, coordination system 40 can provide such a request to the client device 16 of the user 52B. Alternatively, in step P4, group leader 52A could request that all users 52A-B in the group return to a predetermined location and/or the location of group leader 52A. In this case, in step P5, coordination system 40 can provide the request to all client devices 16. As discussed above, each client device 16 can include a client location system 42 that enables client device 16 to communicate with base device 14 and/or provide any required information for use by the corresponding user 52B. To this extent, client location system 42 is shown including a location system 32B for obtaining location information 50 for the particular client device 16 as discussed above. In addition, location system 32B can provide the location information 50 for processing by base device 14. Still further, location system 32B can request location information 50 for base device 14. In particular, user 52B could use an interface generated by location system 32B to request the current location of group leader 52A (and base device 14). In this case, location system 32A on base device 14 can obtain location information 50 for base device 14 and provide a response to the request that includes the location information 50 for processing by location information 32B, such as display to user 52B. Further, location system 32B can monitor the location of user 52B with respect to the defined area 70 (FIG. 2). In this case, should user 52B leave the defined area 70, location system 32B could generate an alarm for user 52B. Client location system 42 can further include a response system 44, which provides a response to any request/query received from base device 14 that requires the attention of user 52B. For example, group leader 52A could request that user 52B return to a rendezvous location. In this case, response system 44 can generate an interface that enables user 52B to inform group leader 52A of his/her status in returning (e.g., now returning, require five minutes, etc.). Coordination system 40 can provide (e.g., display, play, or the like) this response information for use by group leader 52A. Similarly, when user 52B is outside of the defined area 70 (FIG. 2), coordination system 40 could generate an inquiry to determine why user 52B has left the defined area 70. In this case, response system 44 can enable user 52B to generate an explanation and/or status regarding his/her departure from the defined area 70, which can be provided for use by group leader 52A. Additionally, client location system 42 can comprise a panic system 46 that enables user 52B to generate a request for help or the like. For example, user 52B could become lost and require assistance to return to a rendezvous location, become injured and unable to change location, or the like. In this case, user 52B can generate a help request using panic system 46, which can provide the help request for processing by base device 14. Coordination system 40 can receive the help request, and based on the type of help requested, group leader 52A can use coordination system 40 to provide a response that includes the requested help for use by user 52B, move to the location of user 52B, and/or request assistance from one or more additional individuals in the group to assist user 52B. It is understood that the various features of the invention described herein are only illustrative and various additional features can be included. For example, session system 34 can define one or more subsets of users 52A-B within the group of individuals. Additionally, a subset leader could be designated for each of the subsets of users 52A-B. In this case, group leader 52A could communicate with one or more of the subsets individually, either as a group and/or via the subset leader. Further, the device for each subset leader could comprise a base location system 30 that would enable the subset leader to manage the users 52A-B within the subset in the same manner as the group leader 52A. While shown and described herein as a method and system for managing location information for a group of users, it is understood that the invention further provides various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a computer-readable medium that includes computer program code to enable a computer infrastructure to manage location information for a group of users. To this extent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as base location system 30 (FIG. 1), that implements each of the various process steps of the invention. It is understood that the term “computer-readable medium” comprises one or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. In particular, the computer-readable medium can comprise program code embodied on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture (e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or more data storage portions of a computing device, such as memory 22A (FIG. 1) and/or storage system 22B (FIG. 1) (e.g., a fixed disk, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a cache memory, etc.), and/or as a data signal traveling over a network (e.g., during a wired/wireless electronic distribution of the program code). In another embodiment, the invention provides a business method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as an Internet Service Provider, could offer to manage location information for a group of users as described above. In this case, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc., a computer infrastructure, such as computer infrastructure 12 (FIG. 1), that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers and provides the necessary information to base device 14 (FIG. 1). In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising space to one or more third parties. In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method of generating a system for managing location information for a group of users. In this case, a computer infrastructure, such as computer infrastructure 12 (FIG. 1), can be obtained (e.g., created, maintained, having made available to, etc.) and one or more systems for performing the process steps of the invention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified, etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, the deployment of each system can comprise one or more of (1) installing program code on a computing device, such as base device 14 (FIG. 1), from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computing devices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of the computer infrastructure, to enable the computer infrastructure to perform the process steps of the invention. As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and “computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, program code can be embodied as one or more types of program products, such as an application/software program, component software/a library of functions, an operating system, a basic I/O system/driver for a particular computing and/or I/O device, and the like. The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Technical Field The invention relates generally to monitoring the locations of a group of users, and more particularly, to an improved solution for managing location information for the group of users. 2. Related Art Frequently, when a group of individuals visit a relatively large location, such as an amusement park, a business convention, a shopping mall, or the like, the group will split up and move about the location according to each individual's particular interests. As a result, the group will often set a predetermined time and/or location at which to meet. However, often, one or more members of the group may not arrive at the location and the group must spend time and effort in locating these individuals. To locate an individual, a mobile telephone can be used to talk to the individual and determine his/her location. However, in order to change a rendezvous time and/or location for the entire group, a telephone call will be required for each individual in the group. When use of a mobile telephone is not available/desired, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device can be used to locate an individual. For example, a family can rent an RFID device from an amusement park and pin it to a child. When the child is lost, detection of the RFID device at one or more RFID hot spots located in the amusement park can be enabled. Once the RFID device is detected, the parent(s) can be notified, and the area searched for the child. These solutions have several limitations. For example, there is no ability for one member of the group (e.g., a group leader) to easily monitor the location of the other members of the group and/or members of the group to determine the location of the group leader. Further, when two-way communication is possible, it is limited to two group members and each individual will need to describe his/her location, which may be difficult in an unfamiliar environment. As a result, these solutions fail to provide a comprehensive solution for determining when a member of the group moves beyond an allowed area and/or for changing a rendezvous location. As the size of a group increases (e.g., a tour group), the effort required to locate one or more missing group members and/or change a pre-determined arrangement increases substantially. As a result, the group leader may not make any effort to locate missing member(s) and/or change the arrangement. In light of the above, a need exists for an improved solution for managing location information for a group of users. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention provides a solution for managing location information for a group of users, in which a user designated as a group leader of the group manages the location information using a base device. In particular, a client device is identified for each user in the group of users and an area within which each user in the group of users is to remain is defined. Subsequently, the base device can obtain location information for the client device(s) and process the location information for use by the group leader. For example, the base device can display the current location of one or more users, display the relative location of one or more users with respect to the group leader, and/or determine if one or more users are outside of the area. Additionally, the group leader can coordinate the group by communicating with one or more users in the group. In this manner, the group leader can make more informed decisions about the status of each group member and more efficiently coordinate the re-grouping and/or movement of the group of users. A first aspect of the invention provides a method of managing location information for a group of users, the method comprising: obtaining a base device, wherein the base device is used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader; identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and processing the location information on the base device for use by the group leader. A second aspect of the invention provides a method of managing location information for a group of users on a base device used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader, the method comprising: identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein the area comprises a maximum radius from the group leader and wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; defining an update period; and periodically obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices based on the update period. A third aspect of the invention provides a system for managing location information for a group of users, the system comprising: a base device used by one of the group of users designated as a group leader, the base device including: means for identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; means for defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; means for obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and means for processing the location information. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a computer-readable medium that includes computer program code that enable a computer infrastructure to perform a method of managing location information for a group of users, the method comprising: identifying a set of client devices, wherein each client device is used by one of the group of users; defining an area for the group of users, wherein each user in the group of users is to remain within the area; obtaining location information for each client device in the set of client devices; and processing the location information. A fifth aspect of the invention provides a computer-readable medium that includes computer program code to enable a computer infrastructure to manage location information for a group of users. A sixth aspect of the invention provides a business method for managing location information for a group of users. A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of generating a system for managing location information for a group of users. The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve the problems herein described and other problems not discussed, which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. | 20050517 | 20100209 | 20061123 | 94652.0 | G06F15173 | 0 | KIM, TAE K | MANAGING LOCATION INFORMATION FOR A GROUP OF USERS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,005 |
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10,908,738 | ACCEPTED | Method of Inhibiting Complement Activation | The invention relates to C2a inhibitors, which bind to C2a and block the functional activity of C2a in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab′)2 and Fv, small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody, which bound to C2a and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 175-62. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number PTA-1553. | 1. An inhibitor molecule that binds to C2a or the C2a portion of C2. 2. An inhibitor molecule that binds to C2a or the C2a portion of C2 and inhibits both the classical and the lectin complement pathways. 3. An inhibitor molecule that binds to the same epitope as the monoclonal antibody 175-62. 4. The inhibitor molecule of any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein said molecule is an antibody or a homologue, analogue or fragment thereof, a peptide, an oligonucleotide, a peptidomimetic or an organic compound. 5. The inhibitor molecule of claim 4, wherein the antibody fragments are Fab, F(ab′)2, Fv or single chain Fv. 6. The inhibitor molecule of claim 5, wherein the antibody is monoclonal. 7. The monoclonal antibody of claim 6, wherein the antibody is a chimeric, DeImmunized™, humanized or human antibody. 8. A monoclonal antibody 175-62. 9. A cell line that produces the monoclonal antibody 175-62. 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the inhibitor molecule of claim 1 and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, excipient, stabilizer, or diluent. 11. A method of inhibition of complement activation comprising administering an inhibitor molecule that binds C2a or the C2a portion of C2. 12. A method of inhibition of the classical and lectin complement pathways comprising administering an inhibitor molecule that binds C2a or the C2a portion of C2. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the inhibition of complement activation is determined in vitro. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the molar ratio of inhibitor molecule to C2 is less than or equal to 1:2. 15. A method of treating a disease or condition that is mediated by excessive or uncontrolled activation of the complement system comprising administering, in vivo or ex vivo, an inhibitor molecule according to any of claims 1 to 3, 8 or 10. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inhibitor molecule is administered by intravenous infusion, intravenous bolus injection, intraperitoneal, intradermal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intranasal, intratracheal, intraspinal, intracranial, or orally. 17. A diagnostic method comprising the detection of the amount of C2 or C2a present in a sample with the inhibitor molecule of claim 4. 18. The diagnostic method of claim 17, wherein the inhibitor molecule is the monoclonal antibody 175-62. | This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/816,839 filed Mar. 23, 2001, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/191,429, filed on Mar. 23, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to inhibitor molecules specific to complement C2 and its activation fragment C2a, the use of such inhibitor molecules to block complement activation via the classical pathway and the lectin pathway, treatment of diseases associated with excessive complement activation, and the diagnostic determination of the amount of C2a present in a biological sample. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The complement system is part of the innate immune system and consists of many components that act in a cascade fashion. This system plays a central role in both the clearance of immune complexes and the immune response to infectious agents, foreign antigens, virus-infected cells and tumor cells. However, complement is also involved in pathological inflammation and in autoimmune diseases. Therefore, inhibition of excessive or uncontrolled activation of the complement cascade could provide clinical benefit to patients with such diseases and conditions. The complement system can be activated in three ways, either by one of the two primary activation pathways, designated the classical and the alternative pathways (V. M. Holers, In Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice, ed. R. R. Rich, Mosby Press, 1996, 363-391), or by a third pathway, the lectin pathway activated by mannan-binding lectin (MBL) (M. Matsushita, Microbiol. Immunol., 1996, 40: 887-893; M. Matsushita et al., Immunobiol., 1998, 199: 340-347; T. Vorup-Jensen et al., Immunobiol., 1998, 199: 348-357). The classical pathway is a calcium/magnesium-dependent cascade, which is normally activated by the formation of antigen-antibody complexes. C1, the first enzyme complex in the cascade, is a pentamolecular complex consisting of C1q, 2 C1r molecules, and 2 C1s molecules. This complex binds to an antigen-antibody complex through the C1q domain to initiate the cascade. Once activated, C1s cleaves C4 resulting in C4b, which in turn binds C2. C2 is cleaved by C1s, resulting in the activated form, C2a, bound to C4b and forming the classical pathway C3 convertase. The alternative pathway is a magnesium-dependent cascade and is antibody-independent. This pathway is activated by a variety of diverse substances including, e.g., cell wall polysaccharides of yeast and bacteria, and certain biopolymer materials. When the C3 protein binds on certain susceptible surfaces, it is cleaved to yield C3b thus initiating an amplification loop. The lectin pathway involves complement activation by MBL through two serum serine proteases designated MASP-I and MASP-2 (as opposed to C1r and C1s in the classical complement pathway). Like the classical complement pathway, the lectin complement pathway also requires C4 and C2 for activation of C3 and other terminal components further downstream in the cascade (C. Suankratay et al., J. Immunol., 1998, 160: 3006-3013; Y. Zhang et al., Immunopharmacol., 1999, 42: 81-90; Y. Zhang et al., Immunol., 1999, 97: 686-692; C. Suankratay et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol., 1999, 117: 442-448). Alternative pathway amplification is also required for lectin pathway hemolysis in human serum (C. Suankratay et al., J. Immunol., 1998, 160: 3006-3013; C. Suankratay et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol., 1998, 113: 353-359). In short, Ca++-dependent binding of MBL to a mannan-coated surface triggers activation of C3 following C4 and C2 activation, and the downstream activation of C3 and the terminal complement components then require the alternative complement pathway for amplification. Activation of the complement pathway generates biologically active fragments of complement proteins, e.g. C3a, C4a and C5a anaphylatoxins and sC5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC), which mediate inflammatory activities involving leukocyte chemotaxis, activation of macrophages, neutrophils, platelets, mast cells and endothelial cells, vascular permeability, cytolysis, and tissue injury (R. Schindler et al., Blood, 1990, 76: 1631-1638; T. Wiedmer, Blood, 1991, 78: 2880-2886; M. P. Fletcher et al., Am. J. Physiol., 1993, 265: H1750-1761). C2 is a single-chain plasma protein of molecular weight of 102 kD, which is specific for the classical and the lectin complement pathways. Membrane bound C4b expresses a binding site which, in the presence of Mg++, binds the proenzyme C2 near its amino terminus and presents it for cleavage by C1s (for the classical complement pathway) or MASP-2 (for the lectin complement pathway) to yield a 30 kD amino-terminal fragment, C2b, and a 70 kD carboxy-terminal fragment, C2a (S. Nagasawa et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), 1977, 74: 2998-3003). The C2b fragment may be released or remain loosely attached to C4b. The C2a fragment remains attached to C4b to form the C4b2a complex, the catalytic components of the C3 and C5 convertases of the classical and the lectin complement pathways. The enzymatic activity in this complex resides entirely in C2a, C4b acting to tether C2a to the activating surface. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to human C2 and its fragments C2a and C2b were made by immunizing mice with purified human C2 (E. I. Stenbaek et al., Mol Immunol., 1986, 23: 879-886; T. J. Oglesby et al., J. Immunol., 1988, 141: 926-932). The novel anti-C2a MAbs of the present invention were made by immunizing mice with purified human C2a fragment and were shown to have inhibitory activity against the classical pathway complement activation (see below). These anti-C2a MAbs are distinct from the known anti-C2b MAb (see T. J. Oglesby et al., J. Immunol., 1988, 141: 926-932) because they bind to different segments of C2 and inhibit the classical complement pathway by interfering the interaction between C2 and C4 (T. J. Oglesby et al., J. Immunol., 1988, 141: 926-932). By virtue of this inhibition, the anti-C2a MAbs of the present invention are the first Mab demonstrated to be effective in inhibiting the classical complement pathway. Targeting C2a and/or the C2a portion of C2 for complete inhibition of the classical and the lectin complement pathways has several advantages including, for example: (1) C2 and C2a are specific for the classical and the lectin complement pathways, and thus inhibition of C2 and/or C2a would achieve complete and selective inhibition of these two complement pathways without affecting the alternative complement pathway; (2) the concentration of C2 in human blood is one of the lowest (ca. 20 μg/ml) among other soluble complement components, therefore inhibitors of C2 or C2a would have a unique dose advantage; and (3) since C2a is the catalytic subunit of the C3 and C5 convertases, inhibition of C2 or the C2a portion of C2 would block the activation of C3 and C5. The down-regulation of complement activation has been demonstrated to be effective in treating several disease indications in animal models and in ex vivo studies, e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus and glomerulonephritis (Y. Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), 1996, 93: 8563-8568), rheumatoid arthritis (Y. Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), 1995, 92: 8955-8959), in preventing inflammation associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodialysis (C. S. Rinder et al., J. Clin. Invest, 1995, 96: 1564-1572; J. C. K. Fitch et al., Circulation, 1999, 100: 2499-2506; H. L. Lazar et al., Circulation, 1999, 100: 1438-1442), hyperacute rejection in organ transplantation (T. J. Kroshus et al., Transplantation, 1995, 60: 1194-1202), myocardial infarction (J. W. Homeister et al., J. Immunol., 1993, 150: 1055-1064; H. F. Weisman et al., Science, 1990, 249: 146-151), reperfusion injury (E. A. Amsterdam et al., Am. J. Physiol., 1995, 268: H448-H457), and adult respiratory distress syndrome (R. Rabinovici et al., J. Immunol., 1992, 149: 1744-1750). In addition, other inflammatory conditions and autoimmune/immune complex diseases are also closely associated with complement activation (V. M. Holers, ibid., B. P. Morgan. Eur. J. Clin. Invest, 1994, 24: 219-228), including thermal injury, severe asthma, anaphylactic shock, bowel inflammation, urticaria, angioedema, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes inhibitor molecules having a binding region specific for C2a or the C2a portion of C2. The inhibitor molecule may be an antibody or a homologue, analogue or fragment thereof, a peptide, an oligonucleotide, a peptidomimetic or an organic compound. Antibody fragments can be Fab, F(ab′)2, Fv or single chain Fv. The inhibitor molecule may be in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. One embodiment of the present invention includes an inhibitor molecule comprising a monoclonal antibody. The antibody may be chimeric, DeImmunized™, humanized or human antibody. Specifically, the monoclonal antibody may be the monoclonal antibody designated 175-62. Another embodiment of the invention is a hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody 175-62. Another embodiment of the invention includes monoclonal antibodies or a fragment, analogue or homologue thereof, or a peptide, oligonucleotide, peptidomimetic or an organic compound which bind to the same epitope as the antibody 175-62. These antibodies can include Fab, F(ab′)2, Fv or single chain Fv, and may be chimeric, DeImmunized™, humanized or human antibody. In addition, the present invention includes cell lines that produces the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof that bind to the same epitope as the antibody 175-62. The present invention also includes molecules that inhibit complement activation by inhibiting both the classical and lectin complement pathways. The preferred molecules of the present invention inhibit complement activation at a molar ratio of inhibitor molecule to C2 at 1:2. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of treating a disease or condition that is mediated by excessive or uncontrolled activation of the complement system by administering, in vivo or ex vivo, an inhibitor molecule that specifically binds C2a or the C2a portion of C2. One example of a Mab, designated 175-62, that binds to C2a and blocks its ability to activate complement was generated as described below. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number PTA-1553, on Mar. 22, 2000. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows the binding of anti-C2a MAbs (175 series), anti-C5 Mab (137-76), and anti-factor D Mab (166-32) to purified human C2a in an ELISA. The Y-axis represents the reactivity of the MAbs with C2a expressed as optical density (OD) at 450 nm and the X-axis represents the concentration of the MAbs. MAb 175-62 shows the strongest reactivity with C2a. FIG. 2 shows the inhibition of classical pathway hemolysis of sensitized chicken red blood cells (RBCs) by anti-C2a MAbs in the presence of 3% human serum. The controls were anti-factor D Mab (166-32) and the anti-C5 MAb (137-76). Anti-factor D Mab 166-32 specifically inhibits the alternative complement pathway, therefore it does not inhibit the classical pathway hemolysis. The Y-axis represents the % hemolysis inhibition, as further described in the text. The X-axis represents the concentration of the MAbs. All anti-C2a MAbs strongly inhibit classical pathway hemolysis. FIG. 3 shows that anti-C2a MAb 175-62 inhibits classical pathway (CP) hemolysis at a molar ratio of 1:2 (MAb 175-62 to C2). The filled circles represent MAb 175-62. The open squares represent hemolysis in the absence of MAb 175-62. The Y-axis represents the % hemolysis inhibition. The X-axis represents the concentration of serum. The classical pathway hemolytic activity of C2 (0.2 μM) in normal human serum is completely inhibited when the serum was pre-treated with 0.1 μM of MAb 175-62. FIG. 4 shows an assay for testing the inhibition of alternative pathway (AP) hemolysis of unsensitized rabbit RBCs by anti-C2a, anti-factor D and anti-C5 MAbs, in the presence of 10% human serum. The Y-axis represents the % hemolysis inhibition, as further described in the text. The X-axis represents the concentration of the MAbs. The data illustrate that none of the anti-C2a MAbs inhibit the alternative complement pathway. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The inhibitor molecules of the present invention include monoclonal antibodies as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments such as Fab, F(ab′)2, and Fv, and single chain antibodies. Also included are small molecules including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. One embodiment of the invention includes anti-C2a MAbs, which can be raised by immunizing rodents (e.g. mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs) with either (1) native C2a derived from enzymatic digestion of C2 purified from human plasma or serum, or (2) recombinant C2a or its fragments expressed by either eukaryotic or prokaryotic systems. Other animals can be used for immunization, e.g. non-human primates, transgenic mice expressing human immunoglobulins, and severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice transplanted with human B-lymphocytes. Hybridomas can be generated by conventional procedures by fusing B-lymphocytes from the immunized animals with myeloma cells (e.g., Sp2/0 and NS0), as described by G. Köhler and C. Milstein (Nature, 1975, 256: 495-497). In addition, anti-C2a antibodies can be generated by screening recombinant single-chain Fv or Fab libraries from human B-lymphocytes in a phage-display system. The specificity of the MAbs to human C2a can be tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western immunoblotting, or other immunochemical techniques. The inhibitory activity on complement activation of antibodies identified in the screening process can be assessed by hemolytic assays using either unsensitized rabbit or guinea pig RBCs for the alternative complement pathway, or sensitized chicken or sheep RBCs for the classical complement pathway. Those hybridomas that exhibit an inhibitory activity specific for the classical complement pathway are cloned by limiting dilution. The antibodies are purified for characterization for specificity to human C2a by the assays described above. When treating inflammatory or autoimmune diseases in humans, the anti-C2a antibodies may be chimeric, DeImmunized™, humanized or human antibodies. Such antibodies can reduce immunogenicity, thereby avoiding a human/anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) response. It is preferable that the antibody be IgG4, IgG2, or other genetically mutated IgG or IgM which does not augment antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (S. M. Canfield et al., J. Exp. Med., 1991, 173: 1483-1491) and complement mediated cytolysis (Y. Xu et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1994, 269: 3468-3474; V. L. Pulito et al., J. Immunol., 1996, 156: 2840-2850). Chimeric antibodies are produced by recombinant processes well known in the art, and have an animal variable region and a human constant region. Humanized antibodies have a greater degree of human peptide sequences than do chimeric antibodies. In a humanized antibody, only the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), which are responsible for antigen binding and specificity, are animal derived. The amino acid sequence corresponding to the animal antibody, and substantially all of the remaining portions of the molecule (except, in some cases, small portions of the framework regions within the variable region) are human derived and correspond in amino acid sequence to a human antibody. See, e.g., L. Riechmann et al., Nature, 1988, 332: 323-327; G. Winter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539; C. Queen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,101. DeImmunized™ antibodies are antibodies in which the T-helper epitopes have been eliminated, as described in International Patent Application PCT/GB98/01473. They have either reduced or no immunogenicity when administered in vivo. Human antibodies can be made by several different methods, including the use of human immunoglobulin expression libraries (Stratagene Corp., La Jolla, Calif.) to produce fragments of human antibodies (VH, VL, Fv, Fd, Fab, or F(ab′)2) to construct whole human antibodies using techniques similar to those for producing chimeric antibodies. Human antibodies can also be produced in transgenic mice with a human immunoglobulin genome. Such mice are available from Abgenix, Inc., Fremont, Calif., and Medarex, Inc., Annandale, N.J. One can also create single peptide chain binding molecules in which the heavy and light chain Fv regions are connected. Single chain antibodies (“scFv”) and the method of their construction are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778. Alternatively, Fab can be constructed and expressed by similar means (M. J. Evans et al., J. Immunol. Meth., 1995, 184: 123-138). Antibodies, fragments thereof, and single chain antibodies that are wholly or partially derived from human are less immunogenic than wholly murine MAbs, and therefore, less likely to evoke an immune or allergic response. Consequently, human-derived antibodies are better suited for in vivo administration in humans than wholly animal antibodies, especially when repeated or long-term administration is necessary. In addition, smaller size antibody fragments may help improve tissue bioavailability, which may offer better dose accumulation in certain disease indications. Based on the molecular structures of the variable regions of the anti-C2a antibodies, one can use molecular modeling and rational molecular design to generate and screen small molecules that mimic the molecular structures of the binding region of the antibodies and inhibit the activities of C2a. These small molecules can be peptides, peptidomimetics, oligonucleotides, or organic compounds. The mimicking molecules can be used as inhibitors of complement activation in inflammatory indications and autoimmune diseases. Alternatively, one can use large-scale screening procedures commonly used in the field to isolate suitable small molecules from libraries of combinatorial compounds. Applications of the Anti-C2a Molecules The anti-C2a binding molecules, antibodies, and fragments of the present invention can be administered to patients in an appropriate pharmaceutical formulation by a variety of routes, including, but not limited, intravenous infusion, intravenous bolus injection, and intraperitoneal, intradermal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intranasal, intratracheal, intraspinal, intracranial, and oral routes. Such administration enables them to bind to endogenous C2a or C2 and thus inhibit the generation of C3b, C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins, and C5b-9. The estimated dosage of such antibodies and molecules is between 10 and 500 μg/ml of serum. The actual dosage can be determined in clinical trials following the conventional methodology for determining optimal dosages, i.e., administering various dosages and determining which is most effective. The anti-C2a inhibitor molecules can function to inhibit in vivo complement activation and inflammatory manifestations that accompany it, such as recruitment and activation of macrophages, neutrophils, platelets, mast cells and endothelial cells, edema, and tissue damage. These inhibitor molecules can be used for treatment of diseases or conditions that are mediated by excessive or uncontrolled activation of the complement system. These include, but are not limited to: (1) tissue damage due to ischemia-reperfusion following acute myocardial infarction, aneurysm, stroke, hemorrhagic shock, crush injury, multiple organ failure, hypovolemic shock and intestinal ischemia; (2) inflammatory disorders, such as, burns, endotoxemia and septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cardiopulmonary bypass, hemodialysis, anaphylactic shock, severe asthma, angioedema, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, dermomyositis, sickle cell anemia, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and pancreatitis; (3) transplant rejections, such as, hyperacute xenograft rejection; and (4) adverse drug reactions, such as, drug allergy, IL-2 induced vascular leakage syndrome, and radiographic contrast media allergy. Autoimmune disorders including, but not limited to, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, may also be treated with the inhibitor molecules of the invention. The anti-C2a inhibitor molecules can also be used diagnostically to ascertain the presence of, or to measure, C2a in a tissue specimen or a body fluid sample, such as serum, plasma, urine or spinal fluid. In this application, common assay formats can be used, such as immunohistochemistry or ELISA, respectively. Such diagnostic tests could be useful in determining whether certain individuals are either deficient in or overproduce C2a. Animal Models of the Therapeutic Efficacy of C2a Inhibitors The therapeutic activity of C2a inhibitor molecules in various disease indications described above can be confirmed by using available animal models for various inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations. Animal models relevant to various complement-related clinical diseases in humans can be used to confirm the in vivo efficacy of C2a inhibitors. These include, but are not limited to: myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (H. F. Weisman et al., Science, 1990, 249: 146-151); myocardial infarction (J. W. Homeister et al., J. Immunol., 1993, 150: 1055-1064), systemic lupus erythematosus and glomerulonephritis (S. K. Datta. Meth. Enzymol., 1988, 162: 385-442; D. J. Salvant et al., Meth. Enzymol., 1988, 162: 421-461), rheumatoid arthritis (Y. Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci (USA), 1995, 92: 8955-8959), adult respiratory distress syndrome (R. Rabinovici et al., J. Immunol., 1992, 149: 1744-1750), hyperacute rejection in organ transplantation (T. J. Kroshus et al., Transplantation, 1995, 60: 1194-1202), burn injury (M. S. Mulligan et al., J. Immunol., 1992, 148: 1479-1485), cardiopulmonary bypass (C. S. Rinder et al., J. Clin. Invest, 1995, 96: 1564-1572). EXAMPLE 1 Generation of Anti-C2a MAb Hybridomas Eight to twelve-week old male A/J mice (Harlan, Houston, Tex.) were subcutaneously injected with 20 μg of C2a in complete Freund's adjuvant (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) in 200 μl of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4. The C2a was generated by enzymatic digestion using C1s (Advanced Research Technologies, San Diego, Calif.) conjugated to CNBr-activated Sepharose 6MB (Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.), similar to the procedure described in T. J. Oglesby, J. Immunol., 1988, 141: 926-931. The resulting C2a was then purified by passage through a Sephadex-200 size-exclusion HPLC column. The C2a preparation was tested to be >95% pure by sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). C2 was purified from human serum (Advanced Research Technologies). At two-week intervals, mice were twice injected subcutaneously with 20 μg of C2a in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Then, two weeks later, three days prior to sacrifice, the mice were again injected intraperitoneally with 20 μg of the same antigen in PBS. For each hybridoma, single cell suspensions were prepared from the spleen of an immunized mouse and fused with Sp2/0 myeloma cells. 5×108 of the Sp2/0 and 5×108 spleen cells were fused in a medium containing 50% polyethylene glycol (M.W. 1450) (Kodak, Rochester, N.Y.) and 5% dimethylsulfoxide (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.). The cells were then adjusted to a concentration of 1.5×105 spleen cells per 200 μl of the suspension in Iscove medium (Gibco, Grand Island, N.Y.), supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 units/ml of penicillin, 100 μg/ml of streptomycin, 0.1 mM hypoxanthine, 0.4 μM aminopterin, and 16 μM thymidine. Two hundred μl of the cell suspension were added to each well of about fifty 96-well microculture plates. After about ten days, culture supernatants were withdrawn for screening for reactivity with purified C2a in ELISA. Wells of Immulon 2 (Dynatech Laboratories, Chantilly, Va.) microtest plates were coated by adding 50 μl of purified human C2a at 50 ng/ml overnight at room temperature. The low concentration of C2a used for coating enabled the selection of high-affinity antibodies. After the coating solution was removed by flicking the plate, 200 μl of BLOTTO (non-fat dry milk) in PBS was added to each well for one hour to block the non-specific sites. An hour later, the wells were then washed with a buffer PBST (PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20). Fifty microliters of culture supernatants from each fusion well were collected and mixed with 50 μl of BLOTTO and then added to the individual wells of the microtest plates. After one hour of incubation, the wells were washed with PBST. The bound murine antibodies were then detected by reaction with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (Fc specific) (Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, West Grove, Pa.) and diluted at 1:2,000 in BLOTTO. Peroxidase substrate solution containing 0.1% 3,3,5,5 tetramethyl benzidine (Sigma) and 0.0003% hydrogen peroxide (Sigma) was added to the wells for color development for 30 minutes. The reaction was terminated by addition of 50 μl of 2M H2SO4 per well. The OD at 450 nm of the reaction mixture was read with a BioTek ELISA Reader (BioTek Instruments, Winooski, Vt.). The culture supernatants from the positive wells were then tested for inhibition of classical pathway hemolysis of sensitized chicken RBCs by pre-titered human serum (3%) by the method described below. The cells in those positive wells were cloned by limiting dilution. The MAbs were tested again for reactivity with C2a and C2 in the ELISA. The selected hybridomas were grown in spinner flasks and the spent culture supernatant collected for antibody purification by protein A affinity chromatography. Ten MAbs were tested to be reactive with human C2a in ELISA. These MAbs are designated MAbs 175-50, 175-62, 175-97-1, 175-97-4, 175-101, 175-207, 175-283, 175-310, 175-322, and 175-326. As seen in FIG. 1, MAb 175-62, MAb 175-101, MAb 175-207, MAb 175-310, MAb 175-322, and MAb 175-326 reacted strongly with human C2a in ELISA. In particular, MAb 175-62 shows the strongest reactivity with C2a among these binders. Interestingly, it binds weakly to immobilized C2 in ELISA. EXAMPLE 2 Inhibition of Complement-Activated Hemolysis To study the functional activity of the anti-C2a MAbs in inhibiting complement activation in vitro, two hemolytic assays were used. For the classical pathway, chicken RBCs (5×107 cells/ml), in gelatin/veronal-buffered saline (GVB++) containing 0.5 mM MgCl2 and 0.15 mM CaCl2, were sensitized with purified rabbit anti-chicken RBC immunoglobulins at 8 μg/ml (Inter-Cell Technologies, Hopewell, N.J.) for 15 minutes at 4° C. The cells were then washed with GVB++. The washed cells were re-suspended in the same buffer at 1.7×108 cells/ml. In each well of a round-bottom 96-well microtest plate, 50 μl of normal human serum (6%) was mixed with 50 μl of GVB++ or serially diluted test MAb, then 30 μl of the washed sensitized chicken RBC suspension were added to the wells containing the mixtures. Fifty microliters of normal human serum (6%) was mixed with 80 μl of GV++ to give the serum color background. The final mixture was incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. The plate was then shaken on a micro-test plate shaker for 15 seconds, followed by centrifugation at 300×g for 3 minutes. Supernatants (80 μl) were collected and transferred to wells on a flat-bottom 96-well microtest plates for measurement of OD at 405 nm. The percent inhibition of hemolysis is defined as 100×[(OD without MAb−OD serum color background)−(OD with MAb−OD serum color background)]/(OD without MAb−OD serum color background). The data in FIG. 2 show that the anti-C2a MAbs 175-62, 175-207, 175-310, 175-322, and 175-326 strongly inhibit classical pathway hemolysis. The anti-C5 MAb 137-76also inhibits the hemolysis, but not the anti-factor D MAb 166-32, which is specific for inhibition of the alternative complement pathway. The stoichiometric ratio of inhibition between MAb 175-62 and C2 in human serum by the classical pathway hemolytic assays was also measured as described above. Different molar ratios of MAb 175-62 to C2 were tested in the assays by combining normal human serum (containing 20 μg/ml or 0.2 μM of C2) with 0.4 μM, 0.2 μM, or 0.1 μM of MAb 175-62. The control was normal human serum treated with equal volume of GVB++. The mixtures were incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes. The mixtures were then serially diluted in GVB++. One hundred microliters of the diluted serum samples were added to each well of a round-bottom 96-well plate in duplicate. Thirty microliters of sensitized chicken RBCs were then added to each well for incubation as described above. The final mixture was incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. The plate was then shaken on a micro-test plate shaker for 15 seconds, followed by centrifugation at 300×g for 3 minutes. Supernatants (80 μl) were collected and transferred to wells on a flat-bottom 96-well microtest plates for measurement of OD at 405 nm. The data in FIG. 3 show that the classical pathway hemolytic activity of C2 (0.2 μM) in normal human serum is completely inhibited when the serum was pre-treated with 0.1 μM of MAb 175-62. Therefore, MAb 175-62 inhibits human C2 at a molar ratio of 1:2 (Mab 175-62 to C2). In other words, MAb 175-62 is a very high-affinity anti-C2 antibody. Each of the two antigen binding sites in a molecule of MAb 175-62 can bind one molecule of C2. For the alternative pathway, unsensitized rabbit RBCs were washed three times with gelatin/veronal-buffered saline (GVB/Mg-EGTA) containing 2 mM MgCl2 and 1.6 mM EGTA. EGTA at a concentration of 10 mM was used to inhibit the classical pathway (K. Whaley et al., in A. W. Dodds (Ed.), Complement: A Practical Approach. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1997, pp. 19-47). The procedures of the assay were similar to those of the classical pathway hemolysis as described above. The final concentration of human serum was 10%. The data in FIG. 4 show that none of the anti-C2a MAbs inhibit the alternative pathway hemolysis, whereas anti-factor D MAb 166-32 effectively inhibits the hemolysis and anti-C5 MAb 137-76moderately inhibits the hemolysis. Together with the results in FIGS. 2 and 3, the anti-C2a MAbs have been shown to be specific for the classical complement pathway. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The complement system is part of the innate immune system and consists of many components that act in a cascade fashion. This system plays a central role in both the clearance of immune complexes and the immune response to infectious agents, foreign antigens, virus-infected cells and tumor cells. However, complement is also involved in pathological inflammation and in autoimmune diseases. Therefore, inhibition of excessive or uncontrolled activation of the complement cascade could provide clinical benefit to patients with such diseases and conditions. The complement system can be activated in three ways, either by one of the two primary activation pathways, designated the classical and the alternative pathways (V. M. Holers, In Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice , ed. R. R. Rich, Mosby Press, 1996, 363-391), or by a third pathway, the lectin pathway activated by mannan-binding lectin (MBL) (M. Matsushita, Microbiol. Immunol., 1996, 40: 887-893; M. Matsushita et al., Immunobiol., 1998, 199: 340-347; T. Vorup-Jensen et al., Immunobiol., 1998, 199: 348-357). The classical pathway is a calcium/magnesium-dependent cascade, which is normally activated by the formation of antigen-antibody complexes. C1, the first enzyme complex in the cascade, is a pentamolecular complex consisting of C1q, 2 C1r molecules, and 2 C1s molecules. This complex binds to an antigen-antibody complex through the C1q domain to initiate the cascade. Once activated, C1s cleaves C4 resulting in C4b, which in turn binds C2. C2 is cleaved by C1s, resulting in the activated form, C2a, bound to C4b and forming the classical pathway C3 convertase. The alternative pathway is a magnesium-dependent cascade and is antibody-independent. This pathway is activated by a variety of diverse substances including, e.g., cell wall polysaccharides of yeast and bacteria, and certain biopolymer materials. When the C3 protein binds on certain susceptible surfaces, it is cleaved to yield C3b thus initiating an amplification loop. The lectin pathway involves complement activation by MBL through two serum serine proteases designated MASP-I and MASP-2 (as opposed to C1r and C1s in the classical complement pathway). Like the classical complement pathway, the lectin complement pathway also requires C4 and C2 for activation of C3 and other terminal components further downstream in the cascade (C. Suankratay et al., J. Immunol., 1998, 160: 3006-3013; Y. Zhang et al., Immunopharmacol., 1999, 42: 81-90; Y. Zhang et al., Immunol., 1999, 97: 686-692; C. Suankratay et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol., 1999, 117: 442-448). Alternative pathway amplification is also required for lectin pathway hemolysis in human serum (C. Suankratay et al., J. Immunol., 1998, 160: 3006-3013; C. Suankratay et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol., 1998, 113: 353-359). In short, Ca ++ -dependent binding of MBL to a mannan-coated surface triggers activation of C3 following C4 and C2 activation, and the downstream activation of C3 and the terminal complement components then require the alternative complement pathway for amplification. Activation of the complement pathway generates biologically active fragments of complement proteins, e.g. C3a, C4a and C5a anaphylatoxins and sC5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC), which mediate inflammatory activities involving leukocyte chemotaxis, activation of macrophages, neutrophils, platelets, mast cells and endothelial cells, vascular permeability, cytolysis, and tissue injury (R. Schindler et al., Blood, 1990, 76: 1631-1638; T. Wiedmer, Blood, 1991, 78: 2880-2886; M. P. Fletcher et al., Am. J. Physiol., 1993, 265: H1750-1761). C2 is a single-chain plasma protein of molecular weight of 102 kD, which is specific for the classical and the lectin complement pathways. Membrane bound C4b expresses a binding site which, in the presence of Mg ++ , binds the proenzyme C2 near its amino terminus and presents it for cleavage by C1s (for the classical complement pathway) or MASP-2 (for the lectin complement pathway) to yield a 30 kD amino-terminal fragment, C2b, and a 70 kD carboxy-terminal fragment, C2a (S. Nagasawa et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. ( USA ), 1977, 74: 2998-3003). The C2b fragment may be released or remain loosely attached to C4b. The C2a fragment remains attached to C4b to form the C4b2a complex, the catalytic components of the C3 and C5 convertases of the classical and the lectin complement pathways. The enzymatic activity in this complex resides entirely in C2a, C4b acting to tether C2a to the activating surface. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to human C2 and its fragments C2a and C2b were made by immunizing mice with purified human C2 (E. I. Stenbaek et al., Mol Immunol., 1986, 23: 879-886; T. J. Oglesby et al., J. Immunol., 1988, 141: 926-932). The novel anti-C2a MAbs of the present invention were made by immunizing mice with purified human C2a fragment and were shown to have inhibitory activity against the classical pathway complement activation (see below). These anti-C2a MAbs are distinct from the known anti-C2b MAb (see T. J. Oglesby et al., J. Immunol., 1988, 141: 926-932) because they bind to different segments of C2 and inhibit the classical complement pathway by interfering the interaction between C2 and C4 (T. J. Oglesby et al., J. Immunol., 1988, 141: 926-932). By virtue of this inhibition, the anti-C2a MAbs of the present invention are the first Mab demonstrated to be effective in inhibiting the classical complement pathway. Targeting C2a and/or the C2a portion of C2 for complete inhibition of the classical and the lectin complement pathways has several advantages including, for example: (1) C2 and C2a are specific for the classical and the lectin complement pathways, and thus inhibition of C2 and/or C2a would achieve complete and selective inhibition of these two complement pathways without affecting the alternative complement pathway; (2) the concentration of C2 in human blood is one of the lowest (ca. 20 μg/ml) among other soluble complement components, therefore inhibitors of C2 or C2a would have a unique dose advantage; and (3) since C2a is the catalytic subunit of the C3 and C5 convertases, inhibition of C2 or the C2a portion of C2 would block the activation of C3 and C5. The down-regulation of complement activation has been demonstrated to be effective in treating several disease indications in animal models and in ex vivo studies, e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus and glomerulonephritis (Y. Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. ( USA ), 1996, 93: 8563-8568), rheumatoid arthritis (Y. Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. ( USA ), 1995, 92: 8955-8959), in preventing inflammation associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodialysis (C. S. Rinder et al., J. Clin. Invest, 1995, 96: 1564-1572; J. C. K. Fitch et al., Circulation, 1999, 100: 2499-2506; H. L. Lazar et al., Circulation, 1999, 100: 1438-1442), hyperacute rejection in organ transplantation (T. J. Kroshus et al., Transplantation, 1995, 60: 1194-1202), myocardial infarction (J. W. Homeister et al., J. Immunol., 1993, 150: 1055-1064; H. F. Weisman et al., Science, 1990, 249: 146-151), reperfusion injury (E. A. Amsterdam et al., Am. J. Physiol., 1995, 268: H448-H457), and adult respiratory distress syndrome (R. Rabinovici et al., J. Immunol., 1992, 149: 1744-1750). In addition, other inflammatory conditions and autoimmune/immune complex diseases are also closely associated with complement activation (V. M. Holers, ibid., B. P. Morgan. Eur. J. Clin. Invest, 1994, 24: 219-228), including thermal injury, severe asthma, anaphylactic shock, bowel inflammation, urticaria, angioedema, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention includes inhibitor molecules having a binding region specific for C2a or the C2a portion of C2. The inhibitor molecule may be an antibody or a homologue, analogue or fragment thereof, a peptide, an oligonucleotide, a peptidomimetic or an organic compound. Antibody fragments can be Fab, F(ab′) 2 , Fv or single chain Fv. The inhibitor molecule may be in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. One embodiment of the present invention includes an inhibitor molecule comprising a monoclonal antibody. The antibody may be chimeric, DeImmunized™, humanized or human antibody. Specifically, the monoclonal antibody may be the monoclonal antibody designated 175-62. Another embodiment of the invention is a hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody 175-62. Another embodiment of the invention includes monoclonal antibodies or a fragment, analogue or homologue thereof, or a peptide, oligonucleotide, peptidomimetic or an organic compound which bind to the same epitope as the antibody 175-62. These antibodies can include Fab, F(ab′) 2 , Fv or single chain Fv, and may be chimeric, DeImmunized™, humanized or human antibody. In addition, the present invention includes cell lines that produces the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof that bind to the same epitope as the antibody 175-62. The present invention also includes molecules that inhibit complement activation by inhibiting both the classical and lectin complement pathways. The preferred molecules of the present invention inhibit complement activation at a molar ratio of inhibitor molecule to C2 at 1:2. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of treating a disease or condition that is mediated by excessive or uncontrolled activation of the complement system by administering, in vivo or ex vivo, an inhibitor molecule that specifically binds C2a or the C2a portion of C2. One example of a Mab, designated 175-62, that binds to C2a and blocks its ability to activate complement was generated as described below. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number PTA-1553, on Mar. 22, 2000. | 20050524 | 20110419 | 20050908 | 82334.0 | 0 | WEN, SHARON X | METHOD OF INHIBITING COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,005 |
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10,908,839 | ACCEPTED | SEMICONDUCTOR BOND PAD STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF | Described is a semiconductor device having improved semiconductor bond pad reliability and methods of manufacturing thereof. The semiconductor device includes a layer formed over an integrated circuit on a semiconductor substrate. The first layer includes a conductive portion and an insulating portion. A second layer is then formed over the first layer and includes a conductive portion corresponding to the first layer's conductive portion and an insulating portion corresponding to the first layer's insulating portion. A bond pad is then formed over the first and second layers such that the bond pad is substantially situated above the conductive portions and the insulating portions of the first and second layers. A bonding ball is then formed on the bond pad substantially above the conduction portion of the first and second layers. | 1. A semiconductor device, comprising: an integrated circuit formed on a substrate; a first layer formed over the integrated circuit, the first layer having a conductive portion and an insulating portion; a second layer formed over the first layer, the second layer having a conductive portion corresponding to the conductive portion of the first layer and an insulating portion corresponding to the insulating portion of the first layer; a bond pad formed over the second layer; and a metal bonding ball disposed on the bond pad, the metal bonding ball being formed substantially off-center on the bond pad and substantially over the first and second conductive portions to define a testing area of the bond pad capable of being test-probed and corresponding to the insulating portions of the first and second layers. 2. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the first layer is formed substantially of a dielectric material and wherein the conductive portion of the first layer comprises one or more apertures formed through the first layer, the one or more apertures being filled with a conductive material. 3. A semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more apertures are arranged in a grid. 4. A semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein the dielectric material is selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, undoped silicate glass, and doped silicate glass. 5. A semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein the conductive material is selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, gold, and mixtures thereof. 6. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the second layer is formed of a dielectric material and the conductive portion of the second layer comprises one or more apertures formed through the second layer, the one or more apertures being filled with a conductive material. 7. A semiconductor device according to claim 6, wherein the one or more apertures are arranged in a grid. 8. A semiconductor device according to claim 6, wherein the dielectric material is selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, undoped silicate glass, and doped silicate glass. 9. A semiconductor device according to claim 6, wherein the conductive material is selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, gold, and mixtures thereof. 10. A semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the testing area of the bond pad comprises a width greater than a width of a probing device tip. 11. A semiconductor device according to claim 10, wherein the insulating portions of the first and second layers each comprise a width greater than a width of the probing device tip. 12. A semiconductor device, comprising: an integrated circuit formed on a substrate; a first dielectric layer formed over the integrated circuit, the first dielectric layer having one or more apertures formed therethrough, the one or more apertures being substantially filled with a conductive material; a second dielectric layer formed over the first dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer having one or more apertures formed therethrough, the one or more second layer apertures being substantially filled with a conductive material; a bond pad formed over the second layer; and a bonding ball disposed on the bond pad, the bonding ball being formed substantially off-center on the bond pad and substantially over the first and second conductive portions to define a testing area of the bond pad capable of being test-probed and formed over corresponding insulating portions of the first and second dielectric layers, whereby the integrated circuit is in electrical communication with the bonding ball via the first layer apertures, the second layer apertures and the bond pad. 13. A semiconductor device according to claim 12, wherein the first and second dielectric layers are formed of dielectric material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, undoped silicate glass, and doped silicate glass. 14. A semiconductor device according to claim 12, wherein the conductive material of the first layer apertures and the second layer apertures is selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, gold, and mixtures thereof. 15. A method for forming a semiconductor device, comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming an integrated circuit on the substrate; forming a first layer over the integrated circuit, the first layer having a conductive portion and an insulating portion; forming a second layer over the first layer, the second layer having a conductive portion and an insulating portion, the second layer conductive portion corresponding to the first layer conductive portion, and the second layer insulating portion corresponding to the first layer insulating portion; forming a bond pad over the second layer; and forming a bonding ball on the bond pad, the bonding ball being substantially off-center on the bond pad and substantially over the first and second layer conductive portions to define a testing area of the bond pad capable of being test-probed and corresponding to the insulating portions of the first and second layers. 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein forming a first layer comprises forming a dielectric layer, forming one or more apertures through the dielectric layer, and substantially filling the one or more apertures with a conductive material. 17. A method according to claim 15, wherein forming a second layer comprises forming a conductive layer, forming one or more cavities through the conductive layer, and substantially filling the one or more cavities with a dielectric material. 18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the cavities formed in the conductive layer are laterally displaced from the one or more apertures formed through the dielectric layer. 19. A method according to claim 15, wherein forming a second layer comprises forming a dielectric layer, forming one or more apertures through the dielectric layer, and substantially filling the one or more apertures with a conductive material. 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the one or more apertures of the second dielectric layer correspond to the one or more apertures of the first dielectric layer. | BACKGROUND Semiconductor devices are manufactured in a variety of different ways and often require die-size chip assembly. One manufacturing process often associated with die-size chip assembly is a wire bonding assembly process in which semiconductor bond pads are electrically connected to landing pads formed on an external substrate. It has been found that peeling failures of semiconductor bonding pads during the wire bonding assembly process can undermine mechanical reliability in wire-bonded devices. In other words, semiconductor bond pads and associated portions of the semiconductor device can shear or rip off as the wire bond is being attached, thus leading to poor mechanical reliability of the resulting semiconductor device. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical wire-bonded semiconductor package 100 having a semiconductor chip 102 disposed over an external package substrate 104. A plurality of bond pads 106 are formed on the semiconductor chip 102, and are electrically connected to a plurality of landing pads 108 via a plurality of wire bonds 110. A conventional wire bonding assembly process involves initially forming a bonding ball (not shown) over the bond pad 106, by metallic bond wires 110, formed of materials such as gold or copper. During fabrication of wire-bonded semiconductor devices, underlying semiconductor layers undergo thermal and mechanical stress as a result of the processing steps (e.g. annealing) carried out on such devices. Accordingly, with each successive processing step, the material strength of the underlying layers is weakened, thus becoming less resistant to structural impact forces that can occur during latter processing steps such as the wire bonding attachment process or testing and probing. Consequently, the bond pads 106 can shear or rip off of the semiconductor chip 102 as a result of the stress exerted thereon. In some cases, portions of the semiconductor chip 102 associated with each bond pad 106 can shear or rip off, such as portions of the semiconductor chip underlying the bond pad (e.g. a dielectric layer) or portions of the semiconductor chip overlying the bond pad (e.g. a bonding ball). Thus, there exists a need to enhance the material strength of the bond pads 106 and thereby improve the structural reliability of semiconductor-packaged devices. SUMMARY Described are semiconductor devices having improved bond pad structures and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices having improved bond pad structures. In one embodiment, an improved semiconductor device includes an integrated circuit initially formed on a substrate. A first layer with a grid array of metal contact holes (e.g. metal contact region) is subsequently formed over the integrated circuit. A second layer with an insulating cavity is then subsequently formed over the first layer. The insulating cavity region of the second layer is formed to generally correspond to the insulating portion of the first layer, and therefore is not in contact with the metal contact region of the first layer. A bond pad is then formed over the first and second layers such that the bond pad is substantially, or at least somewhat coextensive with each of the metal contact region of the first layer and the insulating cavity region of the second layer. A bonding ball may then be formed on a region of the bond pad overlying the metal contact region of the first layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of prior-art packaged semiconductor device; and FIGS. 2A-2D are cross-sectional views of progressive stages of forming a semiconductor bond pad structure according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate cross-sectional views of progressive stages of forming a semiconductor bond pad structure according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 2A, a semiconductor device generally begins with an integrated circuit 204 formed over a semiconductor substrate 202. Within the integrated circuit 204 are multiple layers of interconnects (not shown), which may include interlevel metal dielectric, interlevel dielectric, gate electrodes, isolation regions, capacitors and other features or devices commonly found in semiconductor devices. After forming the integrated circuit 204 on the semiconductor substrate 202, a dielectric layer 206 is formed over the integrated circuit 204. Typical materials used in forming the dielectric layer 206 may include silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, doped silicate glass, and undoped silicate glass. In order to transmit electrical signals out of the integrated circuit 204, openings 208 are formed through the dielectric layer 206 using known lithographic and etching techniques. The openings or contact holes 208 are then filled with a metallic material such as copper, aluminum, gold, tungsten, or mixtures thereof to form metal contact holes 208, also referred to as metal vias. The semiconductor wafer is then subsequently subjected to a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process to planarize or level the wafer for further processing. In some embodiments, formation of the metal contact holes 208 and formation of the dielectric layer 206 may be reversed. In other words, the formation of the metal contact holes 208 can take place prior to formation of the dielectric layer 206. In this scenario, a metallic film may be initially formed instead of the dielectric layer 206. The metallic film may then be processed using known lithographic and etching methods and techniques to form the metal contact holes 208. A blanket layer of dielectric material may then be deposited after formation of the metal contact holes 208. Any protrusions or extrusions that are not level may then be subjected to a CMP process to planarize or level the interconnects. Referring to FIG. 2B, regardless of the order of forming the dielectric layer 206 and the metal contact holes 208, the resulting wafer may be blanket deposited with another dielectric layer 210 using the same or similar materials and methods as the previous dielectric layer 206. Thereafter, another set of metal contact holes 212 is formed in the dielectric layer 210 using the same or similar materials and methods as the previous set of metal contact holes 208. As explained above with respect to the dielectric layer 206 and the metal contact holes 208, the order of forming this set of metal contact holes 212 and dielectric layer 210 may also be reversed. Accordingly, layers 206, 210 may be initially formed as conductive layers rather than dielectric layers. The wafer may then be subjected to another CMP process to planarize or level the wafer for further processing. Referring to FIG. 2C, a bond pad 214 is subsequently formed on the wafer. The bond pad 214 may be formed of a variety of materials, such as aluminum, gold or copper. Additionally, the bond pad 214 may take a variety of configurations, including shapes other than that depicted in FIG. 2C. During probing and testing of the wafer, an electrical signal is transmitted from the integrated circuit 204 through the metal contact holes 208, 212 and out through the bond pad 214. Referring to FIG. 2D, a metal bump (e.g. solder ball) 216 is then formed over a portion of the bond pad 214. The bonding ball 216 is typically formed during wire bond process (formed of other metallic materials such as gold, copper, or aluminum) during a wire bonding assembly process. The wire bond 218 is generally used to connect the integrated circuit 204 with an external package. In some embodiments, the bonding ball 216 is formed in an off center position on the bond pad 214 to allow for probing and testing of the wafer. Positioning the bonding ball 216 on one side of the bond pad 214 provides a larger bond pad testing area defined as the portion of the bond pad 214 not occupied by the bonding ball 216. Accordingly, probing and testing can be carried out before IC package assembly process with a metal probe 220 to determine the functionality of the integrated circuit 204. Properly functioning devices will be put to use, while those that do not yield, or have failed to meet device specifications, can be scrapped or otherwise disposed of. During probing and testing, the metal probe 220 makes physical contact with the bond pad 214 in an area adjacent to the bonding ball 216 area (to the right of the bonding ball 216 area as illustrated in FIG. 2D). In practice, the metal probe 220 may dent or otherwise mark the bond pad 214. In some cases, such denting or marking will not adversely affect the underlying integrated circuit 204. However, there may be times when the metal probe 220 damages the wafer by penetrating through the bond pad 214 and potentially exposing the integrated circuit 204 to air. In this respect, the dielectric layer 210 can protect the integrated circuit 204 from potential exposures to air should the metal probe 220 penetrate through the bond pad 214. In particular, the dielectric layer 210 can protect the underlying metallic layers from exposure to air after chip probe and test because the dielectric layer 210 is already oxidized. In a worst-case scenario, if the metal probe 220 penetrates through the bond pad 214 and the dielectric layer 210, the underlying dielectric layer 206 provides an additional layer of protection. Thus, the portion of the wafer corresponding to the probe/test area of the bond pad 214 is constructed of dielectric material between the bond pad and the integrated circuit 204. Also, the portion of the wafer corresponding to the positioning of the bonding ball 216 includes an electrical path defined from the integrated circuit 204, through the metallic contact holes 208, 212 and to the bonding ball 216. Therefore, according to the teachings of the present disclosure, only dielectric materials may be exposed to air, while underlying metallic layers within the integrated circuit 204 and the metallic material associated with the metal contact holes 208, 212 are prevented from undergoing oxidation or corrosion resulting from exposure to air. In addition to preventing oxidation and corrosion, the integrated circuit 204 also has added strength to withstand the wire bonding assembly process. In practice, the wire bonding assembly process yields a large impact force, which can negatively affect the integrated circuit 204. For example, in some instances, the wire bonding process may cause detachment of a corresponding portion of the bond pad 214 from the integrated circuit 204. In severe cases, additional underlying layers, such as the dielectric layers 206, 210 may also be sheared off. As described above, layers 206, 210 includes metallic materials underlying the bonding ball 216. Metallic material is generally physically stronger than dielectric material, and therefore, has a higher impact force resistance. Accordingly, providing metallic material underneath the bonding ball 216 increases the material strength of the corresponding portion of the integrated circuit 204, thereby preventing, or at least decreasing, the existence of wire bond peeling failures. In other words, the bonding ball 216, and the aluminum bond pad 214 are less likely to be ripped off or sheared off due to the combined material strength of the metal contact holes 208, 212. Additionally, the number and proximity of the metal contact holes 208, 212 also affect strength. For example, increasing the number and proximity of metal contact holes 208, 212 formed in the integrated circuit 204 will increase the strength (and the impact resistance) of the corresponding portion of the bond pad 214. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. For example, although the metal contact holes 208 appear to be rectangular in shape, they may take on a plurality of shapes such as square, circle, or cylindrical shapes. Additionally, the sizes of the metal contact holes 208 may also vary in width, length and thickness. Furthermore, they may be further reinforced in a grid array arrangement. In addition, although two dielectric layers 206, 210 were coupled to two sets of metal contact holes 208, 212, they may be combined into one dielectric layer and one set of metal contact holes, or be further dissociated into three, four, or even five sets of dielectric layers and metal contact holes. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and ranges of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary of the Invention” to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in the claims found herein. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty claimed in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims associated with this disclosure, and the claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of the specification, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Semiconductor devices are manufactured in a variety of different ways and often require die-size chip assembly. One manufacturing process often associated with die-size chip assembly is a wire bonding assembly process in which semiconductor bond pads are electrically connected to landing pads formed on an external substrate. It has been found that peeling failures of semiconductor bonding pads during the wire bonding assembly process can undermine mechanical reliability in wire-bonded devices. In other words, semiconductor bond pads and associated portions of the semiconductor device can shear or rip off as the wire bond is being attached, thus leading to poor mechanical reliability of the resulting semiconductor device. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical wire-bonded semiconductor package 100 having a semiconductor chip 102 disposed over an external package substrate 104 . A plurality of bond pads 106 are formed on the semiconductor chip 102 , and are electrically connected to a plurality of landing pads 108 via a plurality of wire bonds 110 . A conventional wire bonding assembly process involves initially forming a bonding ball (not shown) over the bond pad 106 , by metallic bond wires 110 , formed of materials such as gold or copper. During fabrication of wire-bonded semiconductor devices, underlying semiconductor layers undergo thermal and mechanical stress as a result of the processing steps (e.g. annealing) carried out on such devices. Accordingly, with each successive processing step, the material strength of the underlying layers is weakened, thus becoming less resistant to structural impact forces that can occur during latter processing steps such as the wire bonding attachment process or testing and probing. Consequently, the bond pads 106 can shear or rip off of the semiconductor chip 102 as a result of the stress exerted thereon. In some cases, portions of the semiconductor chip 102 associated with each bond pad 106 can shear or rip off, such as portions of the semiconductor chip underlying the bond pad (e.g. a dielectric layer) or portions of the semiconductor chip overlying the bond pad (e.g. a bonding ball). Thus, there exists a need to enhance the material strength of the bond pads 106 and thereby improve the structural reliability of semiconductor-packaged devices. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Described are semiconductor devices having improved bond pad structures and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices having improved bond pad structures. In one embodiment, an improved semiconductor device includes an integrated circuit initially formed on a substrate. A first layer with a grid array of metal contact holes (e.g. metal contact region) is subsequently formed over the integrated circuit. A second layer with an insulating cavity is then subsequently formed over the first layer. The insulating cavity region of the second layer is formed to generally correspond to the insulating portion of the first layer, and therefore is not in contact with the metal contact region of the first layer. A bond pad is then formed over the first and second layers such that the bond pad is substantially, or at least somewhat coextensive with each of the metal contact region of the first layer and the insulating cavity region of the second layer. A bonding ball may then be formed on a region of the bond pad overlying the metal contact region of the first layer. | 20050527 | 20070102 | 20061130 | 62559.0 | H01L2358 | 0 | CHAMBLISS, ALONZO | SEMICONDUCTOR BOND PAD STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01L | 2,005 |
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10,908,930 | ACCEPTED | A SYSTEM FOR SECURE AND ACCURATE ELECTRONIC VOTING | Performing electronic voting by utilizing the ATM network and ATM machines; issuing voter cards to voters; modifying existing ATM software to recognize the voter card; maintaining a voter registration database; and making the voter registration database available to the ATM network. In use, the voter is matched to the database, and to voting options, and is restricted options specified by the database. A voting record, such as record, photo and verification, is stored in the database. A paper receipt is issued to the voter for verification. | 1. Method of performing electronic voting comprising: utilizing an ATM network, including ATM machines; issuing voter cards to voters; modifying existing ATM software to recognize the voter card; maintaining a voter registration database; and making the voter registration database available to the ATM network. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: matching the voter to the database, and to voting options. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: restricting the voter to options specified by the database. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing a voting record in the database. 5. The method of claim 5, wherein the voting record comprises at least one of: record, photo and verification. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: giving a paper receipt to the voter. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: asking the voter to verify the receipt. 8. Method of electronic voting, comprising: utilizing an ATM network, including ATM machines; maintaining an election database comprising voting options; maintaining a voter database comprising a list of authorized voters; and allowing a voter to interact with an ATM machine. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining whether the user wants to perform a banking transaction or a voting transaction; prompting the user to enter a passcode; verifying the passcode, determining whether the user has already voted; and, if the user has not already voted, initiating a vote module, and if the user has already voted, notifying the voter and initiating a vote resolution module. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: notifying the voter of his previous vote, including information such as the date, and time, and voting selections; asking the voter whether he requests resolution of the problem; and notifying the Election Board of the problem. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: asking the voter whether he wants a receipt of the voting transaction to be printed. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: presenting the voter with a provisional ballot for voting; and counting the vote when the problem is resolved. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: loading valid database values into the ATM machine; allowing the voter to make vote selections; and providing means for the voter to submit his ballot when he is done voting. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: printing a receipt of the voting transaction. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: questioning the voter whether the receipt is valid; and, if the voter responds in the affirmative, submitting the voting transaction to the Election Board; and if the voter responds in the negative, starting the voting process over again. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: if the voting process is started over again, providing modified voting menus having default values which reflect the voter's previous attempt at voting. 17. A system for secure and accurate electronic voting comprising: an ATM network; voter cards issued to voters; means for recognizing the voter card; a voter registration database; and means for making the voter registration database available to the ATM network. 18. The system of claim 1 7, further comprising: means for matching the voter to the database, and to voting options. 19. The system of claim 1 7, further comprising: means for restricting the voter to options specified by the database. 20. The system of claim 1 7, further comprising: means for storing a voting record in the database. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to method and apparatus for electronic voting. As it has been apparent observing recent events, the voting process in the United States is non-standardized, full of flaws and subject to possible errors and vote tampering. The recent (2004) election showed many possible solutions, some electronic, but even the electronic voting method was felt to be non-secure and flawed. Other methods such as paper, machines, etc., also result in many votes not being properly counted or the actual tally (and possible challenges) could take a very long time. Another flaw in the system is the concern of people voting multiple times, of Deceased Voting (dead or non-existent people voting), of Unregistered/Unqualified Voters voting, etc. This is mainly a result of the local voting personnel using archaic methods for verifying the voter. Various techniques are used, but it is relatively easy to fake ID or possibly vote in multiple locations. Other issues such as absentee ballots, receipts verifying electronic votes, etc, confuse the issue even further. The article “Analysis of an Electronic Voting System”, by Kohno et al., IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy 2004. IEEE Computer Society Press, May 2004 (This paper previously appeared as Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute Technical Report TR-2003-19, Jul. 23, 2003) (hereinafter, “IEEE Article”) describes an electronic voting system. Elections allow the populace to choose their representatives and express their preferences for how they will be governed. Naturally, the integrity of the election process is fundamental to the integrity of democracy itself. The election system must be sufficiently robust to withstand a variety of fraudulent behaviors and must be sufficiently transparent and comprehensible that voters and candidates can accept the results of an election. Unsurprisingly, history is littered with examples of elections being manipulated in order to influence their outcome. (source, IEEE Article) The design of a “good” voting system, whether electronic or using traditional paper ballots or mechanical devices, must satisfy a number of sometimes competing criteria. The anonymity of a voter's ballot must be preserved, both to guarantee the voter's safety when voting against a malevolent candidate, and to guarantee that voters have no evidence that proves which candidates received their votes. The existence of such evidence would allow votes to be purchased by a candidate. The voting system must also be tamper-resistant to thwart a wide range of attacks, including ballot stuffing by voters and incorrect tallying by insiders. (source, IEEE Article) As a result of the Florida 2000 presidential election, the inadequacies of widely-used punch card voting systems have become well understood by the general population. Despite the opposition of computer scientists, this has led to increasingly widespread adoption of “direct recording electronic” (DRE) voting systems. DRE systems, generally speaking, completely eliminate paper ballots from the voting process. As with traditional elections, voters go to their home precinct and prove that they are allowed to vote there, perhaps by presenting an ID card, although some states allow voters to cast votes without any identification at all. After this, the voter is typically given a PIN, a smartcard, or some other token that allows them to approach a voting terminal, enter the token, and then vote for their candidates of choice. When the voter's selection is complete, DRE systems will typically present a summary of the voter's selections, giving them a final chance to make changes. Subsequent to this, the ballot is “cast” and the voter is free to leave. (source, IEEE Article) The most fundamental problem with such a voting system is that the entire election hinges on the correctness, robustness, and security of the software within the voting terminal. Should that code have security-relevant flaws, they might be exploitable either by unscrupulous voters or by malicious insiders. Such insiders include election officials, the developers of the voting system, and the developers of the embedded operating system on which the voting system runs. If any party introduces flaws into the voting system software or takes advantage of pre-existing flaws, then the results of the election cannot be assured to accurately reflect the votes legally cast by the voters. (source, IEEE Article) Currently the most viable solution for securing electronic voting machines is to introduce a “voter-verifiable audit trail”. A DRE system with a printer attachment, or even a traditional optical scan system (e.g., one where a voter fills in a printed bubble next to their chosen candidates), will satisfy this requirement by having a piece of paper for voters to read and verify that their intent is correct reflected. This paper is stored in ballot boxes and is considered to be the primary record of a voter's intent. If, for some reason, the printed paper has some kind of error, it is considered to be a “spoiled ballot” and can be mechanically destroyed, giving the voter the chance to vote again. As a result, the correctness of any voting software no longer matters; either a voting terminal prints correct ballots or it is taken out of service. If there is any discrepancy in the vote tally, the paper ballots will be available to be recounted, either mechanically or by hand. (A verifiable audit trail does not, by itself, address voter privacy concerns, ballot stuffing, or numerous other attacks on elections.) (source, IEEE Article) The IEEE Article analyzes the Diebold AccuVote-TS 4.3.1 electronic voting system and found significant security flaws: voters can trivially cast multiple ballots with no built-in traceability, administrative functions can be performed by regular voters, and the threats posed by insiders such as poll workers, software developers, and janitors is even greater. US Patent Publication No. 20030006282 discloses systems and methods for electronic voting. An electronic voting system has a voting administrative module connected to a plurality of voting modules connected via a network. A voter initiates the voting process by inserting a voting key into a voting key reader of a voting module. The voter then makes voting selections, which include casting votes, on a touch screen display of the voting module. Alternatively, the voting module may verbally guide the voter through the voting process using an audio headphone. The voter may also make voting selections verbally through a microphone using voice recognition technology, or by using a tactile keypad. After the voter is finished casting votes, a voter verifiable paper ballot is printed and an electronic ballot is saved on the electronic voting system. The voter can review the paper ballot. If the voter is not satisfied with the voting selections reflected on the paper ballot, then the paper ballot and the electronic ballot may be spoiled and the voter given a new voting key to use to re-cast the votes on the electronic voting system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an electronic voting system which is secure from hacking, reliable and fast. According to the invention, a method of performing electronic voting comprises: utilizing the ATM network and ATM machines; issuing voter cards to voters; modifying existing ATM software to recognize the voter card; maintaining a voter registration database; and making the voter registration database available to the ATM network. In use, the voter is matched to the database, and to voting options, and is restricted options specified by the database. A voting record, such as record, photo and verification, is stored in the database. A paper receipt is issued to the voter for verification. According to the invention, a method of electronic voting, comprises: utilizing an ATM network, including ATM machines; maintaining an election database comprising voting options; maintaining a voter database comprising a list of authorized voters; and allowing a voter to interact with an ATM machine. The method may further comprise determining whether the user wants to perform a banking transaction or a voting transaction; prompting the user to enter a passcode; verifying the packed, determining whether the user has already voted and, if the user has not already voted, initiating a vote module; if the user has already voted, notifying the voter and initiating a vote resolution module. The method may further comprise notifying the voter of his previous vote, including information such as the date, and time, and voting selections; asking the voter whether he requests resolution of the problem; and notifying the Election Board of the problem. The method may further comprise asking the voter whether he wants a receipt of the voting transaction to be printed. The method may further comprise presenting the voter with a provisional ballot for voting; and counting the vote when the problem is resolved. The method may further comprise loading valid database values into the ATM machine; allowing the voter to make vote selections; and providing means for the voter to submit his ballot when he is done voting. The method may further comprise printing a receipt of the voting transaction. The method may further comprise questioning the voter whether the receipt is valid, and if the voter responds in the affirmative, submitting the voting transaction to the Election Board; and if the voter responds in the negative, starting the voting process over again. The method may further comprise if the voting process is started over again, providing modified voting menus having default values which reflect the voter's previous attempt at voting. According to the invention, a system for secure and accurate electronic voting comprises: the ATM network; voter cards issued to voters; means for recognizing the voter card; a voter registration database; and means for making the voter registration database available to the ATM network. The system may further comprise means for matching the voter to the database, and to voting options; means for restricting the voter to options specified by the database; and means for storing a voting record in the database. The IEEE Article describes a stand alone system, which is inherently prone to attack/hacking/error. The present invention describes using the current ATM Banking Network, protocol and system. The ATM Network has proven to be secure to hacking, reliable and fast. US Patent Publication No. 20030006282 describes a standalone system with all the problems, flaws and limitations inherent therein. A similarity with the present invention is that the ballot is printed for the voter as a record, and the system asks voter for verification. A difference is that the present invention piggybacks on all of the excellent security and other functional features of the ATM Network, not the least of which is that it allows for voting from anywhere there is an ATM. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a voting system, according to the invention; and FIGS. 2-5 are flowcharts illustrating how the system of FIG. 1 functions, according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present invention. According to the invention, generally, an electronic voting system uses what is possibly the world's most secure electronic infrastructure—the ATM network. The ATM network used in the banking system today is possibly the world's most secure and accurate publicly used computer system. It is tamper proof, extremely accurate, extremely fast and shares information between banks, accounts, etc. It is accessible from all over the world. The existing ATM network is ideal for purposes of voting because it provides User Verification, Instant Access, Receipts, Secure Access, and Verified Access. Currently, for banking transactions, the user utilizes a bank card or a credit card to activate the system, enters the account using a PIN number (password) and can deposit, withdraw or check balances of the accounts the user/card combination has access to, in most cases regardless of what bank or where the user is located. All transactions are documented, verified electronically, receipts are given out, and in most cases photos are taken of the user for future reference should a discrepancy occur. According to the invention, a voting (voter registration) card, similar to a bank card and possibly a replacement for a Social Security Card be issued to all registered voters. Or, to all American citizens with a social security number. For purposes of this description, it is assumed that the information on the card be the social security number only. However, other data (address, birth date, etc) can be included, but is not necessary. The card could also serve as a social security card, and mimics an ATM card. The card can have various information encrypted/coded on it. At election time, the people responsible for the election—be it local, regional, nation election of a person or passing of a referendum—will document the voting slots and options. At Election Time, Regional, State and National Voting Data is Entered into a Database which is accessible by the ATM Network. This includes: National, State and Local Referendums Registered Voter List Voter Status (have they voted yet?) For example, in 2004 there was a national presidential election. However, each candidate needed to be placed on the ballot in each state. (Ralph Nader was not on the ballot in all states. If a voter registered in a state with Nader on ballot, it is a vote option.) There were also local elections (senators, judges, etc.) and referendums (same sex marriage, stadium funding, etc.). This information will be entered into a database and made available to the banking systems. The banking systems will place an option on their ATM for voting. The voter will then be able to step up to any ATM Machine, enter their card and PIN number. Once validated, the information stored on the card will identify the options available to them (i.e., the voting options available to them, including local, State and Federal). Assuming that all is correct, the user can then place their votes, receiving a paper receipt for their verification. The ATM can then ask the user to verify the paper receipt to what is on the screen, an additional method to verify accuracy. Once verified by the voter, the data is sent to the proper election board for tallying. If the card had been used to vote previously (at another ATM, etc), then the screen would identify to the user that the card has already voted. A software flag can be issued, retracing and identifying the previous vote and passing the information on to the election committee for resolution (picture verification, etc.). FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating, at a high level, the overall system of the invention. The system 100 is based on the secure ATM network 100, already in existence and functioning. Generally, a Voter 102 interacts at an ATM Machine 104 which is connected via a network 106 (the ATM network) to an Election Database 108 and a Voter Database 110. The two databases 108,110 are maintained by the Election Board. FIG. 2 is is a flowchart illustrating, in greater detail, how the system works. In a first step 202, the voter (user) inserts a card into any election-capable ATM machine. In a step 204, it is determined by the ATM machine whether the card is a standard bank card, or a voting card—in other words, whether the user is going to make a banking transaction, or cast a vote (make a voting transaction). If the card is a normal bank card, standard ATM processing proceeds at step 206, and needs no further description herein. If the card is a voting card, the voting process is initiated, at step 208. Alternatively, if the card is a multi-purpose card (capable of banking and voting), the user/voter is presented with a menu (on the display of the ATM machine) to choose between banking and voting. A voting card suitably is encrypted with a PIN number or the user's social security number. As used herein, the “voting card” can be a USB (universal serial bus) fob, it can incorporate a RFID (radio freqauency identification) access token/chip, fingerprint, retinal scan, voice recognition, etc. As used herein, the “voting card” is intended to embrace all existing portable identity modules such as are used for physical or virtual access control. At the step 208, the voter is prompted to enter a PIN number (passcode) for verification, PIN number verification takes place, and the proper election board database(s) are identified. Next, in the step 210, it is determined whether the voter has voted yet. If the voter has not already voted, a Vote Module (see FIG. 5) is initiated, step 212. If the voter has already voted, the voter is presented, step 214, with an appropriate message indicating that he has already cast a vote and cannot vote again and a Vote Resolution Module (See FIG. 3) is initiated. FIG. 3 is is a flowchart illustrating how the Vote Resultion Module of the invention works. In a first step 302, the voter is notified of his previous vote, including information such as the date, and time, and previous voting selections. Next, in step 304, the voter is prompted (asked) whether he requests resolution of the problem. The user may select “yes”. Whether or not the voter requests resolution, in the next step 306 the Election Board is notified of the problem. The following data is sent to the Election Board—date, transaction number, and an image of the voter. Exceptions are handled on individual basis. The voter is prompted (asked), step 310, as to whether he desires a receipt of the transaction to be printed. The receipt can include contact information (e.g., telephone number) for the election board. The Vote Resolution Module (FIG. 3) is for dealing with problems such as the voter has already voted and is attempting to vote again. Of course, there could be other problems, as well as system glitches requiring resolution. Therefore, alternatively, the voter can be notified (see step 214) that there that there is a problem that needs resolution, and can be presented with a “provisional” ballot (which would look just like a regular ballot) so that he can vote, and his vote will be counted if and when the problem is resolved. This would require a provisional vote module identical to the vote module of FIG. 5 (described below) with the addition of a flag indicating the status of the vote as “provisional” (responsive to a potential problem). FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the Election Board Database of the invention. If the vote process is allowed, database values for valid election options are loaded to the ATM machine so that the voter can vote. Next the Vote Module (FIG. 5) is initiated. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the Vote Module of the invention. In a first step 502, valid database values are loaded into the ATM machine 104, for display (at appropriate intervals during the online voting process). In the next step 504, the voter places his votes, then at the end of making his selections (there may be a sequence of screens in a menu-driven process) submits his ballot (aggregate of selections), e.g., by pressing “enter” or “OK” in response to a query “Would you like to submit your vote?”. The whole process can be menu-driven, including allowing going back, or restarting, or exiting, and the like. But, at the end, the voter must make a clear, unambiguous indication that he wants his vote(s) submitted, with no “touch-backs”. This, of course, is comparable and similar to paradigm used for ATM banking transactions. The user has a certain amount of flexibility, until the final point when he is “done”. Next, in a step 506, a receipt is printed (i.e., a paper record of the voting transaction) and the user is questioned whether the receipt is valid. The user can respond either “yes” or “no”. If the user responds “yes”, in a step 508 the voter's data (identification, vote(s), etc.—i.e., the complete voting transaction) is submitted to the Election Board database(s). If the user responds in the negative to the step 506, the vote is not submitted and the voter is directed back to the step 504 to start voting, all over again. This can be a complete “fresh start”, or the user can be presented with modified voting menus having default values which reflect his previous attempt (at step 504) in voting, such as with prompts such as “verify” or “change”, and appropriate submenus to deal with the situation. It is well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains to create appropriate software to implement the invention, as described hereinabove. It is also intended that modifications to the above are included, such as having voice annunciators, secure ID systems (so called “fingerprinting”, or iris recognition, in addition to password (PIN) protection), and the like. The menus can be implemented in various languages, and the like, as is common in many computing environments. The invention is a computerized voting system, and can benefit from the myriad various other computerized transaction and security systems which are already in place, without diluting the invention. The invention utilizes the ATM Network and Machines to replace Voting Booths. A voter card is issued. Existing ATM software is modified to recognize the voter card. A voter registration database is maintained and made available to the ATM network. The ATM matches the voter to the database, and to voting options. The voter can only vote on options specified by the database. A voting record is stored in the database, including record, photo and verification. A paper receipt is given to the voter, and the voter is asked to verify the receipt. The invention utilizes a proven, nationwide, secure network which is already in existence. The methodology disclosed herein prevents voter fraud while minimizing errors. Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to method and apparatus for electronic voting. As it has been apparent observing recent events, the voting process in the United States is non-standardized, full of flaws and subject to possible errors and vote tampering. The recent (2004) election showed many possible solutions, some electronic, but even the electronic voting method was felt to be non-secure and flawed. Other methods such as paper, machines, etc., also result in many votes not being properly counted or the actual tally (and possible challenges) could take a very long time. Another flaw in the system is the concern of people voting multiple times, of Deceased Voting (dead or non-existent people voting), of Unregistered/Unqualified Voters voting, etc. This is mainly a result of the local voting personnel using archaic methods for verifying the voter. Various techniques are used, but it is relatively easy to fake ID or possibly vote in multiple locations. Other issues such as absentee ballots, receipts verifying electronic votes, etc, confuse the issue even further. The article “Analysis of an Electronic Voting System”, by Kohno et al., IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy 2004. IEEE Computer Society Press, May 2004 (This paper previously appeared as Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute Technical Report TR-2003-19, Jul. 23, 2003) (hereinafter, “IEEE Article”) describes an electronic voting system. Elections allow the populace to choose their representatives and express their preferences for how they will be governed. Naturally, the integrity of the election process is fundamental to the integrity of democracy itself. The election system must be sufficiently robust to withstand a variety of fraudulent behaviors and must be sufficiently transparent and comprehensible that voters and candidates can accept the results of an election. Unsurprisingly, history is littered with examples of elections being manipulated in order to influence their outcome. (source, IEEE Article) The design of a “good” voting system, whether electronic or using traditional paper ballots or mechanical devices, must satisfy a number of sometimes competing criteria. The anonymity of a voter's ballot must be preserved, both to guarantee the voter's safety when voting against a malevolent candidate, and to guarantee that voters have no evidence that proves which candidates received their votes. The existence of such evidence would allow votes to be purchased by a candidate. The voting system must also be tamper-resistant to thwart a wide range of attacks, including ballot stuffing by voters and incorrect tallying by insiders. (source, IEEE Article) As a result of the Florida 2000 presidential election, the inadequacies of widely-used punch card voting systems have become well understood by the general population. Despite the opposition of computer scientists, this has led to increasingly widespread adoption of “direct recording electronic” (DRE) voting systems. DRE systems, generally speaking, completely eliminate paper ballots from the voting process. As with traditional elections, voters go to their home precinct and prove that they are allowed to vote there, perhaps by presenting an ID card, although some states allow voters to cast votes without any identification at all. After this, the voter is typically given a PIN, a smartcard, or some other token that allows them to approach a voting terminal, enter the token, and then vote for their candidates of choice. When the voter's selection is complete, DRE systems will typically present a summary of the voter's selections, giving them a final chance to make changes. Subsequent to this, the ballot is “cast” and the voter is free to leave. (source, IEEE Article) The most fundamental problem with such a voting system is that the entire election hinges on the correctness, robustness, and security of the software within the voting terminal. Should that code have security-relevant flaws, they might be exploitable either by unscrupulous voters or by malicious insiders. Such insiders include election officials, the developers of the voting system, and the developers of the embedded operating system on which the voting system runs. If any party introduces flaws into the voting system software or takes advantage of pre-existing flaws, then the results of the election cannot be assured to accurately reflect the votes legally cast by the voters. (source, IEEE Article) Currently the most viable solution for securing electronic voting machines is to introduce a “voter-verifiable audit trail”. A DRE system with a printer attachment, or even a traditional optical scan system (e.g., one where a voter fills in a printed bubble next to their chosen candidates), will satisfy this requirement by having a piece of paper for voters to read and verify that their intent is correct reflected. This paper is stored in ballot boxes and is considered to be the primary record of a voter's intent. If, for some reason, the printed paper has some kind of error, it is considered to be a “spoiled ballot” and can be mechanically destroyed, giving the voter the chance to vote again. As a result, the correctness of any voting software no longer matters; either a voting terminal prints correct ballots or it is taken out of service. If there is any discrepancy in the vote tally, the paper ballots will be available to be recounted, either mechanically or by hand. (A verifiable audit trail does not, by itself, address voter privacy concerns, ballot stuffing, or numerous other attacks on elections.) (source, IEEE Article) The IEEE Article analyzes the Diebold AccuVote-TS 4.3.1 electronic voting system and found significant security flaws: voters can trivially cast multiple ballots with no built-in traceability, administrative functions can be performed by regular voters, and the threats posed by insiders such as poll workers, software developers, and janitors is even greater. US Patent Publication No. 20030006282 discloses systems and methods for electronic voting. An electronic voting system has a voting administrative module connected to a plurality of voting modules connected via a network. A voter initiates the voting process by inserting a voting key into a voting key reader of a voting module. The voter then makes voting selections, which include casting votes, on a touch screen display of the voting module. Alternatively, the voting module may verbally guide the voter through the voting process using an audio headphone. The voter may also make voting selections verbally through a microphone using voice recognition technology, or by using a tactile keypad. After the voter is finished casting votes, a voter verifiable paper ballot is printed and an electronic ballot is saved on the electronic voting system. The voter can review the paper ballot. If the voter is not satisfied with the voting selections reflected on the paper ballot, then the paper ballot and the electronic ballot may be spoiled and the voter given a new voting key to use to re-cast the votes on the electronic voting system. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is an object of the invention to provide an electronic voting system which is secure from hacking, reliable and fast. According to the invention, a method of performing electronic voting comprises: utilizing the ATM network and ATM machines; issuing voter cards to voters; modifying existing ATM software to recognize the voter card; maintaining a voter registration database; and making the voter registration database available to the ATM network. In use, the voter is matched to the database, and to voting options, and is restricted options specified by the database. A voting record, such as record, photo and verification, is stored in the database. A paper receipt is issued to the voter for verification. According to the invention, a method of electronic voting, comprises: utilizing an ATM network, including ATM machines; maintaining an election database comprising voting options; maintaining a voter database comprising a list of authorized voters; and allowing a voter to interact with an ATM machine. The method may further comprise determining whether the user wants to perform a banking transaction or a voting transaction; prompting the user to enter a passcode; verifying the packed, determining whether the user has already voted and, if the user has not already voted, initiating a vote module; if the user has already voted, notifying the voter and initiating a vote resolution module. The method may further comprise notifying the voter of his previous vote, including information such as the date, and time, and voting selections; asking the voter whether he requests resolution of the problem; and notifying the Election Board of the problem. The method may further comprise asking the voter whether he wants a receipt of the voting transaction to be printed. The method may further comprise presenting the voter with a provisional ballot for voting; and counting the vote when the problem is resolved. The method may further comprise loading valid database values into the ATM machine; allowing the voter to make vote selections; and providing means for the voter to submit his ballot when he is done voting. The method may further comprise printing a receipt of the voting transaction. The method may further comprise questioning the voter whether the receipt is valid, and if the voter responds in the affirmative, submitting the voting transaction to the Election Board; and if the voter responds in the negative, starting the voting process over again. The method may further comprise if the voting process is started over again, providing modified voting menus having default values which reflect the voter's previous attempt at voting. According to the invention, a system for secure and accurate electronic voting comprises: the ATM network; voter cards issued to voters; means for recognizing the voter card; a voter registration database; and means for making the voter registration database available to the ATM network. The system may further comprise means for matching the voter to the database, and to voting options; means for restricting the voter to options specified by the database; and means for storing a voting record in the database. The IEEE Article describes a stand alone system, which is inherently prone to attack/hacking/error. The present invention describes using the current ATM Banking Network, protocol and system. The ATM Network has proven to be secure to hacking, reliable and fast. US Patent Publication No. 20030006282 describes a standalone system with all the problems, flaws and limitations inherent therein. A similarity with the present invention is that the ballot is printed for the voter as a record, and the system asks voter for verification. A difference is that the present invention piggybacks on all of the excellent security and other functional features of the ATM Network, not the least of which is that it allows for voting from anywhere there is an ATM. | 20050601 | 20080527 | 20061207 | 85010.0 | G07C1300 | 0 | FRECH, KARL D | A SYSTEM FOR SECURE AND ACCURATE ELECTRONIC VOTING | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G07C | 2,005 |
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10,908,947 | ACCEPTED | LOCKING FINIAL AND RECEPTACLE INCORPORATING THE SAME | A receptacle that is adapted to be suspended from a support member includes a housing and a lid to enclose the interior thereof. A flexible cable is secured to the housing and extends though a passageway in a mounting member on the lid so that the lid can move between an open and a closed position. A latch mechanism is associated with the mounting member and can release to allow the lid to slide on the cable and can latch to resist sliding movement of the lid thereby to open the housing for access and close it for use. | 1. A receptacle adapted to be suspended from a support member for the care and maintenance of living things, comprising: (A) a housing having an interior with an access opening therein; (B) a lid adapted to be moved from an open position permitting access to the interior through the access opening and a closed position enclosing the interior such that said housing and said lid together form an assembled unit; (C) a mounting member disposed on said lid and including a passageway therethrough; (D) a flexible cable secured at a first end portion to said housing and having an opposite second end portion adapted to secure to the support member, said cable extending through the passageway in said mounting member; and (E) a latch mechanism associated with said mounting member and movable between a release position wherein said cable may slide in the passageway and a latch position wherein sliding movement of said cable in the passageway is resisted, whereby, (1) when said lid is in the closed position and said latch mechanism is in the latch position, said lid is retained in the closed position, and (2) when said latch mechanism is in the release position, said lid can be moved between the closed position and the open position. 2. A receptacle according to claim 1 wherein said housing includes a bottom panel and a surrounding side wall extending upwardly from said bottom panel, said access opening being located opposite said bottom panel. 3. A receptacle according to claim 2 wherein said side wall terminates in an upper rim defining said access opening. 4. A receptacle according to claim 2 wherein said assembled unit is a bird feeder, said side wall having dispensing openings formed therein whereby food may be dispense therethrough. 5. A receptacle according to claim 2 wherein the first end portion of said cable is affixed to said bottom panel. 6. A receptacle according to claim 2 wherein said lid has a margin that extends outwardly of said side wall. 7. A receptacle according to claim 6 wherein said lid is dome-shaped in configuration. 8. A receptacle according to claim 1 wherein said mounting member includes a shaft and an enlarged head portion with said shaft extending therefrom, said passageway extending axially through said shaft and through said head portion. 9. A receptacle according to claim 8 wherein said shaft is threaded and wherein said lid has a lid opening sized and adapted to receive said shaft therethrough, and including a threaded fastener adapted to threadably engage said shaft to retain said mounting member on said lid. 10. A receptacle according to claim 8 wherein said head portion has a bore formed partially therethrough such that the bore intersects the passageway, said latch mechanism including a plunger slideably received in the bore and a spring element that biases said plunger outwardly from the bore with a restorative force so that said plunger can move between a retracted position and an extended position, said plunger having a port therethrough that registers with the passageway when in the retracted position whereby said cable may slide in the passageway yet which binds against said cable when said plunger is in the extended position thereby to resist sliding movement of said cable in the passageway. 11. A receptacle according to claim 1 wherein said mounting member is configured as a finial for said lid. 12. A receptacle according to claim 1 wherein said assembled unit is selected from a group consisting of bird houses, bird feeders, butterfly feeders, and bird baths. 13. A locking finial adapted for use in securing a flexible cable, comprising: (A) a shaft; (B) an enlarged head portion with said shaft extending outwardly therefrom, said shaft having an axial passageway extending therethrough with the passageway also extending through said head portion and operative to receive the cable therethrough, said head portion having a bore formed partially therethrough such that the bore intersects the passageway; (C) a plunger slideably received in the bore; and (D) a spring element disposed in the bore and operative to bias said plunger outwardly from the bore with a restorative force so that said plunger can move between a retracted position and an extended position, said plunger having a port therethrough that registers with the passageway when in the retracted position whereby said cable is received through the port for sliding movement in the passageway, said plunger operative to bind against the cable when in the extended position thereby to resist sliding movement of said cable in the passageway. 14. A locking finial according to claim 13 wherein said shaft is threaded, and including a threaded fastener adapted to threadably engage said shaft. 15. A locking finial according to claim 13 wherein said passageway is linear. 16. A method of opening and closing a receptacle for the care and maintenance of living things wherein the receptacle includes a housing having an interior and an access opening and a lid movable between an open position permitting access to the interior through the access opening and a closed position enclosing the interior such that said housing and said lid together form an assembled unit, comprising: (A) connecting one end portion of a cable to said housing wherein said cable has a second end portion adapted to secure to the support member; (B) extending said cable through said lid; (C) providing a latch mechanism associated with said cable and located exteriorly of said housing whereby said latch mechanism is movable between a release state wherein said lid may slide along said cable and a latch state wherein sliding movement of said lid relative to said cable is resisted; (D) advancing said latch mechanism to the release state and sliding said lid between the open and closed positions; and (E) advancing said latch mechanism to the latch state to resist movement of said lid relative to said cable. 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein said latch mechanism is biased toward the latch state with a restorative force, the step of advancing said latch mechanism to the latch state being accomplished by allowing said latch member to return to the latch state under influence of the restorative force. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Since the domestication of animals, in general, humans have taken upon themselves the care and maintenance of a variety of living things. Such living things include, for example, animals, birds and insects. Often, people desire to provide care and maintenance for wildlife, such as wild birds, wherein either feeding stations or houses are provided for the birds. As such, a wide variety of feeders and nesting facilities have been developed and employed in the past. In some cases, these feeders and nesting facilities are suspended from a support member such as a tree branch or a structural beam. Where feeding stations, e.g. birdfeeders, are provided for living things, such feeding stations typically are in the form of a receptacle that includes a food reservoir for containing solid or liquid nourishment. An access opening is provided to allow access for filling the reservoir, and a lid is typically provided to close the reservoir after it has been filled. One disadvantage in many prior art structures is that the receptacle must be taken down from its support in order to refill the reservoir. Moreover, the connecting structures of the lid to the housing are sometimes unwieldy, especially where a large feeding receptacle is employed. Therefore, a more convenient structure for interconnecting a lid to a receptacle is useful and would provide advantages over the prior art when the lid structure is easily moveable between open and closed positions. Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a new and improved receptacles for the care and maintenance of living things, such as bird houses, bird feeders, insect feeders, bird baths and the like. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs by providing a locking finial that secures a lid to a housing to form the receptacle. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a receptacle used for the care and maintenance of living things. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, this receptacle is adapted to be suspended from a support member and includes a housing having an interior with an access opening therein. A lid is adapted to be moved from an open position permitting access to the interior through the access opening and a closed position enclosing the interior such that the housing and the lid together form an assembled unit. A mounting member is then disposed on the lid with this mounting member including a passageway extending therethrough. A flexible cable is secured at a first end portion to the housing and has an opposite second end portion adapted to secure to the support member. The cable extends through the passageway in the mounting member. A latch mechanism is associated with the mounting member and is moveable between a release position wherein the cable may slide in the passageway and a latch position wherein sliding movement of the cable in the passageway is resisted. Thus, when the lid is in the closed position and the latch mechanism is in the latch position, the lid is retained in the closed position. However, when the latch mechanism is in the release position, the lid can be moved between the closed position and the open position. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a bottom panel and a surrounding sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom panel so that the access opening is located opposite the bottom panel and may be defined by an upper rim of the sidewall. When the assembled unit is a birdfeeder, for example, the sidewall may have dispensing openings formed therein whereby food may be dispensed therethrough. The lid is dome shaped in configuration and may have a margin that extends outwardly of the sidewall to form an overhang. In the exemplary embodiment, a first end portion of the cable is affixed to the bottom panel, and the second end portion of the cable is formed as a closed loop wherein a portion of the cable is looped back onto itself and secured by a retainer. However, other connections of the cable to the housing are contemplated. The cable can be any suitable flexible material, such as a single wire or woven wire strand, cords, string and the like including both manmade and natural filaments. One aspect of the invention, as noted above, is that a latch mechanism be associated with the mounting member with this latch structure being moveable between a release position wherein the mounting member may slide along the cable and a latch position wherein sliding movement of the cable relative to the mounting member is resisted. In the exemplary embodiment, the latch mechanism is formed by a bore that intersects the passageway and a plunger that is slideably received in the bore so that it may move between a retracted position and an extended position. The plunger has a port that registers with the passageway and the retracted position with the cable extending through the port. The plunger is spring biased toward the extended position so that, upon its release, the plunger binds against the cable thereby to resist sliding movement of the cable in the passageway. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting member is in the form of a locking finial that has an enlarged head portion with a shaft extending therefrom. A passageway is formed axially through the shaft and through the enlarged head portion so that the cable may slide in this passageway. The bore is then formed in the enlarged head portion. The shaft may be threaded, and the lid can have a lid opening sized and adapted to receive the shaft therethrough so that a threaded fastener may threadably engage the shaft to retain the mounting member on the lid. In addition to disclosing a receptacle adapted to be suspended from a support member for the care and maintenance of living things, it should be understood that the disclosure also relates to a locking finial of the type described above. In addition, this disclosure teaches a method of opening and closing a receptacle with the steps of this method being those inherent in the structure described above. The method disclosed includes the step of connecting one end portion of a cable to a housing wherein the cable has a second end portion adapted to secure to a support member. The cable is extended through a lid that is moveable between an open position permitting access to the interior of the housing and a closed position enclosing the interior. A latch mechanism is associated with the cable and is located exteriorly of the housing with this latch mechanism being moveable between a release state wherein the lid may slide along the cable and a latch state wherein sliding movement of the lid relative to the cable is resisted. The method then includes the step of advancing the latch mechanism to the release state and sliding of the lid between the open and closed positions. The latch mechanism may be advanced to the latch state to resist movement of the lid relative to the cable. The following is a detailed description of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a receptacle, in the form of a birdfeeder, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2(a) is a side view in cross-section of the birdfeeder of FIG. 1 shown with the lid in a closed position, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view in cross-section of the birdfeeder of FIG. 1 shown with the lid in the open position; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the latch member according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the form of a locking finial; and FIG. 4(a) is a side view in cross-section of the assembled finial of FIG. 3 with the latch thereof shown in a latch position, and FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 4(a) of the locking finial, showing the latch thereof in the release position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT The illustrated exemplary embodiment described herein relates to a receptacle in the form of a birdfeeder. However, it should be understood that the concepts described are applicable to any type of receptacle that is adapted to be suspended from a support member for the care and maintenance of living things. These might include, for example and not limitation, birdfeeders, birdhouses, insect feeders (such as butterfly feeders), squirrel feeders, and birdbaths, to name a few. Thus, while the description provided herein is directed to a birdfeeder, it should be understood at the outset that the inventive concepts are not confined to birdfeeders alone. With that in mind, and with reference to FIG. 1, a birdfeeder 10 is introduced and includes a housing 12 and a lid 14. Housing 12 includes a plurality of dispensing openings 16 along with associated perches 18. Birdfeeder 10 is adapted to be suspended from a support member (not shown) by means of a flexible cable 18, as described below. Cable 20 is secured at one end portion to housing 12 and has an opposite second end portion adapted to secure to the support member. Cable 20 also extends through a locking finial 40 that is secured to lid 14. The support member may be any convenient structure, such as a tree branch, a building beam, etc. With reference now to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), it may be seen that housing 12 includes a bottom panel 22 and a surrounding sidewall 24 extending upwardly therefrom as an inverted frustum to terminate at an upper rim 26. Thus, housing 12 has an interior 28 provided with an access opening 30 defined by rim 26 so that it is located oppositely of bottom panel 22. Dispensing openings 16 are each fitted with a rotatable feed dispenser 32, for illustrative purposes only. Moreover, it may be seen that lid 14 is dome-shaped and has a margin portion 15 that extends outwardly of side wall 24 so as to provide an overhang for the assembled unit. As is illustrated in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), lid 14 is adapted to be moved between a closed position, shown in FIG. 2(a) and an open position shown in FIG. 2(b). When in the open position, lid 14 permits access to interior 28 through the access opening 30. When in the closed position, lid 14 closes the interior such that the housing and lid together form an assembled unit, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(a). A mounting member is disposed on the lid 14, and in this exemplary embodiment, the mounting member is in the form of a locking finial 40. However, this is for illustrative purposes so that it should be understood that other mounting members may be substituted for finial 40. Locking finial 40 is best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4(a) and 4(b). As is shown in these figures, locking finial 40 includes an enlarged head portion 42 from which a shaft 44 extends in an axial direction. Shaft 44 is threaded so as to receive a threaded fastener in the form of nut 46 and an optional washer 48. As is shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), lid 14 includes a top panel 34 having a central opening 36 to which shaft 44 may extend and be secured thereby to secure finial 40 onto lid 14. Shaft 44 includes an axial passageway 50 that extends not only longitudinally through shaft 44 but linearly through enlarged head 42, as well. Table 20 then extends through passageway 50 in finial 40. Whether locking finial 40 or some other mounting member is used, one aspect of this disclosure is that a latch mechanism is provided to releasably grip cable 20. Thus, a latch mechanism is associated with finial 40 with the latch being moveable between a latch position, shown in FIG. 4(a) and a release position such as shown in FIG. 4(b). With reference to FIGS. 3, 4(a) and 4(b), in the exemplary embodiment, the latch mechanism is formed by a spring biased plunger 52 that is received in a transverse bore 54 formed in enlarged head 42 of finial 40. More particularly, bore 54 extends a majority of the distance through enlarged head 42 at generally right angles to passageway 50. Moreover, bore 54 intersects passageway 50 and is sized for close fitted, mated engagement with plunger 52. Bore 54 has an end wall 56, and a spring 58 is interposed between plunger 52 and end wall 56. Thus, spring 58 biases plunger 52 outwardly of bore 54 with the restorative force. Plunger 52 has a port formed by a pair of facing openings 60 formed through the sidewall thereof. When plunger 52 is moved into the release position, as is shown in FIG. 4(b), cable 20 can extend completely through finial 40 by passing through passageway 50 and through openings 60, as illustrated. In this position, cable 20 can freely slide relative to finial 40. However, upon the release of plunger 52, spring 58 biases plunger 52 outwardly so that cable 20 becomes gripped by plunger 52 and edge 62 formed by the intersection of passageway 50 and bore 54, as illustrated in FIG. 4(a). This latching action is similar to various cord clamps as known in the art. With reference again to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), it should now be appreciated that cable 20 has a first end portion 64 secured to housing 12. By referring to a “cable” it is contemplated that any suitable flexible cord-like member is included. Thus, cable 20 could be a single or multi-strand wire, a string, cord or the like. As is shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), end portion 64 is secured, in any suitable manner, to bottom panel 22, although any other suitable connection of cable 20 to housing 12 may be employed. A second end portion of flexible cable 20 is adapted to secure to the support member. In the exemplary embodiment, second end portion 66 is in the form of a closed loop formed by looping an end portion of cable 20 onto itself and securing the loop by a retainer 68. Since finial 40 is secured to lid 14, it should be now appreciated that lid 14 may be moved from the closed position to the open position by depressing plunger 52 of finial 40 and sliding lid 14 along cable 20. When plunger 52 is released, it will tend to retain lid 14 at the selected location along cable 20. Thus, after accessing the interior of housing 12, the user may depress plunger 52 and slide the lid 14 back into the closed position where it will be retained by the latching finial 40. Moreover, although plunger 52 is depicted as a hollow tubular member, it could just as well be a solid piece. Indeed, it is contemplated that other latch mechanisms could be associated with finial 40 instead of the spring biased plunger 52. That is, any latch that is suitable to prevent finial 40, and thus lid 14, from unwanted sliding on cable 20 could be employed although it is desirable that the latch be simply and easily moveable between the latch position and the release position. From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment also provides a method of opening and closing a receptacle for the care and maintenance of living things. According to this method, the receptacle includes a housing having an interior and an access opening and includes a lid moveable between an open position permitting access to the interior through the access opening and closed position enclosing the interior such that the housing and lid together form and assembled unit. This method includes any of the steps inherent in the structure described above with respect to the exemplary embodiment. More particularly, the method includes the step of connecting one end portion of a cable to the housing wherein the cable has a second end portion adapted to secure to the support member. The method then includes the step of extending the cable through the lid and providing a latch member on the cable exteriorly of the housing whereby the latch member is moveable between a release state wherein the lid may slide along the cable and a latch state wherein sliding movement of the lid relative to the cable is resisted. The method includes the step of advancing the latch member to the release state and sliding the lid between the open and closed positions and advancing the latch member to the latch state to resist movement of the lid relative to the cable. According to this method, the latch member may optionally be biased toward the latch state with the restorative force. The step of advancing the latch member to the latch state is then accomplished by allowing the latch member to return to the latch state under influence of the restorative force. Accordingly, the embodiment of the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity. It should be appreciated, though, that the scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the following claims such that the exemplary embodiment should not limit the scope of the invention. That is, is should be clearly understood that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Since the domestication of animals, in general, humans have taken upon themselves the care and maintenance of a variety of living things. Such living things include, for example, animals, birds and insects. Often, people desire to provide care and maintenance for wildlife, such as wild birds, wherein either feeding stations or houses are provided for the birds. As such, a wide variety of feeders and nesting facilities have been developed and employed in the past. In some cases, these feeders and nesting facilities are suspended from a support member such as a tree branch or a structural beam. Where feeding stations, e.g. birdfeeders, are provided for living things, such feeding stations typically are in the form of a receptacle that includes a food reservoir for containing solid or liquid nourishment. An access opening is provided to allow access for filling the reservoir, and a lid is typically provided to close the reservoir after it has been filled. One disadvantage in many prior art structures is that the receptacle must be taken down from its support in order to refill the reservoir. Moreover, the connecting structures of the lid to the housing are sometimes unwieldy, especially where a large feeding receptacle is employed. Therefore, a more convenient structure for interconnecting a lid to a receptacle is useful and would provide advantages over the prior art when the lid structure is easily moveable between open and closed positions. Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a new and improved receptacles for the care and maintenance of living things, such as bird houses, bird feeders, insect feeders, bird baths and the like. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs by providing a locking finial that secures a lid to a housing to form the receptacle. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE <EOH>The present invention relates to a receptacle used for the care and maintenance of living things. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, this receptacle is adapted to be suspended from a support member and includes a housing having an interior with an access opening therein. A lid is adapted to be moved from an open position permitting access to the interior through the access opening and a closed position enclosing the interior such that the housing and the lid together form an assembled unit. A mounting member is then disposed on the lid with this mounting member including a passageway extending therethrough. A flexible cable is secured at a first end portion to the housing and has an opposite second end portion adapted to secure to the support member. The cable extends through the passageway in the mounting member. A latch mechanism is associated with the mounting member and is moveable between a release position wherein the cable may slide in the passageway and a latch position wherein sliding movement of the cable in the passageway is resisted. Thus, when the lid is in the closed position and the latch mechanism is in the latch position, the lid is retained in the closed position. However, when the latch mechanism is in the release position, the lid can be moved between the closed position and the open position. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a bottom panel and a surrounding sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom panel so that the access opening is located opposite the bottom panel and may be defined by an upper rim of the sidewall. When the assembled unit is a birdfeeder, for example, the sidewall may have dispensing openings formed therein whereby food may be dispensed therethrough. The lid is dome shaped in configuration and may have a margin that extends outwardly of the sidewall to form an overhang. In the exemplary embodiment, a first end portion of the cable is affixed to the bottom panel, and the second end portion of the cable is formed as a closed loop wherein a portion of the cable is looped back onto itself and secured by a retainer. However, other connections of the cable to the housing are contemplated. The cable can be any suitable flexible material, such as a single wire or woven wire strand, cords, string and the like including both manmade and natural filaments. One aspect of the invention, as noted above, is that a latch mechanism be associated with the mounting member with this latch structure being moveable between a release position wherein the mounting member may slide along the cable and a latch position wherein sliding movement of the cable relative to the mounting member is resisted. In the exemplary embodiment, the latch mechanism is formed by a bore that intersects the passageway and a plunger that is slideably received in the bore so that it may move between a retracted position and an extended position. The plunger has a port that registers with the passageway and the retracted position with the cable extending through the port. The plunger is spring biased toward the extended position so that, upon its release, the plunger binds against the cable thereby to resist sliding movement of the cable in the passageway. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting member is in the form of a locking finial that has an enlarged head portion with a shaft extending therefrom. A passageway is formed axially through the shaft and through the enlarged head portion so that the cable may slide in this passageway. The bore is then formed in the enlarged head portion. The shaft may be threaded, and the lid can have a lid opening sized and adapted to receive the shaft therethrough so that a threaded fastener may threadably engage the shaft to retain the mounting member on the lid. In addition to disclosing a receptacle adapted to be suspended from a support member for the care and maintenance of living things, it should be understood that the disclosure also relates to a locking finial of the type described above. In addition, this disclosure teaches a method of opening and closing a receptacle with the steps of this method being those inherent in the structure described above. The method disclosed includes the step of connecting one end portion of a cable to a housing wherein the cable has a second end portion adapted to secure to a support member. The cable is extended through a lid that is moveable between an open position permitting access to the interior of the housing and a closed position enclosing the interior. A latch mechanism is associated with the cable and is located exteriorly of the housing with this latch mechanism being moveable between a release state wherein the lid may slide along the cable and a latch state wherein sliding movement of the lid relative to the cable is resisted. The method then includes the step of advancing the latch mechanism to the release state and sliding of the lid between the open and closed positions. The latch mechanism may be advanced to the latch state to resist movement of the lid relative to the cable. The following is a detailed description of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: | 20050601 | 20080513 | 20061207 | 65224.0 | A01K6102 | 3 | NGUYEN, TRINH T | LOCKING FINIAL AND RECEPTACLE INCORPORATING THE SAME | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A01K | 2,005 |
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10,908,958 | ACCEPTED | PSEUDO-RANDOM TEST GENERATOR IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT | An integrated circuit with a multiplexer system and a control circuit is described. The multiplexer system has an output terminal connected to an output pin of the integrated circuit and input terminals connected to internal nodes of the integrated circuit. In a normal mode the control circuit generates the control signals so that any one of the internal nodes is connected to the output pin so that the integrated circuit can function flexibly. In a test mode so that a different internal node is connected to the output pin in each cycle of a test clock signal. | 1. An integrated circuit comprising a multiplexer system having at least one output terminal connected to at least one output pin of said integrated circuit and a plurality of input terminals connected to a plurality of internal nodes of said integrated circuit, said multiplexer system selectively connecting one of said plurality of internal nodes to said output pin responsive to control signals; and a control circuit generating said control signals to said multiplexer system so that a different internal node is sequentially connected to said at least one output pin responsive to a test clock signal. 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein said multiplexer system comprises a plurality of output terminals connected to a plurality of output pins, said multiplexer system selectively connecting a subset of said plurality of internal nodes to said plurality of output pins responsive to control signals, and said control circuit generating said control signals to said multiplexer system so that different subsets of internal nodes are sequentially connected to said plurality of output pins responsive to said test clock signal. 3. The integrated circuit of claim 2 wherein different internal nodes are sequentially connected to said plurality of output pins at each cycle of said test clock signal. 4. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein said control circuit comprises control logic and a counter connected to said control logic, said counter responsive to each cycle of said test clock signal so that said control logic generates said control signals so that different internal nodes are sequentially connected to said output pin in a cycle at each cycle of said test clock signal. 5. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein said multiplexer system comprises a plurality of first multiplexers and a second multiplexer, said second multiplexer having said at one output terminal connected to said at least one output pin and a plurality of input terminals, each input terminal connected to an output terminal of one of said plurality of first multiplexers. 6. The integrated circuit of claim 5 wherein each of said plurality of first multiplexers comprise input terminals, each input terminal connected to one of said internal nodes. 7. The integrated circuit of claim 1 wherein said control circuit generates said control signals to said multiplexer system so that different internal nodes are sequentially connected to said output pin at each cycle of a test clock signal in a test mode. 8. An integrated circuit comprising a multiplexer system having at least one output terminal connected to at least one output pin of said integrated circuit and a plurality of input terminals connected to a plurality of internal nodes of said integrated circuit; and a control circuit generating said control signals to said multiplexer system so that at least one of said plurality of internal nodes is connected to said at least one output pin responsive to control signals in a normal mode and a different internal node is sequentially connected to said at least one output pin responsive to a test clock signal in a test mode. 9. The integrated circuit of claim 8 wherein said multiplexer system comprises a plurality of output terminals connected to a plurality of output pins, said multiplexer system selectively connecting a subset of said plurality of internal nodes to said plurality of output pins responsive to control signals, and said control circuit generating said control signals to said multiplexer system so that a subset of said plurality of internal nodes are connected to said plurality of output pins in said normal mode and different subsets of said plurality of internal nodes are sequentially connected to said plurality of output pins responsive to said test clock signal in said test mode. 10. The integrated circuit of claim 9 wherein different subsets of said plurality of internal nodes are sequentially connected to said plurality of output pins at each cycle of said test clock signal in said test mode. 11. The integrated circuit of claim 8 wherein said control circuit comprises control logic and a counter connected to said control logic, said counter responsive to each cycle of said test clock signal so that said control logic generates said control signals so that a different internal node is cyclically connected to said output pin at each cycle of said test clock signal. 12. The integrated circuit of claim 8 wherein said multiplexer system comprises a plurality of first multiplexers and a second multiplexer, said second multiplexer having at least one output terminal connected to said at least one output pin and a plurality of input terminals, each input terminal connected to an output terminal of one of said plurality of first multiplexers. 13. The integrated circuit of claim 12 wherein each of said plurality of first multiplexers comprise input terminals, each input terminal connected to one of said plurality of internal nodes. 14. The integrated circuit of claim 8 wherein in said test mode said control circuit generates said control signals to said multiplexer system so that a different at least one internal node is connected to said at least one output pin at each cycle of said test clock signal coincidentally with another procedure for testing said integrated circuit. 15. The integrated circuit of claim 14 wherein said another procedure comprises JTAG. 16. A method of operating an integrated circuit comprising selectively connecting at least one of a plurality of internal nodes of said integrated circuit to at least one output pin of said integrated circuit through a multiplexer system in a normal mode; and sequentially connecting a different at least one of said plurality of internal nodes of said integrated circuit to said at least one output pin through said multiplexer system responsive to a test clock signal in a test mode. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein a subset of said plurality of internal nodes are connected to a plurality of output pins in said normal mode in selectively connecting step and different subsets of said plurality of internal nodes are sequentially connected to said plurality of output pins responsive to said test clock signal in said test mode in said sequentially connecting step. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein different subsets of said plurality of internal nodes are sequentially connected to said plurality of output pins responsive to said test clock signal in said test mode at each cycle of said test clock signal in said sequentially connecting step. 19. The method of claim 16 comprising performing said sequentially connecting step with a multiplexer system, control logic and a counter, said multiplexer system having at least one output terminal connected to said at least one output pin of said integrated circuit and a plurality of input terminals connected to said plurality of internal nodes of said integrated circuit, said counter responsive to each cycle of said test clock signal so that said control logic generates control signals to said multiplexer system so that a different at least one of said plurality of internal nodes is sequentially connected to said output pin at each cycle of said test clock signal. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said multiplexer system comprises a plurality of first multiplexers and a second multiplexer, said second multiplexer having said at least one output terminal connected to said at least one output pin and a plurality of input terminals, each input terminal connected to an output terminal of one of said plurality of first multiplexers. 21. The method of claim 20 wherein each of said plurality of first multiplexers comprise input terminals, each input terminal connected to one of said plurality of internal nodes. 22. The method of claim 16 wherein performing said sequentially connecting step in said test mode coincidentally with another procedure for testing said integrated circuit. 23. The method of claim 22 wherein said another procedure comprising JTAG. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to the testing of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to the testing of integrated circuits with minimum intrusion to integrated circuit designs and minimal impact on times to perform test procedures on the integrated circuits. Since the first integrated circuit in the late 1950's, the number of transistors and wiring interconnects on a single chip has increased dramatically. Today, hundreds of millions of transistors and wiring interconnections may be found in one integrated circuit. With this increased complexity has come problems in testing the functional integrity of integrated circuits. There are many approaches to integrated circuit testing. One approach is the use of test equipment, such as a chip tester, which initiates a sequence of digital events on the input pins of the integrated circuit and on a triggering event records the signals on the output pins of the integrated circuit for external analysis by the logic analyzer. However, this traditional approach requires the integrated circuit to be operational and signals to travel through the integrated circuit's input/output blocks to the external world. The internal workings of the integrated circuit is tested only through the device's input/output interfaces. Another approach is to build test circuits in the integrated circuit itself in order to directly test selected internal nodes of the integrated circuit. For such testing, the integrated circuit is generally operated in a test mode. For example, using test methodologies, such as IEEE 1449.1 (commonly referred to as JTAG), test vectors are scanned into the integrated circuit to set the states of internal nodes and then the test results are retrieved from the integrated circuit. Whatever approach is taken to test the integrated circuit, it is desirable that not only the testing be effective, but that the amount of circuit resources and time dedicated to testing be minimized. If test circuits are built on the integrated circuit, they should not consume too much space on the substrate. Preferably, as much as possible of the substrate should be dedicated to original purpose of the integrated circuit. Furthermore, the added test circuits should avoid or minimize any increase in the time for testing the integrated circuits. The present invention provides for such testing in an integrated circuit, particularly certain integrated circuits with multiple sources for output pins. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides for an integrated circuit which has a multiplexer system and a control circuit. The multiplexer system has at least one output terminal connected to at least one output pin of the integrated circuit and a plurality of input terminals connected to a plurality of internal nodes of the integrated circuit. The multiplexer system selectively connects one of the plurality of internal nodes to the output pin responsive to control signals from the control circuit. In a normal mode the control circuit generates the control signals so that one of the plurality of internal nodes is connected to the output pin. In a test mode the control circuit generates the control signals so that a different internal node is sequentially connected to the output pin responsive to a test clock signal. The multiplexer system may be organized as one or more interconnected multiplexers. The multiplexer system may have a plurality of output terminals connected to a plurality of output pins. The multiplexer system selectively connects a subset of the plurality of internal nodes to the plurality of output pins responsive to the control signals, and the control circuit generates the control signals to the multiplexer system so that different subsets of internal nodes are sequentially connected to the plurality of output pins responsive to the test clock signal. The present invention also provides for a method of operating an integrated circuit which has the steps of selectively connecting at least one of a plurality of internal nodes of the integrated circuit to at least one output pin of the integrated circuit through a multiplexer system in a normal mode; and sequentially connecting a different at least one of the plurality of internal nodes of the integrated circuit to the at least one output pin through the multiplexer system responsive to a test clock signal in a test mode. With a plurality of output pins of the integrated circuit, the method provides for selectively connecting a subset of the plurality of internal nodes to the plurality of output pins in the normal mode, and sequentially connecting different subsets of the plurality of internal nodes the plurality of output pins responsive to the test clock signal in the test mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is representational view of circuitry which can selectively change the internal signal source to an output pin of an integrated circuit; FIG. 2 illustrates a modification of the FIG. 1 circuitry which allows testing of internal nodes of the integrated circuit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 shows an exemplary multi-multiplexer system; according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS One trend in the evolution of integrated circuits has been toward devices with flexible functionality, i.e., integrated circuits which can be modified to varying degrees to adapt to different applications. Initially, the function of an integrated circuit was fixed with its design. The designer of an electronic system selected a particular chip to fit into the system. If a system designer was not satisfied by the available choice of integrated circuits, he or she could order or design a custom chip at a much higher cost per chip. Recognizing this need, integrated circuit manufacturers introduced integrated circuits which could be programmed to varying degrees. Early PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), such as PLAs and PALs, allowed the integrated circuit user to program different fairly simple sets of logic functions into the integrated circuits. Other flexible integrated circuits included gate arrays, which were partially manufactured integrated circuits. Once a customer specified the interconnections for an application, the manufacture could quickly complete the integrated circuit for delivery. Current flexible integrated circuits include FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which have an array of programmable function logic blocks and interconnections. The FPGA user configures the logic blocks and their connections for the particular application. Also, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) allow the user to select and assemble highly complex functional blocks, such as processor units, in an integrated circuit for user's application. An example of a current application of such flexible integrated circuits is the cellular telephone. Cellular telephone networks currently operate under several standards, e.g.,. CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, 3G and variants of these standards, and it is beneficial for the cell telephones to be able to operate under different standards. This allows the telephone user to conveniently move from location to location without changing telephones. To operate under different standards, integrated circuits (such as ASICs) in the cellular telephone handsets might be able to programmably rewire their circuit blocks to modify their functions for the local standard. Alternatively, rather than changing the function of the circuit blocks, the integrated circuit might have a plurality of circuit blocks, each of which operating under a different standard. Programming selects the particular circuit blocks for operation under the local standard. In both cases but particularly with the second, the ability to change the signal source of one or more output pins may be highly beneficial to the integrated circuit for functional flexibility. FIG. 1 illustrates such an exemplary arrangement in an integrated circuit 10 which has a multiplexer 11 having its output terminal connected to an output pin 12. For purposes of clarity, other parts of the integrated circuit, such as those contributing to the function of the device, are not shown. Multiple input terminals of the multiplexer 11 are connected by interconnection traces 13 to various internal circuit nodes 14 in the integrated circuit 10. While the interconnection traces 13 of only three input terminals are illustrated, it should be understood that many more input terminals and internal circuit nodes 14 are possible. A control circuit 15 responsive to software control selects which node 14 should be connected to the output pin 12 through an input/output buffer 18. The software and the control circuit 15 may be part of a system which also programs other parts of the integrated circuit to define its functionality, as described above. While only one multiplexer 11 with one output pin 12 and interconnection traces 13 for internal nodes 14 is described, it should be understood that a plurality of such multiplexers with output pins, interconnection traces for other internal nodes may be used in the integrated circuit 10. In normal mode such multiplexers might operate so that related internal nodes are simultaneously connected to output pins. For example, such related internal nodes might be the latches of registers in different parts of the integrated circuit. Or, the related internal nodes might be the parallel paths of a bus, or the like. Alternatively, the internal nodes of the plurality of multiplexers might not be closely related. FIG. 1 representationally shows a plurality (16, in this example) of input lines connected to the input/output buffers 18 and the output pins 12. Such a circuit arrangement permits testing of the integrated circuit with a minimum investment of resources in hardware and time, according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example by which the circuit arrangement of FIG. 1 is modified for testing according to the present invention. Again, only one multiplexer 11 is shown for clarity's sake, but is in fact representative of a plurality (16, in this example) of output pins, multiplexers, and interconnection traces. The same reference numerals are used where the substantially the same element performs the same function. The control logic 19 is modified from the FIG. 1 control logic 15. Upon receipt of a Test Mode Enable signal, the control logic 19 becomes unresponsive to its normal operation input signals and accepts the signals from a counter 17. The control logic 19 allows the multiplexer 11 to step through its inputs at each clock cycle in a test mode, as compared to the operations, or normal, mode described above. In normal operation, the counter 17 is effectively inoperative and the control logic 19 operates as described previously. In a test mode, the counter 17 responsive to a test clock, increments on each test clock cycle and engages the control logic 19 so that a different interconnection trace 13 is connected to the output pin 12 through the buffer 18 in each test clock cycle. After N test clock cycles where N is the number of internal nodes 14, the first interconnection trace 13 (and its internal node 14) which began the N test clock cycles is once again connected to the output pin 12. The internal nodes 14 to which the input traces of the multiplexer are connected are used as test node locations. The states of the internal nodes 14 are retrieved through the output pin 12 where the state of the pin is observed by external test circuitry where the state of the pin is compared to an expected value. A difference between actual and expected values indicates a failure of the integrated circuit. In this fashion, a pseudo-random sampling of the internal state of the device is checked to verify that it is correct. Test vectors containing expected values can be created by performing a simulation of the integrated circuit 10 and capturing the state of each output pin 12 at each test clock cycle. For subsequent virtual simulations , a comparison can be made between the previously captured vectors and the state of the pins of the simulation. Similarly, the captured test vectors can be applied to a physical chip test machine in order to test the actual physical integrated circuit 10. This test arrangement can be combined with conventional test procedures. In the exemplary circuit arrangement of FIG. 2, the integrated circuit 10 also has a conventional serial scan circuit of a data input terminal 20, a data output terminal 21, and intervening serial registers 22 and interconnections 23. Test vectors are scanned in through the input terminal 20 and the test results are scanned out through the output terminal 21. The bit locations of the serial registers 22 are used to set (with the test vectors) and capture states (the test results) at selected internal nodes of the integrated circuit 10. Not shown are the other serial scan input terminals, such as test clock and test mode input terminals which are used in JTAG, for example. With the present invention, the internal nodes 14 can also be tested coincidentally with other test procedures for the integrated circuit. In this example, the test procedure is performed by serial scanning. That is, while serial scan tests are being performed, the control logic 19 operates the multiplexer 11 in response to this test mode connects different input traces 13 and their respective internal nodes 14 is connected to the output pin 12 at each test clock cycle, as explained previously. No time is lost since the conventional serial scan tests are performed while the internal nodes 14 are also being tested according to the present invention. That is, even with the additional of the pseudo-random testing of the present invention, valuable testing time is minimized. Furthermore, a system of interconnected multiplexers can be used in place of a single multiplexer as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Such interconnected multiplexers are useful where the number of input nodes which might be connected to an output pin is large. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary two-level multiplexer system which has a single multiplexer 20 connected to an output pin 12 through an input/output block 18. The input terminals of the multiplexer 20 are connected to the output terminals of a plurality of parallel-connected multiplexers 21. The input terminals of these multiplexers 21 are connected to the interconnection traces 13 and their internal nodes 14. A control logic block 25, which is connected to a counter 17, sets the operations of the multiplexer 20 and 21 in normal and test modes. An example of a two-level multiplexer system implemented in an ASIC, in this case, an embedded multiprocessor system, which has several independent microprocessors, each running a different software program, together with multiple memory subsystems, input/output interfaces, and inter-processor communication channels, is described in the following HDL (Hardware Description Language): // trace select auto-count ercounter(incTRACKT, 1dTRCTRb, TRRESETb, TRSEL[15:13], TRACESEL[15:13]); ercounter(enTRAutoCount, 1dTRCTRb, RESETb, TRSEL[8:0], TRACESEL[8:0]); incTRCKT=enTRAutoCount & (TRACESEL[8:0]==0x1FF !TRRESETb=!RESETb # incTRCKTHI & (TRACESEL[15:13]==4); !1dTRCTRb :=enCFGHI[1]; //load after loading configuration register enTRAutoCount=TRCONFIG[12]: // first level multiplexer example—16 to 1 multiplexer mux(TRACESELLO[3:0], TMUX0[15:0], TMUX1[15:0], TMUX2[15:0], TMUX3[15:0], TMUX4[15:0], TMUX5[15:0], TRACESELHI[15:0], TRACESELLO[15:0], TMUX8[15:0], TMUX9[15:0], TMUXA[15:0], TMUXB[15:0], TMUXC[15:0], 0, 0, 0, APTRACEDATA[15:0]); //second level multiplexer example—5 to 1 multiplexer mux(TRACESEL[15:13], IBTRACEDATA[15:0], VIDTRACEDATA[15:0], MICTRACEDATA[15:0], SPERTNIDATAOUT[15:0], APTRACEDATA[15:0], TRACEDATAOUT[15:0]); //this output is gated to external pins TRCONFIG[12] is the enable for test mode. It is set or cleared under software control. There are five multiplexers of 512 inputs each, which inspect five different portions of the ASIC device. There is a nine-bit select signal, TRACESEL[8:0], for the first level multiplexers. A second level five-to-one multiplexer selects the output of one of the five first level multiplexers. The second level multiplexer is selected by TRACESEL[15:13]. The first level multiplexer are selected by the TRACESEL[8:0]. The first level multiplexer select is generated by a counter, that increments by one each clock cycle. When the first level multiplexer select reaches the upper bound (in this case 0x1FF), the second level multiplexer select increments (when incremented from 4, it wraps around to 0). Thus the present invention advantageously uses circuitry which can change the internal signal sources of one or more output pins of the integrated circuit for functional flexibility. With only a modification of the control logic of the multiplexer system, the present invention creates a test circuit which with a minimum of hardware resources and which can operate concurrently with other test procedures to minimize test time. Therefore, while the description above provides a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, various modifications, alternate constructions, and equivalents will be obvious to those with skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the present invention is limited solely by the metes and bounds of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is related to the testing of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to the testing of integrated circuits with minimum intrusion to integrated circuit designs and minimal impact on times to perform test procedures on the integrated circuits. Since the first integrated circuit in the late 1950's, the number of transistors and wiring interconnects on a single chip has increased dramatically. Today, hundreds of millions of transistors and wiring interconnections may be found in one integrated circuit. With this increased complexity has come problems in testing the functional integrity of integrated circuits. There are many approaches to integrated circuit testing. One approach is the use of test equipment, such as a chip tester, which initiates a sequence of digital events on the input pins of the integrated circuit and on a triggering event records the signals on the output pins of the integrated circuit for external analysis by the logic analyzer. However, this traditional approach requires the integrated circuit to be operational and signals to travel through the integrated circuit's input/output blocks to the external world. The internal workings of the integrated circuit is tested only through the device's input/output interfaces. Another approach is to build test circuits in the integrated circuit itself in order to directly test selected internal nodes of the integrated circuit. For such testing, the integrated circuit is generally operated in a test mode. For example, using test methodologies, such as IEEE 1449.1 (commonly referred to as JTAG), test vectors are scanned into the integrated circuit to set the states of internal nodes and then the test results are retrieved from the integrated circuit. Whatever approach is taken to test the integrated circuit, it is desirable that not only the testing be effective, but that the amount of circuit resources and time dedicated to testing be minimized. If test circuits are built on the integrated circuit, they should not consume too much space on the substrate. Preferably, as much as possible of the substrate should be dedicated to original purpose of the integrated circuit. Furthermore, the added test circuits should avoid or minimize any increase in the time for testing the integrated circuits. The present invention provides for such testing in an integrated circuit, particularly certain integrated circuits with multiple sources for output pins. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides for an integrated circuit which has a multiplexer system and a control circuit. The multiplexer system has at least one output terminal connected to at least one output pin of the integrated circuit and a plurality of input terminals connected to a plurality of internal nodes of the integrated circuit. The multiplexer system selectively connects one of the plurality of internal nodes to the output pin responsive to control signals from the control circuit. In a normal mode the control circuit generates the control signals so that one of the plurality of internal nodes is connected to the output pin. In a test mode the control circuit generates the control signals so that a different internal node is sequentially connected to the output pin responsive to a test clock signal. The multiplexer system may be organized as one or more interconnected multiplexers. The multiplexer system may have a plurality of output terminals connected to a plurality of output pins. The multiplexer system selectively connects a subset of the plurality of internal nodes to the plurality of output pins responsive to the control signals, and the control circuit generates the control signals to the multiplexer system so that different subsets of internal nodes are sequentially connected to the plurality of output pins responsive to the test clock signal. The present invention also provides for a method of operating an integrated circuit which has the steps of selectively connecting at least one of a plurality of internal nodes of the integrated circuit to at least one output pin of the integrated circuit through a multiplexer system in a normal mode; and sequentially connecting a different at least one of the plurality of internal nodes of the integrated circuit to the at least one output pin through the multiplexer system responsive to a test clock signal in a test mode. With a plurality of output pins of the integrated circuit, the method provides for selectively connecting a subset of the plurality of internal nodes to the plurality of output pins in the normal mode, and sequentially connecting different subsets of the plurality of internal nodes the plurality of output pins responsive to the test clock signal in the test mode. | 20050602 | 20090303 | 20070125 | 99785.0 | G01R3128 | 0 | TRIMMINGS, JOHN P | SOURCING INTERNAL SIGNALS TO OUTPUT PINS OF AN INTEGRATED CIRCUT THROUGH SEQUENTIAL MULTIPLEXING | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G01R | 2,005 |
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10,909,088 | ACCEPTED | Recirculating vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator | A vertical wind tunnel flight simulator comprises a flight chamber wherein a flier may experience a freefall simulation. Airflow to support the flier is induced by fans connected above the flight chamber through a duct. A staging area having openings to the flight chamber is adjacent to the flight chamber. One or two return air ducts are used to return air from the fans outlet to the fans inlet. Opposed louvers are included on at least one duct segment thereby regulating the temperature via forcing ambient air into the simulator. The use of many duct segments having diverging walls adds commercial value to the system by lowering the height. Mounting components on the roof and behind walls creates a spectacular pedestrian viewing scene of people in flight. | 1. A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator comprising: a recirculating airflow plenum having a generally rectangular configuration; a vertical flight chamber capable of floating at least one human housed within a first vertical side member of the generally rectangular configuration and located on an inlet side of a fan assembly; said fan assembly further comprising a plurality of fans mounted horizontally in a top member of the generally rectangular configuration; wherein the top member return duct, the first vertical side member, a second vertical side member return duct of the generally rectangular configuration each have a divergent wall segment to expand a flow of recirculating air while maintaining a generally laminar airflow; and wherein an uppermost part of the top member is no more about 50-120 feet above a lowest part of a bottom member of the generally rectangular configuration. 2. The simulator of claim 1, wherein the flight chamber further comprises a mechanical safety net for a bottom and a human sensor associated with a top segment, wherein the human sensor connects to a controller which slows the flow of recirculating air when a human is sensed near a top of the flight chamber. 3. The simulator of claim 2, wherein the controller further comprises a fan control means functioning to slow at least one fan. 4. The simulator of claim 3, wherein the fan control means further comprises a fan power control module to temporarily reduce a current flow to at least one fan. 5. The simulator of claim 1, wherein the vertical flight chamber further comprises divergent walls to decrease an airflow rate therethrough. 6. The simulator of claim 1 further comprising a temperature regulator having an air inlet louver located at an opposite opposing side of an air outlet louver in a duct member from an air outlet louver, wherein an acceleration nozzle is formed by the louvers, thereby creating a decreased static pressure zone and pulling outside air into the air inlet. 7. The simulator of claim 1, wherein each fan assembly further comprises a housing having divergent walls to decrease an airflow rate therethrough. 8. The simulator of claim 1, wherein the vertical flight chamber further comprises a staging area with multiple chamber means functioning to enable ingress and egress from the vertical flight chamber while maintaining an operable for flight airflow through the flight chamber. 9. The simulator of claim 5, wherein the first vertical chamber further comprises an oval horizontal cross-sectional shape. 10. The simulator of claim 1, wherein each fan is mounted in a non-parallel fashion to an adjacent fan and away from a centerline therebetween. 11. The simulator of claim 1, wherein the flight chamber has an entry door with a deflector at its downstream bottom edge. 12. The simulator of claim 1, wherein the bottom member is buried underground, thereby forming a mounting height above a ground level for the flight chamber at or above the ground level. 13. The simulator of claim 1 wherein an inlet to the first vertical side member has the same dimensions as a cross-sectional segment of the bottom member. 14. The simulator of claim 1, wherein the uppermost part of the top member is no more than about 50-60 feet above the lowest part of the bottom member. 15. The simulator of claim 6, wherein the outlet louver faces upstream inside the duct member, and the inlet louver faces downstream inside the duct member, thereby forming the acceleration nozzle. 16. A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator comprising: a recirculating airflow plenum having a generally rectangular configuration with a central vertical member and a first and a second vertical return air plenum; a vertical flight chamber capable of floating at least one human housed within the central vertical member; said fan assembly further comprising a plurality of fans mounted horizontally in a top member of the generally rectangular configuration; wherein the top member, the first and second vertical side member, and the central vertical member each have a divergent wall segment to expand a flow of recirculating air while maintaining a generally laminar airflow; and wherein an uppermost part of the top member is no more than about 50-120 feet above a lowest part of a bottom member of the generally rectangular configuration. 17. The simulator of claim 16, wherein the flight chamber further comprises a mechanical safety net for a bottom and a human sensor associated with a top segment, wherein the human sensor connects to a controller which slows the flow of recirculating air when a human is sensed near a top of the flight chamber. 18. The simulator of claim 17, wherein the controller further comprises a fan control means functioning to slow at least one fan. 19. The simulator of claim 18, wherein the fan control means further comprises a fan power control module to temporarily reduce a current flow to at least one fan. 20. The simulator of claim 16, wherein the vertical flight chamber further comprises divergent walls to decrease an airflow rate therethrough. 21. The simulator of claim 16 further comprising a temperature regulator having an air inlet louver located opposite an air outlet louver in a duct member, wherein an acceleration nozzle is formed by the louvers, thereby pulling outside air into the air inlet louver. 22. The simulator of claim 16, wherein each fan assembly further comprises a housing having divergent walls to decrease an airflow rate therethrough. 23. The simulator of claim 16, wherein the vertical flight chamber further comprises a staging area with multiple chamber means functioning to enable ingress and egress from the vertical flight chamber while maintaining an operable for flight airflow through the flight chamber. 24. The simulator of claim 16, wherein the flight chamber further comprises an oval horizontal cross-sectional shape. 25. The simulator of claim 16, wherein each fan is mounted in a non-parallel fashion to an adjacent fan and away from a centerline therebetween. 26. The simulator of claim 16, wherein the flight chamber has an entry door with a deflector at its downstream bottom edge. 27. The simulator of claim 16, wherein the bottom member is buried underground, thereby forming a mounting height above a ground level for the flight chamber at or above the ground level. 28. The simulator of claim 16, wherein an inlet to the central vertical member has the same dimensions as a cross-sectional segment of the bottom member. 29. The simulator of claim 16, wherein the uppermost part of the top member is no more than about 50-60 feet above the lowest part of the bottom member. 30. The simulator of claim 21, wherein the outlet louver faces upstream inside the duct member, and the inlet louver faces upstream in the duct member, thereby forming the acceleration nozzle. 31. A vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulator comprising: a recirculating airflow plenum; a fan assembly to provide an airflow for human flight in a vertical flight chamber; a portion of said airflow plenum further comprising divergent walls to expand and slow the airflow; said airflow plenum further comprising a temperature regulator; said temperature regulator further comprising an inlet louver mounted about opposite an outlet louver in a common segment of the plenum, said outlet louver having a door facing inward and upstream in the common segment of the plenum, said inlet louver facing inward and downstream in the common segment; and wherein the doors form an internal narrowing of the common segment of the plenum, thereby forming a decreased static pressure zone which draws air into the inlet louver. 32. A flight simulator comprising: a vertical wind tunnel flight chamber; at least two vertical return plenums; and wherein two return plenums form a V shape with their connecting plenums to the flight chamber. 33. A flight simulator comprising: a vertical wind tunnel flight chamber; a return air plenum system having at least a two-stage airflow contraction assembly; wherein a first stage contraction member is horizontally mounted along a bottom plenum; and a second stage construction member is vertically mounted under the flight chamber. 34. An anti-drag mesh comprising: a cable having an exterior helical winding. 35. An anti-drag mesh comprising: a cable having at least one missing helical strand. 36. A public entertainment system comprising: a vertical wind tunnel having a human flight chamber which has a transparent section enabling a viewing of a flier in flight therein; said flight chamber mounted at or near a ground level, thereby enabling passers-by to view the flier in flight; said flight chamber mounted proximate to a public walkway; and wherein said vertical wind tunnel has at least one machinery component segregated from the public walkway. | CROSS REFERENCE PATENTS U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,110 is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of vertical wind tunnels, more particularly, to temperature controlled return flow vertical wind tunnels used as skydiving simulators and amusement devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wind tunnels are well known in the art. Wind tunnels are available in many types and styles depending upon the needs of the user. These include subsonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, transonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, vertical subsonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, and compressible flow wind tunnels. The majority of the wind tunnels are used for research and testing purposes. These include testing of conventional aircraft, helicopters, parachutes and other aerodynamic devices, wing surfaces, control surfaces, submarines, rockets and other launch vehicles, ground vehicles, buildings and other basic flow investigations. Horizontal wind tunnels (those in which the air in the full speed section of the tunnel flow generally horizontally) are used for aerodynamic research and testing and are generally owned by major defense oriented corporations, the Federal government, or educational institutions and universities. Some of these have been converted or adapted for vertical operation (in which the air in the full speed section of the tunnel flows generally vertically) but most or all perform poorly in that role. Design constraints that apply to vertical wind tunnels used for freefall simulation differ from those of horizontal testing tunnels. In a vertical wind tunnel/freefall simulator, it is important that the objects in the full speed section of the wind tunnel (in this case the human beings in flight) be able to move about inside that section to experience or practice human body flight. In a horizontal test tunnel, the objects placed in the tunnel are usually static objects observed or measured by others. For this reason, this fastest part of a horizontal wind tunnel is called a “test section”. In a vertical wind tunnel, this same area is instead referred to as the “flight chamber”. In a vertical wind tunnel, it is important that people flying inside the tunnel be allowed to rotate in and out of the flight chamber without stopping the airflow. In contrast, there is little need to move the static objects in the test section of a horizontal wind tunnel during its operation. Furthermore, since fliers in a vertical wind tunnel are free to move about inside flight chamber, it is necessary to constrain their movement to appropriate parts of the system. While it is possible to put a safety net on both the upstream and downstream ends of the flight chamber, these produce an enormous amount of drag which creates noise and increases the power required to attain any given speed. In fact, such a pair of nets can consume as much as 30% to 50% of the total power required to operate such a wind tunnel. It is also important to prevent occupants from flying laterally outside of the air column and falling unsupported to the floor below. For this reason, the most advanced vertical wind tunnels are designed such that the air column extends completely from one wall of the flight chamber to the other. This is not necessary in horizontal wind tunnels. Vertical wind tunnels used for freefall simulation often have to operate in noise sensitive environments such as amusement parks and shopping malls. Horizontal testing tunnels can be located away from the crowds where they are free to make as much noise as is necessary. As amusement devices, freefall simulators must compete with other amusements on the basis of price and can often be operated on a near continual basis. These two factors make energy efficiency critical to successful commercial operation of a freefall simulator. Energy efficiency is much less important for horizontal testing tunnels in which one often takes hours or days to set up an experiment and then only runs the tunnel for a few minutes to collect the necessary data. Height is a major constraint of freefall simulators which stand upright and often must be sited in high-density entertainment venues that have severe height limitations. This is not true of horizontal testing tunnels which sit on their side and can be successfully located far away from any crowds. Finally no known prior art has focused on designing these systems to optimize visibility to public spectators in a shopping mall or other high density entertainment venue. To make a commercially viable vertical wind tunnel for skydiving simulation, one must (1) move enough air and do so smoothly enough to adequately simulate freefall for one or more persons in the flight chamber; (2) with a device that is short enough and quiet enough to be located where large numbers of potential customers tend to be; and, (3) at power consumption levels low enough to make the price of the experience acceptable to the public. The inventive challenge of satisfying these competing requirements is met by the present invention. High airspeeds are required at the flight chamber to float one or more human beings. However, moving air through ductwork at high speeds creates an enormous amount of sound and heat and requires a huge amount of power. Consequently, most modern wind tunnels expand and slow the air just downstream of the flight chamber to decrease power consumption, noise output and heat generation. Doing so can reduce power consumption by more than 60%, and only by doing so will vertical wind tunnels become commercially viable as entertainment devices or skydiving simulators. However, if one expands the airflow in any section of a wind tunnel too rapidly, the flow will “separate” and become turbulent rather than laminar. This will make the entire system perform poorly, increasing power consumption and decreasing flow quality to the point that the device will not adequately simulate true freefall. The threshold at which this flow separation occurs in an expanding duct is fairly well defined in the literature; in simple terms, the walls of such an expansion cone cannot diverge away from one another at greater than 9-12 degrees. For that reason, increasing the length of horizontal test tunnels or the height of vertical wind tunnels tends to improve efficiency. Unfortunately, while this is easily done for a horizontal system, doing so in a vertical system dramatically increases the construction and operation cost and reduces the number of places at which one can gain governmental approval to build. Consequently, minimizing height while maximizing the expansion and deceleration of the airflow downstream of the flight chamber is the key to making a vertical wind tunnel commercially successful. Similarly, constraining the occupants to the safe areas of the wind tunnel without increasing drag and power consumption is essential. The prior art wind tunnels do not offer a design that is quiet and short enough to be built in high density shopping and entertainment venues while remaining efficient enough to allow commercially viable operation. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a flight chamber on the inlet side of the fans for improved airflow, speed and quality, at lower power consumption and higher safety for the fliers. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a sealed and pressure balanced staging area adjacent and connected to the flight chamber in a way that allows people to move in between the two without stopping the airflow. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having transparent windows allowing spectators, instructors or others outside the flight chamber to see into it. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a plurality of smaller fans rather than a single, more expensive and difficult to maintain fan. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having one or more return air ducts to conserve heat, reduce energy consumption, reduce noise and allow all-weather operation. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having only one or two return ducts even though it may have a greater number of fans than return ducts. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having fans housed in low profile casings that allow them to be mounted as closely together as possible so that more than one fan can be connected to each return air duct without the need for long transition ducts that would increase the height or width of the entire system. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a passive air exchange system that ejects heated air and draws in cooler ambient air in order to most efficiently control the temperature inside the wind tunnel. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a passive air exchange system the components of which form a “nozzle” or flow contaction that not only mechanically ejects the air from inside the wind tunnel but also creates the proper pressure gradient between the inside and outside of the wind tunnel and thereby encourages the efficient exchange of air between the wind tunnel and the ambient air. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a mesh “floor” made of specially designed cables that produce less drag and, therefore, less noise than conventional cables. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having at least one zero-drag electronic upper barrier instead of a physical net to prevent fliers from moving too high in the flight chamber and quickly modulating the speed of the air to bring them back down to and hold them at a safe level. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having the lowest possible total height for any given efficiency in order to reduce construction costs and meet common governmental constraints on building height. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device optimized for height by having most or all of the components downstream of the flight chamber expand the air as rapidly as possible without creating flow separation. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device optimized for height by providing an optional flight chamber in which the air is expanded as much as possible without creating separation as it passes through the flight chamber section or a flight chamber that is actually shaped like a diffuser. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device optimized for height and overall size by mounting the fans in conical ducts that themselves act as “diffusers”. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device that allows installation configurations which optimize spectator viewing areas of the fliers to pedestrians in a shopping mall. The present invention meets these needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel amusement device having a flight chamber situated on the inlet side of a plurality of fans which are in turn connected to a plurality of expanding return air ducts, thereby maximizing efficiency while minimizing the height of the amusement device. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a flight chamber on the inlet side of the fans for improved airflow speed and quality, at lower power consumption and higher safety for the fliers. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a two-stage staging area adjacent and connected to the flight chamber in a way that allows people to move in between the two without stopping the airflow. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having transparent windows allowing spectators, instructors or others outside the flight chamber to see into it, including in a shopping mall venue. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a plurality of smaller fans angled in a non-parallel alignment rather than a single, more expensive and difficult to maintain fan. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having one or more return air ducts to conserve heat, reduce energy consumption, reduce noise and allow all-weather operation. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having only one or two return ducts even though it may have a greater number of fans than return ducts. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having fans housed in low profile, diffusing casings that allow them to be mounted as closely together as possible so that more than one fan can be connected to each return air duct without the need for long transition ducts that would increase the height or width of the entire system. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a passive air exchange system with adjustable inlet/outlet doors that mechanically ejects heated air from the system and draw in cooler ambient air in order to most efficiently control the temperature inside the wind tunnel with minimal extra work by the fans. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel in which the adjustable inlet/outlet doors are arranged such that they also form a “nozzle” or flow contraction thereby creating a favorable pressure gradient between the inside and outside of the tunnel and encouraging the air exchange in order to efficiently control the temperature inside the wind tunnel with minimal extra work by the fans and without the use of other more costly air cooling technologies. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel in which the position of the inlet/outlet doors is controlled by known means in order to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the wind tunnel. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a mesh “floor” made of specially designed cables (preferably steel) that produce less drag and, therefore, less noise than conventional cables. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having one or more zero-drag electronic upper barriers instead of a physical net designed to prevent fliers from moving too high in the flight chamber and capable of quickly modulating the speed of the air to bring fliers back down to and hold them at a safe level. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having the lowest possible total height for any given efficiency in order to reduce construction costs and meet common governmental constraints on building height. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel optimized for height by having not just the primary diffuser just downstream of the flight chamber but also most or all of the components downstream of the flight chamber expand the air as rapidly as possible without creating flow separation. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel optimized for height by expanding the air as much as possible without creating separation as it passes through the flight chamber. This diffusing flight chamber could also be thought of as a zero-height flight chamber or zero-length test section. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel optimized for height by mounting the fans in conical ducts that themselves act as “diffusers”. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a zero height flight chamber wherein the fliers fly in an expanding diffuser chamber with a reduced air velocity the higher they fly, thereby forming a self-catching flow in the chamber to slow the flier as he or she descends. Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. To eliminate the risk of occupants falling out of the air column and injuring themselves, the air column extends completely from one wall of the flight chamber to the other. This “wall to wall” airflow also reduces drag at the edges of the air column and increases efficiency of the entire system. The airflow passes through a “cable floor” into the flight chamber. The cable floor provides support for the users when the airflow through the flight chamber is not sufficient to support them. At or near the upper (or downstream) end of the flight chamber, a “virtual net” comprised of one or more electronic (preferably optic) sensors, monitors the position of the occupant(s) within the flight chamber. In the preferred embodiment, the control system will automatically lower the speed if the occupant(s) fly too high in the flight chamber. The flight chamber can be round, oval or polygonal and can range from a bit less than 75 square feet to over 160 square feet in area. The flight chamber may accommodate up to six users at a time. The airflow velocity in the flight chamber can reach as high as 160+ mph, which-will fully support as many as six users. In the preferred embodiment, one or more of the walls of the flight chamber include or comprise flat or curved windows constructed of transparent Plexiglas®, acrylic plastic, glass or similar high strength transparent material. When present, the windows into the flight chamber allow an unrestricted view of the activities taking place within the therein. Adjacent to the flight chamber is a staging area. The flight chamber has an entry opening and exit opening to the staging area through which a user or multiple users may enter and exit the flight chamber. In certain embodiments in which rotations of occupants in and out of the flight chamber might be less frequent, these opening may be fitted with doors which slide, roll or otherwise move to close one or both of these openings. Users wait in the staging area for their turn in the flight chamber. The staging area has transparent windows so that an observer may view the flight of any person(s) within the flight chamber without entering the staging area. The staging area has a single or multiple doors that open periodically to allow people to exit the entire system. The staging area may also be fit with an optional “piggyback” or secondary staging area. This creates an airlock that allows groups to rotate in and out of the staging area from outside the system without requiring the airflow to stop. The area above (downstream of) each doorway in upper section of the flight chamber may include perforated panel which provides an alternate airflow path when users are entering and exiting the flight chamber. In the preferred embodiment, a small flow deflector will also be located below (upstream of) the cable floor just below each opening between the flight chamber and staging area to minimize the amount of air moving between them and reduce the amount of balancing necessary. The fans and other controls can be operated from inside the staging area, inside the flight chamber or from an attached or remote control room. The fans are controlled to achieve the optimum airflow velocity through the flight chamber. Next above the perforated section is the primary divergent diffuser. The primary diffuser diverges at approximately 3.5 to 5 degrees from the major axis providing a “equivalent cone angle” of 7 to 10 degrees. The increasing cross-sectional area reduces the velocity of the airflow from the flight chamber to the fans. Above (or downstream of) the primary diffuser is the upper plenum which may include the first set of high efficiency turning vanes. In a single return system these turning vanes (or simply the plenum if no vanes are used) redirect the airflow from substantially vertical to substantially horizontal. In a multiple return system, these vanes (or simply the plenum if no vanes are used) split the air into to basically equal flows and turn each flow from substantially vertical to substantially horizontal. The airflow then passes through the inlet ducts and into the fans. The fan inlet duct transitions the flow from roughly square or rectangular to roughly round. In the preferred embodiment, the fan inlet ducts act as diffusers expanding the flow area as much as possible without creating flow separation. The fans are preferably high-efficiency axial flow fans, although any fan adapted for use in a wind tunnel is acceptable. In the preferred embodiment, the fans contain a bullet-shaped nosecone and a teardrop-shaped tailcone. In the preferred embodiment, the fan casings act as diffusers and are sized such that, after taking into account the area in the center of the fan obscured by the nosecone, fan centerbody and tailcone, the net flow area through the fans increases as much as possible without creating flow separation. The velocity of the airflow through the invention is controlled by either changing the pitch of the fans or by changing the rotational speed of the fans. The airflow passes through the fans and into the exit ducts which also transition from roughly round to roughly square or rectangular. In the preferred embodiment, the exit ducts are act as diffusers expanding the airflow as much as possible without creating flow separation. The airflow travels through a set of exit ducts to the second set of high-efficiency turning vanes (if used) which turn the air from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical. The airflow then enters the return air ducts. In the preferred embodiment, these return air ducts are also shaped as divergent diffusers expanding the airflow as much as possible without creating flow separation. In the preferred embodiment, each return air duct has an air exchange mechanism comprised of an even number of louvers located on opposing faces of the return air duct. These are situated and sized so that they together create a nozzle or sudden contraction in the flow area at the point of the louvers. This nozzle [increases] decreases the [dynamic] static pressure at that point of the system and assists in the expulsion of heated air from the wind tunnel through the exhaust louver. This lowers the pressure in the system and assists the inlet louvers as they draw in cooler ambient air from outside of the system. This arrangement allows heated air in the system to be replaced with cooler ambient air, thereby allowing a user to adjust the temperature in the flight chamber for flyer comfort without the need for expensive alternatives such as air conditioning or evaporative cooling. At the bottom (or downstream) end of the return air towers, the air again passes through a set of turning vanes (or simply a duct with a 90 degree turn if no vanes are used) that redirects the air from a substantially vertical to a substantially horizontal path. The air then enters the bottom plenum which may also act as a divergent diffuser expanding the air as much as possible without causing flow separation. At the end or the (or downstream) end of the bottom plenum, the air again passes through a set of turning vanes (or simply a duct with a 90 degree turn if no vanes are used) that redirects the air from a substantially horizontal to a substantially vertical path. In a multiple return system, the flows will be re-joined at this point. The air then passes into the inlet contractor. This trumpet-shaped or bell-shaped device quickly reduces the flow area and accelerates the air to its maximum speed just ahead of the flight chamber. Here again aerodynamic laws govern how quickly one can reduce this flow area without degrading the quality of that flow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a single return simulator. FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the FIG. 1 embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the flight chamber of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an oval outlet, rectangular inlet airflow contractor. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an oval/polygon shaped outlet of an airflow contractor. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an oval outlet airflow contractor. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an oval viewing area. FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a double airlock staging area. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a temperature regulator. FIG. 10 is a side, cutaway view of the temperature regulator of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of deflectors on flight chamber entrance doors. FIG. 12 is a close up view of a deflector. FIG. 13 is a side cutaway view of a fan and housing. FIG. 14 is a side cutaway view of two fans and housings mounted divergent from a centerline therebetween. FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a two return simulator. FIG. 16 is a cutaway view of the FIG. 15 embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a V footprint two return simulator. FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a V footprint two return simulator in a mall. FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a multi-simulator configuration in a building. FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of a mall type viewing area for a simulator. FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a dual contractor (one underground and horizontal) system. FIG. 21A is a sectional view taken along lines 21A-21A of FIG. 21. FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a cable floor. FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of an anti-drag cable, first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a view of a second embodiment cable. FIG. 25 is view of a third embodiment cable. FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a floor sensor/shutoff system. FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a rounded diffuser. FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a cruise ship having a water-cooled simulator. Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. 1 a single return simulator 1 is shown, wherein height L1 is preferably in the range of about 50-120 feet. Some installations may bury all components below a ground level of either G1 or G2. The flight chamber 10 may be made entirely or partially with transparent panels. If ground level is at G2, then an opaque pedestal-type image formed in area d1 which may be about seven feet high. This embodiment in a mall creates an eye-catching, live action human flight studio in the flight chamber 10. This design attracts new “fliers” who pay to experience simulated skydiving in flight chamber 10. Dotted line R represents a roof, wherein components above R can be roof-mounted to reduce noise. Dotted line W represents a wall, wherein components beyond the wall W away from the flight chamber 10 could be isolated from the flight chamber to reduce noise near the flight chamber 10. Most prior art flight chambers provide for parallel walls in the flight chamber so that experienced fliers can practice maneuvers at a constant wind velocity perhaps at around 140 miles per hour. Simulator 1 has a “zero height” flight chamber along elevation 11. Elevation 11 is the line which joins the airflow contractor 9 to the airflow diffuser 10, wherein the diffuser 10 has diverging walls 20,21,22, etc., and the diffuser 10 also serves as the flight chamber 10. Nominally the air speed at line 11 is at about 140 mph, the maximum speed in the simulator. As the flier goes higher in the flight chamber 10 to the top of the flight chamber 10 to junction 110, the air speed drops, perhaps to about 120 mph. Fliers can change their drag profiles from a maximum spread eagle position to a minimum human ball position. Thus, if a flier ascends to the top of the flight chamber 10 and then changes his drag to a human ball shape, he will fall downward. The diffuser shape of the flight chamber 10 will provide a self-braking system due to the increasing airspeed with each incremental descent down into the flight chamber 10. A safety net is provided a line 11. The diverter 2 meets the diffuser 10 at junction 110. The air is diverted from a vertical path to a horizontal path in the diverter 2. All the diverters 2,4,6,8 change the air direction by about 90 degrees. The fan assembly 3 accelerates the air, perhaps with two side-by-side fans. The basic dynamics in a return air simulator involve compromises in energy efficiency, noise and size. In the simplest design, one would attempt to keep the airflow close to full speed for the entire loop through the simulator. However, the height would have to rise, the noise would be enormous, and the heat from friction in the plenums would be enormous. Therefore, for more efficient operation, it is necessary to slow the air down during its travel through the simulator loop by enlarging the cross-sectional areas of the plenum to attain commercially acceptable levels of height h1 as well as noise, and simultaneously attempt to use the least horsepower possible for the fans. The diverters 2,4,6,8 generally do not have diverging walls due to cost construction considerations. The fan housing segment 300 and the fan section 3 have diverging walls. The top plenum 30 has diverging walls. The Vertical return plenum 5 has diverging walls. The bottom plenum 7 does not have diverging walls due to tradeoffs in cost construction considerations. Bottom plenum 7 could have diverging walls. The airflow contractor 9 has converging walls functioning to narrow the cross-sectional plenum area, thereby accelerating the air to about 140 mph for flight simulation. The air inlet 12 brings in ambient air to cool the simulator air. Referring next to FIG. 2 a schematic representation of the internal workings of the simulator 1 is shown. Airflow is shown by the arrows F. Diverting vanes 200, 201, 202, 203 each change the airflow direction by 90 degrees. Two fans 40,41 are schematically shown mounted horizontally side by side in their housing 3, refer to FIG. 13 for a perspective view, wherein right after the fans a plenum diffuser 300 expands and slows the airflow. The diffusing continues in top plenum 30, and then in vertical return plenum 5, and finally through the flight chamber 10. A passive temperature regulation system is provided by having air inlet 12 louver 120 face downstream. Additionally the air outlet 26 has a louver 260 that faces upstream. By mounting the inlet 12 about opposite outlet 26, a reducing nozzle is formed by louvers 120, 260, thereby creating a decreased static pressure zone V downstream from the inlet 12. Therefore, ambient air is [forced passively] drawn into the simulator 1 without the use of an additional fan. Referring next to FIG. 3 the diffuser/flight chamber 10 is in the shape of a polygon (octagon) as seen by the base B. Base B is covered by a safety net. The walls 20,21,22 etc. diverge at an optimal aerodynamic angle in the range of about 7-12 degrees from each other. The top of the flight chamber 10 is seen as a rectangle at arrow 110. All or some of the walls 20,21,22 etc. may be transparent. Referring next to FIG. 4 an airflow contractor 400 has the preferred design of a rectangular inlet 401 and an oval outlet 402. Transition walls 403 contract the airflow from the inlet 401 to the outlet 402. Preferably the height h2, FIG. 2, which is sometimes buried underground equals length d4. This combination of shape and dimensions form a cost-effective balance for a relatively low height, and commercially viable simulator 1. Referring next to FIGS. 5,6,7 the term “oval outlet” airflow contractor covers any oval-like shape such as polygon oval outlet 500 and perfectly oval outlet 600. The oval-like shape provides for a larger viewing area 700 compared to a round outlet having the same cross-sectional area. Area 701 includes a staging and entry area. The flight chamber bottom B1 could be in a mall with expensive retail space, wherein the larger viewing area 700 has considerable commercial value. Referring next to FIG. 8 a two-stage staging chamber 800 consists of a flight chamber bottom B2 with a flight chamber wall 809 having windows 810 and flier entrances 806,807. Entrances 806,807 can be doorless or with hinged doors or with sliding doors. So long as doors 801,805 are closed the fans do not have to be shut down to allow fliers to enter/leave the flight chamber 10. Ambient pressure is shown as A. Doors 801,805 open from ambient A to first staging room 802 and second staging room 804. Door 803 separates the staging rooms 802,804. In operation a group of fliers could enter room 804 while door 803 is closed, then door 805 is closed. Then the fliers would enter room 802 with doors 801,805 closed. Flier entrances 806,807 are used. Referring next to FIGS. 9,10 the temperature regulating system 1000 consists of a plenum 5 having an airflow F. The outlet 26 is located opposite the inlet 12, but slightly upstream at a distance d11 chosen by design parameters. Preferably louvers 120,260 are controllable from a control room to vary the air exchange from ambient A to the plenum 5. Inlet air volume I must approximate outlet air volume 0. The decrease in internal static pressure V is formed by contracting and accelerating the air at nozzle N. The air exchange system used for closed-circuit wind tunnels disclosed herein consist of two large louvers in each return leg of the tunnels: an exhaust louver and an intake louver. The exhaust and intake louvers are located and oriented so that there is favorable interaction between them. This location is part of what is novel about this system. The leading edge of the exhaust louver deflects into the tunnel and scoops out the air from inside the tunnel. The intake louver is located on the opposite tunnel wall from the exhaust louver. Its hinge line is designed to line up with the leading edge of the exhaust louver at the design setting. The trailing edge of the intake louver is deflected into the tunnel. It is deflected to a greater extent than the exhaust louver to cause the internal airflow velocity to increase by creating nozzle N. This is the key. That increase in velocity causes a decrease in the internal static pressure (Bernoulli's law). The lower internal static pressure (below atmospheric) actually sucks air into the inlet. As a minimum, the intake louver has the same chord or length as the exhaust louver. In some wind tunnel configurations it is desirable that the intake louver have a greater length or chord than the exhaust louver to reduce the deflection required. Traditional wind tunnel air exchangers either have the exhaust and intake in separate sections of the wind tunnel, or if they are in the same part of the wind tunnel there is not favorable interaction between the two louvers to cause this desired drop in the internal static pressure. Other designs have employed a screen or some other drag-producing device downstream of the exhaust and upstream of the intake to achieve a drop in internal static pressure in order to cause the outside air to enter the tunnel. While this works, it is very inefficient. This results in unnecessary loss in total pressure and the attendant loss in tunnel performance. Often there is additional ducting required to control the internal static pressure which increases the construction cost. The present invention avoids these problems and achieves the desired air exchange with the lowest power loss. Referring next to FIGS. 11,12 a deflector 1100 is placed along the bottom edge of a flier entrance 1101,1102 in order to reduce airflow from the flight chamber into the room 802 and thereby minimize cavity resonance in room 802. The deflector 1100 has an angled leading edge 1103. The leading edge 1103 inclines into the flight chamber 10 in a downstream direction. The flight chamber 10 could be round instead of a polygon as shown. Optionally a deflector 1196 could be mounted at the top of the door, wherein it bends inward into the staging area from the flight chamber. Referring next to FIGS. 13,14 the fans 40,41 of FIG. 2 are shown in their preferred design. They are oriented slightly away from each other relative to a centerline as shown. The fan planes P41,P42 are canted downstream forming acute angle P43. The fan cowling (fan can) 1300 has diverging walls 1302 after the segment next to the blade 1301. Nominally W1 may be 103 inches, and W2 may be 122 inches. A staggering of the fans can help place the two fan cans 1300 closer together such as by moving the front 149 of fan 41 to dotted line 1499. This reduces the distance between the two columns of air from the fans which reduces the length of the return plenum and the height. Blade 1301 could be forward. Referring next to FIGS. 15,16 a dual return simulator 1500 is shown. Functional equivalent components to the single return simulator 1 are given like numbers, wherein no further description is needed. In this particular embodiment, the flight chamber 1503 has parallel walls rather than diverging walls in order to provide a relatively constant airflow therein. Above the flight chamber 1503 is a diffuser 1504 which connects to a double diverter 1505. Double diverter 1505 has two diverting vanes 1507,1508. Fan ductwork 1521 supports the fans 40,41. Top diffusers 1520 connect to the diverters 2,4 as shown. A left and a right vertical return plenum 5 each has a temperature regulator system 1000. The bottom plenums 7 each connect to a double diverter 1501. Double diverter 1501 has two diverting vanes 1505,1506. An airflow contractor 1502 accelerates the airflow into the flight chamber 1503. A larger flight chamber 1503 can be supported with the four fans shown as compared to the two-fan embodiment of FIG. 2. Referring next to FIG. 17 a dual return simulator 1700 has a flight chamber 1701 with flier 1704 therein. The air return components 1702,1703 are shown with this top plan view to form a V configuration (angle 1705 is an acute angle) extending from the flight chamber 1701. One use for this simulator 1700 is in a public pedestrian walkway PW as shown, a viewing area VA juts into the pedestrian walkway PW, while the components 1702,1703 are soundproofed and hidden by wall W. As noted above, the fans and related ductwork may be mounted on the roof. Referring next to FIG. 18 another V shaped simulator 1800 is set in a different mall environment. The pedestrian walkway PW has expensive retail store space along area 1805. Less expensive mall space 1899 may have storage areas and could house return air components 1801,1802. An outside wall WOUT locates the return air components 1803,1804 outside as shown. Referring next to FIG. 19 a wall W creates an enclosed area designated as PUBLIC. Possible configurations of simulators 1 and 1500 are shown. Flying humans 1704 could create an exciting indoor amusement area designated as PUBLIC. Referring next to FIG. 20 an artist's rendering of the simulator 1 of FIG. 1 is shown, wherein a mall 2000 has a pedestrian walkway PW. The term “mall” herein includes a high-people density entertainment venue including amusement parks, theatre complexes, family entertainment centers, and college campuses. Ground level G2 forms pedestal area d1 so that the public looks up into the transparent flight chamber 10. A ticketing area 2001 could blend in with other retail store fronts. Walls W and the ground G2 screen components 5,6,7,8 are shown in dots. Referring next to FIGS. 21 and 21A, a two-stage airflow contractor is shown. A first stage contractor 2111 is horizontal and feeds diverter 8. The second stage contractor 2112 is vertical and feeds the flight chamber 10. The simulator 2110 could bury the first stage contractor 2111 underground. The result is less noise and less height for the second stage contractor 2112. This invention can provide a lower overall height for the simulator 2110. Referring next to FIG. 22 a staging area 2200 has a flight chamber 2202 with a bottom B consisting of a mesh net 2201. Cable Floor The floor of the flight chamber is a 3/32-17-strand stainless steel aircraft cable woven into a 2′×2′ (60 cm×60 cm) grid. Both ends of the cable are run through a compression spring. One hundred-twenty two (122) cables make up the tunnel floor. The compression of the springs is adjusted to give the proper “bounce to the floor providing increased safety should a flyer become unstable and fall to the cable floor. Tunnel Viewing Walls There are 11 large 1¼″ (31 mm) acrylic panels which allow the controller, flyers and spectators in the staging/viewing area to see the activity in the flight chamber and flight deck. There is a large acrylic panel that allows spectators to see inside the control room. FIGS. 23,24,25 offer individual cable designs which could form mesh net 2201. Basic aerodynamics teaches that a wing-type profile reduces drag as opposed to a blunt or flat profile. Cable 2300 has a standard twisted element core 2301 with an external helical wrap 2302. Cable 2400 has a modified twisted element core 2401 with a single helical element 2402 missing. Cable 2500 has a modified twisted core 2501 with double helical elements 2502 missing. Referring next to FIG. 26 a flight chamber 10 has a flier sensor 2600 that uses energy waves 2601 (light, radio, sound, UV, etc.) to detect a flier moving too high into the flight chamber 10. A controller 2602 may consist of simple on/off output logic, or current modulator or the like to temporarily reduce the airflow to drop the flier lower into the flight chamber. An emergency ambient door 2604 could also be opened by the controller 2602. A mesh net 2605 may also be used to prevent fliers from traveling too high. Referring next to FIG. 27 another diffuser 2700 might also serve as a flight chamber. The walls 2701 could be three-inch acrylic panels. The oval outlet 2702 has curved edges. Referring next to FIG. 28 a ship 2850 has a simulator 2801 with a seawater cooling system 2800. A seawater inlet 2851 feeds a heat exchanger 2853 in the simulator via a flow controller 2852. An air temperature sensor 2854 communicates to a temperature controller 2802 to keep the air temperature at a set point by controlling the flow controller 2852. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Each apparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Wind tunnels are well known in the art. Wind tunnels are available in many types and styles depending upon the needs of the user. These include subsonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, transonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, vertical subsonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnels with and without return flow, and compressible flow wind tunnels. The majority of the wind tunnels are used for research and testing purposes. These include testing of conventional aircraft, helicopters, parachutes and other aerodynamic devices, wing surfaces, control surfaces, submarines, rockets and other launch vehicles, ground vehicles, buildings and other basic flow investigations. Horizontal wind tunnels (those in which the air in the full speed section of the tunnel flow generally horizontally) are used for aerodynamic research and testing and are generally owned by major defense oriented corporations, the Federal government, or educational institutions and universities. Some of these have been converted or adapted for vertical operation (in which the air in the full speed section of the tunnel flows generally vertically) but most or all perform poorly in that role. Design constraints that apply to vertical wind tunnels used for freefall simulation differ from those of horizontal testing tunnels. In a vertical wind tunnel/freefall simulator, it is important that the objects in the full speed section of the wind tunnel (in this case the human beings in flight) be able to move about inside that section to experience or practice human body flight. In a horizontal test tunnel, the objects placed in the tunnel are usually static objects observed or measured by others. For this reason, this fastest part of a horizontal wind tunnel is called a “test section”. In a vertical wind tunnel, this same area is instead referred to as the “flight chamber”. In a vertical wind tunnel, it is important that people flying inside the tunnel be allowed to rotate in and out of the flight chamber without stopping the airflow. In contrast, there is little need to move the static objects in the test section of a horizontal wind tunnel during its operation. Furthermore, since fliers in a vertical wind tunnel are free to move about inside flight chamber, it is necessary to constrain their movement to appropriate parts of the system. While it is possible to put a safety net on both the upstream and downstream ends of the flight chamber, these produce an enormous amount of drag which creates noise and increases the power required to attain any given speed. In fact, such a pair of nets can consume as much as 30% to 50% of the total power required to operate such a wind tunnel. It is also important to prevent occupants from flying laterally outside of the air column and falling unsupported to the floor below. For this reason, the most advanced vertical wind tunnels are designed such that the air column extends completely from one wall of the flight chamber to the other. This is not necessary in horizontal wind tunnels. Vertical wind tunnels used for freefall simulation often have to operate in noise sensitive environments such as amusement parks and shopping malls. Horizontal testing tunnels can be located away from the crowds where they are free to make as much noise as is necessary. As amusement devices, freefall simulators must compete with other amusements on the basis of price and can often be operated on a near continual basis. These two factors make energy efficiency critical to successful commercial operation of a freefall simulator. Energy efficiency is much less important for horizontal testing tunnels in which one often takes hours or days to set up an experiment and then only runs the tunnel for a few minutes to collect the necessary data. Height is a major constraint of freefall simulators which stand upright and often must be sited in high-density entertainment venues that have severe height limitations. This is not true of horizontal testing tunnels which sit on their side and can be successfully located far away from any crowds. Finally no known prior art has focused on designing these systems to optimize visibility to public spectators in a shopping mall or other high density entertainment venue. To make a commercially viable vertical wind tunnel for skydiving simulation, one must (1) move enough air and do so smoothly enough to adequately simulate freefall for one or more persons in the flight chamber; (2) with a device that is short enough and quiet enough to be located where large numbers of potential customers tend to be; and, (3) at power consumption levels low enough to make the price of the experience acceptable to the public. The inventive challenge of satisfying these competing requirements is met by the present invention. High airspeeds are required at the flight chamber to float one or more human beings. However, moving air through ductwork at high speeds creates an enormous amount of sound and heat and requires a huge amount of power. Consequently, most modern wind tunnels expand and slow the air just downstream of the flight chamber to decrease power consumption, noise output and heat generation. Doing so can reduce power consumption by more than 60%, and only by doing so will vertical wind tunnels become commercially viable as entertainment devices or skydiving simulators. However, if one expands the airflow in any section of a wind tunnel too rapidly, the flow will “separate” and become turbulent rather than laminar. This will make the entire system perform poorly, increasing power consumption and decreasing flow quality to the point that the device will not adequately simulate true freefall. The threshold at which this flow separation occurs in an expanding duct is fairly well defined in the literature; in simple terms, the walls of such an expansion cone cannot diverge away from one another at greater than 9-12 degrees. For that reason, increasing the length of horizontal test tunnels or the height of vertical wind tunnels tends to improve efficiency. Unfortunately, while this is easily done for a horizontal system, doing so in a vertical system dramatically increases the construction and operation cost and reduces the number of places at which one can gain governmental approval to build. Consequently, minimizing height while maximizing the expansion and deceleration of the airflow downstream of the flight chamber is the key to making a vertical wind tunnel commercially successful. Similarly, constraining the occupants to the safe areas of the wind tunnel without increasing drag and power consumption is essential. The prior art wind tunnels do not offer a design that is quiet and short enough to be built in high density shopping and entertainment venues while remaining efficient enough to allow commercially viable operation. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a flight chamber on the inlet side of the fans for improved airflow, speed and quality, at lower power consumption and higher safety for the fliers. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a sealed and pressure balanced staging area adjacent and connected to the flight chamber in a way that allows people to move in between the two without stopping the airflow. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having transparent windows allowing spectators, instructors or others outside the flight chamber to see into it. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a plurality of smaller fans rather than a single, more expensive and difficult to maintain fan. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having one or more return air ducts to conserve heat, reduce energy consumption, reduce noise and allow all-weather operation. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having only one or two return ducts even though it may have a greater number of fans than return ducts. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having fans housed in low profile casings that allow them to be mounted as closely together as possible so that more than one fan can be connected to each return air duct without the need for long transition ducts that would increase the height or width of the entire system. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a passive air exchange system that ejects heated air and draws in cooler ambient air in order to most efficiently control the temperature inside the wind tunnel. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a passive air exchange system the components of which form a “nozzle” or flow contaction that not only mechanically ejects the air from inside the wind tunnel but also creates the proper pressure gradient between the inside and outside of the wind tunnel and thereby encourages the efficient exchange of air between the wind tunnel and the ambient air. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having a mesh “floor” made of specially designed cables that produce less drag and, therefore, less noise than conventional cables. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having at least one zero-drag electronic upper barrier instead of a physical net to prevent fliers from moving too high in the flight chamber and quickly modulating the speed of the air to bring them back down to and hold them at a safe level. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device having the lowest possible total height for any given efficiency in order to reduce construction costs and meet common governmental constraints on building height. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device optimized for height by having most or all of the components downstream of the flight chamber expand the air as rapidly as possible without creating flow separation. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device optimized for height by providing an optional flight chamber in which the air is expanded as much as possible without creating separation as it passes through the flight chamber section or a flight chamber that is actually shaped like a diffuser. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device optimized for height and overall size by mounting the fans in conical ducts that themselves act as “diffusers”. What is needed is a vertical wind tunnel amusement and training device that allows installation configurations which optimize spectator viewing areas of the fliers to pedestrians in a shopping mall. The present invention meets these needs. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel amusement device having a flight chamber situated on the inlet side of a plurality of fans which are in turn connected to a plurality of expanding return air ducts, thereby maximizing efficiency while minimizing the height of the amusement device. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a flight chamber on the inlet side of the fans for improved airflow speed and quality, at lower power consumption and higher safety for the fliers. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a two-stage staging area adjacent and connected to the flight chamber in a way that allows people to move in between the two without stopping the airflow. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having transparent windows allowing spectators, instructors or others outside the flight chamber to see into it, including in a shopping mall venue. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a plurality of smaller fans angled in a non-parallel alignment rather than a single, more expensive and difficult to maintain fan. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having one or more return air ducts to conserve heat, reduce energy consumption, reduce noise and allow all-weather operation. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having only one or two return ducts even though it may have a greater number of fans than return ducts. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having fans housed in low profile, diffusing casings that allow them to be mounted as closely together as possible so that more than one fan can be connected to each return air duct without the need for long transition ducts that would increase the height or width of the entire system. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a passive air exchange system with adjustable inlet/outlet doors that mechanically ejects heated air from the system and draw in cooler ambient air in order to most efficiently control the temperature inside the wind tunnel with minimal extra work by the fans. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel in which the adjustable inlet/outlet doors are arranged such that they also form a “nozzle” or flow contraction thereby creating a favorable pressure gradient between the inside and outside of the tunnel and encouraging the air exchange in order to efficiently control the temperature inside the wind tunnel with minimal extra work by the fans and without the use of other more costly air cooling technologies. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel in which the position of the inlet/outlet doors is controlled by known means in order to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the wind tunnel. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having a mesh “floor” made of specially designed cables (preferably steel) that produce less drag and, therefore, less noise than conventional cables. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having one or more zero-drag electronic upper barriers instead of a physical net designed to prevent fliers from moving too high in the flight chamber and capable of quickly modulating the speed of the air to bring fliers back down to and hold them at a safe level. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel having the lowest possible total height for any given efficiency in order to reduce construction costs and meet common governmental constraints on building height. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel optimized for height by having not just the primary diffuser just downstream of the flight chamber but also most or all of the components downstream of the flight chamber expand the air as rapidly as possible without creating flow separation. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel optimized for height by expanding the air as much as possible without creating separation as it passes through the flight chamber. This diffusing flight chamber could also be thought of as a zero-height flight chamber or zero-length test section. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical wind tunnel optimized for height by mounting the fans in conical ducts that themselves act as “diffusers”. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a zero height flight chamber wherein the fliers fly in an expanding diffuser chamber with a reduced air velocity the higher they fly, thereby forming a self-catching flow in the chamber to slow the flier as he or she descends. Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. To eliminate the risk of occupants falling out of the air column and injuring themselves, the air column extends completely from one wall of the flight chamber to the other. This “wall to wall” airflow also reduces drag at the edges of the air column and increases efficiency of the entire system. The airflow passes through a “cable floor” into the flight chamber. The cable floor provides support for the users when the airflow through the flight chamber is not sufficient to support them. At or near the upper (or downstream) end of the flight chamber, a “virtual net” comprised of one or more electronic (preferably optic) sensors, monitors the position of the occupant(s) within the flight chamber. In the preferred embodiment, the control system will automatically lower the speed if the occupant(s) fly too high in the flight chamber. The flight chamber can be round, oval or polygonal and can range from a bit less than 75 square feet to over 160 square feet in area. The flight chamber may accommodate up to six users at a time. The airflow velocity in the flight chamber can reach as high as 160+ mph, which-will fully support as many as six users. In the preferred embodiment, one or more of the walls of the flight chamber include or comprise flat or curved windows constructed of transparent Plexiglas®, acrylic plastic, glass or similar high strength transparent material. When present, the windows into the flight chamber allow an unrestricted view of the activities taking place within the therein. Adjacent to the flight chamber is a staging area. The flight chamber has an entry opening and exit opening to the staging area through which a user or multiple users may enter and exit the flight chamber. In certain embodiments in which rotations of occupants in and out of the flight chamber might be less frequent, these opening may be fitted with doors which slide, roll or otherwise move to close one or both of these openings. Users wait in the staging area for their turn in the flight chamber. The staging area has transparent windows so that an observer may view the flight of any person(s) within the flight chamber without entering the staging area. The staging area has a single or multiple doors that open periodically to allow people to exit the entire system. The staging area may also be fit with an optional “piggyback” or secondary staging area. This creates an airlock that allows groups to rotate in and out of the staging area from outside the system without requiring the airflow to stop. The area above (downstream of) each doorway in upper section of the flight chamber may include perforated panel which provides an alternate airflow path when users are entering and exiting the flight chamber. In the preferred embodiment, a small flow deflector will also be located below (upstream of) the cable floor just below each opening between the flight chamber and staging area to minimize the amount of air moving between them and reduce the amount of balancing necessary. The fans and other controls can be operated from inside the staging area, inside the flight chamber or from an attached or remote control room. The fans are controlled to achieve the optimum airflow velocity through the flight chamber. Next above the perforated section is the primary divergent diffuser. The primary diffuser diverges at approximately 3.5 to 5 degrees from the major axis providing a “equivalent cone angle” of 7 to 10 degrees. The increasing cross-sectional area reduces the velocity of the airflow from the flight chamber to the fans. Above (or downstream of) the primary diffuser is the upper plenum which may include the first set of high efficiency turning vanes. In a single return system these turning vanes (or simply the plenum if no vanes are used) redirect the airflow from substantially vertical to substantially horizontal. In a multiple return system, these vanes (or simply the plenum if no vanes are used) split the air into to basically equal flows and turn each flow from substantially vertical to substantially horizontal. The airflow then passes through the inlet ducts and into the fans. The fan inlet duct transitions the flow from roughly square or rectangular to roughly round. In the preferred embodiment, the fan inlet ducts act as diffusers expanding the flow area as much as possible without creating flow separation. The fans are preferably high-efficiency axial flow fans, although any fan adapted for use in a wind tunnel is acceptable. In the preferred embodiment, the fans contain a bullet-shaped nosecone and a teardrop-shaped tailcone. In the preferred embodiment, the fan casings act as diffusers and are sized such that, after taking into account the area in the center of the fan obscured by the nosecone, fan centerbody and tailcone, the net flow area through the fans increases as much as possible without creating flow separation. The velocity of the airflow through the invention is controlled by either changing the pitch of the fans or by changing the rotational speed of the fans. The airflow passes through the fans and into the exit ducts which also transition from roughly round to roughly square or rectangular. In the preferred embodiment, the exit ducts are act as diffusers expanding the airflow as much as possible without creating flow separation. The airflow travels through a set of exit ducts to the second set of high-efficiency turning vanes (if used) which turn the air from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical. The airflow then enters the return air ducts. In the preferred embodiment, these return air ducts are also shaped as divergent diffusers expanding the airflow as much as possible without creating flow separation. In the preferred embodiment, each return air duct has an air exchange mechanism comprised of an even number of louvers located on opposing faces of the return air duct. These are situated and sized so that they together create a nozzle or sudden contraction in the flow area at the point of the louvers. This nozzle [increases] decreases the [dynamic] static pressure at that point of the system and assists in the expulsion of heated air from the wind tunnel through the exhaust louver. This lowers the pressure in the system and assists the inlet louvers as they draw in cooler ambient air from outside of the system. This arrangement allows heated air in the system to be replaced with cooler ambient air, thereby allowing a user to adjust the temperature in the flight chamber for flyer comfort without the need for expensive alternatives such as air conditioning or evaporative cooling. At the bottom (or downstream) end of the return air towers, the air again passes through a set of turning vanes (or simply a duct with a 90 degree turn if no vanes are used) that redirects the air from a substantially vertical to a substantially horizontal path. The air then enters the bottom plenum which may also act as a divergent diffuser expanding the air as much as possible without causing flow separation. At the end or the (or downstream) end of the bottom plenum, the air again passes through a set of turning vanes (or simply a duct with a 90 degree turn if no vanes are used) that redirects the air from a substantially horizontal to a substantially vertical path. In a multiple return system, the flows will be re-joined at this point. The air then passes into the inlet contractor. This trumpet-shaped or bell-shaped device quickly reduces the flow area and accelerates the air to its maximum speed just ahead of the flight chamber. Here again aerodynamic laws govern how quickly one can reduce this flow area without degrading the quality of that flow. | 20040730 | 20070102 | 20060202 | 74020.0 | A63G3100 | 1 | NGUYEN, KIEN T | RECIRCULATING VERTICAL WIND TUNNEL SKYDIVING SIMULATOR | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A63G | 2,004 |
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10,909,147 | ACCEPTED | In-situ surfactant and chemical oxidant flushing for complete remediation of contaminants and methods of using same | The present invention relates to removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. | 1. A method for substantially removing subsurface contaminants, comprising the step of: introducing an effective amount of at least one preselected surfactant solution, wherein the preselected surfactant solution is a mixture of sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate and linear alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonate, wherein the effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant is capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. 2. A method for substantially expediting subsurface remediation of contaminants comprising the steps of: introducing at least one surfactant capable of remediating at least one subsurface contaminant, wherein the surfactant is a mixture of sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate and linear alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonate. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a dense non-aqueous phase liquid. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a light non-aqueous phase liquid. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a dense non-aqueous phase liquid. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a light non-aqueous phase liquid. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 15%. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 3% to about 8%. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 1% to about 3%. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 1%. 11. A method for substantially removing subsurface contaminants, comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of at least one preselected surfactant solution, wherein the preselected surfactant solution is a mixture of alkylamine sodium sulfonate and sodium dihexylsulfosuccinate, wherein the effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant is capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. 12. A method for substantially expediting subsurface remediation of contaminants comprising the steps of: introducing at least one surfactant capable of remediating at least one subsurface contaminant, wherein the surfactant is a mixture of alkylamine sodium sulfonate and sodium dihexylsulfosuccinate. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a dense non-aqueous phase liquid. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a light non-aqueous phase liquid. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a dense non-aqueous phase liquid. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the subsurface contaminant is a light non-aqueous phase liquid. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 15%. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 3% to about 8%. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 1% to about 3%. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 1%. 21. A method for substantially removing subsurface contaminants, comprising the steps of: comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of at least one preselected surfactant solution, including the steps of: determining the contaminant solubilization of the surfactant system, determining the surfactant sorption and precipitation of the surfactant system determining the surfactant non-aqueous phase liquid behavior properties of the surfactant system to assess the potential for surfactant losses under subsurface conditions, and performing contaminant extraction-column studies to simulate flow through conditions in the aquifer; wherein the effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant is capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. 22. A subsurface contaminant site substantially remediated by the process comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of at least one preselected surfactant solution wherein the preselected surfactant solution is a mixture of sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate and linear alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonate, wherein the effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant is capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. 23. The substantially remediated site of claim 22, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 15%. 24. The substantially remediated site of claim 22, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 3% to about 8%. 25. The substantially remediated site of claim 22, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 1% to about 3%. 26. The substantially remediated site of claim 22, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 1%. 27. A subsurface contaminant site substantially remediated by the process comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of at least one preselected surfactant solution wherein the preselected surfactant solution is a mixture of alkylamine sodium sulfonate and sodium dihexylsulfosuccinate, wherein the effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant is capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. 28. The substantially remediated site of claim 27, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 15%. 29. The substantially remediated site of claim 27, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 3% to about 8%. 30. The substantially remediated site of claim 27, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 1% to about 3%. 31. The substantially remediated site of claim 27, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the at least one preselected surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 1%. 32. A surfactant solution for substantially removing subsurface contaminants comprising a mixture of sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate and linear alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonate. 33. The surfactant solution of claim 32, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 15%. 34. The surfactant solution of claim 32, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 3% to about 8%. 35. The surfactant solution of claim 32, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 1% to about 3%. 36. The surfactant solution of claim 32, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 1%. 37. A surfactant solution for substantially removing subsurface contaminants comprising a mixture of alkylamine sodium sulfonate and sodium dihexylsulfosuccinate. 38. The surfactant solution of claim 37, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 15%. 39. The surfactant solution of claim 37, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 3% to about 8%. 40. The surfactant solution of claim 37, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 1% to about 3%. 41. The surfactant solution of claim 37, wherein the weight percent of effective amount of the surfactant solution is in a range from about 0.05% to about 1%. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/290,424, filed Nov. 6, 2002, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/333,244, filed Nov. 6, 2001, entitled “USE OF IN-SITU SEQUENT AND CHEMICAL OXIDANT FLUSHING FOR COMPLETE REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SOILS AND GROUNDWATERS”, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. 2. Background Information Relating to the Invention Surfactant enhanced subsurface remediation (SESR) is a unique technology for expediting subsurface remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). Studies known to those in the art have previously evaluated the SESR technology in both laboratory scale studies and field scale demonstration studies. Traditionally, the surfactant system in SESR (typically an anionic or nonionic surfactant), is designed to remove organic contaminants (including chlorinated solvents) from contaminated the soil. Surfactant systems significantly increase the solubility of hydrophobic organic compounds and, if properly designed and controlled, also significantly increase the mobility of NAPLs. A significantly reduced remediation time thereby results as well as increased removal efficiency (up to 3 or 4 orders of magnitude) and reduced cost of NAPL removal through use of surfactant system for subsurface remediation. Surfactant flushing solutions, typically, can be designed to be effective under most subsurface conditions. In most cases, the effectiveness of the surfactant flushing solutions is not reduced due to the presence of more than one contaminant. Naturally-occurring divalent cations and salts may affect the performance of certain surfactants, as well as the removal efficiency for cationic heavy metals. It is possible, however, to design an effective surfactant system for removal of the target contaminants under any of these conditions. A number of factors influence the overall performance and cost effectiveness of SESR systems. These factors include: Local ground water chemistry; Soil chemistry (e.g. sorption, precipitation); Ability to deliver the surfactant solution to the area of contamination; Surfactant effects on biodegradation of the NAPL compounds as well as degradation of the surfactants; Public and regulatory acceptance; Cost of the surfactant; Recycle and reuse of the surfactant, if necessary; and Treatment and disposal of waste streams. Bench scale tests (treatability studies) must be conducted on site specific soils and NAPL (if available) to ensure the optimal system is selected for a particular site. Surfactant flushing can remove a large portion of the mass of subsurface contaminant liquid. In general, it is not expected that surfactant flushing alone will have a high probability of reducing the subsurface contaminant concentration to a level necessary to allow the site to be considered “remediated.” Therefore, a treatment train (or integrated) approach is necessary to speed up or achieve the closure of the site. It is to such an integrated approach involving a preselected surfactant solution flush coupled with an abiotic oxidation polishing step and methods thereof that the present invention is directed. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention is directed to a method for substantially removing subsurface contaminants through an integrated approach utilizing a preselected surfactant solution and a preselected chemical oxidant. Such an innovative integrated approach satisfies a need in the marketplace for a cost-effective and less time consuming system to remove substantially all subsurface contaminants—a level of remediation has been traditionally unavailable. A method of the present invention comprises the steps of introducing an effective amount of at least one preselected surfactant solution and an effective amount of at least one preselected chemical oxidant. The combination of the preselected surfactant solution and the preselected chemical oxidant are capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. Additionally, the present invention relates to a subsurface contaminated site that is substantially remediated by this integrated approach and novel surfactant solutions. DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing, generally, an integrated surfactant flushing and treatment system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a graphical representation showing the results of a NAPL removal test in a one-dimensional (1-D) column. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of pre- and post-surfactant free phase gasoline distribution in a “Shallow Zone” at an underground storage tank contamination site—i.e. Carroll's Grocery in Golden, Okla. FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of pre- and post-surfactant flushing/chemical oxidation benzene concentration distribution methodology of the present invention in a “Shallow Zone” at an underground storage tank contamination site—i.e., Carroll's Grocery in Golden, Okla. FIG. 5 is a graphical representation showing the results of a TCE breakthrough test with sequent surfactant and chemical oxidation flushing in a 1-D column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description (e.g. texts, examples, data and/or tables) or illustrated or shown in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting and one of ordinary skill in the art, given the present specification, would be capable of making and using the presently claimed and disclosed invention in a broad and non-limiting manner. As used herein, the term “subsurface contaminant” refers to any organic or inorganic impurity or halogenated solvent (such as a chlorinated solvent) that is toxic to the underground surface. Additionally, the term “surfactant solution” refers to any anionic or nonionic surfactant or cosurfactant combination that is functionally capable of removing organic or inorganic contaminants as well as halogenated solvents (such as a chlorinated solvent) from a contaminated subsurface area, such as subsurface soil or water systems. Further, the term “oxidant” refers to any oxidizing agent capable of degrading a contaminated plume or entrapped residual pollutants whether they are organic, inorganic, or halogenated solvents. The term “polishing step” as used herein, refers to the innovative abiotic process of the presently disclosed and claimed invention that includes the steps of injecting or introducing predetermined concentrations of a chemical oxidant to further degrade and reduce the subsurface contaminant subsequent to a surfactant flushing step. “Integrated approach” as used herein, refers to a low concentration surfactant flush in combination with the abiotic polishing step. “Remediation” as used herein, refers to the substantially complete removal of soil and groundwater pollutants by various treatments or restoring methods to achieve the standard set by the responsible regulatory agency for the particular contaminated subsurfact system (e.g. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for subsurface ground water). Due to certain advantages associated with the use of the integrated approach of the presently claimed and disclosed invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will most likely recognize the benefits of this approach when time is of the essence. One such advantage is that by using the low concentration surfactant flush step in combination with the subsequent abiotic polishing step, a higher probability exists of reducing the subsurface contaminant concentration to a level necessary to allow the site to be considered remediated—i.e. substantially all contaminats have been removed. This process will tend to achieve minimal pollutant content of the underground surface while decreasing the time spent as compared to prior art techniques that utilize a higher concentration surfactant flush as the sole means of remediating a contaminated site. Prior to Applicant's inventive concept, higher concentration surfactant flushing alone has been the common method of site remediation. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention includes an overall integrated surfactant flushing and treatment system 10. A pre-determined surfactant solution 20 is prepared in a mixing tank 30. After the surfactant solution 20 is prepared, the surfactant-NAPL phase behavior is evaluated on-site. If the surfactant solution 20 meets all criteria set for the surfactant—NAPL phase behavior, such as optimal microemulsion (either Winsor Type III or Type I) the surfactant solution 20 is delivered to a targeted treatment zone 40 via an injection well 50 and a pumping system 60. Removed contaminant and surfactant solution 70 is extracted from a recovery well 80. The free-phase oil is separated from the surfactant stream in an oil/water separator 90. If the contaminant and surfactant solution 70 is pH sensitive for its recovery, a pH-adjustment tank 100 could be added before the oil/water separator 90 to reduce the solution pH and enhance the surfactant separation. From the oil/water separator 90, a waste stream 110 is sent to an air stripper 120 or other equipment (such as liquid-liquid extraction) to remove dissolved volatile organic chemicals (VOC) 130. The waste stream 110 is delivered to a pre-filtration system 140 to remove the large solid particle or sediment in the waste stream 110. If surfactant reuse is required, the waste stream 110 will go through a second pH-adjustment tank 150 and an ultrafiltration membrane system 160. Most surfactant micelle phase will be rejected at the retentate side 170 and sent back to the mixing tank 30 for reuse. The waste water containing mainly surfactant monomer and trace contaminant will pass through the ultrafiltration membrane system 160 for final disposal 180 or sent to a wastewater treatment plant for treatment. As outlined and shown in particular examples hereinafter, the Applicant's presently claimed and disclosed methodology demonstrates significant removal of NAPL from a contaminated source area via remediation. In one embodiment of this invention, surfactant flushing projects were conducted at a surfactant concentration ranging between 3 to 8 wt % of surfactant based upon the total weight of the surfactant solution (e.g. 3 wt % would be 3% surfactant/97% water or other solvent). This range may be somewhat over-conservative because, within this range of surfactant concentrations, reuse or reconcentration of the recovered surfactant typically is necessary to improve the economics of the overall project. In order to recover/separate the surfactant, contaminant concentrations must be reduced to acceptable levels in the surfactant solution and then the surfactant must be re-concentrated for reinjection. In other embodiments of this invention, surfactant concentrations in a range from about, 0.05% to about 15 wt % are contemplated for use. In a most preferred embodiment of this invention, a lower surfactant concentration, such as 0.1%, is most desirable. Several advantages of using a low surfactant concentration, are: (1) significant savings on chemical use and project cost; (2) minimizing and/or completely eliminating the reuse and recycling of the recovered surfactant; and (3) improving the above-ground treatment efficiency (e.g., less retention time for breaking the macro- or microemulsion during the oil/water separation stage, and less foaming of surfactant). Therefore, the ability of lowering the costs of a SESR project, such as with utilizing a lower surfactant concentration, further improves the total cost effectiveness for the remediation of sites. The quantity of surfactant necessary for use with the presently disclosed and claimed invention is up to one order of magnitude (from several weight percents reduced to several thousands ppm or mg/L) less than prior art surfactant flushing systems used for light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) as well as for dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). The surfactant solution of the presently claimed and disclosed invention may be any anionic, cationic, or nonionic surfactant or any combinations thereof as well as one or more combinations thereof. These combinations include, but are not limited to: anionic surfactant/anionic surfactant; anionic surfactant/nonionic surfactant; anionic surfactant/cationic surfactant; nonionic surfactant/nonionic surfactant; and nonionic surfactant/cationic surfactant combinations, to name but a few of the possible permentations. Further, the present invention encompasses an abiotic process to address the post-surfactant polishing step to further enhance site remediation. This abiotic process involves injecting pre-determined concentrations of chemical oxidant to degrade the dilute contaminant plume and/or trace entrapped residual pollutant(s) that remain after the surfactant flushing step. The effectiveness of these oxidants depends on the types of contaminants and geological formations found at the site. Thus, the chemical oxidant is chosen or “predetermined” based on an analysis of the site: i.e. the functionality of the chemical oxidant must match or be capable of degrading any remaining contaminants or pollutants. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art, given the present specification, would be capable of selecting an appropriate chemical oxidant given an identification of the contaminants or pollutants to be remediated. The two most common oxidizing agents used for in-situ chemical oxidation are hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate, yet various other oxidizing agents including, but not limited to, sodium permanganate, ozone, chlorine dioxide, or dissolved oxygen may be used. In the chemical oxidation process known as Fenton's reaction, injection of hydrogen peroxide is typically combined with an iron catalyst under reduced pH conditions to generate powerful hydroxyl free radicals (OH.). Since 1934, Fenton's reagent has been recognized as an effective means for destroying organic compounds in wastewater and most recently as an in-situ treatment method for soil and groundwater. The dissolved iron acts as a catalyst for generating the hydroxyl radical, resulting in free-radical oxidation of the contaminant. A low pH is necessary to keep the iron in the ferrous state. While the reaction can be performed successfully at a pH range between 5 and 7, the performance improves at even lower pH values (as low as 2 to 3). Obtaining optimal subsurface pH conditions is often limited by the soil buffering capacity, which is site-specific. For example, if naturally-occurring carbonates in the soil are high, a significant acid dose is required to reduce the pH at the site and thereby improve the performance of the oxidizing agent. Potassium permanganate oxidation creates little heat or gas, therefore contaminant treatment occurs primarily through oxidation. Potassium permanganate is an oxidizing agent with a unique affinity for organic compounds containing carbon-carbon double bonds, aldehyde groups or hydroxyl groups. Under normal subsurface pH and temperature conditions, the primary oxidation reaction for perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) involves spontaneous cleavage of the carbon-carbon bond. Once this double bond is broken, the highly unstable carbonyl groups are immediately converted to carbon dioxide through either hydrolysis or further oxidation by the permanganate ion. Selection of the proper oxidant is based on several factors including, but not limited to, contaminant characteristics, site geochemical conditions, soil buffering conditions of site, and etc. Fenton's reagent is capable of oxidizing a wide range of compounds while potassium permanganate is more selective and is best suited for chlorinated ethene contaminants such as PCE and TCE. Potassium permanganate often provides more rapid destruction of specific compounds when compared to Fenton's reagent, however. Previous prior art results from field tests raised concerns on the effectiveness of using chemical oxidation for contaminated source zone remediation. Mainly, this was due to the high concentration of oxidant required, the large amount of heat and gas released in the subsurface, and the formation of solid-precipitate at the surface of the contaminant liquid pool. Utilizing the presently disclosed and claimed methodology, however, the bulk of the contaminant has been previously removed by surfactant flushing, followed by a very low concentration (preferrably less than 0.5 wt %) of oxidant can be used, and the amount of heat generated and the volume of gas released ceases to be a limiting factor. Using the methodology of the presently claimed and disclosed invention, surfactant flushing followed by chemical oxidation is highly effective for contaminant remediation. Thus, neither surfactant flushing nor chemical oxidation alone can accomplish substantially, one hundred percent remediation of a contaminated site. The combination of surfactant flushing followed by chemical oxidation does, however, result in a substantially remediated site that had been contaminated prior to treatment. The presently disclosed and claimed methodology greatly reduces the long-term risk and financial burden of the owner of the contaminated site in a site closure program versus a maintenance-like approach such as pump-and-treat. The uniqueness of the presently claimed and disclosed integrated process approach provides significant improvement on the NAPL clean-up efficiency as compared to the stand-alone surfactant flushing and stand alone in situ chemical oxidation for site remediation effort. Experiment Methodology Surfactant Selection and System Design. Selection of the proper surfactant system utilizing a series of laboratory screening tests is one of the most crucial steps in conducting a successful surfactant flushing project. Laboratory surfactant screening typically consists of the following tests: contaminant solubilization tests, surfactant-NAPL phase behavior properties tests, surfactant sorption and precipitation tests, and contaminant extraction-column studies. Representative procedures of these tests are briefly described below. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, would appreciate the significance and steps necessary to conduct such tests given the present specification. The purpose of these tests is to select the best surfactant system for application at the site—the surfactant is optimized for both the physical and chemical conditions of the site and the contaminant. Contaminant solubilization of NAPL Solubilization tests are used to determine the solubilization capacity of the surfactant systems (see e.g. Shiau et al., 1994; Rouse et al. 1993). For a DNAPL contaminant, the objective of the solubilization test is to select a surfactant system with ultra-solubilization potential without mobilizing the NAPL. For a LNAPL contaminant, the optimal surfactant system is chosen based on mobilization of NAPL under the ultra-low interfacial tension condition. Typically, surfactant systems under such conditions will produce a so-called Winsor Type III (or the middle phase) microemulsion via testing of surfactant-NAPL phase behavior properties (Shiau et al., 1994). The solubilization capacity of site-specific NAPL is determined for the surfactants by two methods: direct visual observation (see Shiau et al., 1994) and gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) (i.e., EPA Method 8015 for gasoline range organics (GRO), diesel range organics (DRO), and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)) and/or gas chromatography/photoionization detector (GC/PID) measurement (i.e., EPA Method 8021B for BTEX compounds). Direct visual observation is used as a preliminary screening tool for various surfactant and NAPL systems. When a proper surfactant/cosurfactant system is utilized, a middle-phase microemulsion (a translucent liquid phase intermediate between the water and NAPL phases) is observed in a mixture of surfactant and NAPL system. Surfactant-NAPL phase behavior properties. The difference between a microemulsion and macroemulsion (or emulsion) is that a microemulsion is thermodynamically stable while a macroemulsion is thermodynamically unstable and will ultimately separate into oil and water phases. Typically, a macroemulsion of NAPL and surfactant mixture appears opaque after equilibration. During the surfactant-NAPL phase behavior testing, equal volume of NAPL and surfactant solution was added to a batch reactor (at capacity between 10 mL to 40 mL) and the system was adjusted with salt (NaCl), hardness (CaCl2), or cosolvent (short chain alcohols) to change the hydrophobicity, a crucial parameter to achieve the optimal surfactant phase behavior, of NAPL and surfactant mixture. The solution was shaken and left to equilibrate at room temperature (18° C.) following a 24-hour pre-mixing period. Formation of a stable middle-phase microemulsion becomes complete within a few hours to one day. The presence of a middle-phase microemulsion is confirmed by visual observation (formation of a translucent liquid) and instrumentation (measuring the ultra-low interfacial tension (IFT) with a spinning drop tensiometer). (See Cayias et. al, 1975; Shiau et. al, 2000). Sorption, Precipitation, and Phase Behavior Analyses. These tests assess the potential for surfactant losses under subsurface conditions (see Shiau et al., 1995 for details). Surfactants can be lost due to sorption, precipitation, and adverse phase behavior reactions. Excess surfactant sorbed or precipitated onto soil inhibits system effectiveness and increases costs. Sorption testing quantifies the amount of surfactant lost to soil and facilitates a surfactant comparison analysis. Some surfactants may precipitate or phase separate due to the presence of salts, divalent cations or temperature fluctuations. It is essential to ensure that the surfactant will not precipitate under site specific aquifer conditions. Surfactant loss due to precipitation and/or phase separation not only hinders performance but also plugs the aquifer. Formation of an opaque solution in a mixture of NAPL/surfactant indicates an adverse phase behavior, which does not provide a satisfactory sweep efficiency and/or solubilization capacity in the subsurface. Contaminant Extraction-Column Studies. One-dimensional (1-D) column tests are conducted to simulate flow through conditions in the aquifer (see Shiau, et al., 2000 for detailed procedures). Although it is difficult to simulate actual site conditions, valuable information can be obtained from column studies. This information includes solubilization enhancement under continuous flow conditions and head losses during flushing through the media. The results of the column studies aid in the design of pilot and potential full-scale application designs of the presently claimed and disclosed inventive methodology. Column test results are used to quantify the number of pore volumes (PV) required to mitigate the NAPL for each surfactant system and the polishing step. Previous laboratory and field studies indicate that the solubilization mechanism requires 3-15 PV for most NAPL mass recovery (Shiau, et al. 2000). For the mobilization mechanism, the required surfactant solution flush is between one to two pore volumes (PV) to recover the majority of the NAPL mass. From site soil-packed columns, residual saturation is achieved in the column by adding the site-specific contaminant(s) to the column (between 0.01 to 0.2 PV) followed by water to remove excess contaminant. A mass balance of NAPL is determined to estimate the residual concentration. Under low surfactant concentration conditions (<1 wt % of surfactant), reuse and recycling of surfactant is economically unnecessary for full-scale implementation. If injection of a higher concentration surfactant is necessary at the particular site, one of ordinary skill in the art could use membrane-based systems, such as Micellar Enhanced Ultrafiltration (MEUF), to recover and reuse the surfactant. (Lipe et al., 1996; Sabatini et al., 1998b.) Chemical Oxidation as a Polishing Step. In the presently claimed invention and disclosed invention, surfactant flushing is followed by a polishing stage utilizing the introduction of a chemical oxidant to substantially degrade the contaminant left in the soil and groundwater subsequent to the surfactant flushing step. Bench-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of in-situ chemical oxidation in order to illustrate and evaluate the primary performance characteristics of the technology, including (1) oxidant-contaminant reaction kinetics, (2) matrix interactions and other secondary geochemical effects, (3) subsurface oxidant transport, (4) overall oxidant consumption, and (5) contaminants treated and overall reductions achieved Chemical Oxidant Selection and System Design. The first step in the process of chemical oxidant polishing is selecting the proper oxidant for the site. The two most common oxidants used for process applications are hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate, however sodium permanganate, ozone, chlorine dioxide, dissolved oxygen or any other oxidant, in which a person having ordinary skill in the art may be familiar, may be tested and be used in this system. To ensure a successful project, several design steps of a chemical oxidation polishing system must be satisfied. An understanding of relative reaction rates and the life span of reactants are required to ensure adequate contact time for the desired reactions. The chemical demand associated with pH adjustment must be evaluated since many of the oxidation reactions are pH-dependant. In addition, geochemical characteristics of the site must be identified to help predict how naturally occurring mineral and organic fractions within the soil and ground water will affect the process. Before installing a field-scale chemical oxidation system, certain data must be collected to ensure proper chemical addition ratios and reaction times are achieved at the site. This information may include, but is not limited to, data on the reaction kinetics, pH conditions, and naturally occurring interference within the subsurface for the specific site. In addition, mobility control and transport of the injected oxidant to the target areas is crucial, especially at a site with less of a permeability zone and having high organic and mineral interference. Degradation Test. Similar to surfactant screening tests, bench-scale oxidation degradation studies (i.e., batch tests and one-dimensional column studies) are performed in the laboratory to investigate the reaction rates and mechanisms for the previously discussed oxidants using soils, NAPL (if available), and contaminated groundwater collected from the demonstration site. In the laboratory batch tests/kinetic studies, the samples are prepared in the reactor (e.g., 40 ml EPA vials) spiked with site contaminants (i.e., LNAPL and/or DNAPL) at the pre-determined concentrations (from high ug/L to low mg/L). These are the typical pollutant levels observed at the dilute plume area and/or after most NAPL mass has been removed from the contaminant source area. The Fenton's reagent and permanganate constituents required to promote the respective oxidation reactions were added to the reactor (e.g., 40 mL vials) at concentrations between 500 mg/L to ten percent. The samples were equilibrated for various reaction periods (from hours to days) at the demonstration site groundwater temperature. The final contaminant(s) and oxidant concentrations were measured. Changes of reaction parameters, such as pH and redox potential, Eh, were recorded. The reaction rate constants were calculated to quantify the removal of contaminant(s). In addition, the demand for pH adjustment during chemical oxidation was evaluated, since many of the reactions involved are pH dependent. Maintaining the proper pH conditions for Fenton's oxidation is crucial to the availability of the ferrous ion (Fe2+) catalyst. The buffer capacity of the soil determines whether pH adjustment for chemical oxidation is effective and/or economical. To evaluate the effects of pH, testing was performed using potassium permanganate and Fenton's reagent under acidic, neutral, and basic conditions. Similar batch/kinetic tests for varying solution pH were conducted as previously described. Soil and groundwater conditions can affect chemical oxidation performance through direct competition with contaminants for the oxidant and should, therefore, be taken into account. The primary interference with Fenton's oxidation is carbonate and bicarbonate, which influence pH conditions and compete with contaminants for the hydroxyl radical. Elevated soil organic matters react with Fenton's reagent and potassium permanganate. Oxidation of heavy metals, such as trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), remobilize the toxic form of metals like hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), and therefore increase the unwanted risk at the site. If potential risk of remediation of Cr is present, additional tests are conducted to address these concerns depending on the selected site conditions (e.g. Cr desoprtion test in the soil peak columns). Typically, a phased approach is used to streamline the tests and minimize the number of tests. This can be achieved by evaluating the degradation rates of the targeted pollutant using the potential oxidants in a batch experiment. Only those oxidants with favorable degradation rates will be further investigated on their consumption rate with the site-specific soil. The chemical oxidant with minimum mass losses to the soil is thereafter tested in a one-dimensional column or a two-dimensional sand tank in order to optimize their conditions for complete degradation of pollutant in field. The optimal chemical oxidation system is thereafter able to be selected for the field application and is therefore site specific or site optimized. EXAMPLE 1 Sequent Surfactant Flushing and Chemical Oxidation for LNAPL Remediation—a Gasoline-Contaminated Underground Storage Tank (UST) Site A particular gasoline contaminated-site is located in the southeastern Oklahoma town of Golden. The main contaminant is gasoline fuel as a result of the leakage of USTs from two former corner gas stations. Depth to the contaminated zone was 5 to 25-feet. Most free phase LNAPLs were trapped in the shallow zone (5 to 15 ft) containing sandy silt, silty clay, and silt. The treated area covered approximately 25,000 ft2. The primary goal of the project was to remove all free phase gasoline. The secondary goal was to demonstrate a significant decrease in soil and groundwater concentrations (one to two orders of magnitude). The tertiary goal was to see how low the final contaminant concentration in groundwater could be achieved, to approach the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Before field implementation, Golden site LNAPL, and soil and groundwater samples were obtained and used to screen for the optimal surfactant systems. In the laboratory screening experiments, four anionic surfactant/cosurfactant mixtures were investigated for their potential use in remediating Golden LNAPL (fuel gasoline) with the in situ surfactant flushing technology disclosed and claimed herein. The selected surfactant/cosurfactant included mixtures of (1) sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate (AOT:75% active. Aerosol OT 75% PG surfactant, by Cytec Industries, Inc., West Paterson, N.J., USA) and sodium dihexylsulfosuccinate (AMA), (2) AOT and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), (3) AOT and linear alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonate (Calfax 16L-35% active, by Pilot Chemical Company, Santa Fe Springs, Calif., USA), and (4) Alkylamine sodium sulfonate (Lubrizol DP10052) and AMA. All surfactant solutions were prepared according to their percent activity. For example, a 100 g 0.75% AOT solution is prepared by adding 1 g of AOT raw material (75% active) to 99 g of H2O (water). The laboratory screening activities consisted of numerous tests including surfactant-NAPL phase behaviors, surfactant sorption and precipitation, and contaminant extraction-column studies as described previously in the experiment methodology section (also see Shiau et. al., 1994; Shiau et. al. 1995; Shiau, et. al. 2000). As shown in Table 1, batch surfactant screening experiments indicate that all four surfactant mixtures used can achieve Winsor Type III (middle-phase) microemulsion with Golden site NAPL, mostly at total surfactant concentration less than 1 wt %. TABLE 1 Summary of Surfactant/NAPL Phase Behaviors NAPL (TPH) solubility Equilibrated Surfactant at optimal Time of Stable Concentration Appearance of Type III Type III Evaluated Winsor Type III system Microemulsion1 Surfactant System wt % Microemulsion mg/L (hr) AOT/AMA 1 to 2 transparent 440,000 1 to 2 AOT/Tween 80 0.2 to 1 translucent 400,000 8 to 12 AOT/Calfax16L-352 0.2 to 1 translucent 450,000 1 to 2 Lubrizol DP/AMA3 0.2 to 1 opaque 400,000 8 to 12 1NaCl (ranging from 0.1 to 3 wt %) was used to achieve the optimal Type I system at various ratios of surfactant mixtures 2Surfactant system used at Golden UST site 3A small portion of the contaminated zone was treated with this surfactant Table IA illustrates the formulation of the preferred surfactant system AOT/Calfax 16L-35 used at the Golden site for gasoline clean-up. Also surfactant formulations for other conatminants, such as disel fuel and TCE, are also listed in Table IA. TABLE IA Surfactant Cosurfactant Electrolyte Type Contaminants wt % wt % wt % of Microemulsion Gasoline Dioctylsulfosuccinate sodium linear NaCl Winsor Type (AOT) alkyl III diphenyloxide disulfonate (Calfax 16L- 35) 0.75 0.19 1.2 Diesel Fuel dioctylsulfosuccinate sodium linear NaCl Winsor Type (AOT) alkyl III diphenyloxide disulfonate (Calfax 16L- 35) 0.75 0.19 1.7 TCE Dioctylsulfosuccinate sodium linear NaCl Winsor Type (AOT) alkyl III diphenyloxide disulfonate (Calfax 16L- 35) 0.77 0.27 1.84 The screening tests were conducted at different surfactant/cosurfactant ratios by adding various amounts of NaCI to promote the formation of a middle-phase (or Winsor Type III) microemulsion. In these tests, a low surfactant concentration (<1 wt %) approach was found to significantly improve the cost effectiveness of the site clean-up effort. Based on the screening tests, it was concluded that one surfactant system was the best candidate for the site-specific conditions (i.e., able to produce a translucent middle-phase microemulsion with ultra-low interfacial tension at value <0.005 dyne/cm and the highest NAPL solubility): a combination of anionic surfactant mixture, AOT/Calfax 16L-35 (total concentration=0.94 wt %) at AOT/Calfax weight ratio of of 0.75/0.01 g with 1.2% NaCl added. The prepared formulation is shown in Table IA. For the polishing step, a biotic chemical oxidation was used to treat the residual oil and dilute plume at the shallow zone of this site the Golden site. Both Fenton's Reagent and potassium permanganate were evaluated. As shown in Table 2, at a low concentration of chemical oxidant, Fenton's Reagent appeared to be more favorable in treating the BTEX compounds found at the site. TABLE 2 Representative Results of BTEX Degradation with Fenton's Reagent m, p- Fenton's Benzene1 % Toluene % Ethylbenzene % Xylene % o-Xylene % Reagent Used reduction reduction reduction reduction reduction H2O2 = 2,000 mg/L 92 44 59 47 44 Fe+2 = 90 mg/L pH = 2 to 3 adjusted by 50% H2SO4 H2O2 = 2,000 mg/L 93 NA2 NA NA NA Fe+2 = 90 mg/L pH = 2 to 3 adjusted by 50% H2SO42 KMnO4 = 5,000 mg/L3 8 NA NA NA NA 1Initial BTEX mixtures containing 1,000 ug/L of individual compound; reaction time = 12 hr 2Initial benzene-only concentration = 4,000 ug/L; NA = not available 3Initial benzene-only concentration = 1,000 ug/L For example, 93% of the initial 4,000 μg/L benzene was degraded using a Fenton's Reagent, containing H2O2, 2,000 mg/L, Fe+2, 90 mg/L, pH value@2 to 3. Benzene degradation was only 8% of the initial 1,000 μg/L benzene after a 5,000 mg/L KMnO4 solution was added. As shown in Table 3, one-dimensional column tests were conducted to assess the contaminant removal under hydrodynamic condition. Injection of a one pore volume of AOT/Calfax (0.94%) mixture was able to mobilize >90% of the trapped LNAPL from the 1-D column. TABLE 3 Summary of 1-D Column Study Results Post- Post-surfactant surfactant + chem (Step 1) oxid (Step 2) Total % contaminant % contaminant contaminantZ1 Process Used removed removed removal % Step 1: 911 8.62 99.62 Surfactant: AOT/Calfax (0.94 wt %) + NaCl 1.2 wt % (1PV) Step 2: Fenton's Reagent: H2O2 (0.4 Wt %) Fe+2 (90 mg/L) pH = 2.6 1Estimated based on the mobilized NAPL volume and dissolved NAPL data; initial column oil saturation = 2% 2Based on final soil extraction measurement Fenton's Reagent was selected to polish the residual NAPL after the surfactant flood. Representative column results are shown in FIG. 2 and Table 3. In the soil column, the total NAPL removed (measured by total petroleum hydrocarbon, TPH, or gasoline range organics, GRO) was 99.6%. Without the polishing step (chemical oxidation), the surfactant flushing alone could not achieve remediation to an extremely low contaminant level in the soil. Direct injection of a high concentration Fenton's Reagent (H2O2 level at 10 wt %) would have required multiple pore volumes (>5 PV) to achieve 80% to 90% contaminant removal (data not shown). Therefore, laboratory experiments indicated that integrated surfactant flushing followed by chemical oxidation would be able to treat the Golden site NAPL to extreme low level concentrations (low ppb range). In situ surfactant flushing was used to recover free phase LNAPL (gasoline) using the low concentration surfactant (<1 wt %) and polishing oxidant methodology of the presently disclosed and claimed invention. One pore volume of 0.94 wt % AOT-Galfaxl6L-35 (Table IA) surfactant (190,000 gallons) was injected into the contaminated shallow zone (source area, mostly silty material) over a two month period to mobilize the trapped NAPL. Initial free phase gasoline thickness on the water table ranged between 2.7 feet to 3.3 feet. Representative results from the field remediation effort at the Golden UST site are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and in Tables 4 and 5. TABLE 4 Representative Contaminant Concentration in Golden Soil before and after the Sequent Surfactant Flushing and Chemical Oxidation Soil Sample Comparison Data Pre-Flush vs. Post Flush Calfax/AOT Flush Percent TPH- Percent Reduction Sample Depth Benzene Toluene Ethylbenzene Xylenes Gro Reduction TPH- Number ft. bgl. ug/kg ug/kg ug/kg Ug/kg mg/kg Benzene Gro MLS-1A 12.5 13400.0 58100.0 18800.0 92700.0 809.0 PTGP-2A 12.5 511.0 9970.0 3520.0 20600.0 164.0 96.2 79.7 MLS-1B 14.0 16000.0 185000.0 85300.0 454000.0 3630.0 PTGP-2B 14.0 2350.0 37300.0 14600.0 78600.0 548.0 85.3 84.9 MLS-2A 12.5 31800.0 438000.0 114000.0 595000.0 5080.0 GP-7A 12.5 2400.0 41800.0 17100.0 95700.0 691.0 PTGP-9A 12.5 225.0 476.0 ND ND 56.0 99.3 98.9 MLS-2B 14.0 4980.0 26700.0 6640.0 38100.0 345.0 PTGP-9B 14.0 284.0 ND 527.0 3790.0 59.0 94.3 82.9 DW-1A 11.0 1900.0 14900.0 8750.0 48400.0 355.0 PTGP-1A 11.0 ND ND ND ND 4.2 >99 98.8 DW-1B 14.0 11200.0 99800.0 44900.0 250000.0 2190.0 PTGP-1B 14.0 2670.0 4920.0 7580.0 28400.0 137.0 76.2 93.7 DW-5A1 14.0 20800.0 148000.0 58800.0 326000.0 2780.0 GP-6B 14.0 1210.0 12720.0 5820.0 31900.0 325.0 94.2 88.3 DW-8A 14.0 41100.0 182000.0 54600.0 277000.0 2560.0 PTGP-10A 14.0 1060.0 42700.0 19700.0 104000.0 890.0 97.4 65.2 DW-16A1 11.0 9720.0 277000.0 129000.0 707000.0 5740.0 PTGP-12A 11.0 ND 118.0 ND ND 19.0 >99 99.7 Notes: Background Concentration 1The 14 foot sample for DW-5A and DW-16A denotes the 14 foot depth, unlike DW-1A. TABLE 5 Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC)/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Post Test Soil Sample Results Concentration, m/kg Sample Depth TPH- I.D. Ft. bgl. benzene Toluene Ethylbenzene xylenes Gro PB-1 15.8 0.425 1.93 1.12 4.29 88.3 PB-2 16.7 0.103 0.170 0.035 0.190 1.83 PB-2 18.5 2.27 8.07 2.390 13.4 111.0 PB-3 17.7 0.295 3.02 1.20 6.87 54.5 PB-3 18.5 0.165 0.374 0.054 0.299 2.40 PB-4 17.0 4.24 16.7 4.14 21.6 155 PB-5 10.2 0.072 0.675 0.28 1.86 18.8 PB-5 17.3 0.727 6.31 2.18 13.1 160.0 No visible or instrumental evidence of free phase gasoline was detected in 25 recovery and monitoring wells (three out of 28 wells had minimal thicknesses) during the post surfactant sampling event (FIG. 3). The observed benzene concentration indicated that 75%-99% reduction in soil concentrations were achieved during the surfactant flush (FIG. 4 and Table 4). Similarly, a reduction of TPH (GRO) concentrations in the soils was between 65%-99%. After surfactant flushing, the remaining trace residual and dissolved NAPL were treated by the final polishing steps using chemical oxidation in the shallow zone, where most NAPL was present before the surfactant flushing. Representative soil concentrations after the post-oxidation phase are summarized in Table 5. As shown in Tables 4 and 5, further contaminant reduction/degradation (OCC/EPA soil sampling event held in June, 2002) was observed after the post-polishing step was completed. These results indicate that the integrated surfactant flushing and chemical oxidation methodology of the presently disclosed and claimed invention is capable of remediating contaminants to substantially non-detected or extremely low level, if not completely removed, in a “real world” field-scale test. EXAMPLE 2 Sequent Surfactant Flushing and Chemical Oxidation Polishing for DNAPL—a TCE-Contaminated Site The targeted site was contaminated by TCE, a DNAPL and common degreaser. The main focus of this experiment was to treat the dilute TCE plume with an in-situ chemical oxidation process. This approach was selected rather than treating the source zone NAPL because the DNAPL source zones could not be identified. Most laboratory efforts were focused on evaluating the effectiveness of two selected oxidants, potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and Fenton's reagent, for TCE and cis-DCE degradation. A limited effort was given to evaluate the effectiveness of sequent surfactant flushing and chemical oxidation to treat the TCE-contaminated source (or hot) zone. Use of Potassium Permanganate for TCE/DCE Degradation Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the degradation rates of TCE, cis-DCE, or their mixture by KMnO4. These experiments were carried out in TCE/DCE dissolved solutions in the absence (Table 6) or presence (Table 7) of site-specific soil. As shown in Table 6, 250 mg/L KMnO4 can degrade TCE or DCE completely at low contaminant levels. Initial contaminant concentrations ranged from several hundred of ug/L to more than 100 mg/L. As shown in Table 7, KMnO4 concentrations ranging from 10 mg/L up to 10,000 mg/L (1%) solution were tested. Results indicated that most reactions between KMnO4 and TCE, DCE, and TCE/DCE mixtures (between few hundreds ppb to 5 ppm) were complete after a 24-hr reaction period. TABLE 6 Degradation Reaction of KMnO4 and low level of TCE, DCE and their mixtures without soil Final KMnO4 TCE Final DCE added, TCE, DCE Sample ID ug/L ug/L mg/L % degraded % degraded DCE-C-8 8 4820 0 NA 0 (control) DCE-100-8 3 691 100 NA 85.7 DCE-250-8 0 22 250 NA 99.5 TCE-C-8 283 0 0 0 NA (control) TCE-100-8 0 1 100 100 NA TCE-250-8 0 1 250 100 NA D&T-C-8 70 1407 0 0 0 (control) D&T-100-8 0 14 100 100 99.0 D&T-250-8 0 11 250 100 99.2 Note: −8 samples were analyzed after 29 hrs of sample preparation. TABLE 7 Degradation Reaction of KMnO4 and TCE, DCE and their mixtures with two types of soil (Soil 1-26′-27′; Soil 2-18′-20′, in 40 mL solution) Final KMnO4 TCE Final DCE added TCE % DCE Sample ID ug/L ug/L mg/L degraded % degraded SDCE-C 18 5486 0 NA 0 SDCE-100 0 17 100 NA 99.7 SDCE-250 0 16 250 NA 99.7 STCE-C 237 0 0 0 NA STCE-100 0 0 100 100 NA STCE-250 0 0 250 100 NA ST&D-C 117 2432 0 0 0 ST&D-100 0 13 100 100 99.5 ST&D-250 0 12 250 100 99.5 Most reactions between KMnO4 and TCE/DCE are completed in less than one hour under room temperature (20° C.). As shown in Table 8, experiments conducted with soil added indicate that complete degradation of TCE and DCE was observed under similar conditions. TABLE 8 Degradation Reaction of KMnO4 and high level of TCE without soil Initial KMnO4 Final TCE added TCE Sample ID mg/L mg/L % degraded Control 343 0.0 0 T10000 0.0 10,000 100 T5000 0.0 5,000 100 T1000 0.0 1,000 100 T500 111 500 67.7 The loss of KMnO4 in two soil samples collected from the site were determined to be negligible during 4-, 7-, and 14-days of reaction period (data not shown). Low sorption loss of KMnO4 reduced the amount of KMnO4 required and the total cost of remediation project. Under higher initial TCE levels (>300 mg/L), results indicate that adding 1,000 mg/L or more KMnO4 completely degraded the added TCE. A 67.7% reduction of TCE was observed with 500 mg/L of KMnO4 solution. Batch study indicated that addition of potassium permanganate degraded dissolved TCE and DCE in the dilute plume near the vicinity of the soil sampling locations. In addition, other loss mechanisms for permanganate including sorption and fortuitous reactions with other reduced compounds were minimal in the tested samples. Use of Fenton's Reagent for TCE/DCE Degradation Fenton's reagent is the second oxidant tested. Fenton's reagent was prepared by dissolving H2O2 and catalysis Fe(II) (FeCl2 or FeSO4) in acidic solution (HCl or H2SO4). Batch results indicated that Fenton's reagent degrades both TCE and DCE, but appears less efficient compared to KMnO4 on a weight basis. For example, 283 ug/L TCE can be completely degraded by 100 mg/L KMnO4 solution, yet 100 mg/L H2O2/FeCl2 solution only oxidize 51.7% of TCE. For similar contaminant concentrations, DCE degradation required more Fenton's reagent than TCE. Note that some pollutants, such as trichloroethane (TCA) or BTEX, could not be completely degraded by KMnO4, but will be degraded effectively by Fenton's reagent. The batch studies clearly indicate that both KMnO4 and Fenton's reagent were candidates for degrading the target contaminant, TCE, and the common intermediate, DCE, at the selected sampling locations at the DNAPL-impacted site. 1-D Column Study with KMnO4-Only for TCE Removal Several column tests were conducted by injecting KMnO4 at different concentrations (100, 500, 5000, 20000 mg/L) under various TCE residual saturation in the soil packed column. In the column study, fifteen to twenty five pore volumes of KMnO4 were injected to evaluate the removal of TCE under the hydrodynamic conditions. At a 1% initial TCE residual saturation, significant gas bubbles (mainly C02 gas) were observed in the effluent after a 5,000-mg/L KMnO4 solution was injected, while TCE concentration also began to drop significantly (to less than 10 mg/L level). In another column test, a 10% TCE residual saturation was used with various KMnO4 levels being injected (100, 500, 5,000, 20,000 mg/L). Similarly, numerous gas bubbles were created when higher KMnO4 concentrations were injected (5,000 mg/L and above) (data not shown). In addition, dark brown MnO2 precipitates were accumulated at various locations in the column. After the KMnO4 flushing, the treated column was dismantled and the soil was extracted with methanol to determine the final TCE concentration. The final TCE concentrations in the column ranged from 8 mg/Kg to 47 mg/Kg in different columns (both low and high initial TCE levels). A significant amount of TCE was degraded with KMnO4 flushing. However, a significant release of CO2 near the NAPL source area could potentially change the hydraulic permeability of the aquifer and lead to by-pass around the TCE ganglia preventing further removal, as other researchers have suggested. In addition, significant accumulation of MnO2 precipitates at the interface of NAPL and water also reduce the mass transfer of KMnO4 to TCE and decrease the TCE degradation rate. This problem has been observed in field trials with KMnO4 and is a limitation of the technology for remediation of contaminated hot zone. Results from these column tests indicate that injection of KMnO4 alone could effectively degrade TCE under proper conditions, such as for a TCE-impacted dissolved plume but not in areas with free phase DNAPL or high level of TCE residual saturation. Chemical oxidation is very effective for degrading a TCE dilute plume or as a polishing-step for source zone remediation after the majority of the TCE is removed by the surfactant flooding. The relatively low quantity of remaining TCE would be less likely to cause manganese precipitation and hydraulic bypassing upon reaction with KMnO4. 1-D Column Study with Sequent Surfactant Flushing and Chemical Oxidation (KMnO4) Flushing for TCE Removal Additional column tests were conducted using surfactant flushing to first remove significant TCE NAPL mass, followed by KMnO4 flushing to degrade the TCE left in the column. Examples of the column study results are shown in FIG. 5. Initial TCE residual saturation was 2%. At 4 PV, a surfactant solution, containing 2.5% dihexyl sulfosuccinate (AMA), 5% diphenyl oxide disulfonate (Calfax), 3% NaCl , and 1% CaCl2, was injected into the column. The selection of this surfactant system was based on a previous field test done for a mixed DNAPL contaminated site, containing tricholorethane (TCA), TCE, DCA, and DEC. The enhancement of TCA solubility with the selected surfactant system (Calfax/AMA/CaCl2/NaCl) is listed in Table 9. TABLE 9 Comparison of Trichloroethane (TCA) Solubilization in Batch and Column Studies Maximum TCA Solubilized in TCA Solubilized in column test Surfactant System Batch test (mg/L)1 (mg/L) Dowfax/AMA/NaCl/CaCl2 99,259 168,996 Lubrizol71/IPA/NaCl/ 259,355 NA3 CaCl2 1Volume determined by volumetric addition of TCA during the phase behavior study 2Surfactant used in the sequent surfactant flushing/chemical oxidation test 3NA = not available A surfactant system used for TCA could be used for TCE (with similar hydrophobicity property) to produce a middle-phase microemulsion. Therefore, a mixture of Calfax/AMA surfactant was used to conduct this 1-D column test. Significant TCE mass (concentration reached 100,000 mg/L) was removed from the column after surfactant breakthrough. After 5 PV of surfactant flushing, a 2,000 mg/L KMnO4 solution was injected to further degrade the TCE in the column. A total of 4 PV of KMnO4 solution was injected in the column before post-water flushing began at 12 PV injection time. Significant TCE mass was removed during the surfactant flushing period. A decrease of the TCE concentration, eventually below the quantification limit, after the KMnO4 breakthrough, is also clearly demonstrated. Post column extraction indicated that 99.94% of the initial TCE was removed from the column. Note that the surfactant concentration used in this column test was 7.5 wt %. As shown in Table 10, a recent batch study conducted by Applicant indicates that a low surfactant concentration (<1 wt %) could achieve similar solubility enhancement for TCE. TABLE 10 Solubilozation of DNAPL (TCE) Using Low Surfactant Concentration (1 wt %) TCE Solubilized Note Sample in bacth 1 wt % Name Phase test mg/L surfactant fb-015s middle 177104 Calfax/AOT fb-015s aqueous 99577 Calfax/AOT fb-014s middle 383813 Calfax/AOT fb-014s aqueous 66677 Calfax/AOT fb-008 aqueous 152882 Lubrizol System Therefore, a surfactant flushing with a low surfactant concentration system (e.g., Calfax/AOT—see Table IA for TCE) followed by a chemical oxidation step significantly improves the state of the art and makes it technologically and economically viable to completely remediate contaminated sites. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, single surfactant systems such as anionic/anionic and nonionic/nonionic mixtures; surfactant systems such as anionic/cationic and anionic/nonionic mixtures; and contaminants such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), creosote, crude oil, pesticides, polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and ketones can be utilized with this integrated approach. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. References The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as though set forth herein in particular. Abdul, A. S., Gibson, T. L., Ang, C. C., Smith, J. C., Sobezynski, R. E., 1992. “In situ surfactant washing of polychlorinated biphenyls and oils from a contaminated site.” Ground Water, 30:219-231. Abdul, A. S., Ang, C. C., 1994. “In situ surfactant washing of polychlorinated biphenyls and oils from a contaminated field site: phase II pilot study. Ground Water, 32:727-734. Brown, C. L., Delshad, M., Dwarakanath, Jackson, R. E., Londergan, J. T., Meinardus, H. W., McKinney, D. C., Oolman, T., Pope, G. A., and Wade, W. H., 1999, Demonstration of surfactant flooding of an alluvial aquifer contaminated with dense nonaqueous phase liquid.” in Innovative Subsurface Remediation, Field Testing of Pysical, Chemical, and Characterization Technologies, Brusseau, M. L., Sabatini, D. A., Gierke, J. S., Annable, M. D. (eds.), ACS symposium series 725, 64-85, American Chemical Society, Washington D.C. Cayias, J. L., Schechter, R. S., and Wade, W. H., 1975. “The measurement of low interfacial tension via the spinning drop technique. In Adsorption at Interfaces, ACS Symposium Series No. 8, Amer. Chem. Soc., Washington, D.C., pp. 234-247. Fountain, J. C., Starr, R. C., Middleton, T. Beikirch, M., Taylor, C., and Hodge, D., 1996. “A controlled field test of surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation,” Ground Water, 34(5):910. Haber, F., and Weiss, J. 1934. The catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by iron salts. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series A, v. 147, p.332-351. Jawitz, J. W., Annable, M., Rao, P. S. C., and Rhue, R. D., 1998. “Field implementation of Winsor Type I surfactant/alcohol mixture for in situ remediation of a complex LNAPL as a single phase microemulsion,” Environ. Sci. and Technol., 32 (4): 523-530. Knox, R. C., Sabatini, D. A., Harwell, J. H., Brown, R. E., West, C. C., Blaha, and Griffin, C. 1997. “Surfactant remediation field demonstration using a vertical circulation well,” Ground Water. 35(6): 948-953. Knox, R. C., Shiau, B. J., Sabatini, D. A., and Harwell, J. H., 1999. “Field demonstration studies of surfactant-enhanced solubilization and mobilization at Hill Air Force Base, Utah,” in Innovative Subsurface Remediation, Field Testing of Pysical, Chemical, and Characterization Technologies, Brusseau, M. L., Sabatini, D. A., Gierke, J. S., Annable, M. D. (eds.), ACS symposium series 725, 49-63, American Chemical Society, Washington D.C. Lipe, M., Sabatini, D. A., Hasegawa, M., and Harwell, J. H. 1996. Ground Water Monitering and Remediation. 16(1): 85-92. Martel, R., Gelinas, P. J. and Desnoyyers, J. E., “Aquifer washing by micellar solutions: 1 Optimization of alcohol-surfactant-solvent solutions,” J. Contaminant Hydrology. 1998a. 29(4): 317. Martel, R., Rene, L, and Gelinas, P. J., 1998b. “Aquifer washing by micellar solutions: 2. DNAPL recovery mechanisms for an optimized alcohol-surfactant-solvent solution,” J. Contaminant Hydrology. 30(1-2): 1. Pennell, K. D., Jin, M., Abriola, L. M., Pope, G. A., 1994. “Surfactant-enhanced remediation of soil columns contaminated by residual tetrachloroethylene, J. Contaminant Hydrology. 16: 35-53. Pennell, K. D., Pope, G. A., Abriol, L. M., 1996. “Influence of viscous and buoyancy forces on the mobilization of residual tetrachloroethylene during surfactant flushing. Environ. Sci. Technol. 30: 1328-1335. Reitsma, S. and Marshall, M, 2002, “Experimental Study of Oxidation of Pooled NAPL,” in Chemical Oxidation and Reactive Barriers: Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds, The Second International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds. eds. G. B. Wickramanayake, A. R. Gavaskar, A. S. C. Chen, Battelle Press, Columbus, Ohio, pp. 25-32. Rouse, J. D., Sabatini, D. A., Harwell, J. H., 1993, Environmental Science & Technology, 27: 2072 Sabatini, D. A., Harwell, J. H., and Knox, R. C., 1998a. “Surfactant selection criteria for enhanced subsurface remediation: Laboratory and field observations.” Progr. Colloid Polym Sci. 111: 168-173. Sabatini, D. A., Harwell, J. H., Hasegawa, M., and Knox, R. C., 1998b. “Membrane processes and surfactant-enhanced subsurface remediation: results of a field demonstration,” Journal of Membrane Science, 151: 87-98. Shiau, B. J., Sabatini, D. A., Harwell, J. H., 1994, Ground Water, 32: 561. Shiau, B. J., Sabatini, D. A., Harwell, J. H., 1995, Envrionmental Science & Technology, 29: 2929. Shiau, B. J., Sabatini, D. A., Harwell, J. H., 2000, “Chlorinated solvent removal using food grade surfactants: column studies,” J. of Environmental Engineering, 126(7): 611. Shiau, B. J., Hasegawa, M. A., Brammer, J. M., Carter, T., Goodspeed, M., Harwell, J. H., Sabatini, D. A., Knox, R. C., Szekeres, E., 2002. “Field demonstration of surfactant-enhanced DNAPL remediation: two case studies,” in Chlorinated Solvent and DNAPL Remediation. Innovative Strategies for Subsurface Cleanup, Henry, S. M., Warner, S. D. (eds.), ACS symposium series 837, 51-72, American Chemical Society, Washington D.C. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. 2. Background Information Relating to the Invention Surfactant enhanced subsurface remediation (SESR) is a unique technology for expediting subsurface remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). Studies known to those in the art have previously evaluated the SESR technology in both laboratory scale studies and field scale demonstration studies. Traditionally, the surfactant system in SESR (typically an anionic or nonionic surfactant), is designed to remove organic contaminants (including chlorinated solvents) from contaminated the soil. Surfactant systems significantly increase the solubility of hydrophobic organic compounds and, if properly designed and controlled, also significantly increase the mobility of NAPLs. A significantly reduced remediation time thereby results as well as increased removal efficiency (up to 3 or 4 orders of magnitude) and reduced cost of NAPL removal through use of surfactant system for subsurface remediation. Surfactant flushing solutions, typically, can be designed to be effective under most subsurface conditions. In most cases, the effectiveness of the surfactant flushing solutions is not reduced due to the presence of more than one contaminant. Naturally-occurring divalent cations and salts may affect the performance of certain surfactants, as well as the removal efficiency for cationic heavy metals. It is possible, however, to design an effective surfactant system for removal of the target contaminants under any of these conditions. A number of factors influence the overall performance and cost effectiveness of SESR systems. These factors include: Local ground water chemistry; Soil chemistry (e.g. sorption, precipitation); Ability to deliver the surfactant solution to the area of contamination; Surfactant effects on biodegradation of the NAPL compounds as well as degradation of the surfactants; Public and regulatory acceptance; Cost of the surfactant; Recycle and reuse of the surfactant, if necessary; and Treatment and disposal of waste streams. Bench scale tests (treatability studies) must be conducted on site specific soils and NAPL (if available) to ensure the optimal system is selected for a particular site. Surfactant flushing can remove a large portion of the mass of subsurface contaminant liquid. In general, it is not expected that surfactant flushing alone will have a high probability of reducing the subsurface contaminant concentration to a level necessary to allow the site to be considered “remediated.” Therefore, a treatment train (or integrated) approach is necessary to speed up or achieve the closure of the site. It is to such an integrated approach involving a preselected surfactant solution flush coupled with an abiotic oxidation polishing step and methods thereof that the present invention is directed. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed to a method for substantially removing subsurface contaminants through an integrated approach utilizing a preselected surfactant solution and a preselected chemical oxidant. Such an innovative integrated approach satisfies a need in the marketplace for a cost-effective and less time consuming system to remove substantially all subsurface contaminants—a level of remediation has been traditionally unavailable. A method of the present invention comprises the steps of introducing an effective amount of at least one preselected surfactant solution and an effective amount of at least one preselected chemical oxidant. The combination of the preselected surfactant solution and the preselected chemical oxidant are capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. Additionally, the present invention relates to a subsurface contaminated site that is substantially remediated by this integrated approach and novel surfactant solutions. | 20040730 | 20060404 | 20050120 | 73974.0 | 1 | KRECK, JANINE MUIR | IN-SITU SURFACTANT AND CHEMICAL OXIDANT FLUSHING FOR COMPLETE REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINANTS AND METHODS OF USING SAME | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,909,588 | ACCEPTED | Rapid mobility network emulator method and system | A system for emulating mobile network communications can include one or more wireless nodes configured to variably adjust signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength; at least one mobile node configured to wirelessly communicate with selected ones of the wireless nodes; and a network emulator communicatively linked to each wireless node. The network emulator can replicate attributes of a wired communications network. The system also can include a controller communicatively linked with the wireless nodes and configured to control signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of each said wireless node, as well as a home agent configured to interact with at least one mobile node via selected ones of the wireless nodes. | 1. A system for emulating mobile network communications comprising: at least one wireless node; at least one mobile node configured to wirelessly communicate with said wireless node; a network emulator communicatively linked to said wireless node, said network emulator configured to replicate attributes of a wired communications network; and a home agent configured to interact with said at least one mobile node via said wireless node; said wireless node configured to variably adjust wireless communication characteristics corresponding to a wireless communication between said wireless node and said mobile node. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller communicatively linked with said wireless node and configured to control the variably adjusted wireless communication characteristics. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication characteristics include a signal reception sensitivity. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication characteristic includes at least one of signal transmission strength, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and bit error rate (BER). 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said wireless node includes: a wireless access point having an antenna and at least one variable attenuator; and a routing device communicatively linking said access point with said network emulator. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a controller that, by varying an amount of attenuation provided by said variable attenuator, dynamically adjusts at least one of a signal reception sensitivity and a signal transmission strength of said wireless access point to thereby simulate motion of said mobile node. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein said wireless node comprises a plurality of wireless nodes; wherein said variable attenuator comprises a plurality of variable attenuators; and wherein the amount of attenuation is varied by increasing attenuation provided by at least one of said plurality of variable attenuators while simultaneously decreasing attenuation provided by another one of said attenuators. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said controller dynamically adjusts the amount of attenuation provided by at least two of said attenuators to thereby emulate at least one of speed, acceleration, and trajectory of said mobile node. 9. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a data logging component configured to record at least one of a data throughput of said wireless node and a measure of signal strength received from said wireless nodes at said mobile node. 10. The system of claim 5, wherein said antenna is an omni-directional antenna. 11. A method of emulating mobile network communications comprising the steps of: initiating communications between a home agent and a mobile node via at least one wireless node; while the mobile node wirelessly communicates with the wireless node, dynamically adjusting at least one wireless communication characteristic of the wireless node to simulate movement of the mobile node; and monitoring communications in at least one of the mobile node and the wireless node. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the wireless communication characteristic includes signal reception sensitivity. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein wireless communications characteristic includes at least one of signal transmission strength, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and bit error rate (BER). 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the wireless node comprises a wireless access point, having an antenna and a variable attenuator. 15. The method of claim 14, the wireless node further comprising a routing device. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the wireless node is communicatively linked with the home agent through a network emulator. 17. The method of claim 15, said step of dynamically adjusting at least one wireless communication characteristic further comprising varying an amount of attenuation provided by the variable attenuator to emulate motion of the mobile node. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the variable attenuator comprises a plurality of variable attenuators and further comprising the step of increasing attenuation provided by the variable attenuators while simultaneously decreasing attenuation provided by another one of the variable attenuators. 19 The method of claim 18, wherein dynamically adjusting the amount of attenuation provided by at least one of the variable attenuators emulates at least one of speed, acceleration, and trajectory of the mobile node. 20. A computer readable storage medium for use in emulating mobile network communications, the storage medium comprising computer instructions for: initiating communications between a home agent and a mobile node via at least one wireless node; while the mobile node wirelessly communicates with the wireless node, dynamically adjusting at least one wireless communication characteristic of the wireless node to simulate movement of the mobile node; and monitoring communications in at least one of the mobile node and the wireless node. 21. The computer readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the variable attenuator comprises a plurality of variable attenuators, and wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises a computer instruction for increasing attenuation provided by the variable attenuators while simultaneously decreasing attenuation provided by another one of the variable attenuators. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/491,637, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 31, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of network emulation and, more particularly, to emulation of wireless networks. 2. Description of the Related Art Mobile computing networks provide environments and scenarios that challenge current computing paradigms. Current network protocols frequently are unable to efficiently deal with mobility issues regarding both nomadic data and devices. In consequence, various software-based tools, referred to as simulators, and hardware-based tools, referred to as emulators, have been developed by the research community to study and improve the performance of network protocols, determine data restriction points in networks, and reduce the cost of hardware implementation. While software-based simulation tools do provide researchers with the ability to model various networking scenarios, such systems have disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the duplication of the software development process for purposes of simulation, for example to support new operating system platforms and/or newly introduced wireless technologies, is costly, time consuming, and oftentimes impractical. As an example, to support a new network technology, each component used by a software-based network simulator, from traffic generators, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) implementation, to application level interfaces, would have to be developed and implemented as an object file within the simulator library. Further development efforts would be required to use these objects or software components across different computing platforms. Another disadvantage is the amount of time simulators require for performing different simulations. Typically, simulators required an amount of time that is several orders of magnitude larger than the amount of time that is being simulated. For example, on average, several hours of simulation time are needed to simulate several minutes of a given real-time network scenario. As software simulators already require a significant amount of time to model wired and/or wireless networks, the introduction of rapid mobility conditions and complex propagation models relating to mobile networks further challenges the utility and suitability of software-based simulators. Unfortunately, efforts to improve software-based simulator performance by simplifying modeling tasks through the reduction of the number of modeling parameters used during a simulation can lead to misleading, if not erroneous results. Wire-line emulators provide researchers with a faster and more efficient alternative than software-based simulators. Several different wire-line emulators have been developed to replicate the conditions of end-to-end network delays. For example, the End-to-End Emulator as described in C. Bolot, End-to-End Packet Delay and Loss Behavior in the Internet, ACM Computer Communication Review, Vol., 23, No. 4, pp. 289-298 (October 1993), seeks to imitate the Internet by providing end-to-end network delay using Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets as a real time traffic source. The Ohio Network Emulator (ONE) as described in M. Allman, A. Caldwell, S. Ostermann, ONE: The Ohio Network Emulator, TR-19972, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ohio University (August 1997), is able to emulate transmission, queuing, and propagation delay between two computers interconnected by a router. Presently, however, wire-line emulators do not account for characteristics of rapid mobility networks or complex signal propagation models. As such, conventional wire-line emulators are not available or are unable to model mobile networks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inventive arrangements disclosed herein provide a method and system for modeling mobile networks. More particularly, the present invention utilizes both hardware and software components to model and test various mobile network configurations and scenarios. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile node can be configured to wirelessly communicate with an application via one or more wireless nodes. Motion of the mobile node can be simulated by dynamically adjusting the signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of each wireless node. Communications exchanged between the application and the mobile node can be monitored and tracked to study the behavior of the mobile network, including the effects of motion of the mobile node upon overall network performance. One aspect of the present invention includes a system for emulating mobile network communications. The system can include one or more wireless nodes configured to variably adjust one or more wireless communication characteristics; at least one mobile node configured to wirelessly communicate with selected ones of the wireless nodes; and a network emulator communicatively linked to each wireless node. The wireless communication characteristics can include signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of the wireless nodes. The network emulator can be configured to replicate attributes of a wired communications network. The system also can include a home agent and a controller communicatively linked with the wireless nodes. The home agent can be configured to interact with one or more of the mobile nodes via selected ones of the wireless nodes. The controller can be configured to control signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of each wireless node. According to another embodiment of the present invention, three wireless nodes can be included. In any case, each of the wireless nodes can include a wireless access point having an antenna, for example an omni-directional antenna, and a variable attenuator. The wireless nodes also can include a routing device communicatively linking the access point with the network emulator. The controller can be configured to dynamically adjust the wireless communication characteristics of one or more of the wireless access points by varying an amount of attenuation provided by the attenuators to simulate motion of one or more of the mobile nodes. For example, attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators can be increased while simultaneously decreasing attenuation provided by another one of the attenuators. The controller can dynamically adjust the amount of attenuation provided by at least two of the attenuators to emulate at least one mobile network characteristic such as speed, acceleration, and/or trajectory of the mobile node. The system also can include a data logging component configured to record data throughput of one or more of the wireless nodes and/or a measure of signal strength received from at least one of the wireless nodes at one or more of the mobile nodes. Another aspect of the present invention can include a method of emulating mobile network communications. The method can include initiating communications between a home agent and a mobile node via one or more wireless nodes; while the mobile node wirelessly communicates with at least one of the wireless nodes, dynamically adjusting one or more wireless communication characteristics of one or more of the wireless nodes to simulate movement of the mobile node; and monitoring communications in the mobile node and/or one of the wireless nodes. As noted, the wireless communication characteristics can include signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of the wireless nodes. Notably, each of the wireless nodes can include a wireless access point having an antenna and a variable attenuator. The wireless nodes further can include a routing device. The wireless nodes can be communicatively linked with the home agent through a network emulator. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the step of dynamically adjusting the wireless communication characteristics can include varying an amount of attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators to emulate motion of the mobile node. The present invention dynamically adjusts the amount of attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators to emulate at least one mobile network characteristic such as speed, acceleration, and/or trajectory of the mobile node. Notably, attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators can be increased while attenuation provided by another one of the attenuators can be simultaneously decreased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for modeling a mobile network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of modeling a mobile network in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for simulating various mobile network configurations and/or scenarios. In particular, the present invention utilizes both hardware and software components to model various mobile networks. Communications exchanged between an application and a mobile node can be monitored and tracked to study the behavior of the mobile network. The inventive arrangements disclosed herein provide a novel approach to mobile network emulation that incorporates existing software-based network simulation with wireless network hardware. Accordingly, the inventive arrangements disclosed herein provide realistic models of mobile networks and various mobile connection scenarios. Using the present invention, mobility in wireless networks can be emulated by affecting the physical parameters of the network to emulate various mobile network characteristics including, but not limited to, speed, acceleration, and/or trajectory changes of the mobile node by controlling the causality between network parameters and network behavior perceived by the mobile node. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system 100 for modeling a mobile network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the system 100 can include one or more wireless nodes 105, an emulator 110, a home agent 115, and a controller 120. The system 100 further can include one or more mobile nodes 125. Thus, as illustrated, although only three wireless nodes 105 and two mobile nodes 125 are illustrated, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of such components can be introduced or incorporated into the system 100 in order to emulate more diverse topologies and system architectures. Each mobile node 125 represents a moving network node, communications device, and/or computer system. Each mobile node 125 can be a computing device having a suitable wireless communication interface. The mobile nodes 125 can be implemented as general purpose computing devices, each having a wireless transceiver such as an integrated transceiver or a separate transceiver communicatively linked to the unit, for example a wireless network interface card or other wireless peripheral attachment. For instance, the mobile node 125 can be a laptop or portable computer, a personal digital assistant, or portable telephone which has been configured to communicate using a suitable wireless communication protocol. It will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the mobile nodes 125 can be implemented as any suitable computing device having a wireless transceiver capable of communicating wirelessly with the wireless nodes 105. The mobile node 125 need not be a moveable or roaming component as the system 100 is configured to simulate motion of the mobile node 125 at any of a variety of different speeds, accelerations, or trajectories despite the mobile node 125 being stationary in nature. If desired, however, the mobile node 125 can be repositioned at any of a variety of different locations. The mobile nodes can be configured to communicate using any of a variety of different wireless communications protocols, including, but not limited to, 802.1a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 3G, Cellular-IP, and mobile-IP wireless communication protocols. The wireless nodes 105 each can include a wireless access point 130. By using actual hardware components instead of modeling the components, the complexity of coding algorithms and the computation time required to simulate wireless communication characteristics including, but not limited to, radio-wave fading, antenna propagation, or other base station implementation details can be avoided. The wireless access points 130 can be high frequency wireless entry points configured to communicate using any of a variety of different wireless communications protocols so as to communicate with the mobile nodes 125. Any suitable wireless communication protocol can be implemented using the access points 130 and the mobile nodes 125 and, as such, can be tested using the system 100. Each access point 130 can be a wireless access point having an antenna 140. Each antenna 140 can be an omni-directional antenna so as to model base station signal transmission and reception behavior. Accordingly, each access point 130 can receive wireless communications via its antenna 140 and forward received wireless communications over a wired, packet-based communications network. Communications received by each wireless node 105 via the wired, packet-based communications network can be wirelessly transmitted via the antenna 140 of the receiving wireless node 105. Each wireless node 105 also can include an attenuator 145 disposed between each wireless access point 130 and antenna 140. The attenuators 145 can be implemented as a variable or programmable attenuator for use with antennas. Each attenuator 145 can receive control signals allowing the amount of attenuation provided by that attenuator 145 to be controlled dynamically from another device. Accordingly, wireless communication characteristics such as the sensitivity of the access point with respect to both signal reception and signal transmission can be modified by adjusting the attenuators 145. For example, by increasing the amount of attenuation provided by an attenuator 145, the power delivered from a wireless access point 130 to an attached antenna 140 for transmission as well as the power of a signal received by an antenna 140 that is delivered to the wireless access point 130 can be reduced. Decreasing the amount of attenuation allows the wireless access point 130 to deliver increased power to an attached antenna 140 for transmission as well as receive higher power signals from the attached antenna 140. The wireless nodes 105 further can include routers 135. Although a dedicated hardware router can be used, according to another embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the routers 135 can be implemented using a computer system having appropriate routing software executing therein. The routers 135 also can include mobility management software providing thresholds and events notification to avoid system problems or failure, real-time updates on network events, automatic discovery of access points, tracking of network traffic and usage for analysis of network utilization, and data reporting and data export functions. The controller 120 is operatively connected to each attenuator 145. Accordingly, the controller 120 can provide control signals to each attenuator 145 of the wireless nodes 105. The controller 120 can be implemented as a programmable computer system or as a standalone, dedicated controller unit. In either case, the controller 120 can variably and continually adjust the amount of attenuation provided by each attenuator 145 by sending appropriate control signals to the attenuators 145. The controller 120 can include a suitable communications interface for communicating with each attenuator 145. While each attenuator 145 can be adjusted individually by the controller 120, according to one aspect of the present invention, the controller 120 can vary the amount of attenuation provided by each attenuator 145 in a predetermined pattern so as to model the movement of a mobile node 125. By varying the attenuation of one or more of the attenuators 145 according to a given pattern, various motion related parameters including, but not limited to, speech, acceleration, and trajectory of the mobile node 125 can be emulated. Additionally, the controller 120 can concurrently control and dynamically adjust the attenuation provided by each attenuator 145. The emulator 110 can be a hardware or a software network emulator. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the emulator 110 can be implemented as a software-based network emulator configured to emulate various performance scenarios such as tunable packet delay distributions, congestion and background loss, bandwidth limitation, and packet reordering and duplication. For example, the emulator 110 can be implemented using a computer system executing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) emulator. The home agent 115 can be a computing environment with which the mobile node 125 can communicate via the wireless and wired portions of system 100. For example, the home agent 115 can be one or more application programs which the mobile node 125 can access, a virtual private network (VPN) configuration, virtual environment, or the like. Because the network and transport layers of the system 100 are isolated from the home agent 115, any applications and/or other virtual environments can be tested without changing application programming interfaces (API's) to any such applications and/or virtual environments. While the emulator 110, the home agent 115, and the controller 120 are depicted as independent components, it should be appreciated that one or more of these components can be combined into a single, more complex component. For example, the home agent 115, the emulator 110, and the controller 120, if implemented as application programs, can be included within a single computer system. Similarly, various combinations of the emulator 110, the home agent 115, and the controller 120 can be implemented in two or more computer systems. It should be appreciated that the various components discussed with reference to FIG. 1 have been provided for purposes of illustration. As such, the present invention can be embodied in other forms. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, wireless nodes 105 can be provided which allow for programmatic control of signal transmission strength or power. Such an embodiment also can include an attenuation mechanism for controlling the sensitivity of the receiver portion of the wireless node. Depending upon the configuration of system 100, the controller 120 also can be communicatively linked with the emulator 110. Accordingly, functions of the controller 120 can be directed by the home agent 115 if so desired. In operation, one of the mobile nodes 125 can begin communicating with the home agent 115. That mobile node 125 can establish a wireless communication link with the wireless node 105, labeled A (hereafter 105A). The controller 120 can be configured to initially set the attenuation level of the attenuator 145 of wireless node 105A to a minimum, or at least set the attenuation to a level which permits the mobile node 125 to communicate with the wireless node 105A. The controller 120 can continually increase the attenuation provided by the attenuator 145 of wireless node 105A to simulate mobile node 125 traveling away from the wireless node 105A. The controller 120 can concurrently set the attenuator 145 of wireless node 105, labeled B (hereafter 105B), to maximize attenuation. That is, wireless node 105B can be set for maximum attenuation while wireless node 105A is communicating with the mobile node 125. Subsequently, while the attenuation for wireless node 105A is increasing, the controller 120 can cause the attenuation of wireless node 105B to decrease so as to simulate mobile node 125 moving away from wireless node 105A and moving toward wireless node 105B. The emulator 110 can simulate various conditions of an attached wired network. By varying the amount of attenuation provided by each attenuator 145 and the rate at which the attenuation either increases and/or decrease in each respective network node 105, the controller 120 emulates motion of the mobile node 125 for any of a variety of different trajectories, speeds, and/or accelerations. It should be appreciated that more than one mobile node 125 can be used or be active at one time. One or more data logging components (not shown) can be disposed in one or more of the various components of the system 100. For example, the mobile node 125 can be configured to record information such as the strength of the signal received at the mobile node 125 over time. Similarly, the routers 135 and/or the access points 130 can be configured to record information including, but not limited to, the amount of data passing through each wireless node 105. The emulator 110, the home agent 115, and the controller 120 also can be configured to record transactions and component settings. Recorded information can be time stamped for purposes of comparison with data recorded from other components. Additionally, each respective data logger can be configured to record the source of a received request. For example, each router 135 or other data logging component of the wireless nodes 105 can record which mobile node 125 is sending and/or receiving communications from that wireless node 105. Accordingly, recorded information and network behavior can be analyzed with respect to time and varying attenuation settings for the various wireless nodes 105. For example, the strength of the signal received at the mobile node 125 can be analyzed and compared with the data throughput of each wireless node 105 over time. Such an analysis can reveal hand-off rates between the wireless nodes 105. FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 of emulating mobile network communications in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. The method can begin in step 205 where the system is initialized. The wireless nodes, the controller, and the emulator are brought online and the home agent is initialized. For example, an application program or other virtual environment that can interact with the mobile nodes can be executed or instantiated. One or more mobile nodes can be positioned at a location (or locations) within communication range of each of the wireless nodes. For example, a mobile node can be positioned approximately 10 meters from a perimeter established by the antennas of the wireless nodes. It should be appreciated, however, that the mobile nodes can be located at any suitable distance from the wireless nodes so long as wireless communications can be exchanged between the mobile node and the wireless node when little or no attenuation is used. In step 210, communications between the mobile node and the home agent can be initiated. For example, the mobile nodes can initiate a file transfer or some other task which can either be conducted throughout the method 200 or can be performed in an iterative manner. In step 215, the attenuation provided by one or more of the attenuators can be dynamically varied. For example, the controller can decrease the amount of attenuation for one of the wireless nodes while increasing the amount of attenuation with respect to the other wireless nodes. In this manner, motion of the mobile node can be emulated. As noted, by varying the rate and amount of attenuation of one or more of the attenuators, different characteristics of motion such as the trajectory, speed, and/or acceleration of the mobile node can be emulated. For example, in order to emulate speed, two factors can affect the mobile node: received signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). As. the SNR is defined by the Log(signal/noise), modifying the signal strength modifies the SNR. The SNR also can be emulated by adding randomness to the attenuation mechanism. Noise can be added in the form of a Gaussian Distribution (Normal Distribution) at a certain mean and variance. In any case, these factors can be varied from the wireless access point and can be received at the client adaptor (network card) level. Mobility is then emulated by increasing the signal strength and reception sensitivity of one wireless access point and decreasing the signal strength and reception sensitivity of the other two wireless access points. Signal strength and reception sensitivity of any two or more wireless access points can be varied to emulate-a predetermined path of motion, or the trajectory, of the mobile node(s) and the wireless communication scenario under evaluation. Other wireless communication characteristics can be similarly varied. Besides signal strength, reception sensitivity, and SNR, other communication characteristics that can be varied include, for example, a bit error rate (BER). The controller can be programmed to vary the attenuation of one or more attenuators of each of the wireless nodes to emulate mobility scenarios where the mobile node is moving at a particular speed, at a particular directional path, and over particular terrain. Equation 1 represents the path loss and the signal received by a network node at a distance d from a wireless access point. Sr(dBW)=St(dBW)+Gt(dBi)+Gr(dB)−Ko−n log10(d) (1) The values of Gi indicate the gains at the both ends of an antenna, using the isotropic in dBi. In other words, the signal strength received at the mobile node is the summation of all the gains (St, Gi) minus the propagation loss due to fading of the signal. This propagation loss depends on the many characteristics of the terrain and can be empirically defined as discussed in K. Pahlavan, A. Levesque, Wireless Information Networks, John Wiley & Son's, New York (1995), using different values of Ko and n, depending upon different terrain conditions at different frequency values. The experimental values and equations used for signal propagation correspond to the modeling for indoor and micro-cellular environments, as discussed in K. Pahlavan, et al., Wireless Information Networks, are illustrated with reference to equation 2. The empirical model indicates that the attenuation is negligible at closer distances from the antenna, and quickly, logarithmically decays at certain distances using different values of n and Ko. In this case, 10 and 20 are used in equation 2. (2) A(d) = 0, d ≦ R/100 and d >= 1.2R 10 + nlog(d), R/100 < d ≦ 0.9R 20 + 10(n + 1.3)log(d), d > 0.9R In equation 2, d is the distance between the wireless access point and the mobile node and R is the cell ratio having a value of 500 meters. A square attenuation model was used to determine the handoff rate between the wireless nodes as set forth in equation 3. (3) A(d) = 0, 0 ≦ d ≦ 0.9R 128, d > 0.9R Although the attenuators can be varied to provide several different values of attenuation, acceptable values of attenuation can be determined through empirical study. For example, attenuation can range from approximately 0 to 60 dB or another range so as to prevent wireless access point signal leakage. Accordingly, attenuation of each wireless node can be varied using the equations specified above to emulate motion of mobile nodes. As noted, various mobile network characteristics such as speeds, accelerations, and trajectories of the mobile node(s) can be emulated by varying attenuation levels. The controller and/or the home agent can be programmed to vary attenuations to emulate a variety of different mobile network characteristics. Notably, with respect to terrain, different terrains also can be emulated by mapping survey data to settings of the attenuators. As used herein, the term “terrain” can be used to refer to different natural and/or man-made landscapes. For example, “terrain” can be used to describe a mountainous landscape, a landscape having valleys, lakes, and the like. The term further can refer to urban and/or rural landscapes as well as the landscape of a city in reference to building height, placement, and the like. In step 220, network activity can be monitored and logged. More particularly, the data throughput at each wireless node can be tracked over time and compared with the attenuation function as applied to each respective wireless node. Accordingly, by analyzing the data throughput of each wireless node, the handoff rate, or the rate at which the mobile node leaves the coverage area of one network node and enters the coverage area of another, can be determined. The signal strength as measured at the mobile node also can be monitored and compared with the attenuation function applied to the wireless nodes. It should be appreciated that other quantities and/or characteristics can be measured and/or monitored such as the power consumed at the mobile node, the handoff protocol performance, and protocol synchronization. According to one aspect of the present invention, the performance of IP Security (IPSec) protocol and IP in IP tunneling can be evaluated, for example in the context of Mobile-IP, in conjunction with Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol (L2TP) as secured links over Mobile wireless Networks. Handoff performance also can be evaluated. Additionally, wireless communication characteristics such as authentication and authorization latencies, for example in the case of IEEE 802.11i, can be emulated. A Radius Server (authentication server) can be co-located in one of the wired nodes such that delays can be measured and wireless authentication also can be emulated. Throughput performance can be monitored for any of a variety of different communications protocols such as Mobile IP v. 6. The performance of any higher-layer protocol, including but not limited to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), multimedia applications over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or TCP, and Layer-2 protocols such as WME and IEEE 802.11e can be evaluated by simply switching access points. The present invention also can emulate other wireless communication characteristics such as load and congestion by limiting the wireless point response time. Network topologies can be emulated by setting (x,y) coordinates of the base stations or access points. A mobile node moving from point (x1,y1) to (x2, y2) will then intercept a set of access points such that handoff will occur. Depending upon the velocity equations and the location of each node in an emulated network topology, an emulated sense of location can then be acquired. Location-based services can be evaluated and tested using the present invention by mapping signal strength to a (x,y) location. Any application at the mobile node and the emulator can use (x,y) coordinates to perform handoff, create virtual foreign agents or wireless access points, and anticipate resource allocation. While Mobile IP and Home agent were used as examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventive arrangements disclosed herein can be used to emulate any Layer 2 or 3 Mobility protocol including, but not limited to Mobile IP, Mobile IP v. 6, Cellular-IP, and the like. Other protocols not requiring a Home Agent can also be emulated. The various references disclosed throughout this application are hereby incorporated by reference. The present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. One or more aspects of the present invention also can be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer or application program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form. This invention can be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of network emulation and, more particularly, to emulation of wireless networks. 2. Description of the Related Art Mobile computing networks provide environments and scenarios that challenge current computing paradigms. Current network protocols frequently are unable to efficiently deal with mobility issues regarding both nomadic data and devices. In consequence, various software-based tools, referred to as simulators, and hardware-based tools, referred to as emulators, have been developed by the research community to study and improve the performance of network protocols, determine data restriction points in networks, and reduce the cost of hardware implementation. While software-based simulation tools do provide researchers with the ability to model various networking scenarios, such systems have disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the duplication of the software development process for purposes of simulation, for example to support new operating system platforms and/or newly introduced wireless technologies, is costly, time consuming, and oftentimes impractical. As an example, to support a new network technology, each component used by a software-based network simulator, from traffic generators, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) implementation, to application level interfaces, would have to be developed and implemented as an object file within the simulator library. Further development efforts would be required to use these objects or software components across different computing platforms. Another disadvantage is the amount of time simulators require for performing different simulations. Typically, simulators required an amount of time that is several orders of magnitude larger than the amount of time that is being simulated. For example, on average, several hours of simulation time are needed to simulate several minutes of a given real-time network scenario. As software simulators already require a significant amount of time to model wired and/or wireless networks, the introduction of rapid mobility conditions and complex propagation models relating to mobile networks further challenges the utility and suitability of software-based simulators. Unfortunately, efforts to improve software-based simulator performance by simplifying modeling tasks through the reduction of the number of modeling parameters used during a simulation can lead to misleading, if not erroneous results. Wire-line emulators provide researchers with a faster and more efficient alternative than software-based simulators. Several different wire-line emulators have been developed to replicate the conditions of end-to-end network delays. For example, the End-to-End Emulator as described in C. Bolot, End - to - End Packet Delay and Loss Behavior in the Internet, ACM Computer Communication Review, Vol., 23, No. 4, pp. 289-298 (October 1993), seeks to imitate the Internet by providing end-to-end network delay using Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets as a real time traffic source. The Ohio Network Emulator (ONE) as described in M. Allman, A. Caldwell, S. Ostermann, ONE: The Ohio Network Emulator, TR-19972, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ohio University (August 1997), is able to emulate transmission, queuing, and propagation delay between two computers interconnected by a router. Presently, however, wire-line emulators do not account for characteristics of rapid mobility networks or complex signal propagation models. As such, conventional wire-line emulators are not available or are unable to model mobile networks. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The inventive arrangements disclosed herein provide a method and system for modeling mobile networks. More particularly, the present invention utilizes both hardware and software components to model and test various mobile network configurations and scenarios. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile node can be configured to wirelessly communicate with an application via one or more wireless nodes. Motion of the mobile node can be simulated by dynamically adjusting the signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of each wireless node. Communications exchanged between the application and the mobile node can be monitored and tracked to study the behavior of the mobile network, including the effects of motion of the mobile node upon overall network performance. One aspect of the present invention includes a system for emulating mobile network communications. The system can include one or more wireless nodes configured to variably adjust one or more wireless communication characteristics; at least one mobile node configured to wirelessly communicate with selected ones of the wireless nodes; and a network emulator communicatively linked to each wireless node. The wireless communication characteristics can include signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of the wireless nodes. The network emulator can be configured to replicate attributes of a wired communications network. The system also can include a home agent and a controller communicatively linked with the wireless nodes. The home agent can be configured to interact with one or more of the mobile nodes via selected ones of the wireless nodes. The controller can be configured to control signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of each wireless node. According to another embodiment of the present invention, three wireless nodes can be included. In any case, each of the wireless nodes can include a wireless access point having an antenna, for example an omni-directional antenna, and a variable attenuator. The wireless nodes also can include a routing device communicatively linking the access point with the network emulator. The controller can be configured to dynamically adjust the wireless communication characteristics of one or more of the wireless access points by varying an amount of attenuation provided by the attenuators to simulate motion of one or more of the mobile nodes. For example, attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators can be increased while simultaneously decreasing attenuation provided by another one of the attenuators. The controller can dynamically adjust the amount of attenuation provided by at least two of the attenuators to emulate at least one mobile network characteristic such as speed, acceleration, and/or trajectory of the mobile node. The system also can include a data logging component configured to record data throughput of one or more of the wireless nodes and/or a measure of signal strength received from at least one of the wireless nodes at one or more of the mobile nodes. Another aspect of the present invention can include a method of emulating mobile network communications. The method can include initiating communications between a home agent and a mobile node via one or more wireless nodes; while the mobile node wirelessly communicates with at least one of the wireless nodes, dynamically adjusting one or more wireless communication characteristics of one or more of the wireless nodes to simulate movement of the mobile node; and monitoring communications in the mobile node and/or one of the wireless nodes. As noted, the wireless communication characteristics can include signal reception sensitivity and signal transmission strength of the wireless nodes. Notably, each of the wireless nodes can include a wireless access point having an antenna and a variable attenuator. The wireless nodes further can include a routing device. The wireless nodes can be communicatively linked with the home agent through a network emulator. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the step of dynamically adjusting the wireless communication characteristics can include varying an amount of attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators to emulate motion of the mobile node. The present invention dynamically adjusts the amount of attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators to emulate at least one mobile network characteristic such as speed, acceleration, and/or trajectory of the mobile node. Notably, attenuation provided by at least one of the attenuators can be increased while attenuation provided by another one of the attenuators can be simultaneously decreased. | 20040802 | 20070612 | 20050310 | 64472.0 | 3 | PHAN, THAI Q | RAPID MOBILITY NETWORK EMULATOR METHOD AND SYSTEM | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,909,814 | ACCEPTED | System and method for wireless coverage detection | A system and method is shown for determining the spatial boundary of certain measurable phenomena, such as broadcast signals, at various locations within geographical areas covered by the phenomenon. Data representing relative signal quality at various locations within the geographical area is created within a mobile device, such as a cell phone capable of receiving the phenomenon. The data is stored and refined within the device so as to define weak signal quality areas within at least a portion of the geographical area traveled by the mobile device. The refinement, which in one embodiment comprises coalescing and splitting stored data locations in the device allows for long storage periods by reducing memory requirements. By devoting the majority of memory to locations in the vicinity of the good/bad boundary, the most detailed picture possible of the boundary is achieved for a given amount of memory. By collecting such data from a plurality of such devices, a central system can map the signal strength over the entire geographical area. | 1. A method for determining the spatial boundary of measurable phenomenon at various locations within geographical areas; said method comprising: measuring relative quality of certain of said phenomenon at a defined region within said geographical area, said measuring occurring within a mobile device and resulting in measured data; said defined region being defined by the movement of said mobile device, and maintaining within said device said measured data so as to define poor quality areas within at least a portion of said defined region. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: from time to time redefining said defined region for each said mobile device. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining comprises: storing instances of poor quality cells representing locations within said defined region; and from time to time reassessing said cells. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein said reassessing comprises coalescing certain of said cells to form a single cell. 5. The method of claim 3 wherein said reassessing comprises splitting certain cells to form several cells. 6. The method of claim 3 wherein said coalescing comprises combining those cells whose count density of instances of poor quality are approximately equal. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said device is an end-user device. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said end-user device is a cellular telephone. 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: communicating defined ones of said poor quality areas from said device to a control system. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the time span between said communicating is at least one day. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said defined region is redefined based on the physical areas visited by said device. 12. The method of claim 1 wherein said defined region is a determined home area of said device. 13. The method of claim 1 wherein said measured data is a count of bad quality at various locations within said geographical area over a period of time. 14. The method of claim 1 wherein said measurable phenomenon comprises: broadcast signal reception quality. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said measured data is a count of poor signal quality maintained individually for a plurality of location cells within said geographical area, and wherein said device increments said bad signal count with respect to the cell location of said experienced poor quality whenever said device experiences an instance of poor quality. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein said poor signal quality is determined by at least one criterion from the group consisting of: (a) signal strength at periodic intervals, (b) in a communication system whenever a connection is dropped, and (c) whenever the user tries to establish a communication connection and fails. 17. A hand-held mobile device for receiving wireless signals; said device comprising: a poor signal quality indicator; a location detector; and memory for storing poor signal quality indications corresponding to a plurality of detected locations. 18. The hand-held mobile device of claim 17 wherein said device is one selected from the list of: cellular telephones, PDAs, computers, navigation systems, consumer devices, vehicle control processors. 19. The hand-held mobile device of claim 17 wherein said poor signal quality indications are determined based upon at least one of the following occurring with respect to said device: (a) low signal strength at periodic intervals, (b) dropping of a connection, and (c) failed connection attempt. 20. The hand-held mobile device of claim 17 wherein said poor signal quality indication is an incremented count maintained within said device on a location by location basis, said locations being actual locations of each said device at the time said indication is incremented. 21. The hand-held mobile device of claim 20 further comprising: a processor for coalescing certain of said locations within said device into a single location, said coalescing combining those locations whose increment count densities are approximately equal. 22. The hand-held mobile device of claim 21 wherein said processor is further operable for splitting certain of said locations into multiple locations, said split certain cells being cells on the boundary of said poor signal quality indications. 23. The hand-held mobile device of claim 20 wherein said incremented count is controlled by a logarithmic counter within said device. 24. The hand-held mobile device of claim 20 wherein said incremented count is organized as a quadtree. 25. The hand-held mobile device of claim 17 further comprising: a transmitter within said device for sending from time to time said poor signal quality indications for at least one of said detected locations to a control point external to said device. 26. The hand-held mobile device of claim 17 further comprising: storage for holding data from one geographical area while said device is in a different geographical area. 27. A cellular system for providing wireless communication to a plurality of wireless devices, said system comprising: means for providing at least one source of wireless RF transmission broadcast over a widespread geographical area to a plurality of said wireless devices; and means for accepting from a plurality of said wireless devices data collected and stored by each said wireless device over a period of time, said data pertaining to locations of poor signal quality determined by said wireless device, said locations being within an area defined by each of said wireless devices. 28. The cellular system of claim 27 further comprising: means for redefining said area defined by each of said wireless devices, said redefining dependent upon the actual geographical area traveled by a user of said device. 29. The cellular system of claim 27 further comprising: means for coalescing certain of said locations within each said device, and means for splitting other of said locations within each said device. 30. The cellular system of claim 27 wherein said accepting means comprises: means for determining from accepted data from a plurality of said wireless devices at least one boundary of said poor signal quality wherein no one of said wireless devices need collect all of the data necessary to determine said boundary. | TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to wireless coverage detection and more particularly to systems and methods for using mobile devices for detecting the boundary of a measurable phenomenon, such as the signal quality of RF broadcasts. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Providers of wireless services, such as, for example, cellular telephone service, currently detect holes in their coverage in two ways, drive testing throughout the coverage area and customers calling to report problems. One disadvantage of drive testing is that the RF field is undersampled in time, since each sample covers only a fraction of a second per month at any one location. Another disadvantage of drive testing is that the RF field is also undersampled in space, because most of the major roads are not driven their entire length and only some of the minor roads are driven. Drive testing misses all locations without a road, such as parks, stadiums, homes, offices, conference centers, etc. While drive testing attempts to weigh the samples by their importance (making sure to cover major roads, for example) this weighing is subjective and ad hoc, and applies a single weighing for all customers. In addition, drive testing is labor-intensive and requires a truck full of expensive equipment. A disadvantage of having customers call in complaints is that such a system is subjective and undersamples the signal even more seriously than does drive testing, both in time and space. In addition, called-in information is usually imprecise and it is also labor-intensive to record the called-in data. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment there is shown a system and method for determining the spatial boundary of measurable phenomenon, such as the quality of a broadcast signal at various locations within geographical areas covered by the broadcast signal. Data representing relative signal quality at various locations within the geographical area is created within a mobile device, such as a cell phone capable of receiving the broadcast signals. The data is stored, and refined, within the device so as to define weak signal quality areas within at least a portion of the geographical area traveled by the mobile device. The data stored within the mobile device is from time to time communicated to the central broadcast system. The refinement of the data in the device allows for long storage periods so that signal quality can be reported over long time spans. By collecting such data from a plurality of such devices, the central system can map the signal strength over the entire geographical area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A shows geographical areas defined by a mobile device; FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1D show movement, expansion and contraction of the geographical area of FIG. 1; FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 show flow charts of one embodiment of system operations; FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a mobile device; FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E show one embodiment of the steps for changing the size of cells; and FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a cellular system using the systems and methods described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1A shows geographical area 11 where the user of a mobile device (for example, a cellular telephone) spends most of his/her time. The letter ‘A’ is positioned at the center of geographical area 11. For discussion purposes, this is called the ‘home’ region and in discussing FIGS. 1A-1D the method discussed with respect to FIG. 2 will be used. Assume now that the user moves a little bit and spends his/her time in region 12 shown with a ‘B’ at its center. In this situation region 11 will expand. FIG. 1B shows the expanded region 13. In FIG. 1B the new home region has expanded on the north and east. The expansion amount could be by just enough to include the user's new location or could be by an integral number of bins (cells), or by doubling the original size, etc. FIG. 1C shows an example where the user remains within the confines of region 12 and, periodically, as will be discussed hereinafter, the region is reduced. For discussion purposes herein it should be noted that acts performed periodically can be performed at regular intervals or at random intervals. In this example, region 12 is reduced on all sides to form region 14. FIG. 1D shows that the home region, now region 15, has again been expanded on the north and east to include areas of user movement. The home region now includes the new areas of user movement, and omits the areas where the user no longer goes. The home region has effectively moved to follow the user from A to B. When the user goes far outside the home region (e.g., flies somewhere), the coordinates (and the data associated with the coordinates) are cached (home coordinate cache) and a new temporary region is created. In addition, the system periodically increments a count associated with the region the user is currently in and periodically deletes from the cache the region with the smallest count. When one region count exceeds some threshold, the system has established a home region. Using this method, the system establishes which cached region is the user's home region. There may be a tie, or a near-tie, for first place, depending on the usage pattern. However, this does not matter since the important thing is to choose a region where the user spends a lot of time. In the embodiment shown, it takes four numbers to store the bin information. The numbers may be, for example, latitude/longitude, or distance (in bins, or some other unit) plus an angle from a known tower, or some other coordinate system (which need not be Cartesian). By using more numbers: five (2 locations+angle) for a rotated rectangle, six for a triangle, eight for an arbitrary quadrilateral, etc. less restrictive region boundaries can be accommodated. To appreciate the value of less restrictive representations, imagine trying to represent a highway 100 feet wide and 20 miles long, running at a 45° angle. If the rectangle must have horizontal and vertical sides, it will be 14 miles on a side. If the system allows it to be rotated 45°, it only needs to be 100 feet on one side. The cache size of the home coordinate cache (as discussed above) can be as small as desired, as long as it contains at least two elements. The larger the cache, the greater the chance of converging quickly on “home.” FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a flowchart showing system and method 20 for determining the home region for storing data pertaining to signal strength. Process 201 starts with an initial home region. One embodiment for determining the home region is shown in FIG. 3 to be discussed hereinafter. Process 202 determines whether the user has moved outside of the home region. If the user has moved outside the home region, process 203 determines if the user has moved beyond a given distance. If not, then the boundary is expanded via process 204 as discussed above. If the user has moved beyond a given distance, then the prior region's data is stored in a cache via process 205. Process 206 then determines if the new location is in cache. If so, that cached region becomes the new home region. If not, then process 208 creates a new home region. Process 209 periodically increments the count for the current region and process 210 periodically shrinks the current region. Either or both of these actions can be incremented periodically, such as every minute (hour), (day), etc., as desired. While uniform shrinking is discussed, an important factor is that shrinkage (whether uniform or nonuniform) is unbiased over the long run. Thus, the shrinkage need not be uniform across the region, and one side could be reduced at one time and a different side reduced at another time. The side or sides to be reduced could be determined in order (north, south, east, west, etc.) or in random order, and any number of sides can be reduced at a time. As discussed above, this system will continually refine itself so that if a user has moved to a new home region, the new home region will soon become the official home region and the system will continue without anything being done by either the user or the central system to which the device will eventually report. In addition, as discussed above, the size of the area will continually refine downward (or upward) so that as the user's movements reduce (or increase) the home region also reduces (or increases). FIG. 3 shows one embodiment 30 of a system and method for constructing a grid of cells describing the measurement of the phenomenon, for example, quality of wireless coverage. Process 301 constructs a cell grid over the region where the user presently is located. This cell grid can be as fine as memory will allow. Note that the memory can be different for different mobile devices, and thus, the size of grid area or the refinement therein can be different. Process 302 sets all cells to 0 initially. Processes 303 to 306 are several examples of a defined “bad” cell. In this context “bad” can be defined in any manner subjectively observable by the device and generally pertains to the quality of the signal. No signal is the ultimate bad quality. If desired, different levels of severity can cause a cell's count to be incremented more than once. Thus a dropped call is one example of a “bad” reading. If desired, bad readings can be graded such that a dropped call can be, say, the equivalent of two low RF signal readings, while other factors only give rise to a single incremented count. Process 303 determines if a call has been dropped. If so, process 313 determines the cell where the dropped call occurred and an incremented count is made in that cell via process 323. As discussed, this increment would be, for example, a 1 added to the cell to show that a call has been dropped in that cell by this device. Again, note that this information is maintained in the device itself, and is not, at this point, communicated to the central system. Process 304 determines whether an attempted call has failed, if it has, process 314 finds which cell the call was attempted from. That cell is incremented via process 324. Process 305 to 305N checks for other failure modes and the proper cells are located and incremented via processes 315 to 315N and 325 to 325N. Process 306 checks to see if a periodic check of strength has failed, and if so, then process 316 finds which cell the signal strength has failed in and process 326 increments that cell. Process 306 works under periodic control of process 307 and can, if desired, be under random control, or triggered by external signals or any other manner desired. Process 308 determines whether a triggering event for reducing the region has occurred. If it has, then system and method 40, shown in FIG. 4 is entered and, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, operates to reduce the memory required for the active region so that more data can be stored for faulty cells. Process 330, FIG. 3, determines if it is time to file the data with the central system. If it is, then data, via process 331, is transferred from the cell phone to the central system. This transfer can occur periodically, randomly, or on command from the central system as will be discussed, this time can be once a year, or every several months, or sooner as desired. At some point in time, it may be proper to reset the cells to 0. If so, then the system triggers process 302 and system and method 30 will repeat. Note that for processes 313, 314, 315 and 316 if the mobile device cannot determine its location, it does nothing. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment 40 of a system and method for refining the boundary of the region of poor coverage, by giving cells not on the boundary coarse granularity, and cells on the boundary fine granularity. Processes 401-402 control coarse granularity with respect to adjacent cells which have approximately equal density of counts per unit area. These approximately equal cells are merged into a single cell, and the cell's count is set equal to the sum of the counts of the merged cells. Note that this process frees up memory, which is used in later steps. There is, in general, more than one solution. For example, if there is an L-shaped region of equal density, a decision must be made with respect to the corner belonging to the vertical or the horizontal piece. Any choice can be made here, as long as the merged regions are rectangular. Similarly, any reasonable interpretation of ‘equal’ will work—exactly equal, within “n” counts/area, within “n” percent, etc. Thus, a user can decide how to design the system and method to take into account the desired interpretation of “all cells are equal”: (i.e.) the difference between neighbors is small, the difference between max and min is small, the difference between max and average is small, etc. Again, any method can be chosen, but it is good practice to use the difference between max and min; otherwise the method could be fooled by a smooth gradient. Processes 403-406 control fine granularity. Process 403 divides each cell whose density is not “equal” to that of its neighbors into four cells. This uses the memory which was freed in the previous step. If there is not enough memory, as determined by process 404 to do this step, then division is ended as shown in process 403. Process 406 assigns a count to each new cell created in process 403. The count is chosen as follows. Assume the original cell's count is C. (1) If C<4, then set p=C/4, and set each new cell's count to 1 with probability p, and 0 with probability 1−p. (2) If C is exactly divisible by 4, then set each new cell's count to C/4. (3) Otherwise, let R be the remainder C mod 4, and let S=C−R. S is now exactly divisible by 4. Proceed as in step (1) with R and as in step (2) with S. The system then repeats processing as in FIG. 3. The above is but one embodiment for dividing the region near the boundary into smaller cells and partitioning the counts fairly. Any other method of representing the region as a hierarchic collection of variable-sized rectangles will also serve to keep the memory requirements approximately constant while providing detail near the boundary. For example, see Samet, H., 1988 “Hierarchical representation of collections of small rectangles.” ACM Computing Surveys Vol. 20 No. 4, 271-309. FIG. 5 shows one example of a hand-held device 50. In the example, device 50 is a cellular phone having display 51, location detector 56, signal strength detector 57, processor 53, memory 54 and counters 55. Some or all of these elements may not be necessary or can be combined into one or more as desired. Note that the mobile device can be any type of device designed to receive wireless broadcast signals, such as, for example cell phones, PDAs, navigation systems, computers, vehicle control processors, etc. FIG. 6A through FIG. 6E show steps that, by way of example, illustrate how cells are coalesced and split. Step 1, as shown in FIG. 6A, shows an initial division of the home region into a uniform grid. The area inside circle 61 has poor coverage, and the area outside has good coverage as shown by the number of “bad” counts in the respective cells. Thus, after some time has passed, the cells with poor coverage have relatively large counts, and those with good coverage have relatively small counts. This initial arrangement has 64 cells, which, for illustration, we assume is all that the available memory will permit. The boundary of the region of poor coverage is marked by cells (or cell boundaries) with a small count on one side and a large count on the other. After some time, (which may be a timed interval, or when the largest count exceeds a threshold, or when the sum of counts exceeds a threshold), as shown by process 308, FIG. 3, the system coalesces the grid elements whose incremented count densities are equal to their neighbors' count densities. Unless the service is very bad, most count densities will be equal (in the sense discussed above) to zero, so many cells will collapse into one, and the space required in the device memory for storage of data will be much less than for the original grid. Accordingly, memory is freed up if there is a large good area or a large bad area. As will be seen, this free memory is consumed by constructing an image of the boundary between good and bad areas. In principal, the boundary can be arbitrarily detailed, as long as it fits the available memory. Step 2, as shown in FIG. 6B, shows the effect after coalescing neighboring cells which have ‘equal’ count density. In this example, cells within 2 of one another are considered equal. There are now 12 cells. Note that the four center cells within circle 61 (circle 61 being a spatial boundary of the measured phenomenon, a portion of which is outside the home region of this measuring device) having counts of 20, 21, 20 and 19 (80) have been reduced to a single cell having a count of 80 which is the sum of the original cells. Also note that all the non-boundary cells (cells not on the boundary of the circle) to the left of circle 61 are reduced to a single cell having a count of 6. Likewise, the three non-boundary cells (cells not on the boundary of the circle) above circle 61 are reduced to a single cell having a cell count of 3 while the nine non-boundary cells (cells not on the boundary of the circle) below circle 61 have been reduced to a single cell having a count of 1. Step 3, as shown in FIG. 6C, shows the result after splitting those cells which were not coalesced with their neighbors. There are now 36 cells based upon a 4 for 1 split of each coalesced cell. The boundary of the region of poor coverage is marked as in Step 1, but since those cells are now smaller, the boundary is determined more precisely. Step 4, as shown in FIG. 6D, shows the situation after the cells have been accumulating counts for some time. As would be expected, the cells in the area of poor coverage accumulate counts at a higher rate than do the cells in the better coverage areas. Step 5, as shown in FIG. 6E, shows the result after a second round of coalescing neighboring cells which have ‘equal’ count density, and then splitting the cells that remain. Note the three cells at the bottom of circle 61 which have not been split. There are 63 cells in this FIGURE; further splitting would require more memory than had been used (64) for the initial cell count (see step 1, FIG. 6A). (In step 1, the assumption is that the available memory has all been used). The algorithm stops splitting when there is insufficient memory to do so. The boundary of the region of poor coverage is still marked as in Step 1, but since those cells are now smaller, the boundary is determined even more precisely. This process continues, stopped only by running out of memory, or by being restarted by process 332, FIG. 3. Note that as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E the boundary of the measured “bad” (or out of norm) phenomenon need not lie entirely within the region reported by the device. Thus, it may take several devices to properly describe the totality of the “bad” phenomenon. Places where the signal quality is different at different altitudes are treated the same as places where the signal quality is different at different times; i.e. there will probably not be a consistent hole. If mobile devices know their location in three dimensions than the concept discussed in this patent can be generalized to three dimensions. This would only be practical if sufficient memory exists. However, since mobile phone locating methods do not work very well indoors or underground, three dimensions may not be practical. Note that a device may have been in a “bad” location many times and for one reason or another (for example, being turned off) not logged a “bad” signal. FIG. 7 shows RF system 700 having RF communication tower 701 controlled by control system 702. In the embodiment shown, RF tower 701 is a cellular tower communicating to cell phones 50-1, 50-2 through 50-n. These cell phones are mobile and can thus move throughout the coverage area or to other areas. As they each move, they will each contain within the device the incremented numbers recorded according to the system and method discussed above. Periodically, this information will be communicated to control system 702 for the purpose of allowing the central system to then determine problems within the coverage areas based upon actually occurring criteria as determined from mobile devices in the course of their normal end-user usage. Note that the “home” region of each device is defined based upon that device's actual movements and thus each home region will be different. This difference then assures that the entire coverage area is monitored. The system and method described will over time compute the boundary of regions where the device was unable to support a call and will do this within fixed memory limits in a hand-held wireless device. The device will devote almost no memory to regions where service is adequate. The process will be more memory-efficient if there are a few large holes as opposed to many small ones. The devices used, for example, the cellular phones, will be ones that are in the region naturally, because they are being used on a commercial network for which they were intended and not as a piece of extraneous test equipment. Thus, in the embodiment shown, a cellular telephone is being used to make and receive calls and the population of cell phone users (not any particular one cell phone user) will tend to go into every possible location within any cellular region. Thus, the actual end-user device defines the locations for making measurements, and the region is not limited to places where test equipment can go. This then yields more natural test results since it is based on actual user experience over a wide population. A large portion of the device memory is spent storing counts of instances of poor service. The process is more accurate if it runs longer (assuming stationary service holes), but this requires larger counts, hence wider counters, hence more memory. If a user spends, say, 15 minutes a day in a coverage hole and the system samples every 10 seconds, then an 8-bit counter will overflow in 3 days. Morris, Robert “Counting Large Number Of Events In Small Registers” Communications of the ACM, Volume 21 Number 10, pp. 841-842, October 1978, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, developed a technique whereby the logarithm of the count can be stored (the technique does not require computing logarithms). The result is approximate, but since the system is sampling a continuous phenomenon, and “equal” is already approximate, it can accept an approximate count. Using the Morris method, and accepting a standard deviation of about 10%, an 8-bit counter's range can be extended to 4 years. One can use sub-byte counters, but this brings little benefit because the log function grows slowly. A 7-bit counter under these conditions will span just 3 weeks. This type of counter can also be used for the counts in the cache. This process evolves an ever-more-detailed image of the boundary of coverage holes, in bounded memory and using only 1-byte counters. The two main aspects of determining coverage locations and determining holes could run concurrently or alternately, or by constantly updating the counts in the cache, perhaps at a slower rate once the system has calculated a home location. Updating home location is necessary because the system might have made a wrong choice, or the user's behavior may have changed. The concepts taught herein can be used for detecting the boundary of any phenomenon, as long as it's fairly stationary and mobile devices can detect that phenomenon. For example, a determination can be made of where there's a lot of background noise; where traffic consistently speeds up or slows down; the level of smog (if smog sensors are placed on mobile devices) or sunlight (if correction is made for time of day), etc. Also, while a cellular system has been described, the concepts taught herein could be used for any type of communication or broadcast transmission system, including, by way of example, WIFI, Internet and wireless computing, radar, and sensor. Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Providers of wireless services, such as, for example, cellular telephone service, currently detect holes in their coverage in two ways, drive testing throughout the coverage area and customers calling to report problems. One disadvantage of drive testing is that the RF field is undersampled in time, since each sample covers only a fraction of a second per month at any one location. Another disadvantage of drive testing is that the RF field is also undersampled in space, because most of the major roads are not driven their entire length and only some of the minor roads are driven. Drive testing misses all locations without a road, such as parks, stadiums, homes, offices, conference centers, etc. While drive testing attempts to weigh the samples by their importance (making sure to cover major roads, for example) this weighing is subjective and ad hoc, and applies a single weighing for all customers. In addition, drive testing is labor-intensive and requires a truck full of expensive equipment. A disadvantage of having customers call in complaints is that such a system is subjective and undersamples the signal even more seriously than does drive testing, both in time and space. In addition, called-in information is usually imprecise and it is also labor-intensive to record the called-in data. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one embodiment there is shown a system and method for determining the spatial boundary of measurable phenomenon, such as the quality of a broadcast signal at various locations within geographical areas covered by the broadcast signal. Data representing relative signal quality at various locations within the geographical area is created within a mobile device, such as a cell phone capable of receiving the broadcast signals. The data is stored, and refined, within the device so as to define weak signal quality areas within at least a portion of the geographical area traveled by the mobile device. The data stored within the mobile device is from time to time communicated to the central broadcast system. The refinement of the data in the device allows for long storage periods so that signal quality can be reported over long time spans. By collecting such data from a plurality of such devices, the central system can map the signal strength over the entire geographical area. | 20040802 | 20080408 | 20060202 | 58820.0 | H04Q720 | 0 | D AGOSTA, STEPHEN M | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS COVERAGE DETECTION | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04Q | 2,004 |
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10,909,818 | ACCEPTED | System, apparatus, and methods for proactive allocation of wireless communication resources | A system for communication between a mobile node and a communications network is provided for use with a communications network having one or more communications network nodes that define a foreign agents and that communicate with the mobile node in a predefined region. The system includes a ghost-foreign agent that advertises a foreign agent so that the mobile node is aware of the foreign agent when the mobile node is located outside the predefined region. The system further includes a ghost-mobile node that signals the foreign agent in response to the foreign agent advertising and based upon a predicted future state of the mobile node. | 1. A system for communication between a mobile node and a communications network, the communications network having at least one communications network node that defines a foreign agent and that communicates with the mobile node in a predefined region, the system comprising: a ghost-foreign agent for advertising the foreign agent so that the mobile node is aware of the foreign agent when the mobile node is located outside the predefined region; and a ghost-mobile node for signaling the foreign agent based upon a predicted future state of the mobile node. 2. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein signaling includes registering the mobile node with the foreign agent. 3. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein signaling includes causing the communications network to allocate communications network resources to relaying communications between the communications network and the mobile node. 4. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the predicted future state is based upon at least one of a trajectory of the mobile node, a speed of the mobile node, and an estimated location of the mobile node. 5. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the ghost-foreign agent is responsive to at least one of instructions from the foreign agent and a predetermined threshold. 6. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the ghost-mobile node buffers communications communicated to the mobile node from a correspondent node of the communications network. 7. A wireless node pair comprising: a mobile node for communicating with a communications network having at least communications network node; and a ghost-mobile node for signaling the at least one communications network node based upon a predicted future state of the mobile node. 8. The wireless node pair as defined in claim 7, wherein the signaling comprises registering the mobile node with the at least one communications network node. 9. The wireless node pair as defined in claim 7, wherein the signaling causes the communications network to allocate communications network resources to relaying communications between the communications network and the mobile node. 10. The wireless node pair as defined in claim 7, wherein the predicted future state is based upon at least one of a trajectory of the mobile node, a speed of the mobile node, and an estimated location of the mobile node. 11. The wireless node pair as defined in claim 7, wherein the ghost-mobile node buffers communications communicated to the mobile node from a correspondent node of the communications network. 12. The wireless node pair as defined in claim 7, wherein the predicted future state is predicted by the ghost-mobile node. 13. The wireless node pair as defined in claim 7, wherein the at least one network communications node comprises a plurality of network communications nodes, and wherein ghost-mobile node determines a closest communications network node from among the plurality of communications network nodes. 14. A network node pair comprising: a foreign agent for relaying communications between a communications network and a mobile node when the mobile node is located in a predefined region; and a ghost-foreign agent for advertising the foreign agent so that the mobile node is notified of the foreign agent's presence in the communications network when the mobile node is located outside the predefined region. 15. The network node pair as defined in claim 14, wherein the ghost-foreign agent is response to instructions from the foreign agent. 16. The network node pair as defined in claim 14, wherein the ghost-foreign agent is responsive to a predetermined threshold. 17. A method of wireless communication between a mobile node and a communications network, the communications network having at least one communications network node that defines a foreign agent and that communicates with the mobile node in a predefined region, the method comprising the steps of:. predicting a future physical state of the mobile node; and signaling the foreign agent based upon the predicted future state of the mobile node. 18. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein the step of predicting is based upon at least one of a trajectory of the mobile node, a speed of the mobile node, and an estimated location of the mobile node. 19. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein the step of signaling comprises registering the mobile node with the foreign agent. 20. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein the step of signaling causes the communications network to allocate communications network resources to relaying communications between the communications network and the mobile node. 21. The method as defined in claim 17, further comprising the step of buffering communications communicated to the mobile node from a correspondent node of the communications network. 22. The method as defined in claim 17, wherein the at least one communications network node comprises a pair of network communication nodes defining a first and a second foreign agent, and further comprising estimating which foreign agent is closest to the mobile node. 23. The method as defined in claim 17, further comprising the step of advertising the foreign agent so that the mobile node is aware of the foreign agent when the mobile node is located outside the predefined region. 24. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein the at least one communications network node comprises a pair of network communication nodes defining a first and a second foreign agent, and wherein the step of advertising comprises advertising the second foreign agent using the first foreign agent. 25. A computer readable storage medium for use with communications network having at least one communications network node that defines a foreign agent and that communicates with the mobile node in a predefined region, the storage medium comprising computer instructions for: predicting a future physical state of the mobile node; and signaling the foreign agent based upon the predicted future state of the mobile node. 26. The computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 25, wherein the at least one communications network node comprises a pair of network communication nodes defining a first and a second foreign agent, and further comprising computer instructions for estimating which foreign agent is closest to the mobile node. 27. The computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 25, further comprising computer instructions for advertising the foreign agent so that the mobile node is aware of the foreign agent when the mobile node is located outside the predefined region 28. The computer readable storage medium as defined in claim 27, wherein the at least one communications network node comprises a pair of network communication nodes defining a first and a second foreign agent, and wherein the computer instruction for advertising comprises a computer instruction for advertising the second foreign agent using the first foreign agent. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/491,436, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 31, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of communications, and, more particularly, to allocation of resources of a communications network for supporting wireless communications. 2. Description of the Related Art Mobile communications broadly encompass the various devices and techniques that enable individuals to communicate without having to rely on a static network infrastructure. Laptop computers, palmtops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and cellular phones are all part of the growing array of computing and telephony-based mobile devices that can be used to exchange voice signals and digitally encoded data from remote locations. The general architecture for mobile systems entails mobile nodes, or hosts, communicating with one another through a series of base stations that serve distinct zones or cells. According to this architecture, a mobile node remains in contact with a communication network by repeatedly tearing down old connections and establishing new connections with a new base station as the host moves from one cell to another. What is generally needed for such architectures to function adequately is some way for the mobile node to let other nodes know where the mobile node can be reached while the host is moving or located away from home. In accordance with a typical mobile networking protocol, a mobile node registers with a home agent so that the home agent can remain a contact point for other nodes that wish to exchange messages or otherwise communicate with the mobile node as it moves from one location to another. An example of such a protocol is Mobile Internet Protocol (Mobile IP). Mobile IP allows a mobile node to use two IP addresses, one being a fixed home address and the other being a care-of address. The care-of address changes as the mobile node moves between networks thereby changing its point of attachment to a network. When the mobile node links to a network other than one in which the home agent resides, the mobile node is said to have linked to a foreign network. The home network provides the mobile node with an IP address and once the node moves to a foreign network and establishes a point of attachment, the mobile node receives a care-of address assigned by the foreign network. Mobile IPv.4 depends on the interaction between a home agent and foreign agents, the foreign agents serving as wireless access points distributed throughout a coverage area of a network or an interconnection of multiple networks. This architecture, however, does have disadvantages. These have led to assorted proposals for enhancing the capabilities of Mobile IP. One such proposal is to use a hierarchy of foreign agents intended to reduce the number of registrations required for the mobile node. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture for a mobile communications system 100 using hierarchical foreign agents as is known in the art. As shown, the system 100 can include a home agent 105 and a foreign agent 110, each communicatively linked via a communications network 115 such as the Internet. The foreign agent 110 further is communicatively linked with the hierarchy of foreign agents 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, and 145. Accordingly, a mobile host 150 can choose a foreign agent which is closer than the others as a registration point. Registration messages are constrained to that region only. The mobile node 150 travels in range of foreign agent 145. The mobile node 150 registers with foreign agent 145, foreign agent 125, and foreign agent 110 as the mobile node's 150 care-of addresses. A registration request also reaches the home agent 105. The registration reply reaches the mobile node 150 via the reverse path. Accordingly, packets received at the home agent 105 that are to be routed to the mobile node 150 can be tunneled to foreign agent 110, which tunnels the packets to foreign agent 125, and finally to foreign agent 145 prior to transmitting the packets to the mobile node 150. Nevertheless, registration delays and associated information losses can still represent significant obstacles for wireless communications involving a mobile node. This stems mainly from the inevitable delay associated with the setting up of a new communication link each time the mobile node is handed off from one foreign agent to another. The setup requires time for the network to negotiate protocol details, establish communication rates, and decide the applicable error-handling approaches to be employed. These should each be resolved as a prelude to establishing the actual connection for the exchange of data. With conventional systems and devices, the setting up typically must await the arrival of the mobile node in the predefined region of coverage for the foreign agent to which the mobile node is to be handed off. Depending upon the mobile network configuration, the time required for registration can rival the time in which the mobile node dwells within a given cell coverage area. Moreover, data packets may be lost if they arrive for the mobile node during the time in which the setup is being worked out. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a preemptive and predictive solution for communications in wireless communications networks. More particularly, the present invention provides two different types of ghost-entities that can be used individually or jointly in setting up a wireless connection between a mobile node and a foreign agent. The ghost entities can act on behalf of a wireless node and a foreign agent. They can determine and use predicted information to improve the performance of wireless communications, especially those involving a mobile node moving at moderate or high speeds. As explained herein, the ghost entities cause communication network resources to be allocated proactively rather than reactively. One aspect of the present invention pertains to a wireless node pair for mobile wireless communications. The wireless network node can include a mobile node and a ghost-mobile node. The ghost-mobile node can be configured to register the mobile node and allocate resources for communicating with the mobile node according to a predicted future state of the mobile node. Notably, the ghost-mobile node can be instantiated in at least one additional wireless network node proximate to the predicted future location of the mobile node. Additionally, the ghost-mobile node can be configured to predict the future location of the mobile node. The ghost-mobile node also can buffer data packets intended for the mobile node and sent by a correspondent node. Another aspect of the present invention includes a network node pair that includes a foreign agent and a ghost-foreign agent. The ghost-foreign agent can be configured to provide an advance notification to the mobile node of a presence of a next wireless network node proximate to the predicted future location of the mobile node. In particular, a ghost-foreign agent corresponding to a second foreign agent can make the mobile node aware of the presence of the second foreign agent by signaling an advertisement to the mobile node from a first foreign agent. Another aspect of the present invention can include a method of mobile communications. The method can include estimating a future location of a mobile node, sending a notification to the mobile node indicating a presence of a next foreign agent proximate to the estimated future location of the mobile node, and registering the next wireless network node as the care-of-address to be used to communicate with the mobile node. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system for mobile communications that incorporates hierarchical foreign agents as known in the art. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a method of operation for an exemplary system for mobile communications in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary network architecture where a foreign agent is surrounded by a plurality of other foreign agents. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a message structure that can be assembled for the home agent and/or foreign agent by the ghost-mobile node in accordance with one embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data packet that can be formulated and sent by the ghost-foreign agent in accordance with one embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. FIG. 5 provides a flowchart illustrative of a method aspect of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system, apparatus, and methods for reducing delays and information losses in a single wireless communication network or interconnection of multiple communication networks. The system, apparatus, and methods of the present invention, more specifically, reduce registration overhead and setup times associated with mobile node handoffs. The system, apparatus, and methods also reduce or eliminate losses due to dropped data packets. The advantageous results are achieved by causing communication network resources to be allocated proactively rather than reactively. More particularly, the present invention provides a ghost-mobile node and a ghost-foreign agent. The ghost-mobile node can serve as a virtual repeater capable of registering and allocating communication resources by predicting where the mobile node's next handoff will occur as the mobile node moves relative to the communication network's nodes, including those edge nodes that define foreign agents. Time delays and information losses also can be reduced by the ghost-foreign agent. The ghost-foreign advertises the foreign agent's presence in the communication network using a neighboring foreign agent. The ghost-foreign agent can thus make a mobile node aware of a corresponding foreign agent's presence in a communication network before the mobile node actually arrives in the physical region covered by the foreign agent. Accordingly, the ghost-mobile node and the ghost-foreign agent, operating either individually or jointly, can cause network communication resources to be allocated preemptively rather than passively as in conventional communications networks in which handoffs typically only follow an exchange of setup information following a mobile node's arrival in the physical region covered by the foreign agent. The ghost-mobile node and ghost-foreign agent can also serve to “hide” handoff operations from network layers, thereby hiding operations that would otherwise tend to reduce system performance. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary interconnection of communication networks 200, including one home and a plurality of foreign networks, that facilitate wireless communication involving at least one mobile host in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the interconnected communication networks 200 can include a wireless node pair 202, described in more detail below, as well as two network node pairs 204a, 204b that are also described more fully below. The interconnection of communication networks 200 also illustratively includes a network node that defines a home agent 205 and another network node that defines a foreign agent 210. Each of the network node pairs 204a, 204b also includes a network node, each defining a foreign agent 215, 230. More particularly, these two foreign agents 215, 230 can be identified as leaf foreign agents to emphasize the hierarchical tree structure of the network nodes, in which the home agent 205 serves as the root, one foreign agent 210 serves as an intermediate branch, and the other two foreign agents serve as leaves. Illustratively, the interconnection of communication networks 200 further includes a mobile node 250. As will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the term node is used herein to denote any addressable device that connects to a communication network and that can recognize, process, or forward data or other communication transmissions. Therefore, each of the network nodes defining the foreign agents 210, 215, 230 can be general purpose computers on which is running specialized routing software, or alternately, application-specific devices such as routers for relaying communication transmissions. Indeed, as will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the network nodes can be implemented with any information processing systems having the ability to communicate with one another via suitable wired and/or wireless communications links. Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the interconnection of networks 200 can include additional foreign agents as needed to create an interconnection of networks of any size and configuration. The interconnection of networks 200 itself can comprise a single network comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes. The mobile node 250, as part of normal use, changes its point of attachment to the networks forming the interconnection of networks 200. The mobile node 250 can be a computing device having suitable operational software and a wireless transceiver. Accordingly, the mobile node 25l can engage in two-way wireless communications with the communication network edge nodes, defining leaf foreign agents or simply foreign agents 215, 230. The mobile node 250, for example, can be implemented as a standalone portable computing system, or it can be a device embedded within a larger system such as an automobile, a train, or another form of transportation. The mobile node 250 alternately can be, for example, a mobile or laptop computer, a hand-held personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, or similar device for the wireless exchange of data and/or other communications with the interconnected networks 200. The home agent 205 is a network node belonging to the network that is designated as the home network. The network is a home network in the sense that it serves as a virtual permanent residence at which the mobile node 250 can receive communications from other network nodes, designated as correspondent nodes. By providing an addressable home, the home agent effectively allows the mobile node 250 to be reachable at its home address even when the mobile node 250 is not attached to the home network. This is done in a manner analogous to the forwarding of mail to an out-of-town resident or call forwarding a telephone communication from a fixed to a mobile number. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the home agent 205 can be implemented as a software component executing on a suitable computing system, such as a server or other computing device. The home agent 205 can be communicatively linked with a network such as the Internet, thereby enabling two-way communications between the home agent 205 and a foreign agent 210. The foreign agents 210, 215, 230 exist foreign networks in so far as they are part of networks to which the mobile node 250 is communicatively linked when the mobile node 250 is not linked directly with its home network. Even when the mobile node 250 is not directly linked with its home network, though, it can receive communications. These communications are typically in the form of datagrams having an appropriate care-of address, as will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the foreign agents 210, 215, 230 assist the mobile node 250 in receiving datagrams delivered to the care-of address. In order for the network nodes to relay datagrams to the mobile node 250 when the mobile node is in a foreign network, the mobile node must be communicatively linked to a foreign agent 215, 230 corresponding to that particular foreign network. As the mobile node 250 moves from one foreign network to another, a handoff is required from the foreign agent 215 of the foreign network the mobile node is leaving to the foreign agent 230 of the foreign network at which the mobile node is arriving. The handoff typically entails the mobile node 250 signaling the next foreign agent 230, requesting registration. Registration typically precedes an updating of the care-of address and an appropriate reallocation of communication network resources so that communications addressed to the home agent can be properly relayed to the mobile node 250 by “tunneling” messages through a different set of hierarchically arranged network nodes. As used herein, tunneling refers to the transmission of data intended for use only within a private, such as a corporate, network through a public network wherein the transmission is performed in such a way that the routing nodes in the public network are unaware that the transmission is part of a private network. Tunneling is generally performed by encapsulating the private network data and protocol information within the public network transmission units so that the private network protocol information appears to the public network as data. Tunneling allows the use of the Internet, which is a public network, to convey data on behalf of a private network. Common examples of tunneling techniques can include, but are not limited to, Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and generic routing encapsulation (GRE). Still, any of a variety of different tunneling techniques can be used. Conventional techniques typically require that the mobile node 250 be in the physical region covered by a particular foreign agent 215, 230 in order for the handoff to occur. The processing and updating of relevant information that accompanies the handoff thus exacts a time delay before the mobile node 250 is able to begin communication with the interconnection of networks 200 through the foreign agent of the region in which the mobile node has newly arrived. During the time delay, moreover, any datagrams that arrive from a correspondent node will be dropped because of the temporary lack of a communication link with the mobile node 250. The present invention overcomes these problems. According to one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the wireless node pair 202 includes a ghost-mobile node 220 in addition to the mobile node 250. Although illustratively the ghost-mobile node 220 is adjacent the mobile node 250, it is to be understood that the ghost-mobile node can be a virtual node and need not reside at the same physical location as the mobile node 250. The ghost-mobile node 220, for example, can be set of software instructions running on a device that is remote from the mobile node 250 and that contains a transceiver for communicating with the mobile node. Regardless of its physical embodiment, the ghost-mobile node 220 operates by signaling a communication network node based upon a predicted future state of the mobile node 250. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the ghost-mobile node signals 220 an edge node that defines a foreign agent 215, 230. The foreign agent 215 communicatively links the mobile node 250 to a communications network when the mobile node is in a predefined region served by the foreign agent. The ghost-mobile node 220, however, signals the foreign agent before the mobile node arrives in the predefined region based upon the prediction of the mobile node's 250 future state. The future state can be a physical state such as the location of the mobile node 250, and the prediction can be the time that the mobile node will be in the predefined region served by the foreign agent 215. Accordingly, the predicted future state of the mobile node 250 can based, for example, upon the trajectory of the mobile node or upon its speed. Alternately, the predicted future state of the mobile node 250 can be based upon an estimated location of the mobile node. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile node pair 202 can further include a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit to facilitate the above-described predictions of the future state of the mobile node 250. Using the GPS unit, location information on the mobile node 250 can be obtained and subsequently used, for example, to estimate which of multiple foreign agents are closest and when the mobile node is likely to arrive in the region served by the closest foreign agent. The ghost-mobile node 220 can perform the function of determining the closest foreign agent. It be will readily appreciated, that other systems for determining location information can be used and that the present invention is not limited to embodiments using GPS units. Any of various mobile communication techniques employed for mobile telephony can similarly be used, for example. Alternately, for example, the foreign agents 215, 230 can be configured to triangulate the position of the mobile node 250 using signal strength or through the use of wireless sensors. Thus, the mobile node 250 can be configured to notify the foreign agents 215, 230 of its position from time to time or at regular intervals. Alternatively, the foreign agents 215, 230 can be configured to determine the location of the mobile node 250 from time to time or at regular intervals as the case may be. By continuously and/or periodically determining its position via the GSP unit or other technique, the ghost-mobile node 220 can extrapolate from the current location and predict future locations of the mobile node 250. Any of a variety of different location prediction techniques can be used by the ghost-mobile node 220. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a Kalman filter is used. The Kalman filter is described generally, for example, in “An Introduction to the Kalman Filter”, by Welch G. and Bishop G., University of North Carolina TR 95-041, UNC, Chappell Hill, N.C. (2002). The Kalman filter can be implemented within the ghost-mobile node 220 to determine the amount of time before the ghost-mobile node can send a registration message and act on behalf of the mobile node 250. The Kalman filter addresses the problem of trying to estimate the state xε Rn of a discrete-time controlled process that is governed by a linear stochastic difference equation. In general, the process is composed of a state vector (Equation 1, below) and measurement vectors (Equation 2, below). The Kalman filter assumes that there is a state vector x such that: xk=Axk-1+Buk+wk-1 (1) with a measurement vector zε Rn such that: zk=Hxk+vk (2) The equations also include the values of wk and vk, which are random variables representing the process noise of the measurement and state vectors. The matrices A, B, and H relate the states and the dynamics of the system under study. In the context of a mobile communication protocol such as Mobile IP, the ghost-mobile node 220 can give the velocity and position of the mobile node 250 at any given time. The following equation (Equation 3) shows a relationship of the state vector and the basic dynamics of a mobile node with the well-known relationship of a 2-D object moving at constant speed. ( x y v x v y ) = ( 1 0 t 0 0 1 0 t 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 ) ( x y v x v y ) + ( w x w y w x s w y s ) ( 3 ) The measurement vector zk=[xy]T can be used in the recursive mechanics of the Kalman Filter. The filter uses an ongoing cycle where time-update equations determine the state ahead of time, and the measurement update is used to adjust the internal parameters of the filter. With these variables, the problem can be posed as a linear Kalman Filter equation: Xk=AXk-1+wk (4) Zk=Hzk+vk (5) where, A = ( 1 0 t 0 0 1 0 t 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 ) : H = ( 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 ) v k = ( v s v y ) w k = ( w x w y w x s w y s ) ( 6 ) The time-update equations for the Kalman Filter are: xk=Axk-1+Buk+wk-1 (7) Pk=APk-1AT+Q (8) In one scenario B=0 and Pk is the covariance matrix which is estimated from time step k-1 to step k. The matrix Q=E[wkwkT]. For measurement-update equations, the first equation (Equation 9, below) computes the Kalman gain, Kk, the second equation (Equation 10, below) calculates the value of xk which is used in Equation 7 to compute the predicted value of the state vector. The third equation (Equation 11, below) updates the covariance matrix Pk. The value of the co-variance matrix R=E[vkvkT] is needed and, in general, is the easier to determine since it is generally known how to measure the position vector. Further, samples can be dedicated to determine the co-variance of vk. Kk=Pk−HT(HPk−HT+R)−1 (9) xk=xk−+Kk(zk−Hxk−) (10) Pk=(I−KkH)Pk− (11) Using an information processing tool, the values of the matrices R and Q (Equation 12) can be empirically determined to be for, example, Q = 0.001 * ( 15 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 ) R = 0.000001 * ( 100 0 0 0.001 ) . ( 12 ) The following is an example of an algorithm that can be used in the ghost-mobile node to find a closest foreign agent using the measurement vector zk=[xy]T: g-MN (Home Address, HomeAgentAddress) while (true) do FA FindClosestFA(MN) if distance (FA, MN) within threshold then HFA FindHighestFA(FA, HomeAgentAddress) Register(FA, HomeAddress, HFA) end Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other techniques beside the Kalman filter can be used by the ghost-mobile node 220 for location prediction. Other techniques for predicting a location of the mobile node 250 include, for example, neural networks, linear prediction mechanisms, and modeling of stochastic processes. Based upon the predicted future state of the mobile node 250, the ghost-mobile node 220 can determine which foreign agent 210, 215, 230 is likely to serve as the mobile node's next communicative link. For example, a simple look-up database can be maintained by the network listing each foreign agent and its location information. The location can be represented, for example, by a two-element vector, (x, y). The ghost-mobile node 220 can receive updated (x, y) information on the location. Using the updated information, the ghost-mobile node 220 can calculate a distance to the closest foreign agent in the path of the mobile node 250 based upon an estimated speed or trajectory of the mobile node 250. The ghost-mobile node 220 signals the network communications node that defines the mobile node's 250 next foreign agent 215, 230. The ghost-mobile node 220 signals the foreign agent 215, 230 ahead of the mobile node's 250 arriving in the predefined region served by the foreign agent. The signal from the ghost-mobile node 220 can be a registration request. The signal from the ghost-mobile node 220 can cause an allocation of communications network resources, the resources being those needed for relaying communications between the communications network and the mobile node. Indeed, the signal from the ghost-mobile node 220 can elicit the same response from the network nodes defining the foreign agents 215, 230 as would be elicited were the mobile node 250 physically present in the predefined region covered by the particular foreign agent. In the context of an IP-based network, the ghost-mobile node 220 can create “spoofed” Universal Datagram Packets (UDP) with the contents of a legitimate mobile node packet. The procedure can utilize raw sockets to construct the message, create all the registration and IP headers, and add the authentication extensions using, for example, the MD5 checksum and a shared key. As used herein, MD5 refers to an algorithm used to verify data integrity through the creation of a 128-bit message digest from data input, which may be a message of any length. MD5 is intended for use with digital signature applications, which require that large files must be compressed by a secure method before being encrypted with a secret key, under a public key cryptosystem. MD5 is a standard based on the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request for Comments (RFC) 1321, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Nonetheless, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other methods of ensuring data security can be used. Many implementations of Mobile IP include protection against registration replay attacks by adding time-stamps and a “nonce,” a random value sent in a communications protocol exchange and frequently used to detect replay attacks. Accordingly, the protocol is able to keep a consistent and secure Location Directory (LD). The nonce is a parameter that varies with time, but also can include a visit counter on a Web page or a special marker intended to limit or prevent the unauthorized replay or reproduction of a file. In any case, as the ghost-mobile node 229 essentially forges registration packets on behalf of the mobile node 250, no time-stamping or nonce numbers need be used. As an alternative, a shared key authentication can be required between the home agent, foreign agents, and the mobile node. Asymmetric authentication as in a protocol such as 802.1X can be used as an alternate to symmetric authentication for delegating authority to the ghost-mobile node 220. The signal from the ghost-mobile node 220 results in a preemptive setup, one that is effected before the mobile node 250 arrives in the predefined area of coverage of the next foreign agent. The setup can entail all the aspects that occur in the beginning phase of a standard network connection negotiation, including the negotiation of protocol details, communication rates, and error-handling approaches. These are needed to allow the connection to proceed correctly and reliably, but absent the participation of the ghost-mobile node 220 would have to await the arrival of the mobile node 250 in the predefined region covered by the foreign agent 215, 230. Accordingly, the ghost-mobile node 220 can increase the speed with which handoff occurs, thereby reducing setup delay and avoiding information loses due to the dropping of datagram packets. The ghost-mobile node 220 can replicate the registration request, handle the creation of tunnels, and replicate authentication and authorization information from the mobile node 250, thus acting on behalf of the mobile node 250 before the mobile node is in range of a next foreign agent 215, 230. The ghost-mobile node 220 also can buffer incoming traffic from a correspondent host ring handoff to further insure against the loss of information during a handoff. When the mobile node 250 leaves one foreign agent 215 and moves into the vicinity of the next foreign agent 230, registration will have already taken place and resources will already have been allocated for connecting the mobile node to the communication network. Referring still to FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of the network node pairs 204a, 204b further includes ghost-foreign agents 225, 240 in addition to network nodes defining foreign agents 215, 230. A ghost-foreign agent 225, 240 transmits an advertisement notifying the mobile node 250 of the existence of a next foreign agent 230, transmitting the advertisement from a foreign agent 215 currently connected with the mobile node 250. That is, the ghost-foreign agent 225 advertises a first foreign agent 230 but does so using a second foreign agent 215. Thus, the advertisement of foreign agent 230 by its ghost-foreign agent 225 is able to reach the mobile node 250 while the mobile node is in the predefined region covered by foreign agent 215. Therefore, the ghost-foreign agent 225 makes the mobile node aware of the foreign agent 230 before it arrives in the predefined region covered by the foreign agent. A foreign agent 210, 215, 230 typically includes in an advertisement message the vector of care-of addresses. As noted above, the vector of care-of addresses provide an IP address for each of the foreign agent's ancestors, as well as the foreign agent's own IP address. As a mobile node 250 enters a predefined coverage region within the range of communication of a foreign agent 215, the mobile node can submit a registration request to the foreign agent, as described above. The foreign agent 215, in turn, can initiate a registration request to the foreign agent 210, which can forward the registration request to the home agent 205. The home agent 205 can initiate a tunnel to the foreign agent 210 and transmit a registration reply. The foreign agent 210 can create a tunnel to the foreign agent 215, defining a leaf foreign agent, and forward the registration reply to the foreign agent. The foreign agent 215 then can transmit the registration reply to the mobile node 250. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ghost-foreign agent 225 acts as an extension of a foreign agent 230 defining a leaf foreign agent. Accordingly, the ghost-foreign agent 225 is able to transmit the advertisement of foreign agent 230 to the mobile node 250 as already described above. Referring now particularly to FIG. 2B, as the mobile node 250 leaves the first foreign agent 215 and moves toward the next foreign agent 230, the ghost-mobile node 220 can send a registration request to the foreign agent 215. Accordingly, the foreign agent 215 can open a tunnel to the next foreign agent 230 and send a registration reply. As the mobile node 250 enters the communications range of the next foreign agent 230, and as the mobile node 250 has already received the advertisement from the ghost-foreign agent 225, the mobile node 250 can send a registration request to the next foreign agent. The mobile node 250 can then receive a registration reply as the ghost-mobile node 220 has already registered and allocated resources for the mobile node 250. FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary network architecture where foreign agent 280 is surrounded by foreign agents 260, 265, 270, and 275. If mobility ratio is high, then foreign agent 280 can create instances of a ghost-foreign agent corresponding to foreign agent 280 at foreign agent 260, 265, 270, and/or 275. These instances can represent foreign agent 280 before the mobile node actually reaches the foreign agent within which it is disposed. Each foreign agent 215, 230 creates ghost-foreign agent instances at the vicinity of other foreign agents. A ghost-foreign agent results in a virtual augmentation of the signal strength of a certain foreign agent, so that the signal strength appears to have increased and the coverage area appears to have been augmented by a certain factor. Indeed, a ghost-foreign agent appears to increase the amount of resources available for facilitating communication among interconnected communication networks. As already described, a basis of the proactive allocation of communication resources for a stationary or moving mobile node is the virtual instantiation of the ghost-mobile node in at least one additional wireless network node proximate to the predicted future location of the mobile node. So, too, each foreign agent can create its ghost-foreign agent instances or virtual foreign agents around particular thresholds. For example, if foreign agent coverage is denoted as r, a foreign agent can find all foreign agents within k*r, where k is a factor determined according to the expected mobility conditions of the foreign agent. Ghost-foreign agents can thus function as passive repeaters of the operations of the corresponding foreign agent. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a message structure assembled for the home agent and/or foreign agent from the ghost-mobile node in accordance with one embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. The ghost-mobile node. includes as the IP source and IP destinations the values of the original home agent's home address and the home agent and/or foreign agent addresses respectively. The home address and care-of-address are generally known, since the decapsulation process takes place at the foreign agent. For example, the care-of address matches the foreign agent address. The foreign agent address allows the content of the message to be forwarded to the mobile node while the mobile node remains within the foreign network. For hierarchical Mobile IP, the leaf foreign agent address is used as a destination for the registration message. Once the message has reached the foreign agent, the foreign agent forwards the registration packet to a higher foreign agent which forwards it to a still higher foreign agent or on to the home agent, depending upon the wired network infrastructure and the topology of foreign agents. This depends, for example, upon whether the mobile node switches domains with no common foreign agents. The present invention facilitates the use of any mobile node, while allowing the code for the mobile node to remain unchanged. During the absence of a ghost-mobile node, the mobile node can rely upon reactive mechanisms of the communications protocol in use, whether Mobile IP or another mobile communications protocol. In general, a ghost-mobile node can locate the closest foreign agent in the vicinity of the mobile node. If the distance is within a given threshold, then the highest foreign agent within the hierarchy, that is the home foreign agent, can be located and the mobile node can be registered with that home foreign agent. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data packet that can be formulated and sent by the ghost-foreign agent in accordance with one embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. The ghost-foreign agent determines all the foreign agents within a ratio (threshold) and creates a packet, for example an Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), with the information as shown in FIG. 4. The care-of-addresses are already a persistent part of the foreign agent configuration file and sequence numbers can be spoofed. Additionally, the ghost-foreign agent should assemble the raw socket using the foreign agent address as a source with a broadcast address as destination. FIG. 5 provides a flowchart of steps illustrative of a method aspect of the invention. The method 500 includes in step 510 predicting a future physical state of the mobile node. In step 520, the method 500 includes signaling the foreign agent based upon the predicted future state of the mobile node. The method 500 optionally includes in step 530 buffering communications communicated to the mobile node from a correspondent node of the communications network. Optionally, the method 500 further includes in step 540 advertising the foreign agent so that the mobile node is aware of the foreign agent when the mobile node is located outside the predefined region. In step 550, the method 500 also optionally includes estimating which next foreign agent is closest to the mobile node. The present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present invention also can be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form. This invention can be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of communications, and, more particularly, to allocation of resources of a communications network for supporting wireless communications. 2. Description of the Related Art Mobile communications broadly encompass the various devices and techniques that enable individuals to communicate without having to rely on a static network infrastructure. Laptop computers, palmtops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and cellular phones are all part of the growing array of computing and telephony-based mobile devices that can be used to exchange voice signals and digitally encoded data from remote locations. The general architecture for mobile systems entails mobile nodes, or hosts, communicating with one another through a series of base stations that serve distinct zones or cells. According to this architecture, a mobile node remains in contact with a communication network by repeatedly tearing down old connections and establishing new connections with a new base station as the host moves from one cell to another. What is generally needed for such architectures to function adequately is some way for the mobile node to let other nodes know where the mobile node can be reached while the host is moving or located away from home. In accordance with a typical mobile networking protocol, a mobile node registers with a home agent so that the home agent can remain a contact point for other nodes that wish to exchange messages or otherwise communicate with the mobile node as it moves from one location to another. An example of such a protocol is Mobile Internet Protocol (Mobile IP). Mobile IP allows a mobile node to use two IP addresses, one being a fixed home address and the other being a care-of address. The care-of address changes as the mobile node moves between networks thereby changing its point of attachment to a network. When the mobile node links to a network other than one in which the home agent resides, the mobile node is said to have linked to a foreign network. The home network provides the mobile node with an IP address and once the node moves to a foreign network and establishes a point of attachment, the mobile node receives a care-of address assigned by the foreign network. Mobile IPv.4 depends on the interaction between a home agent and foreign agents, the foreign agents serving as wireless access points distributed throughout a coverage area of a network or an interconnection of multiple networks. This architecture, however, does have disadvantages. These have led to assorted proposals for enhancing the capabilities of Mobile IP. One such proposal is to use a hierarchy of foreign agents intended to reduce the number of registrations required for the mobile node. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture for a mobile communications system 100 using hierarchical foreign agents as is known in the art. As shown, the system 100 can include a home agent 105 and a foreign agent 110 , each communicatively linked via a communications network 115 such as the Internet. The foreign agent 110 further is communicatively linked with the hierarchy of foreign agents 120 , 125 , 130 , 135 , 140 , and 145 . Accordingly, a mobile host 150 can choose a foreign agent which is closer than the others as a registration point. Registration messages are constrained to that region only. The mobile node 150 travels in range of foreign agent 145 . The mobile node 150 registers with foreign agent 145 , foreign agent 125 , and foreign agent 110 as the mobile node's 150 care-of addresses. A registration request also reaches the home agent 105 . The registration reply reaches the mobile node 150 via the reverse path. Accordingly, packets received at the home agent 105 that are to be routed to the mobile node 150 can be tunneled to foreign agent 110 , which tunnels the packets to foreign agent 125 , and finally to foreign agent 145 prior to transmitting the packets to the mobile node 150 . Nevertheless, registration delays and associated information losses can still represent significant obstacles for wireless communications involving a mobile node. This stems mainly from the inevitable delay associated with the setting up of a new communication link each time the mobile node is handed off from one foreign agent to another. The setup requires time for the network to negotiate protocol details, establish communication rates, and decide the applicable error-handling approaches to be employed. These should each be resolved as a prelude to establishing the actual connection for the exchange of data. With conventional systems and devices, the setting up typically must await the arrival of the mobile node in the predefined region of coverage for the foreign agent to which the mobile node is to be handed off. Depending upon the mobile network configuration, the time required for registration can rival the time in which the mobile node dwells within a given cell coverage area. Moreover, data packets may be lost if they arrive for the mobile node during the time in which the setup is being worked out. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a preemptive and predictive solution for communications in wireless communications networks. More particularly, the present invention provides two different types of ghost-entities that can be used individually or jointly in setting up a wireless connection between a mobile node and a foreign agent. The ghost entities can act on behalf of a wireless node and a foreign agent. They can determine and use predicted information to improve the performance of wireless communications, especially those involving a mobile node moving at moderate or high speeds. As explained herein, the ghost entities cause communication network resources to be allocated proactively rather than reactively. One aspect of the present invention pertains to a wireless node pair for mobile wireless communications. The wireless network node can include a mobile node and a ghost-mobile node. The ghost-mobile node can be configured to register the mobile node and allocate resources for communicating with the mobile node according to a predicted future state of the mobile node. Notably, the ghost-mobile node can be instantiated in at least one additional wireless network node proximate to the predicted future location of the mobile node. Additionally, the ghost-mobile node can be configured to predict the future location of the mobile node. The ghost-mobile node also can buffer data packets intended for the mobile node and sent by a correspondent node. Another aspect of the present invention includes a network node pair that includes a foreign agent and a ghost-foreign agent. The ghost-foreign agent can be configured to provide an advance notification to the mobile node of a presence of a next wireless network node proximate to the predicted future location of the mobile node. In particular, a ghost-foreign agent corresponding to a second foreign agent can make the mobile node aware of the presence of the second foreign agent by signaling an advertisement to the mobile node from a first foreign agent. Another aspect of the present invention can include a method of mobile communications. The method can include estimating a future location of a mobile node, sending a notification to the mobile node indicating a presence of a next foreign agent proximate to the estimated future location of the mobile node, and registering the next wireless network node as the care-of-address to be used to communicate with the mobile node. | 20040802 | 20100413 | 20050317 | 98285.0 | 2 | DAO, MINH D | SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR PROACTIVE ALLOCATION OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION RESOURCES | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,909,872 | ACCEPTED | Application with multiple embedded drivers | Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for driver execution in association with an application. When an application is executed in a computer system, a processor compatibility of an operating system executed in the computer system is determined. In this respect, the operating system is compatible with one of a plurality of predefined types of processors. An association is drawn between the processor compatibility of the operating system and one of a plurality of drivers embedded in the application, where the one of the drivers is compatible with the operating system. The execution of the one of the drivers that is compatible with the operating system is implemented in the computer system. | 1. A method for driver execution in association with an application, comprising: executing the application in a computer system; determining a processor compatibility of an operating system executed in a computer system after the execution of the application, wherein the operating system is compatible with one of a plurality of predefined types of processors; drawing an association between the processor compatibility of the operating system and one of a plurality of drivers embedded in the application, the one of the drivers being compatible with the operating system; and implementing an execution of the one of the drivers that is compatible with the operating system in the computer system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the implementing of the execution of the one of the drivers that is compatible with the operating system in the computer system further comprises: automatically copying the one of the drivers from the application to a mass storage device; and automatically initiating an execution of the one of the drivers in the computer system from the mass storage device with the application. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising closing the one of the drivers upon a closing of the application. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising deleting the one of the drivers from a mass storage device after the closing of the one of the drivers. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the automatically copying of the one of the drivers from the application to the mass storage device further comprises automatically copying of the one of the drivers from the application to a hard drive in the computer system. 6. A program embodied in a computer readable medium for driver execution, comprising: an application; a plurality of drivers embedded in the application, each of the drivers being compatible with a corresponding one of a plurality of operating systems, wherein each of the operating systems is compatible with a corresponding one of a plurality of predefined types of processors; a loader included in the application, the loader comprising: code that draws an association between the processor compatibility of one of the operating systems and the compatible one of the drivers; and code that implements an execution of the compatible one of the drivers in a computer system in conjunction with an execution of the application in the computer system. 7. The program embodied in the computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the code that implements the execution of the compatible one of the drivers in the computer system in conjunction with the execution of the application in the computer system further comprises: code that automatically copies the compatible one of the drivers from the application to a mass storage device associated with the computer system; and code that automatically initiates the execution of the compatible one of the drivers in the computer system from the mass storage device. 8. The program embodied in the computer readable medium of claim 6, further comprising code that closes the compatible one of the drivers upon a closing of the application. 9. The program embodied in the computer readable medium of claim 8, further comprising code that deletes the compatible one of the drivers from a mass storage device after the closing of the compatible one of the drivers. 10. The program embodied in the computer readable medium of claim 7, wherein the code that automatically copies the compatible one of the drivers from the application to the mass storage device associated with the computer system further comprises code that automatically copies the compatible one of the drivers from the application to a hard drive in the computer system. 11. A system for driver execution, comprising: a processor circuit having a processor and a memory; an application stored in the memory and executable by the processor, the application comprising: a plurality of drivers embedded in the application, each of the drivers being compatible with a corresponding one of a plurality of operating systems, wherein each of the operating systems is compatible with a corresponding one of a plurality of predefined types of processors; a loader included in the application, the loader comprising: logic that draws an association between one of the operating systems compatible with the processor and the compatible one of the drivers; and logic that implements an execution of the compatible one of the drivers by the processor in conjunction with an execution of the application by the processor. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the logic that implements an execution of the compatible one of the drivers by the processor in conjunction with an execution of the application by the processor further comprises: logic that automatically copies the compatible one of the drivers from the application to a mass storage device associated with the processor circuit; and logic that automatically initiates the execution of the compatible one of the drivers by the processor from the mass storage device. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the loader further comprises logic that closes the compatible one of the drivers upon a closing of the application. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the loader further comprises logic that deletes the compatible one of the drivers from a mass storage device after the closing of the compatible one of the drivers. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the mass storage device is a hard drive operatively coupled to the processor circuit. 16. A system for driver execution, comprising: means for executing an application having a plurality of embedded drivers, each of the embedded drivers being compatible with a corresponding one of a plurality of operating systems, wherein each of the operating systems is compatible with a corresponding one of a plurality of predefined types of processors; means for drawing an association between the processor compatibility of one of the operating systems and a compatible one of the embedded drivers; and means for implementing an execution of the compatible one of the embedded drivers in a computer system in conjunction with an execution of the application in the computer system. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the means for implementing the execution of the compatible one of the embedded drivers in the computer system in conjunction with the execution of the application in the computer system further comprises: means for automatically copying the compatible one of the embedded drivers from the application to a mass storage device; and means for automatically initiating the execution of the compatible one of the embedded drivers by the processor from the mass storage device. 18. The system of claim 16, further comprising means for closing the compatible one of the embedded drivers upon a closing of the application. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising means for deleting the compatible one of the embedded drivers from a mass storage device after the closing of the compatible one of the embedded drivers. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the mass storage device is a hard drive operatively coupled to the processor circuit. | BACKGROUND In some situations, one may execute an application such as a system utility in a computer system that accesses various hardware in the computer system such as processor hardware or memory hardware to perform various functions such as memory analysis. Such applications typically require a driver to access the desired hardware. Currently computer systems employ one of multiple different types of processors that may be, for example, 32 bit processors, 64 bit processors, or other processors. Operating systems are provided in various different versions, where each version is adapted for one of the processor types. The driver needed to access the hardware on a given computer system is selected so as to match the version of the operating system running on the computer system. It can be confusing and time consuming to track which driver needs to be executed on a given computer system to provide computer hardware access in conjunction with the execution of a given application such as a system utility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS The invention can be understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Also, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. FIG. 1 is a drawing of a computer system that includes an application with multiple embedded drivers according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a processor hardware driver loader included in the application of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a flow chart of one example of a method for driver execution in association with an application according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to FIG. 1, shown is a block diagram of a computer system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The computer system 100 includes a processor circuit having a processor 103 and a memory 106, both of which are coupled to a local interface 109. The local interface may be, for example, a data bus with an accompanying control bus as can be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art. In this respect, the computer system 100 may be, for example, a desktop, laptop, personal digital assistant, or other such device with like capability as can be appreciated. The computer system 100 includes a mass storage device 113. The mass storage device 113 is operatively coupled to the local interface 109 and is accessible by the processor 103. In this respect, the mass storage device 113 is operatively coupled to the processor circuit within the computer system 100 as can be appreciated. The computer system 100 includes various components that are stored in the memory 106 and are executable by the processor 103. These components may be, for example, software components or firmware components as can be appreciated. These components include, for example, an operating system 123 and a processor hardware application 126. In addition, other components may be stored in the memory 106 and executable by the computer system 100 such as various applications as are typically found in computer systems. Such applications may comprise word processors, spreadsheets, and a myriad of other types of applications as can be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art. The operating system 123 may be, for example, a Windows™ operating system created by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., or other operating system. The processor hardware application 126 is executed in the computer system 100 to access various features of hardware components within the computer system 100 such as, for example, the circuitry of the processor 103 itself, memory components that make up a portion of the memory 106, or other components as can be appreciated. For example, the processor hardware application 126 may be a utility configured to access hardware such as to search system memory or to temporarily mount a file system, etc. The hardware components accessed may reside, for example, on a motherboard associated with the computer system 100 or on some other electrical circuit as can be appreciated. In order to access hardware within the computer system 100, an appropriate driver associated with such hardware is executed by the processor 103. Such a driver facilitates communication and access to the various components described above on the part of applications executed by the processor 103. Stated another way, once the appropriate driver is executed, the processor hardware application 126 may then access various aspects of the hardware within the computer system 100 through the driver. Alternatively, the processor hardware application 126 may be any application other than one that accesses processor hardware, and still needs a driver for other purposes as can be appreciated. However, the design of the processor 103 may vary depending upon the manufacturer. For example, typical types of processors 103 may be, for example, the Intel Architecture, 32 bit (IA-32), or the Intel Architecture, 64 bit (IA-64), both manufactured by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., or the AMD 64 bit processor (AMD64) manufactured by AMD of Sunnyvale, Calif. The operating system 123 is written to be compatible with each design or type of processor 103. Consequently, the processor hardware driver that is executed to provide hardware access to the processor hardware application 126 needs to be compatible with both the operating system 123 and the type of processor 103. To provide for the execution of a processor hardware driver 133 compatible with the respective operating system 123 and type of processor 103 to facilitate hardware access for the processor hardware application 126, the processor hardware application 126 includes a processor hardware driver loader 129. Also, embedded within the processor hardware application 126 are a number of processor hardware drivers 133. In this respect, each of the processor hardware drivers 133 is compatible with a corresponding one of a number of operating systems 123, where each of the operating systems is compatible with a corresponding one of the different types of processors 103. Each of the processor hardware drivers 133 is embedded within the processor hardware application 126, for example, by appending the same to the end of the processor hardware application 126. However, there is no indication within the processor hardware application 126 that the processor hardware drivers 133 are included therein. In this respect, the processor hardware driver loader 129 is executed upon the execution of the processor hardware application 126 to cause a respective one of the processor hardware drivers 133 compatible with the operating system 123 and the corresponding processor 103 to be executed to facilitate access to the hardware of the computer system 100 as described above. Alternatively, one of the processor hardware driver 133 may comprises a driver that facilitates access of components or peripheral devices other than processor hardware, such drivers being, nonetheless compatible with a specific processor type, etc. In addition, the computer system 100 may include one or more peripheral devices (not shown). In particular, such peripheral devices may include, for example, a keyboard, keypad, touch pad, touch screen, microphone, scanner, mouse, joystick, or one or more push buttons, etc. The peripheral devices may also include display devices, indicator lights, speakers, printers, etc. Specific display devices may be, for example, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystal display screens, gas plasma-based flat panel displays, or other types of display devices, etc. As described above, the components stored in the memory 106/mass storage device 113 are executable by the processor 103. In this respect, the term “executable” means a program file that is in a form that can ultimately be run by the processor 103. Examples of executable programs may be, for example, a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of the memory 106 and run by the processor 103, or source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a of random access portion of the memory 106 and executed by the processor 103, etc. An executable program may be stored in any portion or component of the memory 106 or in the mass storage device 113 including, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, a hard drive, compact disk (CD), floppy disk, or other memory components as described herein. The memory 106 is defined herein as volatile memory and data storage components. Volatile components are those that do not retain data upon a loss of power. Thus, the memory 106 may comprise, for example, random access memory (RAM). The RAM may comprise, for example, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random access memory (MRAM) and other like memory devices. The mass storage device 113 is defined herein as nonvolatile data storage components. Nonvolatile components are those that retain data upon a loss of power. Thus, the mass storage device 113 may comprise, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, floppy disks accessed via an associated floppy disk drive, compact discs accessed via a compact disc drive, magnetic tapes accessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory components, or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. The ROM may comprise, for example, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other like memory device. In addition, the processor 103 may represent multiple processors and the memory 106 may represent multiple memories that operate in parallel. In such a case, the local interface 109 may be an appropriate network that facilitates communication between any two of the multiple processors, between any processor and any one of the memories, or between any two of the memories etc. The processor 106 may be of electrical, optical, or of some other construction as can be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art. The operating system 123 is executed to control the allocation and usage of hardware resources such as the memory, processing time and peripheral devices in the computer system 100. In this manner, the operating system 123 serves as the foundation on which applications depend as is generally known by those with ordinary skill in the art. Next, a description of the operation of the computer system 100 in executing the processor hardware application 126 is provided. To begin, a user manipulates the computer system 100 through appropriate input devices such as, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or other input device to cause the execution of the processor hardware application 126. Once the processor hardware application 126 is executed, then the processor hardware driver loader 129 is automatically executed as a portion thereof to determine a processor compatibility of the operating system 123 executed in the computer system 100. As stated above, the operating system 123 is compatible with a respective one of a plurality of different types of processors 103, where the processor 103 is a given one of the processor types. To determine the processor compatibility of the operating system 123, the processor hardware driver loader 129 may call, for example, an appropriate method within the operating system 123 to obtain the operating system version or configuration that indicates which processor type with which the operating system 123 is compatible. Once the processor compatibility of the operating system 123 is known, then an association is drawn between the processor compatibility of the operating system 123 and one of the processor hardware drivers 133 embedded in the processor hardware application 126. The association is drawn between the processor compatibility of the operating system 123 and the one of the drivers that is compatible with the operating system 123. In this respect, each of the processor hardware drivers 133 includes various tags or other information that informs the processor hardware driver loader 129 of its compatibility with a specific type of operating system 123. Alternatively, a table may be included in the processor hardware application 126 that is consulted to map operating system compatibilities to the various ones of the processor hardware drivers 133. Once the appropriate processor hardware driver 133 is identified, the processor hardware driver loader 129 implements the execution of the processor hardware driver 133. In implementing the execution of the one of the processor hardware drivers 133, the processor hardware driver loader 129 automatically copies the respective processor hardware driver 133 from the processor hardware application 126 to the mass storage device 113. In one embodiment, the mass storage device 113 may be a hard drive. However, the mass storage device 113 may also comprise other forms of memory as was described above. The respective processor hardware driver 133 is loaded into the mass storage device 113 so that it may be executed as a separate executable file set apart from the processor hardware application 126. Thereafter, the processor hardware driver loader 129 automatically initiates the execution of the selected one of the drivers 133 in the computer system 100 from the mass storage device 113. In this respect, the processor hardware driver loader 129 may implement the execution of the processor hardware driver 133 stored in the mass storage device 113 by making an appropriate call to an appropriate method of the operating system 123 as can be appreciated. Thereafter, the processor hardware driver 133 that was stored in the mass storage device 113 is loaded into a RAM portion of the memory 106, for example, for execution by the processor 103. Thereafter, the processor hardware application 126 may access the hardware of the computer system 100 through such processor hardware driver 133 as can be appreciated. Once the execution of the processor hardware application 126 is complete and the user closes the processor hardware application 126, then during the procedure implemented to close the processor hardware application 126, the processor hardware driver loader 129 causes the one of the drivers that was executed by the processor 103 to be closed as well. In addition, the processor hardware driver loader 129 also deletes the one of the processor hardware drivers 133 from the mass storage device 113 after the closing of the driver itself. Referring next to FIG. 2, shown is flow chart that provides one example of the operation of the processor hardware driver loader 129 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the flow chart of FIG. 2 may be viewed as depicting steps of an example of a method implemented in the computer system 100 (FIG. 1) to implement the execution of a compatible one of the processor hardware drivers 133 (FIG. 1) to facilitate access to the hardware in the computer system 100 by the processor hardware application 126 (FIG. 1). The functionality of the processor hardware driver loader 129 as depicted by the example flow chart of FIG. 2 may be implemented, for example, in an object oriented design or in some other programming architecture. Assuming the functionality is implemented in an object oriented design, then each block represents functionality that may be implemented in one or more methods that are encapsulated in one or more objects. The processor hardware driver loader 129 may be implemented using any one of a number of programming languages such as, for example, C, C++, Assembly, or other programming languages. Beginning with box 153, the processor hardware driver loader 129 obtains the version of the operating system 123 by making appropriate calls to obtain needed operating system information to the operating system 123. For example, in a Windows™ based system, a Windows system call “GetNativeSystemInfo” may be made to determine the operating system 123 version and the processor type or architecture upon which the operating system 123 and the processor hardware application 126 are running. Thereafter, in box 156 the processor hardware driver loader 129 waits until the version of the operating system has been obtained by virtue of a reply to the system call, etc. Assuming that the operating system version is known, then in box 156 the processor hardware driver loader 129 finds the processor hardware driver 133 that is compatible with the version of the operating system. Specifically, the specific processor hardware driver 133 that was embedded within the application 126 is located, for example, using a look-up table that maps the operating system versions with the specific processor hardware driver files. In addition, such table points to the specific location within the processor hardware application 126 where the respective processor hardware drivers 133 begin and ends. Alternatively, various tags may be associated with the beginning and ending of each of the processor hardware drivers 133 in order to facilitate finding the same within the processor hardware application 126, given that the processor hardware drivers 133 are embedded such that the processor hardware application 126 appears as a single file even though the processor hardware drivers 133 are included within it. As an additional alternative, rather than including a table in the processor hardware application 126 to look up a desired processor hardware driver 133, the tags associated with each of the processor hardware drivers 133 may be searched. In addition, other approaches may be employed to find the processor hardware drivers 133 embedded in the processor hardware application 126. Regardless of the approach employed, an association is drawn between the processor compatibility of the operating system and a compatible one of the processor hardware drivers 133 embedded in the processor hardware application 126. Thereafter, the processor hardware driver loader 129 proceeds to automatically store a copy of the corresponding processor hardware driver 133 in the mass storage device 113. This is done so that the processor hardware driver 133 may be executed in the processor circuit from the mass storage device 113 as is done with other applications, etc. Specifically, where the mass storage device 113 is a hard drive, then the processor hardware driver 133 is executed by making an appropriate call to the operating system 123 as can be appreciated. In any event, the processor hardware drivers 133 are not executable as a portion of the processor hardware application 126 since they are executed as separate files. Next, in box 163, the processor hardware driver loader 129 initiates the loading and execution of the processor hardware driver 133 using the processor circuit. In this respect, the respective processor hardware driver 133 may be loaded from the mass storage device 113 which may be a hard drive, for example, into random access memory as a portion of the memory 106 for execution by the processor 133. Thereafter, in box 166 the processor hardware driver loader 129 waits until the processor hardware application 126 is closed, usually at the direction of a user. Assuming this to be the case, then the processor hardware driver loader 129 proceeds to box 169 in which the processor hardware driver 133 is closed and deleted from the random access memory or other portion of the memory 106 upon which it was executed. Thereafter, in box 173, the processor hardware driver 133 is deleted from the mass storage device 113 as it is no longer needed for execution given that the processor hardware application 126 has been closed. In this respect, the functions of copying the processor hardware driver 133 to the mass storage device 113, loading and execution of the processor hardware driver 133, closing of the processor hardware driver 133, and deletion of the processor hardware driver 133 from the mass storage device 113 as depicted in boxes 159,163, 166, 169, and 173 are all implemented automatically without user intervention or input. In this respect, the user only needs to execute a single file, namely, the processor hardware application 126, and there is no need to load and execute a separate hardware driver compatible with the operating system 123 and the processor 103 in order to obtain access to the computer hardware of the computer system 100. Also, given the processor hardware drivers 133 are embedded in the processor hardware application 126 when it is created, there is no risk of inadvertently loading out-of-date processor hardware drivers 133 in conjunction with the execution of various processor hardware applications 126, thereby possibly resulting in system failure, etc. In addition, given that the processor hardware drivers 133 are automatically closed and deleted in boxes 169 and 173 above, the processor hardware driver loader 129 prevents the processor hardware drivers 133 from unnecessarily using memory storage capacity in the processor circuit of the computer system 100, thereby facilitating more efficient operation with respect to remaining applications executed thereon. Although the processor hardware application 126 and the processor hardware driver loader 129 as a portion thereof are embodied in software or code executed by general purpose hardware as discussed above, as an alternative the same may also be embodied in dedicated hardware or a combination of software/general purpose hardware and dedicated hardware. If embodied in dedicated hardware, the processor hardware application 126 and the processor hardware driver loader 129 as a portion thereof can be implemented as a circuit or state machine that employs any one of or a combination of a number of technologies. These technologies may include, but are not limited to, discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing various logic functions upon an application of one or more data signals, application specific integrated circuits having appropriate logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGA), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other components, etc. Such technologies are generally well known by those skilled in the art and, consequently, are not described in detail herein. The block diagram and flow chart of FIGS. 1 and 2 show the architecture, functionality, and operation of an implementation of the processor hardware application 126 and the processor hardware driver loader 129 as a portion thereof. If embodied in software, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that comprises program instructions to implement the specified logical function(s). The program instructions may be embodied in the form of source code that comprises human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that comprises numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system such as a processor in a computer system or other system. The machine code may be converted from the source code, etc. If embodied in hardware, each block may represent a circuit or a number of interconnected circuits to implement the specified logical function(s). Although flow chart of FIG. 2 shows a specific order of execution, it is understood that the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocks may be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession in FIG. 2 may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. In addition, any number of counters, state variables, warning semaphores, or messages might be added to the logical flow described herein, for purposes of enhanced utility, accounting, performance measurement, or providing troubleshooting aids, etc. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the present invention. Also, where the processor hardware application 126 and the processor hardware driver loader 129 as a portion thereof comprise software or code, each can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system such as, for example, a processor in a computer system or other system. In this sense, the logic may comprise, for example, statements including instructions and declarations that can be fetched from the computer-readable medium and executed by the instruction execution system. In the context of the present invention, a “computer-readable medium” can be any medium that can contain, store, or maintain the processor hardware application 126 and the processor hardware driver loader 129 as a portion thereof for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system. The computer readable medium can comprise any one of many physical media such as, for example, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor media. More specific examples of a suitable computer-readable medium would include, but are not limited to, magnetic tapes, magnetic floppy diskettes, magnetic hard drives, or compact discs. Also, the computer-readable medium may be a random access memory (RAM) including, for example, static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random access memory (MRAM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory device. With reference to FIG. 3, shown are steps of one example of a method 180 for execution of a driver such as, for example, processor hardware driver 133 in association with an application such as, for example, processor hardware application 126 (FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Beginning with step 183, the application such as the processor hardware application 126 is executed in a computer system 100. Thereafter, in step 186, a processor compatibility of an operating system 123 executed in a computer system 100 after the execution of the application 126, where the operating system 123 is compatible with one of a plurality of predefined types of processors 103. Then, in step 189, an association is drawn between the processor compatibility of the operating system 123 and one of a plurality of drivers 133 embedded in the application 126, the one of the drivers 133 being compatible with the operating system 123. Implementing an execution of the one of the drivers 133 that is compatible with the operating system 123 in the computer system 100. Although the invention is shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>In some situations, one may execute an application such as a system utility in a computer system that accesses various hardware in the computer system such as processor hardware or memory hardware to perform various functions such as memory analysis. Such applications typically require a driver to access the desired hardware. Currently computer systems employ one of multiple different types of processors that may be, for example, 32 bit processors, 64 bit processors, or other processors. Operating systems are provided in various different versions, where each version is adapted for one of the processor types. The driver needed to access the hardware on a given computer system is selected so as to match the version of the operating system running on the computer system. It can be confusing and time consuming to track which driver needs to be executed on a given computer system to provide computer hardware access in conjunction with the execution of a given application such as a system utility. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The invention can be understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Also, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. FIG. 1 is a drawing of a computer system that includes an application with multiple embedded drivers according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a processor hardware driver loader included in the application of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a flow chart of one example of a method for driver execution in association with an application according to an embodiment of the present invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040802 | 20080909 | 20060202 | 58018.0 | G06F946 | 0 | ANYA, CHARLES E | APPLICATION WITH MULTIPLE EMBEDDED DRIVERS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
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10,910,006 | ACCEPTED | Method and apparatus for determining authentication capabilities | A method is disclosed for determining the authentication capabilities of a supplicant before initiating an authentication conversation with a client, for example, using Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). In one aspect, the method provides for sending, to a supplicant that is requesting access to a computer network subject to authentication of a user of the supplicant, a list of first authentication methods that are supported by an authentication server; receiving, from the supplicant, a counter-list of second authentication methods that are supported by the supplicant; determining how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods; and performing an authentication policy action based on how many of the second authentication methods match the first authentication methods. Policy actions can include blocking access, re-directing to sources of acceptable authentication methods, granting one of several levels of network access, etc. | 1. A method, comprising the computer-implemented steps of: sending, to a supplicant that is requesting access to a computer network subject to authentication of a user of the supplicant, a list of first authentication methods that are supported by an authentication server; receiving, from the supplicant, a counter-list of second authentication methods that are supported by the supplicant; determining how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods; and performing an authentication policy action based on how many of the second authentication methods match the first authentication methods. 2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the determining and performing steps comprise: determining whether the counter-list identifies enough second authentication methods that match the first authentication methods, based on a policy applicable to the supplicant and identity information associated with the supplicant; and initiating an authentication conversation with the supplicant only when the counter-list identifies enough matching second authentication methods. 3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the authentication policy action comprises sending an authentication failure message to the supplicant when the counter-list fails to identify enough matching second authentication methods. 4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the authentication policy action comprises re-directing the supplicant to an authentication method provisioning system that contains one or more of the first authentication methods. 5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the authentication policy action comprises: initiating an authentication conversation with the supplicant based on one of the first authentication methods that matches; and if the authentication conversation is successful, granting one of a plurality of levels of access to the computer network based on how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods. 6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the authentication policy action comprises: initiating a plurality of authentication conversations with the supplicant based on a plurality of the first authentication methods that match; determining respective results for each of the plurality of authentication conversations; determining whether to grant access to one or more network resources based on results of each of the plurality of authentication conversations. 7. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein determining whether to grant access comprises granting one of a plurality of levels of access to the computer network based on the results of the plurality of authentication conversations. 8. A method as recited in any of claims 6 or 7, wherein the authentication conversations comprise any one or more of: receiving and evaluating machine certificates, machine identity information, software or policy compliance information, machine or user governance information, or performing other user or machine credential checks. 9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the authentication methods are Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) methods. 10. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the list of first authentication methods is sent in an EAP type-length-value (TLV) request. 11. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein the list of first authentication methods comprises one or more octet pairs, wherein a first octet of an octet pair comprises a number of an EAP method, and a second octet comprises a mandatory flag. 12. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first list is an ordered list. 13. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising establishing, before performing the steps of claim 1, an outer EAP tunnel authentication conversation between the supplicant and the authentication server. 14. A method of determining capabilities of a supplicant under Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: sending, to a supplicant that is requesting access to a computer network subject to authentication of a user of the supplicant, a list of first EAP methods that are supported by an authentication server, in a Capability Assertion Request comprising one or more EAP type-length-value objects; receiving, from the supplicant, a counter-list of second authentication methods that are supported by the supplicant, in a Capability Assertion Response comprising one or more EAP TLV objects; determining how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods; and performing an authentication policy action based on how many of the second authentication methods match the first authentication methods. 15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the determining and performing steps comprise: determining whether the counter-list identifies enough second authentication methods that match the first authentication methods, based on a policy applicable to the supplicant and identity information associated with the supplicant; and initiating an authentication conversation with the supplicant only when the counter-list identifies enough matching second authentication methods. 16. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the authentication policy action comprises sending an authentication failure message to the supplicant when the counter-list fails to identify enough matching second authentication methods. 17. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the authentication policy action comprises re-directing the supplicant to an authentication method provisioning system that contains one or more of the first authentication methods. 18. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the authentication policy action comprises: initiating an authentication conversation with the supplicant based on one of the first authentication methods that matches; and if the authentication conversation is successful, granting one of a plurality of levels of access to the computer network based on how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods. 19. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the authentication policy action comprises: initiating a plurality of authentication conversations with the supplicant based on a plurality of the first authentication methods that match; and determining respective results for each of the plurality of authentication conversations; determining whether to grant access to one or more network resources based on results of each of the plurality of authentication conversations. 20. A method as recited in claim 19, wherein determining whether to grant access comprises granting one of a plurality of levels of access to the computer network based on the results of the plurality of authentication conversations. 21. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the list of first authentication methods comprises one or more octet pairs, wherein a first octet of an octet pair comprises a number of an EAP method, and a second octet comprises a mandatory flag. 22. A method as recited in claim 14, further comprising establishing, before performing the steps of claim 1, an outer EAP tunnel authentication conversation between the supplicant and the authentication server. 23. A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions, which instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13. 24. An apparatus, comprising: means for sending, to a supplicant that is requesting access to a computer network subject to authentication of a user of the supplicant, a list of first authentication methods that are supported by an authentication server; means for receiving, from the supplicant, a counter-list of second authentication methods that are supported by the supplicant; means for determining how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods; and means for performing an authentication policy action based on how many of the second authentication methods match the first authentication methods. 25. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, further comprising means for performing the functions recited in the steps of any of claims 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13. 26. An apparatus for providing multiple authentication types within an authentication protocol that supports a single type of authentication for a client in communication with an authorization server over a network, comprising: a network interface that is coupled to the data network for receiving one or more packet flows therefrom; a processor; one or more stored sequences of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out the steps of any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to data processing in the field of user authentication in networks. The invention relates more specifically to a method and apparatus for determining authentication capabilities of a client or supplicant. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. A user authentication process is normally used in networks that carry data, voice or other information to determine whether a user or client seeking to access a network actually is who the user purports to be. Numerous message protocols have been developed to specify how to perform authentication with network devices such as switches, routers, gateways, and gatekeepers. Typically, an authentication protocol requires a client to prove its identity by offering a data credential that is verified in a secure manner by an authentication server. Some such servers also perform network access control and accounting functions and therefore are termed authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) servers. A commercial example is CiscoSecure Access Control Server, from Cisco Systems, Inc. The emergence of numerous diverse authentication protocols spurred a movement toward developing a generalized authentication protocol that could be extended to support various platforms and purposes. An authentication approach for network devices is described in L. Blunk et al., “PPP Extensible Authentication Protocol,” IETF Request for Comments 2284, March 1998, and other aspects of EAP are described in RFC 2716, 3579, etc. The “EAP” approach of RFC 2284 provides a generalized way for a first network element to authenticate the identity of a second network element. EAP is becoming the preferred user authentication protocol for most types of network sessions across different network devices. In large part, this popularity stems from the extensible nature of EAP, which allows any device that provides generic support for the protocol to transparently support new authentication protocols, known as EAP methods. EAP implementations have been developed for many specific contexts. For example, in the context of mobile wireless devices that use the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), an approach for authentication and deriving session keys using the GSM Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is described in H. Haverinen et al., “EAP SIM Authentication,” IETF Internet-Draft, February 2003. In these contexts, EAP generally results in exchanging authentication credentials, and may include a key exchange in which peers acquire keys needed to decipher packets sent under a link layer protocol, such as IEEE 802.11. Wireless local area networks such as those that use the 802.1x protocol for wireless communications now commonly use EAP for user authentication. A wireless client device, such as a laptop computer, that is seeking to obtain network access is termed a supplicant. An AAA server provides user authentication services to an access router that intercepts requests of the supplicant; the access router has the role of a client with respect to the AAA server. EAP supplicants and servers are typically used in a relatively simple operational configuration in which one encrypted outer EAP method protects messages communicated using one inner EAP method. For example, the outer method may be EAP-PEAP and the inside method may comprise EAP GTC, in which the user uses a cryptographic token card to supply a user credential, or the inside method may comprise Microsoft Challenge-Authentication Protocol (MS-CHAP). However, EAP sequences are becoming more widely deployed inside tunneled EAP methods, such as EAP-PEAPv2 and EAP-FAST, to provide authentication using more than one authentication factor, user authorization, validating that the supplicant has a required software configuration (“posture validation”), and other processes. These approaches introduce a greater burden on AAA servers, as these new methods require multiple cycles of challenge and response messages, and each message may require breaking into small fragments because they exceed the maximum transportable unit size of the transport medium (e.g., a WLAN) or transport protocol. Therefore, it is desirable not to burden an AAA server with a user authentication transaction unless it is relatively certain that the supplicant can perform as required in the transaction. Further, new AAA server features may include more flexible policy-based access control. For example, authentication protocols no longer need to be statically pre-programmed into devices and supplicants. However, the whole authentication message sequence can fail at the last stage if the supplicant is not configured correctly. For this further reason, it is desirable not to initiate a message sequence if the supplicant cannot complete the sequence. Type-length-value triplets (TLVs) are now used inside tunneled EAP methods to create sequences of EAP methods. This approach is required because the EAP specification states that top-level EAP methods cannot be chained. Hence an EAP method only receives an EAP-TLV, and a sequence of methods occurs conceptually “inside” the EAP-TLV exchange. As defined in RFC 2284, each EAP message includes a “Type” field, which indicates the EAP method being used for the authentication of the session. The Type field is required regardless of which encapsulation type is used to transport the EAP message, such as Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS), which is defined in IETF RFC 2138; point-to-point protocol (PPP), as defined in RFC 1661; EAPOL, etc. EAP-TLV is EAP type 33. A protected version of EAP using TLS is also available, and is effectively the same as using a TLV inside EAP-PEAP or EAP-FAST. Co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/071,455, filed Feb. 8, 2002, claims a security capability negotiation in the context of SSL ciphersuites, and has the following abstract: “A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing data from a service to a client based on the encryption capabilities of the client. Cipher suite lists are exchanged between a client and an endpoint. On the endpoint, the cipher suite list incorporates a mapping of cipher suite names to services. The endpoint uses the client's list of cipher suites in conjunction with the mapping of cipher suite names to services to determine a cipher suite match. A service is selected based on the cipher suite match. A server farm is selected based on the service. The client is informed of this cipher suite match and the endpoint retains knowledge of the cipher suite match throughout the session. Therefore, the encrypted connection between the client and the endpoint can be disconnected and later reestablished to provide data from the particular server.” Other handshake mechanisms and negotiation protocols have been used in other contexts, but they do not address the needs identified here. Based on the foregoing, there is a clear need for an approach for determining the authentication capabilities of a supplicant before initiating a authentication process that may consume significant server resources. It would be useful to have such a mechanism that is compatible with existing protocol infrastructure in general, and compatible with EAP in particular. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates an example network arrangement in which an embodiment can be used; FIG. 1B is a flow diagram that shows an example method of determining authentication capabilities; FIG. 2A is a message flow diagram that illustrates a second example method of providing determining authentication capabilities; FIG. 2B is a flow diagram that illustrates further steps and messages in the method of FIG. 2A; FIG. 2C is a message flow diagram that illustrates a third example method of determining authentication capabilities; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a capability assertion request or response message; FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system with which an embodiment may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A method and apparatus for providing multiple authentication types within an authentication protocol that supports a single type of authentication is described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Embodiments are described herein according to the following outline: 1.0 General Overview 2.0 Structural and Functional Overview 3.0 Extensible Authentication Protocol Implementation of Method of Determining Authentication Capabilities 3.1 Process and Message Flow 3.2 Using Multiple Authentication Types and Policy Rules 4.0 Implementation Mechanisms—Hardware Overview 5.0 Extensions and Alternatives 1.0 General Overview The needs identified in the foregoing Background, and other needs and objects that will become apparent for the following description, are achieved in the present invention, which comprises, in one aspect, a method for determining the authentication capabilities of a supplicant before initiating an authentication conversation with a client, for example, using Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). As an example, the method provides for sending, to a supplicant that is requesting access to a computer network subject to authentication of a user of the supplicant, a list of first authentication methods that are supported by an authentication server; receiving, from the supplicant, a counter-list of second authentication methods that are supported by the supplicant; determining how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods; and performing an authentication policy action based on how many of the second authentication methods match the first authentication methods. Policy actions can include blocking access, re-directing to sources of acceptable authentication methods, granting one of several levels of network access, etc. In one feature, the determining and performing steps comprise determining whether the counter-list identifies enough second authentication methods that match the first authentication methods, based on a policy applicable to the supplicant; and initiating an authentication conversation with the supplicant only when the counter-list identifies enough matching second authentication methods. In another feature, the authentication policy action comprises sending an authentication failure message to the supplicant when the counter-list fails to identify enough matching second authentication methods. Additionally or alternatively, the authentication policy action comprises re-directing the supplicant to an authentication method provisioning system that contains one or more of the first authentication methods. In another embodiment, the authentication policy action comprises initiating an authentication conversation with the supplicant based on one of the first authentication methods that matches; and if the authentication conversation is successful, granting one of a plurality of levels of access to the computer network based on how many second authentication methods in the counter-list match the first authentication methods. According to another feature, the authentication policy action comprises initiating a plurality of authentication conversations with the supplicant based on a plurality of the first authentication methods that match; determining respective results for each of the plurality of authentication conversations; and determining whether to grant access to one or more network resources based on results of each of the plurality of authentication conversations. In yet another feature, determining whether to grant access comprises granting one of a plurality of levels of access to the computer network based on the results of the plurality of authentication conversations. The authentication conversations may comprise receiving and evaluating machine certificates, machine identity information, software or policy compliance information, machine or user governance information, or performing other user or machine credential checks. In still another feature, the authentication methods are Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) methods. The list of first authentication methods may be sent in an EAP type-length-value (TLV) request. The list of first authentication methods may comprise one or more octet pairs, wherein a first octet of an octet pair comprises a number of an EAP method, and a second octet comprises a mandatory flag. The first list may be an ordered list. In still another feature, the method, further involves establishing, before performing the other steps, an outer EAP tunnel authentication conversation between the supplicant and the authentication server. Moreover, complex policy rules may define how to apply multiple authentication methods to a particular client or user, for example, based on the results of a determination of the authentication capabilities of the supplicant. As a result, a network can apply multiple levels of network access to a client or user based on whether the client or user succeeds in one, all, or multiple authentication processes. In other aspects, the invention encompasses a computer apparatus and a computer-readable medium configured to carry out the foregoing steps. 2.0 Structural and Functional Overview FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates an example network arrangement in which an embodiment can be used. A user 102 is associated with a client 104 that is communicatively coupled to a public network 106 and indirectly communicatively coupled to an enterprise network 110. In the terminology of the RFC that describes EAP, a client system is termed a “supplicant,” and in this description client 104 is such a supplicant. Client 104 may execute, for example, the 802.1x supplicant available from Microsoft. An access server 108, or AAA client, controls access to enterprise network 110, in cooperation with authentication server 120. The access server 108 is termed an AAA client because authentication server 120 services authentication requests of the access server. Client 104 is any network-compatible end station, such as a personal computer or workstation. Network 106 may be any local area network, wide area network, or one or more internetworks. Enterprise network 110 is any network, including a WLAN, that holds one or more network resources 140 that client 104 is seeking to access. In certain embodiments, networks 106, 110 may be the same; thus, FIG. 1 is intended to broadly encompass any network arrangement in which an untrusted client 104 is seeking access to a resource 140 that is held in a secure network. Access server 108 is, in one embodiment, a network router that is configured to perform access control functions. An example is Cisco Access Server AS5300, commercially available from Cisco Systems, Inc., San Jose, Calif. The EAP-compliant embodiments described herein may be implemented using any EAP-capable platform, including switches, routers, network elements that support VPN, wireless gateways, firewalls, etc. Authentication server 120 is a server-class computer that is configured to securely store user authentication information such as usernames and passwords, and to perform authentication protocols, algorithms, and supporting processes, such as one-time password (OTP) validation, encryption and decryption, message digest evaluation, etc. In one embodiment, authentication server 120 communicates with access server 108 using a secure protocol that is optimized for use in authentication. An example of a suitable protocol is RADIUS. Optionally a policy server 130 is communicatively coupled to network 110 and/or to authentication server 120, or is integrated with the authentication server. The policy server 130 provides a repository of authentication policies that the authentication server 120 may consult to determine how to interact with client 104. For example, policy server 130 may specify a minimum required authentication method that client 104 must be capable of using for authentication, a particular kind of credential that the client must present in addition to completing successful authentication, etc. In this arrangement, client 104 must successfully authenticate itself to access server 108, in cooperation with authentication server 120, to gain access to resource 140. Any of several authentication protocols may be used to perform authentication. An example of a suitable authentication protocol is PEAP, which is an EAP-compliant protocol that is performed as part of establishing a PPP connection between client 104 and access server 108. In an object-oriented environment, logic that defines messages and actions performed as part of the authentication protocol can be structured as an authentication method 112A that client 104 accesses or calls using an application programming interface (API) 114A. A compatible authentication method 112B is callable by authentication server 120 using API 114B. In general, under EAP, when client 104 attempts to access enterprise network 110, access server 108 contacts the client and requests identity information, which the client provides in a response. Thus, client 104 and access server 108 establish a logical connection 130A. Access server 108 then passes all subsequent messages involved in the authentication protocol, and issued by client 104, to authentication server 120, and forwards related messages directed from the authentication server to the client. Accordingly, client 104 and authentication 120 effectively establish a logical connection 130B until the authentication protocol terminates. As a result, authentication server 120 can use authentication method 112B to determine its authentication behavior since it represents the logical endpoint of the authentication protocol conversation. For purposes of illustrating a clear example, the following discussion of FIG. 1B, FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C, and FIG. 3 references communications among elements of FIG. 1A. However, FIG. 1A represents merely one example of a network arrangement, and the techniques described herein may be used in many other network arrangements. FIG. 1B is a flow diagram that shows an example method of determining authentication capabilities. In step 150, an authentication server sends a supplicant a list of first authentication methods that are supported by the authentication server. For example, in the context of FIG. 1A, authentication server 120 sends client 104 a list of EAP authentication method types that the authentication server supports or requires. Authentication server 120 may determine or form the contents of the list based on querying policy server 130 about authentication requirements for the client 104. In one embodiment, the list is ordered. Using an ordered list may provide certain performance enhancements. For example, ordering EAP credentials could serve to terminate, earlier, authentication requests that are certain to fail, and can possibly terminate such requests before the authentication server performs computational intensive operations such as computing public key values. However, using an ordered list is not required. In step 152, the supplicant sends a counter-list of second authentication methods. The counter-list may comprise all authentication methods that are supported by the supplicant. Alternatively, the counter-list may comprise only those authentication methods that are supported by the supplicant and that are also in the list of first authentication methods supported by the authentication server, representing an intersection of lists maintained by the supplicant and authentication server. In step 154, the authentication server determines how many of the second authentication methods match the list of first authentication methods or are supported by the authentication server. Thus, step 154 generally involves determining how the authentication capabilities asserted by the supplicant match the requirements of the authentication server. To perform step 154, authentication server 120 may compare its list to the list received from client 104, independently or using further consultation with the policy server 130. In step 156, an authentication policy action is performed based on how many of the second authentication methods match the list of first authentication methods or are supported by the authentication server. Step 156 encompasses a variety of possible actions as shown, for example, in block 162, 164, 166, 168, and 170. Example actions may include refusing network access if the supplicant does not support a required authentication method (block 162). The authentication server may re-direct the supplicant to a network resource that contains one or more of the authentication methods that the authentication server requires, as in block 164, so that the supplicant can download and install the required authentication method. Further, as shown in block 166, the authentication server 120 may instruct the access server 108 to grant a selected level of network access based on how well the authentication capabilities of the supplicant match requirements of the authentication server. For example, authentication server 120 can configure an access control list (ACL) of a particular type on access server 108 to limit what resources supplicant 104 can access. As shown in block 168, the authentication server may request and evaluate other credentials from the supplicant. The authentication server may determine which other credentials to request based on consultation with the policy server 130 or based on information about the user 102, client 104, location of the user or client, time of day, type of machine, type of connection, etc. Block 168 also may involve initiating a RADIUS conversation, performing an MS-CHAP challenge, etc. Step 156 also may involve creating a log entry at the authentication server if the supplicant is determined not to support a required authentication method. In one embodiment, such log entries are specifically labeled as capability assertion failures. This technique makes the authentication server log easier for an administrator to interpret, as an administrator can to determine from the log that an authentication failure specifically occurred because of inadequate configuration of the supplicant. Using this approach, policy negotiation of logins can be achieved. For instance, a user could request network access from a remote location or home location, on a work day or weekend, using a work-configured laptop or home machine, from a wired connection, wireless connection, VPN connection, etc. Based on information identifying these characteristics, policy server 130 or authentication server 120 can require the supplicant to present any of several different types of credentials, such as a machine identifier, token-card value, information about a software configuration of the user machine such as whether the user machine has antivirus software, a personal firewall, a particular operating system software image, certain required operating system security patches, etc. Thus, the approach disclosed herein facilitates complex policy negotiations involving one or more iterations, sequencing and timing to address myriad authentication scenarios and permutations that may be required according to various policies. 3.0 Extensible Authentication Protocol Implementation of Method of Determining Authentication Capabilities The preceding description of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B is protocol independent. However, specific embodiments may implement the general techniques of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B in the context of a specific authentication protocol, such as PEAP or any other EAP-compliant protocol. 3.1 Process and Message Flow FIG. 2A is a message flow diagram that illustrates a second example method of providing determining authentication capabilities; FIG. 2B is a flow diagram that illustrates further steps and messages in the method of FIG. 2A. The processes of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B show the general techniques of FIG. 1B applied in the EAP context. Referring first to FIG. 2A, a supplicant 104, such as client 104 of FIG. 1A, initiates an EAP conversation by sending an EAP over LAN (“EAPOL”) Start message 202 to access server 108, which has the role of an authenticator in FIG. 2A. Typically, EAPOL-Start message 202 is sent by supplicant 104 after the supplicant seeks to access a protected resource, such as resource 140, and receives a response from access server 108 indicating that access is denied. The authenticator 108, which may be an edge router, firewall, gateway, or server, then issues an EAP-Request message 204 with subtype Identity. The message 204 operates as a request for the supplicant to identify itself. In response, supplicant 104 sends an EAP-Response message 206 with subtype Identity, and includes identifying information in a message attribute. For example, when the client is a mobile wireless device operating in a GSM network, the identifying information could be the user's International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) value or a temporary identity value. However, a separate identity exchange is not always required for EAP-SIM and AKA. Authenticator 108 forwards message 206 to authentication server 120, as indicated by arrow 207. In response, authentication server 120 forms a Capability Assertion Request containing a list of supported EAP method types and sends the request to supplicant 104, as shown in step 208. Authentication server 120 may determine the specific method types that are contained in the Capability Assertion Request by querying policy server 130 for authentication policies applicable to supplicant 104 based, for example, on the identity information received from the supplicant. In one embodiment, the Capability Assertion Request is carried within an EAP type-length-value (“TLV”) attribute. EAP TLVs are described in T. Hiller et al., “A Container Type for the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP),” IETF internet-draft “<draft-hiller-eap-tlv-01.txt>” of May 2003. If additional security is desired, then alternatively, the Capability Assertion Request is carried in a protected EAP TLV. The use of EAP protected TLV attributes is described in J. Salowey, “Protected EAP TLV,” March 2003, available at the time of this writing in the document draft-salowey-eap-protectedtlv-01.txt at the internet-drafts directory of the IETF.org domain on the World Wide Web. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a capability assertion request or response message, according to one embodiment, which can be used in an EAP embodiment over PPP. A PPP data link layer frame 302 comprises, among other data, a protocol field 304 and an information field 306. A value of hexadecimal “C227” in protocol field 304 signals that PEAP is in use and that information field 306 contains an EAP-compliant packet. Information field 306 carries an EAP-Capability Assertion request or response packet 310 having a Code field 312, Identifier field 314, Type field 316, Length field 318, and Type-data field 320. As provided in conventional EAP request or response packets, Code field 312 specifies whether the packet represents a Request or Response. Identifier field 314 stores a sequence number or similar value that aids in matching responses with requests. Length field 316 indicates the length of the EAP packet including all fields. Unlike conventional PEAP or other EAP-compliant protocols, according to an embodiment, the Type field 316 carries a value specifying that multiple authentications is in use. Any value that uniquely identifies multiple authentications may be used. IETF RFC 2284 defines Type values 1 through 6, and other later RFCs may define other Type values; thus, a Type value other than those previously defined should be selected. As an example, in FIG. 3 a Type value of “8” indicates that the packet is a Capability Assertion Request according to the techniques herein. Further, unlike conventional PEAP or other EAP-compliant protocols, according to an embodiment, the Type-Data field 320 carries a value that is structured as an EAP-compliant TLV object. The TLV object 320 comprises Mandatory flag 313, Reserved flag 315, Type value 317, Length field 319, and Value field 321. The Mandatory flag 313 indicates whether processing the TLV object 320 is mandatory and normally always has a value of “1” to indicate mandatory processing. The Reserved flag 315 is reserved for future use in the EAP specifications and is undefined for the techniques herein. The Type value 317 carries a value indicating that the TLV object is a list of supported authentication methods for a Capability Assertion Request. The Length field 319 indicates the length of the Value field 321. Value field 321 comprises a list of octet pairs that identify authentication methods. As an example, in a first octet pair, a first octet 322A specifies an EAP method type using a value from 0 to 255, and a Mandatory octet 324A carries a flag value indicating whether support for the associated EAP type is mandatory. For example, a value of “1” indicates mandatory use. There may be any number of octet pairs in the Value field 321. The octet pairs may be ordered according to an order of priority of support by a supplicant. Referring again to FIG. 2A, in step 210 the supplicant 104 replies to message 208 by forming and sending to the authentication server 120 an EAP-TLV Capability Assertion Response that contains a list of EAP method types that are supported by the supplicant. Optionally, step 210 may further involve the supplicant 104 prompting the user 102 to specify which EAP method the user wishes to use in interacting with the authentication server 120, receiving user input selecting of a method, and forming a Capability Assertion Response that identifies the selected method. In step 212, the authentication server 120 performs any of the authentication policy actions described above with respect to FIG. 1B, step 156 and blocks 162-170. As an example, in FIG. 2A, step 212 comprises determining whether the supported EAP method types identified in message 210 are sufficient. If not, then authentication server 120 sends an EAP-FAIL message 214A to supplicant 104. Thus, the authentication server can immediately reject the authentication transaction if the supplicant is not configured adequately. Because the supplicant already knows the EAP methods that it was asked for but could not support, software or processes at the supplicant can generate user interface messages, create log entries, or perform other user feedback actions that give the user 102 a better understanding about why authentication failed than is available in prior approaches. For example, in a Windows XP environment, authentication failure can result in supplicant 104 presenting a pop-up message to user 102 in the Windows system tray area. Additionally, authentication server 120 may re-direct the supplicant to an authentication provisioning system, as shown in step 214B. An authentication provisioning system may be provided in the network arrangement of FIG. 1A to provide a source for the supplicant 104 to download one or more authentication methods that the authentication server 120 requires but that are not currently supported by the supplicant. After downloading the required methods, the supplicant can attempt authentication again. If the test of step 212 has a positive result, then control passes to FIG. 2B. In one embodiment, in step 216, the authentication server issues a Start message for a selected EAP authentication method in the list received in message 210. As a result, the supplicant and authentication server perform an inner EAP method conversation, step 218, using an EAP method selected from an intersection of the two lists respectively proposed by the authentication server and the supplicant. In step 220, based on results of the conversation of step 218, the authentication server sends either a success or failure message to the supplicant 104. At step 222, the authentication server determines whether to initiate another inner authentication conversation. Step 222 may involve the authentication server 120 consulting policy information obtained from policy server 130 to determine whether additional authentication methods must be performed. Step 222 also may involve performing tests to determine whether the client has an acceptable security posture, including a particular type of required software, a required connection type, location, time of day for login, etc. (collectively termed “client posture validation”). At step 226, after all required EAP methods or other authentication checks are performed successfully, processing may continue with performing the PPP network-layer protocol phase, according to known techniques. 3.2 Using Multiple Authentication Types and Policy Rules FIG. 2C is a message flow diagram that illustrates a third example method of determining authentication capabilities. Because EAP-TLV allows sequences of EAP types to be chained by wrapping them in a single outer type, the new EAP TLV Capability Assertion Request type defined herein can run either in the clear, outside a tunnel, and hence wrap all subsequent EAP methods, or inside a tunneled EAP method prior to other inner TLV types, or both. For example, referring to FIG. 2C, in one embodiment, steps 202, 204, and 206 are performed as described above for FIG. 2A, and then as shown in step 230 a conventional outer EAP method conversation is performed to establish a secure tunnel between the supplicant 104 and the authentication server 120. Within the secure tunnel, in step 232 a capability assertion conversation is performed as shown in step 208 to step 222, inclusive, of FIG. 2A-FIG. 2B. Optionally, at step 234 one or more inner method conversations, authentication actions, credential challenges, supplicant configuration checks or posture validation, policy server interactions, etc., may be performed. Thus any number of authentication mechanisms may be chained together. When 802.1x is used, no network traffic can flow from the enterprise network to the supplicant until the entire chain completes successfully. Embodiments may be used with a variety of inner and outer EAP authentication protocols. For example, one embodiment may use EAP-SIM authentication, as described in Haverinen et al. Alternatively, embodiments may use EAP-AKA authentication, which is described in J. Arkko, “EAP AKA Authentication,” February 2003, available at the time of this writing in the document draft-arkko-pppext-eap-aka-09.txt, in directory Internet-Drafts of the IETF.org domain on the World Wide Web. Thus, using one embodiment of the general techniques described herein, an AAA server sends, to the supplicant, an n-ordered list of EAP types that are supported or required by the server. The list is provided in a Capability Assertion Request (CAR). The supplicant responds with a list of EAP types for which it is configured, or that the end user has selected in response to a prompt, as its Capability Assertion Response. The AAA server and client negotiate, within an EAP-TLV dialog, an acceptable EAP type that meets requirements of the server. In effect, these techniques allow the AAA server to query the supplicant about its identity and capabilities before expending server resources on actually performing an authentication conversation. As a result, the techniques herein can result in fewer wasted server CPU cycles involved in processing authentication requests that ultimately will fail. Further, various embodiments provide more intuitive feedback to the supplicant and end user; AAA server logs that are easier to interpret because Capability Assertion Request failures will be logged as such, enabling an administrator to specifically determine that an authentication failure occurred because of inadequate configuration of the supplicant; and convenient re-direction of the end user when insufficient credential matching occurs. 4.0 Implementation Mechanisms—Hardware Overview FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 400 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Computer system 400 includes a bus 402 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 404 coupled with bus 402 for processing information. Computer system 400 also includes a main memory 406, such as a random access memory (“RAM”) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 402 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 404. Main memory 406 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 404. Computer system 400 further includes a read only memory (“ROM”) 408 or other static storage device coupled to bus 402 for storing static information and instructions for processor 404. A storage device 410, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 402 for storing information and instructions. Computer system 400 may be coupled via bus 402 to a display 412, such as a cathode ray tube (“CRT”), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 414, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 402 for communicating information and command selections to processor 404. Another type of user input device is cursor control 416, such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 404 and for controlling cursor movement on display 412. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane. The invention is related to the use of computer system 400 for providing multiple authentication types within an authentication protocol that supports a single type. According to one embodiment of the invention, providing multiple authentication types within an authentication protocol that supports a single type is provided by computer system 400 in response to processor 404 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 406. Such instructions may be read into main memory 406 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 410. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 406 causes processor 404 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 404 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 410. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 406. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 402. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 404 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 400 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on bus 402. Bus 402 carries the data to main memory 406, from which processor 404 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory 406 may optionally be stored on storage device 410 either before or after execution by processor 404. Computer system 400 also includes a communication interface 418 coupled to bus 402. Communication interface 418 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 420 that is connected to a local network 422. For example, communication interface 418 may be an integrated services digital network (“ISDN”) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 418 may be a local area network (“LAN”) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 418 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. Network link 420 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 420 may provide a connection through local network 422 to a host computer 424 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) 426. ISP 426 in turn provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet” 428. Local network 422 and Internet 428 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link 420 and through communication interface 418, which carry the digital data to and from computer system 400, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information. Computer system 400 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link 420 and communication interface 418. In the Internet example, a server 430 might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet 428, ISP 426, local network 422 and communication interface 418. In accordance with the invention, one such downloaded application provides for providing multiple authentication types within an authentication protocol that supports a single type as described herein. Processor 404 may execute the received code as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 410, or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, computer system 400 may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave. 5.0 Extensions and Alternatives In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. A user authentication process is normally used in networks that carry data, voice or other information to determine whether a user or client seeking to access a network actually is who the user purports to be. Numerous message protocols have been developed to specify how to perform authentication with network devices such as switches, routers, gateways, and gatekeepers. Typically, an authentication protocol requires a client to prove its identity by offering a data credential that is verified in a secure manner by an authentication server. Some such servers also perform network access control and accounting functions and therefore are termed authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) servers. A commercial example is CiscoSecure Access Control Server, from Cisco Systems, Inc. The emergence of numerous diverse authentication protocols spurred a movement toward developing a generalized authentication protocol that could be extended to support various platforms and purposes. An authentication approach for network devices is described in L. Blunk et al., “PPP Extensible Authentication Protocol,” IETF Request for Comments 2284 , March 1998, and other aspects of EAP are described in RFC 2716, 3579, etc. The “EAP” approach of RFC 2284 provides a generalized way for a first network element to authenticate the identity of a second network element. EAP is becoming the preferred user authentication protocol for most types of network sessions across different network devices. In large part, this popularity stems from the extensible nature of EAP, which allows any device that provides generic support for the protocol to transparently support new authentication protocols, known as EAP methods. EAP implementations have been developed for many specific contexts. For example, in the context of mobile wireless devices that use the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), an approach for authentication and deriving session keys using the GSM Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is described in H. Haverinen et al., “EAP SIM Authentication,” IETF Internet-Draft, February 2003. In these contexts, EAP generally results in exchanging authentication credentials, and may include a key exchange in which peers acquire keys needed to decipher packets sent under a link layer protocol, such as IEEE 802.11. Wireless local area networks such as those that use the 802.1x protocol for wireless communications now commonly use EAP for user authentication. A wireless client device, such as a laptop computer, that is seeking to obtain network access is termed a supplicant. An AAA server provides user authentication services to an access router that intercepts requests of the supplicant; the access router has the role of a client with respect to the AAA server. EAP supplicants and servers are typically used in a relatively simple operational configuration in which one encrypted outer EAP method protects messages communicated using one inner EAP method. For example, the outer method may be EAP-PEAP and the inside method may comprise EAP GTC, in which the user uses a cryptographic token card to supply a user credential, or the inside method may comprise Microsoft Challenge-Authentication Protocol (MS-CHAP). However, EAP sequences are becoming more widely deployed inside tunneled EAP methods, such as EAP-PEAPv2 and EAP-FAST, to provide authentication using more than one authentication factor, user authorization, validating that the supplicant has a required software configuration (“posture validation”), and other processes. These approaches introduce a greater burden on AAA servers, as these new methods require multiple cycles of challenge and response messages, and each message may require breaking into small fragments because they exceed the maximum transportable unit size of the transport medium (e.g., a WLAN) or transport protocol. Therefore, it is desirable not to burden an AAA server with a user authentication transaction unless it is relatively certain that the supplicant can perform as required in the transaction. Further, new AAA server features may include more flexible policy-based access control. For example, authentication protocols no longer need to be statically pre-programmed into devices and supplicants. However, the whole authentication message sequence can fail at the last stage if the supplicant is not configured correctly. For this further reason, it is desirable not to initiate a message sequence if the supplicant cannot complete the sequence. Type-length-value triplets (TLVs) are now used inside tunneled EAP methods to create sequences of EAP methods. This approach is required because the EAP specification states that top-level EAP methods cannot be chained. Hence an EAP method only receives an EAP-TLV, and a sequence of methods occurs conceptually “inside” the EAP-TLV exchange. As defined in RFC 2284, each EAP message includes a “Type” field, which indicates the EAP method being used for the authentication of the session. The Type field is required regardless of which encapsulation type is used to transport the EAP message, such as Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS), which is defined in IETF RFC 2138; point-to-point protocol (PPP), as defined in RFC 1661; EAPOL, etc. EAP-TLV is EAP type 33. A protected version of EAP using TLS is also available, and is effectively the same as using a TLV inside EAP-PEAP or EAP-FAST. Co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/071,455, filed Feb. 8, 2002, claims a security capability negotiation in the context of SSL ciphersuites, and has the following abstract: “A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing data from a service to a client based on the encryption capabilities of the client. Cipher suite lists are exchanged between a client and an endpoint. On the endpoint, the cipher suite list incorporates a mapping of cipher suite names to services. The endpoint uses the client's list of cipher suites in conjunction with the mapping of cipher suite names to services to determine a cipher suite match. A service is selected based on the cipher suite match. A server farm is selected based on the service. The client is informed of this cipher suite match and the endpoint retains knowledge of the cipher suite match throughout the session. Therefore, the encrypted connection between the client and the endpoint can be disconnected and later reestablished to provide data from the particular server.” Other handshake mechanisms and negotiation protocols have been used in other contexts, but they do not address the needs identified here. Based on the foregoing, there is a clear need for an approach for determining the authentication capabilities of a supplicant before initiating a authentication process that may consume significant server resources. It would be useful to have such a mechanism that is compatible with existing protocol infrastructure in general, and compatible with EAP in particular. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates an example network arrangement in which an embodiment can be used; FIG. 1B is a flow diagram that shows an example method of determining authentication capabilities; FIG. 2A is a message flow diagram that illustrates a second example method of providing determining authentication capabilities; FIG. 2B is a flow diagram that illustrates further steps and messages in the method of FIG. 2A ; FIG. 2C is a message flow diagram that illustrates a third example method of determining authentication capabilities; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a capability assertion request or response message; FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system with which an embodiment may be implemented. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040802 | 20070320 | 20060202 | 62693.0 | G06K900 | 0 | BAUM, RONALD | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AUTHENTICATION CAPABILITIES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06K | 2,004 |
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10,910,177 | ACCEPTED | Adjuster for headlamp assembly | A lightweight and compact headlamp adjuster is constructed primarily from plastic materials. The adjuster may include a VHAD that is non-recalibratable after the headlamp aim is factory set. The adjuster includes an input shaft that engages a gear located within a housing. When the input shaft is rotated, a ball stud moves linearly to adjust the headlamp to which it is connected. The adjuster is not subject to over-adjustment when it includes a clutching mechanism provided by the interaction of the ball stud with the gear. | 1-22. (canceled) 23. An adjustment mechanism comprising: an adjuster housing having a ball-stud support cavity with an unthreaded portion and a threaded portion; an adjustment gear having an interior surface with a drive portion and an exterior surface with a toothed portion; a ball stud having a threaded portion and a driven portion; at least a portion of the ball stud passing through the adjustment gear, the ball stud journaled at least partially within the ball stud support cavity by the threaded portion and the unthreaded portion; and wherein the adjustment gear is adapted to engage a bevel gear. 24. An input shaft extending from the housing, the input shaft having a bevel gear at an end thereof, the bevel gear at the end of the input shaft in engagement with the toothed portion of the adjustment gear. 25. The adjustment mechanism of claim 24 wherein the drive portion of the interior surface of the adjustment gear is a splined portion and the wherein the driven portion of the ball stud is a splined portion that corresponds to the splined portion of the adjustment gear. 26. The adjustment mechanism of claim 24 further including a VHAD in communication with the input shaft. 27. The adjustment mechanism of claim 23 further including a gasket on an exterior surface of the housing and an O-ring surrounding at least a portion of the exterior surface of the ball stud. 28. The adjustment mechanism of claim 27 wherein the O-ring and gasket are integrally over-molded to the adjuster housing. 29. The adjustment mechanism of claim 23 wherein the threaded portion of the ball stud interfaces with a lip on the housing such that rotation of the ball stud results in axial movement of the ball stud. 30. The adjustment mechanism of claim 23 wherein the adjustment gear has at least one tang selectively in clutching engagement with the splined portion of the ball stud. 31. The adjustment mechanism of claim 23 wherein the adjuster housing is formed as part of a headlamp housing. 32. An adjustment mechanism comprising: an adjuster housing having a ball-stud support cavity with an unthreaded portion and a threaded portion; an adjustment gear at least partially journaled within the adjuster housing; an input shaft extending from the housing, the input shaft having a bevel gear at an end thereof, the bevel gear on the end of the input shaft in engagement with the adjustment gear such that rotation of the input shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the adjustment gear; and a ball stud having a threaded portion and a driven portion, at least a portion of the ball stud passing through the adjustment gear, rotation of the adjustment gear causing axial movement of the ball stud, the ball stud being journaled at least partially within the ball-stud support cavity by the threaded portion and the unthreaded portion. 33. The adjustment mechanism of claim 32 further including a clutching means that includes at least one tang for selectively engaging the driven portion of the ball stud. 34. The adjustment mechanism of claim 32 further including a VHAD in communication with the input shaft. 35. The adjustment mechanism of claim 32 wherein the driven portion of the ball stud is selectively engageable to a drive portion on an interior surface of the adjustment gear, and wherein the threaded portion of the ball stud interfaces with a lip on the housing. 36. The adjustment mechanism of claim 32 wherein at least a portion of the ball stud is hollow. 37. The adjustment mechanism of claim 32 wherein at least a portion of the ball stud is hexagonally shaped. 38. The adjustment mechanism of claim 32 wherein the threaded portion of the ball stud has a first stop at one end of the threaded portion and a second stop at another end of the threaded portion of the ball stud, the first stop interacting with the lip on the housing to prevent over-extension of the ball stud and the second stop interacting with the lip on the housing to prevent over-retraction of the ball stud. 39. The adjustment mechanism of claim 32 wherein the adjuster housing is formed as part of a headlamp housing. 40. A headlamp assembly comprising: a support frame having an open front portion and at least one fixed ball stud; a lens disposed over the open front portion of the support frame; a reflector having a plurality of ball sockets positioned within the support frame and pivotably attached to the at least one fixed ball stud; an adjuster housing with a rear surface, the adjuster housing formed into the support frame and having a gear journaled at least partially within the adjuster housing, wherein the adjuster housing has a ball-stud support cavity with an unthreaded portion and a threaded portion; an input shaft having a bevel-toothed end, the bevel-toothed end of the input shaft engaging the exterior toothed portion of the gear; and a moveable ball stud having a threaded portion and a splined portion, the moveable ball stud having a ball end extending from the adjuster housing into the support frame and engaged in one of the plurality of ball sockets in the reflector, wherein the ball stud is journaled at least partially within the ball-stud support cavity by the unthreaded portion and the threaded portion. 41. The headlamp assembly of claim 40 further including a VHAD in communication with the input shaft. 42. The headlamp assembly of claim 40 wherein the ball stud is at least partially hollow. 43. A compact adjustment mechanism comprising: an adjuster housing having an interior portion and a cavity for supporting a ball stud, the cavity having a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, the ball stud at least partially journaled within the cavity by the threaded portion and the unthreaded portion; an adjustment gear having a drive portion and a toothed portion, wherein the ball stud has a threaded portion and a driven portion; at least a portion of the ball stud passing through an interior surface of the adjustment gear such that the driven portion of the ball stud is engageable to the drive portion of the adjustment gear; an input shaft extending from the housing, the input shaft having a bevel gear at an end thereof, the bevel gear in engagement with the toothed portion of the adjustment gear; and wherein rotation of the input shaft causes rotation of the bevel gear, rotation of the adjustment gear, coaction between the drive portion of the adjustment gear and the driven portion of the ball stud which causes a corresponding rotation of the ball stud, and axial movement of the ball stud. 44. An adjustment mechanism for use in connection with a headlamp assembly having a support frame, the adjustment mechanism comprising: an adjuster housing having an interior portion and a cavity for supporting a ball stud, the cavity having a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, the ball stud at least partially journaled within the cavity by the threaded portion and the unthreaded portion; an adjustment gear at least partially journaled within the adjuster housing, wherein the adjustment gear is beveled; an input shaft extending from the housing, the input shaft cooperating with the adjustment gear such that rotation of the input shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the adjustment gear; a ball stud extending from the adjuster housing with at least a portion thereof passing through the adjustment gear, rotation of the adjustment gear causing axial movement of the ball stud; and an integrally formed sealing member including a gasket portion on an exterior surface of the adjuster housing and an O-ring portion surrounding at least a portion of the ball stud. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to headlamp adjusters, and more particularly to a compact headlamp adjuster that can incorporate a clutching feature to prevent over-extension or over-retraction of the ball stud. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a trend in the automobile industry to use internally adjustable reflector headlamps. Internally adjustable reflector headlamps include a reflector and bulb socket assembly enclosed within a sealed headlamp housing and lens. The orientation of the reflector within the housing is adjustable to control the direction of the light beam cast by the headlamp. Typically, the adjustable reflector is supported by three ball studs that extend from the rear of the headlamp housing and fit within sockets located on the back of the reflector. A middle ball stud is secured directly to the headlamp housing to provide a fixed pivot point for the reflector. The other two ball studs are connected to adjuster mechanisms secured to the rear of the headlamp housing. By operating the adjuster mechanisms, the ball studs can be extended and retracted to control the horizontal and vertical orientation of the reflector. Examples of such adjusters include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,707,133 and 5,214,971 to Burton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,426 to Lewis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,494 to Eckenrode et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,399 to Van Duyn et al. United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) standards require that horizontal adjuster mechanisms used in connection with internally adjustable reflector headlamps must be either non-readjustable after the proper aim has been achieved or be equipped with a non-recalibratable vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) which is zeroed after the proper aim has been achieved. As such, vehicle manufacturers must either aim the lamps and provide a mechanism to prevent future readjustment, or aim the lamps and provide a non-recalibratable VHAD which is properly zeroed. One method of providing a non-recalibratable VHAD is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,254 to Burton (the inventor of the present invention), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Several methods of providing a non-readjustable headlamp adjuster are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,712 to Burton, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. One problem experienced when using existing adjuster devices, regardless of whether they are in compliance with NHTSA standards, is that they suffer one or a combination of the followings draw backs: excess cost; failure due to a lack of strength; failure due to corrosion; an unreliable air tight seal between the ball stud and adjuster housing allowing the entrance of contaminants into the headlamp; and size not being compact enough for some of the new aerodynamic vehicle designs in which space in the front of the vehicle is at a premium. When all or most of the adjuster parts are manufactured from metal, strength is more easily achieved but failure due to corrosion can frequently result and plating must be used in an effort to resist corrosion. Substantial corrosion in the threaded region is most detrimental because it can cause the threads to jam and become inoperative. Plating, while somewhat helpful, provides only limited resistance to corrosion and adds a significant cost. When all or most of the adjuster parts are manufactured from plastic, inadequate strength or stiffness can be an issue when trying to provide a design with a compact size. For instance, plastic gears using conventional gear tooth designs can easily strip, especially if the gears are inadequately supported within the adjuster housing. This stripping most easily occurs when the device is “over adjusted” beyond the designed travel capabilities of the adjuster mechanism. Conventional gear tooth designs use equal tooth thickness on both gears which does not maximize stripping resistance if the material strength of one gear is greater than the other. Further, many existing adjuster housing designs lack adequate gear support to prevent the gears from partially or fully separating under high torque conditions. When the gears separate under torque the gear teeth are not fully engaged and stripping resistance is reduced. Accordingly, a need exists for an adjuster that is in accordance with NHTSA standards and is low cost, compact in design, prevents failure due to corrosion, has a reliable air-tight seal to the headlamp, and resists stripping and failure of internal components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a low cost and compact adjuster that is primarily constructed from plastics, non-metal materials, or composites such as glass-filled nylon, and can be used in connection with a non-recalibratable VHAD or can be adapted to be non-readjustable after factory adjustment. As described in more detail in the detailed description below, and shown in the accompanying drawings, the adjuster components are constructed either entirely or from a high percentage of plastic or composite materials. The adjuster has several primary components, namely an input shaft, a non-recalibratable VHAD (if desired), a housing, a gear, and a ball stud. The housing journals the gear which in turn engages a bevel gear on the end of the input shaft. The ball stud has a toothed portion on one end that engages an internal ribbed surface of the gear. When the input shaft is rotated, the gear turns causing the ball stud to rotate and move axially. The adjuster is not subject to stripping or over-adjustment when it includes a clutching mechanism. When the ball stud reaches the end of the desired travel path, the toothed portion no longer engages the ribbed surface of the gear. At this point, the gear continues to rotate but slips in relation to the ball stud. The ball stud can be made to move in an opposite linear direction by reversing the rotation direction of the input shaft. When this is done, tangs inside the gear catch and engage the toothed portion causing it to move in the reverse direction. The adjuster housing and ball stud arrangement act to rigidly support the bevel gears in relation to each other to maintain full tooth engagement even under high torque conditions. The adjuster is sealed to prevent moisture from entering into the headlamp assembly. The seal can be obtained with a gasket and O-ring that connect to the housing, or with a molded member that is injection molded directly onto the housing. In sum, the present invention represents a significant improvement over the prior art in many ways. The adjuster of the present invention is compact and lightweight, is efficiently and economically handled in the headlamp or vehicle assembly process, is in conformance with NHTSA standards, and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. While the present invention is particularly useful in headlamp assemblies, other applications are possible and references to use with headlamp assemblies should not be deemed to limit the application of the present invention. In particular, the present invention may be advantageously adapted for use where similar performance capabilities and characteristics are desired. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from review of the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustment mechanism of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 a front elevational view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 a rear elevational view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a plan view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 a bottom view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the gear used in the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a partial front perspective view of the ball stud used in the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the housing used in the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 1; FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of one alternative embodiment of the housing; FIG. 13 is a top sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 1 positioned within a headlamp assembly (shown generally, not in detail); and FIG. 14 is a detail of one alternative embodiment of the tangs on the gear and the teeth on the ball stud. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjuster 20 having an input shaft 22 operably connected to a ball stud 24, both of which are generally positioned by housing 26. The exploded view of FIG. 2 is a more detailed showing of the separate components of adjuster 20. The additional components shown in FIG. 2 include a non-recalibratable vehicle headlamp aiming device dial 28 (hereinafter “VHAD 28”), a gear 30, a gasket 32 and an O-ring 34. Input shaft 22 is the component that is used by the automobile technician or vehicle owner to aim a corresponding headlamp reflector 38, seen in FIG. 13. Input shaft may be constructed from die-cast zinc, other metal, from a hard plastic, or other material with similar properties. At the top of input shaft 22 is an engagement head 50, which may be hexagonal as shown or other shape, and may include some type of depression 52 to accommodate a tool for applying torque. Shown by way of example is a hexagonal held with a TORX® shaped depression. A collar 56 is separated from head 50 by a shaft body 54. Collar 56 has a radially extending pointer 58 extending therefrom for engagement with the VHAD 28. Next to collar 56 are several radially extending teeth 60 that serve as a planetary gear 62 within VHAD 28. At the distal end of the shaft body 54 from head 50 is a bevel gear 64 that engages gear 30. Housing 26 serves to support input shaft 22 so that it properly engages gear 30. Housing 26 may be manufactured from injection molded plastic although other manufacturing techniques and/or materials could be used. From the exterior of housing 26 several features can be seen. On the top surface 70 is an annular header 72 having a number of fingers spaced thereon to accommodate VHAD 28. Header 72 may be elevated from surface 70, or be a shoulder 76 as shown. From the front surface 80 projects a barrel 82. The barrel 82 has several lugs 84 or the like (i.e. screw mount, different type or number of lugs, etc.) projecting from its exterior surface. Lugs 84 are used to mount the adjuster in the back of the support frame using a quarter-turn method. While four lugs 84 are shown, other numbers could be used and other means utilized for mounting the adjuster. A flange 86 surrounds the outer circumference of structure 82 and serves as a seat for gasket 32. The gasket 32 seals the adjuster to the back of the support frame and the O-ring seals the internal part of adjuster. Thus, a vapor barrier is created to prevent moisture from condensing on the inside of the assembly. At the distal end of barrel 82 is a radial lip 88 that projects inwardly and is shaped to fit one revolution of the spiral threads 108 on ball stud 24. Lip 88 has an offset “break” therein so to form a stop 90, the function of which is described below. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 11, the inner surface of housing 26 has a pair of ribs 92, 94. Rib 92 is rather shallow, and may be included to provide structural support to housing 26. Rib 94 fits against the cylindrical body 130 and the teeth on of gear 30 to keep the gear from sliding in its axial direction. The rear surface 96 of housing 26 has a semicircular notch (defined by surface 100) cut therein that also fits against the cylindrical body 130. There is communication between the ribbed portion of housing 26 and cavity 98 to allow ball stud 26 to extend through housing 26 and gear 30. Additional ribs or other structure may be included to provide structural support for the housing 26 or to ensure proper journalling of the gears. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10, ball stud 24 is mostly hollow cylindrical member that is preferably constructed from a tough plastic composite such glass-filled nylon. Ball stud 24 could be made from other types of plastic, plastic composites or from metal and may be solid as well. At the front end of ball stud 24 is a ball 106 that could be of various shapes depending on the type of socket 110 into which it is placed to be secured to the reflector, see FIG. 13. A threaded portion 108 is located on the main body 114 adjacent to ball 106. As seen most clearly in FIG. 10, there is an abrupt stop 116 at the front end of the threaded portion 108, and abrupt stop 118 at the threaded portion rear end. The stops 116, 118 interact with the housing lip 88 to prevent to ball stud from being over adjusted in either direction. The length of the threaded portion 108 and location of the abrupt stops 116 and 118 are determined by the desired maximum and minimum extension of the ball stud 24. Near the rear section of ball stud 24 is a series of teeth 120 extending radially from the main body 114. The teeth 120 will engage an inner surface of the gear 30 as described herein. As mentioned, ball-stud 24 is preferably hollow, at least in a portion of the main body 114, and preferably up to the neck adjacent ball 106. This has the advantage of reducing cost and weight as compared to solid ball studs. The use of a relatively large diameter hollow body resists deflection better than other solid plastic ball studs of smaller dimension. At the rear portion of ball stud 24 nearest the end, the inner surface 122 may be hexagonal, TORX® or other shape to accommodate an assembly tool, see FIG. 5. When engaged, gear 30 causes ball stud 24 to rotate and when disengaged, gear 30 acts as a clutching mechanism. Generally, the gear 30 slips in relation to ball stud 24 if over-adjusted in either direction, and engages the teeth 120 of ball stud 24 during adjustment. Gear 30 can be constructed from injection-molded plastic or other material. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, gear 30 has several external features. At one end of cylindrical body 130 is a toothed portion having beveled teeth 132 for engagement with bevel gear 64 on the input shaft. The front annular face 134 of the toothed portion is preferably flat and substantially perpendicular to the body 130 axis so that proper gear alignment be maintained between gear 30 and housing 26. On the inside surface 136 of the toothed portion is a number of tangs 138. Tangs 138 act as small flat springs that flex in the radial direction. Tangs 138 protrude inwardly from surface 136, and have a stop face 140 opposite a base 142. The body of tang 138 may be arcuate in shape from base 142 to stop 140. When ball stud teeth 120 are aligned with the tangs 138, the ball stud 24 is prevented from rotation by stop 116. When gear 30 rotates in the counter-clockwise direction as indicated by arrow 166 the tangs 138 slips over teeth 120 to prevent stripping or failure from over adjustment. However, the ball stud teeth 120 engage stop face 140 when an attempt is made to move gear 30 in the opposite direction indicated by arrow 144. More specifically, when gear 30 moves in direction 144, the flexible tangs 138 do provide enough force against the teeth 120 to rotate the ball stud 24. When this happens, ball stud 120 can once again move in a linear direction so that teeth 120 engage splines 146. Thus, tangs 138 prevent permanent disengagement of ball stud 24 and gear 30. Referring to FIGS. 2, 8, and 9, the inner surface of gear 30 has a series of splines 146 so that the body 130 of the gear 30 is essentially an elongated gear ring. Splines 146 engage the teeth 120 of ball stud 24. At the rear end of gear 30, as seen in FIG. 9, are a number of tangs 148 that project inwardly, similar to tangs 138. Slots 149 may be provided in the rear end of gear 30 if additional flexibility of tangs 148 is desired or may be omitted if greater stiffness is desired (the size and depth of slots 149 can be designed to provide the desired clipping and clutching). Once the teeth 120 are adjacent the rear inner surface 150, the gear 30 slips in relation to ball stud 24 when turned in the direction of arrow 144, and the ball stud teeth 120 catches tangs 148 when rotated in the opposite direction of arrow 144. Like tangs 138, tangs 148 are spring-like to allow slipping of the gear. More specifically, when gear 30 rotates in direction 144, the flexible tangs 148 do not provide enough force against the teeth 120 to rotate the ball stud 24. When the gear 30 rotation is reversed, then tangs 148 do engage teeth 120 with enough force to rotate ball stud 120. When this happens, ball stud 120 once again moves in a linear direction so that teeth 120 re-engage splines 146. A detail view of an alternative embodiment of the interaction between the tangs 148 on gear 30 and the teeth 120 on the ball stud 24 is shown in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, tangs 148 are provided with a notched portion 151 which engages with a corresponding notched portion 153 on the teeth 120 when the gear 30 is rotated to engage the tangs 148 with the teeth 120. Using notched portion 151 on the tangs 148 and notched portion 153 on the teeth 120 strengthens the engagement between the two parts but does not affect the ability for the parts to slip when the gear is rotated in the opposite direction. Of course, the notched portions could be provided in alternative shapes and dimensions. Additionally, the tangs 138 could also be provided with notched portions in order to strengthen the engagement between tangs 138 and the teeth 120. The VHAD 28, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,254, incorporated herein by reference, is a plastic component that is disposed about the input shaft 22. VHAD 28 includes a toothed portion that is preferably a thin-walled ring gear portion with internally oriented teeth (not shown). The internally oriented teeth of the ring gear portion have a slightly larger diameter than the outside diameter of the teeth 60 on input shaft 22 so that the teeth are not engaged with each other when the dial is in the disengaged position. When the dial is snapped down, a projection extending from the shoulder 76 of the adjuster distorts the thin-walled ring gear portion so as to cause a partial engagement between the internal teeth of the thin-walled ring gear and the teeth 60 on input shaft 22. This partial engagement is on only one side of the ring gear such that there is clearance between most of the teeth of the ring gear and the teeth on the input shaft. Because of the partial engagement, when the input shaft 22 is rotated, the teeth 60 of the input shaft cause the ring gear to also rotate. However, there are more teeth on the ring gear than teeth 60 on input shaft 22. Thus, the ring gear and dial rotate at a slower rotational speed than the input shaft, and for each degree of rotation of the input shaft, there is a lesser degree of rotation of the ring gear. This differential gives the reading of the amount of post-zeroing adjustment that has been made by referring to the location of a pointer 58 on the input shaft with respect to the zeroed position on the dial. The dial includes indicator lines 154 to indicate how much adjustment has been made since zeroing. Other types of VHAD's could be used and reference to the VHAD disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,254 should not be interpreted as limiting the type of adjustment indicating devices that could be used. Alternatively, the adjuster could be adapted to be non-readjustable after factory adjustment using on of the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,712 to Burton, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or other method. O-ring 34 and gasket 32 are made from an elastomeric material such as rubber or the like. The purpose of these components is to prevent water or moisture from entering the interior portion 40 of the headlamp assembly 36. Thus, the gasket 32 has an inner diameter sized to correspond with the diameter of barrel 82, and preferably has a cross-section to seat against flange 86. O-ring 34 has an inner diameter sized to seal between housing annular depression 102 and ball stud main body 114, and may have a circular cross-section. The annular depression 102 in connection with the front annular face 134 of the gear 30 form a gland for journaling the O-ring 34. Of course other configurations for journaling the O-ring 34 to ensure proper sealing are possible. Referring to FIG. 12, in an alternative embodiment to the present invention, O-ring 34 and gasket 32 may be replaced by a molded member 174. In this embodiment, the injection molding of housing 26 is a two-part process. First, the housing 26 is formed. The injection mold die is then changed, and molded member 174 is formed using the second die. Molded member 174 serves the same function as the O-ring 34 and the gasket 32 combined. Therefore it has two primary portions, namely a ring portion 176 and a gasket portion 178. A channel 180 links the ring and gasket portions 176, 178. Molded member 174 is constructed from an elastomeric sealing material, which may be injected at any point on the mold where proper flow will occur to fully form ring and gasket portions 176, 178. As shown in the illustrated example, the elastomeric material is injected at or near channel 180. This alternative housing 26 functions in the same manner as that of the previous embodiment, yet does not require a separate assembly step of fitting the O-ring and gasket to housing 26. In this alternative embodiment, the ring and gasket portions 176, 178 are substantially integral to the housing 26. Referring to FIGS. 2, and 8, the adjuster 20 may be assembled as follows although other methods of assembly could be used. First, gasket 32 is placed against flange 86, and O-ring 34 is seated into housing 26 at annular depression 102. Next, input shaft 22 is inserted into the housing. Gear 30 is placed in the housing 26 so that the face 134 captivates O-ring 34, and beveled teeth 132 are located to the forward side of rib 94 (see FIG. 11) and so that the bevel gear 64 engages the beveled teeth 132 of gear 30. Gear 30 is held in place by the insertion of ball stud 24. The VHAD 28 is then placed onto input shaft 22. Various other views of the assembled adjuster can be seen in FIGS. 4-7. In certain installations, the VHAD 28 is zeroed after initial aiming and rendered non-recalibratable thereafter. When the initial aiming of the headlamp is being completed, the VHAD 28 is either not attached to the adjuster 20 or is disposed about the adjuster's input shaft in a disengaged storage position (a ramp lock may be provided to maintain the dial in the storage position). After the proper aim has been made, the VHAD 28 is snapped down using a one-way snap so that any further rotation of the input shaft 22 will also result in a pointer 58 extending from the input shaft 22 indicating the adjustment that has been made. As not all uses of adjusters require the use of a VHAD or a non-recalibratable VHAD, and, in certain applications, the VHAD can be entirely eliminated, a recalibratable VHAD may be used, or a device which renders the adjuster non-readjustable may be used. The assembled adjuster 20 may be operated as follows. By way of example, a clockwise torque as indicated by arrow 162 is applied to input shaft head 50. This application of torque causes the input shaft bevel gear 64 to rotate in the clockwise direction, and the gear teeth 132 to which it is engaged to rotate in the direction of arrow 166 as seen in FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 8, this causes the ball stud 24 to move in the direction of arrow 170, assuming that the gear splines 146 are in engagement with ball stud teeth 120. If torque is applied until the stop 116 is in contact with lip stop 90 and the teeth 120 are no longer in engagement with gear splines 146, then ball stud 24 will cease to move in the direction of arrow 170. At this point, teeth 120 slip against gear tangs 138. Movement of ball stud 24 can then only be obtained by reversing the direction of the applied torque. One the direction of applied torque has been reversed so that the gear 30 moves in the direction opposite to arrow 166 (see FIG. 1), teeth 120 engage tangs 138 causing ball stud to move in the direction opposite of arrow 170 (see FIG. 8.). Ball stud 24 can move in the direction opposite to arrow 170 until teeth 120 are no longer in engagement with gear splines 146 and the lip stop 90 engages thread stop 118. As before, upon continued application of torque, teeth 120 will slip against tangs 148. If the direction of torque is again reversed to that of direction of arrow 162 (see FIG. 1), teeth 120 will engage tangs 148, and the ball stud 24 will once again move in the direction of arrow 170 (see FIG. 8). The bevel gear 64 and gear 30 are held in alignment with each other so not to deflect away or become misaligned under torque. The outer diameter of the ball stud 24 itself is sufficiently sized to easily withstand radial shear forces exerted upon it by gear 30 that occur under torque. The outer diameter of the ball stud 24 in turn is supported inside and along the length of the housing barrel 82 like a peg in a hole. Gear 30 is restrained axially by annular surface 134 and gear teeth 132 are trapped within the housing surface 197 and rib 94. The inner diameter of header 72 on housing 26 serves to withstand radial forces exerted on the input shaft shoulder 198 from bevel gear 64 that occur under torque. Bevel gear 64 is further supported from axial movement under force since it is trapped between the housing surface 199 and cylindrical body 130 on gear 30. The ball stud main body 114, gear annular surface 134 and housing depression 102 form a cavity for securing o-ring 34 and preventing it from undesired twisting or relocation during adjustment. Hence a radial seal is created and maintained between the main body 114 diameter and the inner diameter of the housing depression 102 that prevent contaminants from entering the headlamp. The length of travel that the ball stud is capable of in either direction is dependant upon the length of gear body 114, ball stud 24 and housing barrel 82. The length of these components can be adjusted to fit the requirements of the particular headlamp assembly 36. As shown in FIG. 13, automotive lamp assemblies 36 used as headlights typically comprise several basic parts: a support frame 42, a headlamp reflector 38, a lens 44, a bulb, and one or more adjusters 20. The support frame 42 houses the headlamp reflector 38 and the bulb on a pivotable mounting to allow the aim of the light to be adjusted using the adjuster 20. The lens 44 seals the front of the assembly 36 to protect it from the elements assailing the front end of the vehicle and provides an aerodynamic shape and attractive appearance. In such an automotive lamp assembly 36, the headlamp reflector 38 mounts inside the housing on one fixed ball joint 46 and is adjustable horizontally and vertically using adjusters 20 that interface with the reflector through moving ball joints (there is only one moving ball joint shown in FIG. 13.). Right angle adjusters are typically used to allow the adjustment of the headlight from an adjusting position above the installed headlight. Adjuster 20 can also be designed without the clutching feature at one or both ends of the travel of the ball stud 24. Even without the inclusion of the clutching features of the present invention, the adjuster 20 offers improved assembly ability, better sealing, and greater stripping resistance than conventional clutching designs. If the adjuster 20 is designed without clutching at the maximum extension of ball stud 24, then tangs 138 are omitted from the design of gear 30 and the splines 146 extend through the inside surface 136. If the adjuster 20 is designed without clutching at the maximum retraction of ball stud 24, then tangs 148 are omitted from the design of the gear 30 and the splines extend through the rear inner surface 150. Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Accordingly, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one skilled in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the appended claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the article “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There is a trend in the automobile industry to use internally adjustable reflector headlamps. Internally adjustable reflector headlamps include a reflector and bulb socket assembly enclosed within a sealed headlamp housing and lens. The orientation of the reflector within the housing is adjustable to control the direction of the light beam cast by the headlamp. Typically, the adjustable reflector is supported by three ball studs that extend from the rear of the headlamp housing and fit within sockets located on the back of the reflector. A middle ball stud is secured directly to the headlamp housing to provide a fixed pivot point for the reflector. The other two ball studs are connected to adjuster mechanisms secured to the rear of the headlamp housing. By operating the adjuster mechanisms, the ball studs can be extended and retracted to control the horizontal and vertical orientation of the reflector. Examples of such adjusters include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,707,133 and 5,214,971 to Burton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,426 to Lewis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,494 to Eckenrode et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,399 to Van Duyn et al. United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) standards require that horizontal adjuster mechanisms used in connection with internally adjustable reflector headlamps must be either non-readjustable after the proper aim has been achieved or be equipped with a non-recalibratable vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) which is zeroed after the proper aim has been achieved. As such, vehicle manufacturers must either aim the lamps and provide a mechanism to prevent future readjustment, or aim the lamps and provide a non-recalibratable VHAD which is properly zeroed. One method of providing a non-recalibratable VHAD is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,254 to Burton (the inventor of the present invention), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Several methods of providing a non-readjustable headlamp adjuster are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,712 to Burton, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. One problem experienced when using existing adjuster devices, regardless of whether they are in compliance with NHTSA standards, is that they suffer one or a combination of the followings draw backs: excess cost; failure due to a lack of strength; failure due to corrosion; an unreliable air tight seal between the ball stud and adjuster housing allowing the entrance of contaminants into the headlamp; and size not being compact enough for some of the new aerodynamic vehicle designs in which space in the front of the vehicle is at a premium. When all or most of the adjuster parts are manufactured from metal, strength is more easily achieved but failure due to corrosion can frequently result and plating must be used in an effort to resist corrosion. Substantial corrosion in the threaded region is most detrimental because it can cause the threads to jam and become inoperative. Plating, while somewhat helpful, provides only limited resistance to corrosion and adds a significant cost. When all or most of the adjuster parts are manufactured from plastic, inadequate strength or stiffness can be an issue when trying to provide a design with a compact size. For instance, plastic gears using conventional gear tooth designs can easily strip, especially if the gears are inadequately supported within the adjuster housing. This stripping most easily occurs when the device is “over adjusted” beyond the designed travel capabilities of the adjuster mechanism. Conventional gear tooth designs use equal tooth thickness on both gears which does not maximize stripping resistance if the material strength of one gear is greater than the other. Further, many existing adjuster housing designs lack adequate gear support to prevent the gears from partially or fully separating under high torque conditions. When the gears separate under torque the gear teeth are not fully engaged and stripping resistance is reduced. Accordingly, a need exists for an adjuster that is in accordance with NHTSA standards and is low cost, compact in design, prevents failure due to corrosion, has a reliable air-tight seal to the headlamp, and resists stripping and failure of internal components. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a low cost and compact adjuster that is primarily constructed from plastics, non-metal materials, or composites such as glass-filled nylon, and can be used in connection with a non-recalibratable VHAD or can be adapted to be non-readjustable after factory adjustment. As described in more detail in the detailed description below, and shown in the accompanying drawings, the adjuster components are constructed either entirely or from a high percentage of plastic or composite materials. The adjuster has several primary components, namely an input shaft, a non-recalibratable VHAD (if desired), a housing, a gear, and a ball stud. The housing journals the gear which in turn engages a bevel gear on the end of the input shaft. The ball stud has a toothed portion on one end that engages an internal ribbed surface of the gear. When the input shaft is rotated, the gear turns causing the ball stud to rotate and move axially. The adjuster is not subject to stripping or over-adjustment when it includes a clutching mechanism. When the ball stud reaches the end of the desired travel path, the toothed portion no longer engages the ribbed surface of the gear. At this point, the gear continues to rotate but slips in relation to the ball stud. The ball stud can be made to move in an opposite linear direction by reversing the rotation direction of the input shaft. When this is done, tangs inside the gear catch and engage the toothed portion causing it to move in the reverse direction. The adjuster housing and ball stud arrangement act to rigidly support the bevel gears in relation to each other to maintain full tooth engagement even under high torque conditions. The adjuster is sealed to prevent moisture from entering into the headlamp assembly. The seal can be obtained with a gasket and O-ring that connect to the housing, or with a molded member that is injection molded directly onto the housing. In sum, the present invention represents a significant improvement over the prior art in many ways. The adjuster of the present invention is compact and lightweight, is efficiently and economically handled in the headlamp or vehicle assembly process, is in conformance with NHTSA standards, and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. While the present invention is particularly useful in headlamp assemblies, other applications are possible and references to use with headlamp assemblies should not be deemed to limit the application of the present invention. In particular, the present invention may be advantageously adapted for use where similar performance capabilities and characteristics are desired. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from review of the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. | 20040802 | 20060627 | 20050106 | 66191.0 | 1 | ZEADE, BERTRAND | ADJUSTER FOR HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,910,235 | ACCEPTED | Control of DC/DC converters having synchronous rectifiers | A DC to DC power converter includes synchronous rectifiers which respond to a control waveform. Negative current from a load into the power converter is prevented by increasing the converter output voltage at a minimum current limit. The synchronous rectifiers may be held off in response to decision logic by activation of a hold-off circuit connected to a control terminal of a synchronous rectifier or of an ORing transistor at the converter output. When the synchronous rectifier is subsequently enabled, its control waveform may be increased slowly relative to the switching cycle. | 1. A DC to DC power converter comprising: a controlled rectifier in a power circuit; a connection impedance between a power circuit waveform and a control terminal of the controlled rectifier; and hold-off circuitry that is activated to disable the controlled rectifier. 2. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controlled rectifier is a synchronous rectifier in the power circuit. 3. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controlled rectifier is in an ORing transistor at the output of the power converter. 4. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the connection impedance is in a completely passive circuit between the power circuit waveform and the control terminal of the controlled rectifier. 5. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power circuit waveform is a voltage waveform and the controlled rectifier is implemented with a MOSFET. 6. A power converter circuit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the connection impedance comprises a capacitor. 7. A power converter as claimed in claim 6 wherein the connection impedance comprises a resistor in parallel with the capacitor. 8. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the connection impedance attenuates the power circuit waveform when the hold-off circuitry is deactivated. 9. A power converter as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a parallel impedance connected in parallel with the hold-off circuitry. 10. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hold-off circuitry comprises a transistor between the control terminal and another terminal of the controlled rectifier to hold the controlled rectifier off when the transistor is on. 11. A power converter as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a diode in series with the transistor. 12. A power converter as claimed in claim 11 further comprising an impedance in parallel with the transistor and diode. 13. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein a waveform having a negative average is produced at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier when the hold-off circuitry is activated and, when the hold-off circuitry is deactivated, the waveform average applied to the control terminal increases slowly. 14. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated by an enable/disable input signal from decision logic. 15. A power converter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated when the power converter is shut down. 16. A power converter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated in response to an indication of low output voltage from the power converter. 17. A power converter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated in response to an indication of low output current from the power converter. 18. A power converter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated during startup of the power converter. 19. A power converter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated during a turn-off transient of the power converter. 20. A power converter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated in response to an external signal. 21. A power converter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated in response to an indication that the waveform at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier will not result in correct drive. 22. A power converter as claimed in claim 21 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated in response to a low voltage from a regulation stage of the power converter. 23. A power converter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: first and second primary transformer windings connected to a power source; a secondary transformer winding circuit having at least one secondary winding coupled to at least one of the first and second primary windings; plural controlled rectifiers, each having a parallel uncontrolled rectifier and each connected to a secondary winding each controlled rectifier being turned on and off in synchronization with the voltage waveform across a primary winding to provide the output, each primary winding having a voltage waveform with a fixed duty cycle and transition times which are short relative to the on-state and off-state times of the controlled rectifiers; and a regulator which regulates the output while the fixed duty cycle is maintained. 24. A DC to DC power converter comprising: a controlled rectifier responsive to a control waveform applied to a control terminal; decision logic that generates an enable/disable signal to disable the controlled rectifier; and a circuit responsive to the enable/disable signal to gradually change the degree to which the controlled rectifier is turned on or off such that a substantial momentary deviation in the output voltage is avoided when the controlled rectifier is enabled or disabled. 25. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the control waveform is provided passively from a power circuit waveform of the power converter. 26. A power converter as claimed in claim 25 further comprising: a connection impedance between a power circuit waveform and the control terminal of the controlled rectifier; and hold-off circuitry that is activated to disable the controlled rectifier. 27. A power converter as claimed in claim 26 further comprising: first and second primary transformer windings connected to a power source; a secondary transformer winding circuit having at least one secondary winding coupled to at least one of the first and second primary windings; plural controlled rectifiers, each having a parallel uncontrolled rectifier and each connected to a secondary winding each controlled rectifier being turned on and off in synchronization with the voltage waveform across a primary winding to provide the output, each primary winding having a voltage waveform with a fixed duty cycle and transition times which are short relative to the on-state and off-state times of the controlled rectifiers; and a regulator which regulates the output while the fixed duty cycle is maintained. 28. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled when the power converter is shut down. 29. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to an indication of low output voltage from the power converter. 30. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to an indication of low output current from the power converter. 31. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled during startup of the power converter. 32. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled during a turn-off transient of the power converter. 33. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to an external signal. 34. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to an indication that the waveform at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier will not result in correct drive. 35. A power converter as claimed in claim 34 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to a low voltage from a regulation stage of the power converter. 36. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the control waveform has a negative average when the controlled rectifier is disabled. 37. A power converter as claimed in claim 36 wherein the time over which the average of the control waveform changes is determined by a resistive/capacitive circuit between the control terminal and a power circuit waveform. 38. A power converter as claimed in claim 24 wherein the time over which the average of the control waveform changes is determined by a resistive/capacitive circuit between the control terminal and a power circuit waveform. 39. A DC to DC power converter comprising: a controlled rectifier responsive to a control waveform applied to a control terminal; decision logic that generates an enable/disable signal to disable the controlled rectifier when a waveform presented to the control terminal of the controlled rectifier will not result in correct drive. 40. A power converter as claimed in claim 39 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to a low voltage from a regulation stage of the power converter. 41. A power converter as claimed in claim 39 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to a low power rail. 42. A power converter as claimed in claim 39 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to a waveform within the power circuit from which the control waveform applied to the control terminal is obtained. 43. A method of converting DC to DC power comprising: providing a connection impedance between a power circuit waveform and a control terminal of a controlled rectifier in the power circuit; and activating hold-off circuitry to disable the controlled rectifier. 44. A method as claimed in claim 43 wherein the connection impedance attenuates the power circuit waveform when the hold-off circuitry is deactivated. 45. A method as claimed in claim 43 wherein the hold-off circuitry comprises a transistor between the control terminal and another terminal of the controlled rectifier to hold the controlled rectifier off when the transistor is on. 46. A method as claimed in claim 45 wherein the hold-off circuitry further comprises a diode in series with the transistor. 47. A method as claimed in claim 46 further comprising providing an impedance in parallel with the transistor and diode. 48. A method as claimed in claim 43 further comprising producing a waveform having a negative average at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier when the hold-off circuitry is activated and, when the hold-off circuitry is deactivated, slowly increasing the waveform average applied to the control terminal. 49. A method as claimed in claim 43 further comprising activating the hold-off circuitry by an enable/disable input signal from decision logic. 50. A method as claimed in claim 49 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated in response to an indication that the waveform at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier will not result in correct drive. 51. A method as claimed in claim 50 wherein the hold-off circuitry is activated in response to a low voltage from a regulation stage of the power converter. 52. A method of converting DC to DC power comprising: controlling a controlled rectifier in response to a control waveform applied to a control terminal of the controlled rectifier; generating an enable/disable signal in decision logic to disable the controlled rectifier; and in response to the enable/disable signal, gradually changing the degree to which the controlled rectifier is turned on or off such that a substantial momentary deviation in the output voltage is avoided when the controlled rectifier is enabled or disabled. 53. A method as claimed in claim 52 wherein the control waveform is provided passively from a power circuit waveform of the power converter. 54. A method as claimed in claim 53 further comprising: providing a connection impedance between a power circuit waveform and the control terminal of the controlled rectifier; and activating hold-off circuitry to disable the controlled rectifier. 55. A method as claimed in claim 52 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to an indication that the waveform of the control terminal of the controlled rectifier will not result in correct drive. 56. A method as claimed in claim 55 wherein the controlled rectifier is disabled in response to a low voltage from a regulation stage of the power converter. 57. A method as claimed in claim 52 wherein the control waveform has a negative average when the controlled rectifier is disabled. | RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/611,383, filed Jul. 7, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/172,884 filed Dec. 20, 1999, 60/146,252 filed Jul. 29, 1999, 60/143,980 filed Jul. 15, 1999 and 60/142,580 filed Jul. 7, 1999, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Switching dc/dc converters, whether isolated or non-isolated, have long used a combination of transistors and diodes to implement their switching function. More recently, the diodes have been replaced with transistors called “synchronous rectifiers” for the purpose of reducing the power dissipated by the converter. Typically, MOSFETs are used for the synchronous rectifiers, although other types of transistors such as BJTs and JFETs could also be used. While these transistors can provide a lower on-state voltage than a diode, they do need to be turned on and off at the appropriate times in the switching cycle by the application of a voltage waveform on their “control terminal” (e.g. the gate terminal for a MOSFET). Most transistors (including MOSFETs) can carry current in either direction when they are turned on. Some transistors, such as the MOSFET, also have an anti-parallel body diode inherent in their structure that can carry current when the transistor is turned off. Sometimes a Schottky diode is placed in anti-parallel with the transistor to carry this latter current because it has a lower on-state voltage and a faster turn-off recovery time than the transistor's own body diode. Whether internal or external, this anti-parallel diode will be referred to herein as an “uncontrolled rectifier” to distinguish it from the active part of the transistor (i.e., the channel of a MOSFET), which will be referred to herein as a “controlled rectifier.” While synchronous rectifiers have been successfully applied in dc/dc converters, a problem arises with their use when two or more dc/dc converters must interact at their output. A dc/dc converter using controlled rectifiers can draw a negative output current, a result that was not possible when only diode rectifiers were used. For instance, when two dc/dc converters are connected in parallel to provide more output power or redundancy, it is possible for one converter to deliver more output current than the load requires and for the other converter to draw a negative output current to remove the excess. This might typically happen because the first converter wants the output voltage to be higher than does the second converter. Schemes to enforce current sharing between paralleled converters might solve this problem in the steady state, but they are difficult to make work during “start-up” transients when the converter has been turned on and is switching, but steady-state conditions have not yet reached. They are also difficult to make work during conditions where one or more converter has gone into a current limit or short-circuit protection. Often paralleled dc/dc converters with synchronous rectifiers become oscillatory or have other performance problems under these conditions. Even with the paralleled converters operating in the steady state, they will not share the load current perfectly. When the total load current is small, one or more dc/dc converters may actually be drawing a negative current. This condition could cause the performance problems mentioned above. At the very least, it results in an inefficient situation where excess power is circulated among the paralleled dc/dc converters. When redundancy is desired, paralleled converters are often connected at their outputs through diodes so that one failed converter will not bring down the output bus. This “ORing diode” can solve the problem mentioned above because it prevents a converter from drawing a negative output current. However, it is desirable to replace the ORing diode with an “ORing transistor” to reduce its power dissipation. An ORing transistor includes at least a controlled rectifier and may also include an uncontrolled rectifier. Since the controlled rectifier can carry current in both directions when it is turned on, the ORing transistor no longer solves the negative current problem. Besides paralleled converters, another place where the negative current problem mentioned above comes into play is when connections are made between the outputs of two or more converters to ensure that the difference between their output voltages does not exceed some limit. For example, in a system where both a 5V output converter and a 3.3V output converter are used, it is sometimes desirable to place a “clamp diode” between the 3.3V output and the 5V output to ensure that the 3.3V output never gets more than one diode-drop above the 5V output. Conversely, a chain of three or four clamp diodes in series may be placed between the 5V output and the 3.3V output to ensure the former never gets too high compared to the latter. If, during start-up or some other transient condition, these clamp diodes become forward biased, then a condition may once again exist in which one converter delivers more output current than is needed by the entire load, and the other converter draws a negative output current. The converters may oscillate or otherwise not work correctly under this condition. Whether converters are connected together at their outputs directly, through ORing transistors, or through clamp diodes, another condition where the negative current problem can arise is when one of the converters is “shut-down.” This shut-down state may be externally commanded through an ON/OFF control input, or it may be the result of the converter's own protection circuitry sensing an abnormal condition such as a voltage, current, or temperature that is too high. In all such cases, the converter that is shutdown may draw a negative output current from another converter that is holding up the first one's output voltage. Other conditions not described here may also arise in which a problem is caused by the ability of a dc/dc converter with synchronous rectifiers to draw a negative current. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To avoid the problems mentioned above, one solution presented herein is to ensure the synchronous rectifiers and/or the ORing transistors are “disabled” (i.e., kept from turning on) under the conditions that create the problems. Once this is done, output currents can still flow, but only through the uncontrolled rectifiers. These uncontrolled rectifiers prohibit negative current flow, and therefore the problems associated with negative current flow are eliminated. This disabling of the controlled rectifiers can be done in anticipation of the negative current problem or as a result of a sensed condition that indicates the problem exists. When the conditions under which the negative current problem might arise no longer exists, the controlled rectifiers can once again be “enabled” (i.e., allowed to turn on) so that they function as intended. Since the voltage drop across a controlled rectifier is smaller than that across an uncontrolled rectifier, the output voltage will undergo a transient if the controlled rectifier is suddenly enabled. To avoid this transient, the controlled rectifiers should be turned on in a manner that causes the average on-state voltage of the combined device to change slowly (relative to the bandwidth of the converter) from that of the uncontrolled rectifier to that of the controlled rectifier. By “average on-state voltage” it is meant the average value of the voltage drop across the parallel combination of the controlled and uncontrolled rectifiers during the time that they are conducting current. For the synchronous rectifier, this time is only a portion of the overall switching cycle. Another solution presented herein to the negative current problem is to incorporate a “minimum current limit” in the control circuitry of the dc/dc converter. A minimum current limit compares the output current to some threshold, and raises the output voltage when the output current falls below this threshold so as to limit the further decrease of the current. The threshold current level might be slightly negative, zero, or slightly positive. Furthermore, the minimum current limit can be implemented with either a fold-forward, a constant current source, or a fold-back characteristic. These two approaches for avoiding the negative current problem (i.e., disabling the controlled rectifiers and incorporating a minimum current limit) can be used separately or together. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a DC to DC power converter includes a control circuit which controls the output voltage of the converter. The converter further includes an override control to the control circuit, responsive to a condition of the power converter or connected circuitry, to effect a minimum current limit. Preferably, the power converter includes a synchronous rectifier, and the override control substantially eliminates negative current flow through the controlled rectifier of the synchronous rectifier. To effect the minimum current limit, the override control may increase the voltage output of the power converter. The minimum current limit may be a small negative or positive current, and may take the form of a current source, fold-back or fold-forward. The override control may respond directly to sensed output current or to some other signal indicative of output current. For example, the signal indicative of output current may be a sensed current within the power converter such as current through an ORing transistor coupled to the output of the power converter or other controlled rectifier in the power converter. The system may further disable at least one controlled rectifier in the power converter circuit in response to decision logic. For example, an ORing transistor at the output of the power converter may be disabled. One power converter to which the invention is applied comprises first and second primary transformer windings connected to a power source. A secondary transformer winding circuit has at least one secondary winding coupled to at least one of the first and second primary windings. Each of plural controlled rectifiers has a parallel uncontrolled rectifier and is connected to a secondary winding. Each controlled rectifier is turned on and off in synchronization with the voltage waveform across a primary winding to provide the output. Each primary winding has a voltage waveform with a fixed duty cycle and transition times which are short relative to the on-state and off-state times of the controlled rectifiers. A regulator regulates the output while the fixed duty cycle is maintained. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a DC to DC power converter comprises a controlled rectifier and an uncontrolled rectifier in a power circuit. A connection impedance is provided between a power circuit waveform and a controlled terminal of the controlled rectifier. Hold-off circuitry is activated to disable the controlled rectifier. The controlled rectifier may, for example, be a synchronous rectifier in the power circuit or an ORing transistor at the output of the power converter. The connection impedance may be a completely passive circuit between the power circuit waveform and the control terminal of the controlled rectifier. The power circuit waveform may be a voltage waveform, and the controlled rectifier may be implemented with a MOSFET. In certain embodiments, the connection impedance comprises a capacitor and may include a resistor in parallel with the capacitor. A parallel impedance may be connected in parallel with the hold-off circuitry to further attenuate the power circuit waveform when the hold-off circuitry is deactivated. The hold-off circuitry may comprise a transistor between the control terminal and another terminal of the controlled rectifier to hold the controlled rectifier off when the switch is closed, and a diode may be connected in series with the transistor. A waveform having a negative average may be produced at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier when the hold-off circuitry is activated. When the hold-off circuitry is deactivated, the waveform average applied to the control terminal increases slowly. The hold-off circuitry may be activated by an enable/disable input signal from decision logic. The decision logic may activate the hold-off circuitry when the power convert is shut down, in response to an indication of low output voltage from the power converter, in response to an indication of low output current from the power converter, during startup of the power converter, during a turn-off transient of the power converter, or in response to an external signal. In particular, the hold-off circuitry may be inactivated in response to an indication that the waveform at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier will not result in correct drive. For example, the hold-off circuitry may be activated in response to a low voltage from a regulation stage of the power converter. The hold-off circuitry may be activated in response to the power rail of the converter being too low or in response to a waveform controlling the controlled rectifier being too low. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a DC to DC power converter comprises a controlled rectifier responsive to a control waveform applied to a control terminal. Decision logic generates an enable/disable signal to disable the controlled rectifier. A circuit is responsive to the enable/disable signal to gradually change the degree to which the controlled rectifier is turned on or off such that a substantial momentary deviation in the output voltage is avoided when the controlled rectifier is enabled or disabled. The control waveform may be provided passively from a power circuit of the power converter. The time over which the average of the control waveform changes may be determined by a resistive/capacitive circuit between the control terminal and the power circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a non-isolated down-converter using synchronous rectification and an active drive scheme. FIG. 2 illustrates an isolated forward converter using synchronous rectification and an active drive scheme. FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated forward converter using synchronous rectification and a passive drive scheme. FIG. 4 illustrates an isolated forward converter with the synchronous rectifiers driven by auxiliary transformer windings. FIG. 5 illustrates another isolated dc/dc converter using synchronous rectifiers driven through passive circuitry. FIG. 6 illustrates an insertion of a logic gate in an active drive circuit to enable/disable a synchronous rectifier. FIG. 7 illustrates an insertion of a connection switch and a hold-off circuitry in a passive gate drive circuit to enable/disable a synchronous rectifier. FIG. 8 illustrates an insertion of a connection impedance and a hold-off circuitry in a passive gate drive circuit to enable/disable a synchronous rectifier. FIG. 9 illustrates a specific implementation of the concepts depicted in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 illustrates the implementation of FIG. 9 modified such that only one transistor is used in the hold-off circuitry for two synchronous rectifiers. FIG. 11 illustrates a non-isolated down-converter using synchronous rectification and a passive drive. FIG. 12 illustrates an ORing transistor driven by an active control circuit with a logic gate to provide the enabling/disabling function. FIG. 13 illustrates an ORing transistor driven by waveforms in the power circuit shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 14 illustrates deriving the enable/disable signal from the control circuit's shutdown signal. FIG. 15 illustrates a specific implementation of the concept depicted in FIG. 9 in which an opto-isolator is used to convey the enable/disable input signal from the input-side control circuit. FIG. 16 illustrates using a switching waveform in the power circuit to indicate that the converter has been shutdown to provide a “shutdown decision logic signal.” FIG. 17 illustrates using a comparator circuit to detect that the output voltage is too low and to disable the synchronous rectifier. FIG. 18 illustrates a sensing output current direction indirectly through the voltage drop across the synchronous rectifiers. FIG. 19 illustrates a dc/dc converter using synchronous rectifiers in which the decision to enable/disable the rectifiers is provided by an externally supplied signal. FIG. 20 illustrates slowly enabling a synchronous rectifier by gradually increasing its on-state duration during its normal conduction interval. FIG. 21 illustrates a converter implementing a minimum current limit. FIG. 22 illustrates that voltage/current characteristics of a converter having both minimum and maximum current limits. FIG. 23 illustrates a circuit to implement both maximum and minimum current limits. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A description of preferred embodiments of the invention follows. Throughout this discussion, MOSFETs will be used to implement the synchronous rectifiers and the ORing transistors since the MOSFET is the preferred device at this time. One skilled in the art would know how to incorporate the concepts presented here for other types of transistors that might instead be used. When synchronous rectifiers are used in a dc/dc converter, there are two ways to provide the control terminals the signals necessary to turn the controlled rectifiers on and off during the switching cycle. One approach, hereafter referred to as the “active-drive” approach, is to provide the control signal with electronic circuitry that may get its timing information from other electronic circuitry or from voltage or current waveforms within the power circuit. The second approach, hereafter referred to as the “passive-drive” approach, is to provide the control signal either directly or through passive circuitry (such as resistors, capacitors, and/or inductors) from a waveform in the power circuit. The active-drive approach is most often used in non-isolated dc/dc converters. FIG. 1 depicts a down-converter having a switching transistor 101 and a synchronous rectifier 102, two filter capacitors, 103 and 104, and a filter inductor 105. As FIG. 1 shows, the same control circuit 106 that turns on and off transistor 101 of a down-converter can be easily designed to turn on and off the synchronous rectifier 102 of this converter. Such integrated circuits are available from companies such as LTC, Maxim, and Unitrode. Either the active-drive or passive-drive approach might be used in dc/dc converters that have transformers. FIG. 2 depicts an isolated forward converter having a transformer 201, a switching transistor 101 and two synchronous rectifiers 202 and 203, and filter elements 103,104, and 105. As FIG. 2 shows, some designers provide electronic control circuitry on the output side of the converter to drive the synchronous rectifiers. Output-side control circuitry 205 might create its own timing signals for driving transistors 202 and 203, it might derive them from waveforms in the power circuit, or it might derive them from signals passed to it (through an isolation link such as a transformer or a opto-coupler) from control circuit 204 on the input side of the power circuit. Examples of these schemes are well known in the art. FIG. 3 shows an example of how to control synchronous rectifiers 202 and 203 by connecting their control terminals directly to nodes in the power circuit. When control circuit 204 turns on transistor 101, the resultant positive voltage across the transformer 201 will cause the voltage at node A to be high, which will turn on synchronous rectifier 202. The voltage at node B will then be low, which will turn off synchronous rectifier 203. During this portion of the switching cycle power will flow from the input source, through the transformer, and out to the load. During the second portion of the switching cycle when transistor 101 is off and the transformer is resetting, the voltage across the transformer will be negative. The voltages at nodes A and B will then be such that synchronous rectifier 202 will be turned off and synchronous rectifier 203 will be turned on to maintain the current flow in inductor 105. FIG. 4 shows a variation of the approach depicted in FIG. 3 where auxiliary windings 403 and 404 have been added to the isolation transformer's primary winding 401 and secondary winding 402 to drive the control terminals of the synchronous rectifiers 202 and 203. The polarity of these auxiliary windings are arranged to make sure the correct synchronous rectifier is turned on during each portion of the switching cycle, and the turns-ratios are chosen to provide the correct level of drive voltage. Other examples of using auxiliary transformer windings are well known in the art. For the passive drive approach it is also possible to add passive components to the connection between a synchronous rectifier's control terminal and the power circuit to achieve some desired result. For instance, FIG. 5 shows another transformer-based dc/dc converter which incorporates a down converter stage, composed of transistors 101 and 102 and filter elements 105, 500 and 515, to provide regulation and an isolation stage with two transformers having primary windings 501 and 503 and secondary windings 502 and 504. Transistors 516 and 517 alternately connect primary windings 501 and 503 to the output of the regulation stage, and synchronous rectifiers 505 and 506 alternately connect the secondary windings to the output capacitor 104. Capacitor/resistor dividers (composed of elements 507-510 and elements 511-514) are used to provide drive signals to synchronous rectifiers 505 and 506 that are smaller than the waveforms provided by the power circuit at nodes A and B. This concept was described in more detail in PCT Application No. WO98/33267 published 30 Jul. 1998, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. When the control terminals of the synchronous rectifiers are driven with electronic circuitry, the mechanism by which they can be enabled or disabled is straightforward. For instance, a logic gate 604 could be added to the signal path between the control circuit 602 and the synchronous rectifier's gate driver 603, as shown in FIG. 6. This logic gate could take many forms, it might be composed of an integrated circuit or discrete parts, and its location in the signal path has some flexibility beyond the placement shown here, all of which would be immediately apparent to one skilled in the art. In all cases, the logic gate requires an input signal 605 to tell it when to enable/disable the synchronous rectifier. The manner in which this signal might be generated will be discussed later. When the control terminals are driven from a voltage or current waveform in the power circuit, other techniques can be used to enable/disable the synchronous rectifiers. For example, a “connection switch” could be placed in series with the control terminal to connect or disconnect the control terminal from the waveform in the power circuit. In addition to the connection switch, the circuit might also require “hold-off circuitry” to ensure the synchronous rectifier is held off when the connection switch is turned off. FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of this approach where MOSFET 701 is used for a synchronous rectifier in a power circuit. Connection switch 703 connects the waveform in the power circuit 702 to the gate of the MOSFET. This connection switch is turned on and off with a signal applied to its control terminal 704. Hold-off circuitry 706 might be a passive impedance such as a resistor, or it might be another switch that is turned on when the connection switch 703 is turned off, or it might a more complex electronic circuit. If a resistor is used, it should be low enough in resistance to discharge the parasitic capacitance of the MOSFET's gate in the time required, yet high enough in resistance to keep its power dissipation small when the synchronous rectifier is enabled. Another approach to use when the control terminals are passively driven from waveforms in the power circuit is depicted in FIG. 8. Rather than the switch of FIG. 7, a “connection impedance” 803 is placed between the power circuit waveform 702 and the control terminal of the MOSFET 701 used for a synchronous rectifier. This connection impedance works in conjunction with the hold-off circuitry 706 to enable/disable the MOSFET in the following manner. When the MOSFET is to be disabled, the hold-off circuitry is activated so that it pulls the MOSFET's gate-source voltage below its threshold level. During this state the connection impedance permits the waveform at the control terminal of the MOSFET to be different than the power circuit waveform 702. Conversely, when the synchronous rectifier is to be enabled, the hold-off circuitry is deactivated and the control terminal waveform is representative of the power circuit waveforms with, perhaps, some attenuation. Note that in this scheme, the hold-off circuitry requires active components. In this second approach, the connection impedance should be chosen such that the level of current flowing through the hold-off circuitry when it is activated is acceptably low while still maintaining a proper waveform on the control terminal when the hold-off circuitry is deactivated. FIG. 9 shows a more specific example of the concepts depicted in FIG. 8 as they are applied to the capacitor/resistor divider concept depicted in FIG. 5. The parallel combination of capacitor 903 and resistor 904 form the connection impedance, and transistor 905 in series with diode 906 form the hold-off circuitry. Now consider FIG. 5 in which both synchronous rectifiers 505 and 506 have the connection impedance and hold-off circuitry depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. A switch 905 and a diode 906 are placed in parallel with each of the RC circuits 508,510 and 512,514. When the isolation stage of FIG. 5 is switching, the voltage waveforms at the nodes marked A and B are square waves. During one half of the cycle (herein referred to as the “reset half of the cycle”) the voltage of the square-wave is near zero, and during the other half of the cycle (herein referred to as the “drive half of the cycle”) the voltage is near twice the output voltage. The two square-wave waveforms at nodes A and B are 180 degrees out of phase with respect to one another. See PCT Application No. WO98/33267 published 30 Jul. 1998 for a complete description of how this power circuit works. With the hold-off circuitry deactivated (and assuming that the time constants of the paralleled resistors and capacitors are long compared to the switching period), the voltage waveforms on the gates of the synchronous rectifiers have the same shape as the waveforms of nodes A and B. The ac components are attenuated by the divider effect of the capacitors (C507/(C507+C512) or C511/(C511+C508)) and the dc components are attenuated by the divider effect of the resistors (R514/(R509+R514) or R510/(R513+R510)). In this manner it is possible to keep the maximum voltage applied to the gate terminals of the synchronous rectifiers within their ratings even though the voltages at nodes A and B go too high. As such, the connection impedance serves two purposes in this case: a voltage divider and a means by which the synchronous rectifier can be disabled. For instance, if the output voltage is 15 volts, the voltages at nodes A and B will be square-waves going between near zero volts and near 30 volts. Thirty volts is usually too high a voltage to apply to the gate of a MOSFET. But if we make the capacitance of capacitor 507 half that of capacitor 512 and the resistance of resistor 509 twice that of resistor 514, then the voltage waveform at the gate terminal of MOSFET 506 will be an attenuated square-wave that goes between near 0 volts and near 10 volts. Many MOSFETs can tolerate this range. Note that even when attenuation of the gate waveform is not desired, the connection impedance shown in FIG. 9 can still be added to the circuit to permit the hold-off circuitry to disable the synchronous rectifiers. It is simply necessary to make C904large compared to any parasitic capacitance of the MOSFET's gate terminal (and R903 small compared to the effective resistance of the deactivated hold-off circuitry) so that the attenuation of the waveform will be minimal. When the transistors of the hold-off circuitry are turned on, the hold-off circuitry holds, or clamps, the gate waveforms near zero during the drive half of the cycle. These gate waveforms then go negative during the reset half of the cycle since capacitors 507 and 511 appear as a low impedance for the AC components of the waveforms at nodes A and B. The gate waveforms therefore have the same square-wave shape they used to have, but the dc components of these square-waves are lowered such that the highest voltage the gate waveforms achieve does not reach the gate-source threshold level required to turn on the MOSFETs they drive. Note that once the hold-off circuitry is activated, the current that flows through transistor 905 is relatively small compared to the total current that flows through the entire connection impedance. To good approximation, the transistor carries only the DC current flowing through resistor 903, while the AC currents flowing through the connection impedance flow through the gate-source capacitance of the synchronous rectifier 701 (or through an external capacitor located in parallel with the gate-source such as capacitor 508 in FIG. 5). Since resistor 903 is relatively large compared to the impedance of capacitor 904, this DC current is relatively small. As such, the connection impedance approach requires a smaller transistor than does the connection switch approach depicted in FIG. 7. During this disabled state, the gate waveforms are able to go slightly positive due to the voltage drop across the series connection of the diode and transistor of the hold-off circuitry. This positive value must be kept smaller than the threshold voltage of the MOSFETs. Techniques that can be used to ensure this condition include using Schottky diodes, making the on-state voltage of the hold-off transistor as small as possible, and connecting the hold-off circuitry to a negative voltage potential instead of ground. Other techniques will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the ideas presented here. It is the negative value of the gate waveform during the reset half of the cycle that is the reason for adding the diode in series with the transistor in the hold-off circuitry shown in FIG. 9. It is possible for the hold-off circuitry to use only one transistor instead of the two to disable two synchronous rectifiers. As shown in FIG. 10, a single transistor 1011 is connected to the two gate terminals of synchronous rectifiers 1001 and 1002 through diodes 1007 and 1008. In this configuration, transistor 1011 works with diode 1007 to clamp the gate voltage of MOSFET 1001 during its drive half cycle, and it then works with diode 1008 to clamp the gate voltage of MOSFET 1002 on the next half cycle. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the transistor (905 or 1011) of the hold-off circuitry as a bipolar transistor. Other transistors, such as a MOSFET could also be used. Although the discussion above points out that the active-drive approach is most often used in a non-isolated converter, it is also possible to use the passive-drive approach. For instance, in the down converter of FIG. 1, a second winding 1101 with an appropriate turns-ratio could be added to inductor 105 and connected to the gate terminal of synchronous rectifier 102, as shown in FIG. 11. The concepts outlined above for using a connection switch or a connection impedance in conjunction with hold-off circuitry could therefore be applied in this situation, as well. When an ORing transistor is used to connect a dc/dc converter's output to the output bus the negative current problem can also be solved by turning off the controlled rectifier of this device. Doing so leaves the converter connected to the output bus only through the uncontrolled rectifier that does not permit negative current flow. As shown in FIG. 12, an active electronic circuit 1203 and gate driver 1205 might be used to control the ORing transistor 1202, in which case a logic gate 1204 could provide the enabling/disabling function. It is also possible to drive the control terminal of the ORing transistor from waveforms in the power circuit. FIG. 13 shows one way this might be accomplished for the converter of FIG. 5. In this approach, the voltage waveforms at nodes A and B of the power circuit 1301 of FIG. 5 are connected through diodes 1303 and 1304 to the gate terminal of the ORing MOSFET 1302. As mentioned earlier, when the power circuit is switching, the voltage waveforms at nodes A and B are out-of-phase square-waves that extend between near zero volts and near twice the output voltage. Diodes 1303 and 1304 peak-detect these waveforms to give a gate-source voltage of approximately the output voltage. If these waveforms are not present, such as when the converter is not operating, resistor 1305 will discharge the gate of the ORing transistor 1302 to turn it off. In this case, the enabling/disabling schemes that use connection switches, connection impedances, and hold-off circuitry mentioned above for synchronous rectifiers could be used here for the ORing transistor, as well. Regardless of the approach followed for enabling/disabling the controlled rectifiers of synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors, a logical decision must be made as to when they should be enabled or disabled. Based on this decision, appropriate “enable/disable input signals” would then be generated for the logic gates, connection switches, or hold-off circuitry mentioned above (or for any other enabling/disabling circuitry that becomes apparent to one skilled in the art given the ideas presented here). Several example approaches for making this decision and for providing the enable/disable input signals are given below. These approaches, herein referred to as the “decision logic,” may be used alone or in a combination of two or more. One decision logic approach that could be used is to disable the controlled rectifiers of synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors whenever the converter is shutdown. This “shutdown decision logic” ensures that the converter will not draw a negative current when the converter is not operating. It might be implemented by deriving the enable/disable input signals directly from the shutdown signal. FIG. 14 shows how this might be done for a non-isolated converter. In this figure, electronic control circuit 106 has a section 1407 that responds to either an externally applied on/off signal 1408 or internal protection circuitry that senses an abnormal condition to generate a shutdown signal 1406. Logic gate 1404 uses this shutdown signal as one of its inputs to enable or disable the normal gate drive signal 1407 on its path to the gate drive 1405 leading to the gate terminal of synchronous rectifier 102. In the case where the enable/disable input signal (no matter from which decision logic or combinations of decision logics it is derived) is located on the input side of an isolated converter the isolation gap could be bridged with an opto-isolator as shown in FIG. 15 to provide the enabling/disabling input signals on the output side of the converter. In this circuit opto-isolator 1510 has an output transistor that drives an inverting buffer composed of transistor 1506 and resistor 1507. The output of this buffer then drives hold-off transistor 1505 that pulls down the gates of synchronous rectifiers 1501 and 1502 through diodes 1503 and 1504. An alternate method for generating the enable/disable input signals for the shutdown decision logic approach is to indirectly discern when the converter is shutdown by observing waveforms in the power circuit that change their shape depending on whether or not the converter is operating. For instance, the voltage at node X of FIG. 1, the voltage across L1 of FIG. 1, or the voltage across the secondary winding of the circuits in FIGS. 2-5 could be used. FIG. 16 shows one example of how this indirect method might be implemented for any of these circuits. The voltage at a node that has a switching waveform is peak detected by diode 1601, capacitor 1602, and resistor 1603. If the converter is switching, the voltage across capacitor 1602 should be high; if it is not switching the voltage should be low. A comparator senses a divided version of this voltage and compares it to a reference voltage 1607. If the voltage across the capacitor is too low, indicating that the converter has stopped switching, the comparator output goes low 1608. This low signal can then be used to disable the synchronous rectifier in the power circuit 1610. More than one switching node in the power circuit can be sensed. For instance, in the power circuit of FIG. 5, both nodes A and B could be sensed by using two diodes in the peak detect circuit. A second decision logic approach that could be used is to disable the controlled rectifiers of synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors whenever the output voltage is too low. This “output under-voltage decision logic” ensures that the converter will not draw a negative current when conditions such as start-up, an excessive load current, a short-circuit, or some other abnormal event causes the output voltage to be pulled lower than it would be under normal operating conditions. This decision logic approach might be implemented by directly sensing the output voltage with a comparator to see if it is below some minimum threshold (e.g., 90% of its nominal value). The appropriate enable/disable input signals can then be derived with circuitry such as is shown in FIG. 17. This circuitry contains a comparator 1605 that compares a representation of output voltage (generated by the resistor divider network 1603 and 1604) with a voltage generated by reference 102. Hysteresis might be added to the comparator according to well understood principles of design. This decision logic approach might also be implemented by sensing some other voltage or current in the power circuit that is indicative of the output voltage. A third decision logic approach that could be used is to disable the controlled rectifiers of synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors whenever the output current falls below some threshold level. The threshold level in this “low output current decision logic approach” might ideally be set at zero so that whenever the converter starts to draw a negative current the controlled rectifiers are disabled, thereby preventing the negative current from flowing. However, it is not necessary to choose zero amps for the threshold level. For instance, a slightly negative value (say 1%-10% of the rated current) could be used to make sure the converter works as intended all the way down to zero load current. This would allow some negative current to flow in an abnormal situation, but not enough to detrimentally affect the system's performance. Or a slightly positive threshold level could be used to make sure the converter never draws a negative current. This would cause a small, but still positive load current to flow through the uncontrolled rectifiers rather than the more efficient controlled rectifiers, but this would not cause significant power dissipation due to the low level of current. In general, it is not necessary for the threshold level to be precise (it could range between a small negative value and a small positive value). In addition, hysteresis could be incorporated into the comparison being made. To measure the output current, several well known techniques could be used, such as measuring the voltage across a small resistor in the current path or using a current transformer in series with one of the switches. This could be done on the output side of the converter, or a current that is indicative of the output current could be measured on the input side of the converter. Another way to implement this decision logic approach is to sense the voltage drop across the synchronous rectifiers or the ORing transistors. FIG. 18 shows one example of this latter method being used when the connection impedance scheme of FIG. 10 is used in the power circuit of FIG. 5. As long as the converter is delivering a positive output current, one or the other or both of the voltages at nodes A and B are negative with respect to node C at all times, depending on which one (or both) of the synchronous rectifiers 1001 and 1002 are conducting. As a result, diodes 1801 and 1802 will keep the base of hold-off transistor 1011 at a low enough voltage that this transistor is turned off and the synchronous rectifiers are enabled. If the load current becomes negative, the voltages at nodes A and B will be positive during the conduction times of the respective synchronous rectifiers, and the base voltage of the hold-off transistor will rise correspondingly (due to pull-up resistor 1803 tied to the positive output terminal VOUT+) such that transistor 1011 will turn on. This disables the controlled rectifiers, as described earlier. A fourth decision logic approach that could be used is to disable the controlled rectifiers and/or ORing transistors during the start-up phase of the converter's operation. This “start-up decision logic approach” ensures that the converter will not draw a negative current during a turn-on transient. This approach could be implemented with the methods discussed above for the “shutdown decision logic approach,” but modified by adding a time delay such that the controlled rectifiers would be kept disabled for some time after the converter is no longer shutdown. Typical start-up transients for dc/dc converters are in the range of 5 ms to 30 ms. Another way to implement this decision logic approach would be to combine the “shutdown decision logic approach” with the “output under-voltage decision logic approach.” The converter would have to be operating and the output voltage would have to rise to its nominal value before the controlled rectifiers would be enabled. A fifth decision logic approach that could be used is to disable the controlled rectifiers of synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors during a “turn-off transient” in which a converter's output voltage is slowly reduced to zero before it is shut down. This “turn-off transient approach” ensures that the converter will not draw a negative current during this turn-off transient period. Again, this decision logic approach could be implemented with the methods discussed above for the “shutdown decision logic approach,” but modified by disabling the controlled rectifiers during the turn-off transient prior to the shutting down the converter. Or the “output under-voltage decision logic approach” could be combined with the “shut-down decision logic approach” to achieve the desired result. A sixth decision logic approach that could be used is to disable the controlled rectifiers of the synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors when an external signal is applied to the converter. Such a signal might be provided by circuitry that senses that a negative current exists or that a negative current problem might arise. This signal might come from another dc/dc converter, or it might come from auxiliary circuitry on the load board. FIG. 19 shows such an “external signal decision logic approach.” A seventh decision logic approach that could be used is to disable the controlled rectifiers of the synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors whenever a condition exists in which the waveforms presented to the control terminals of the controlled rectifiers will not result in their correct drive. For instance, in the active-drive approach, the controlled rectifiers could be disabled whenever the control circuitry's power rail is too low to guarantee its proper operation. If the active-drive circuitry gets its timing information from a waveform within the power circuit, the controlled rectifiers could be disabled whenever this waveform is too low to be properly interpreted by the drive circuitry. Similarly, in the passive-drive approach, the controlled rectifiers could be disabled whenever the waveform used to drive the control terminals of the controlled rectifiers is too low to guarantee proper control of the controlled rectifiers. As a particular example of this “inadequate-level decision logic approach,” consider the circuit of FIG. 5. In this passive-drive example, the voltage applied to the gates of the synchronous rectifiers 505 and 506 when they are to be turned on is proportional to the voltage across the mid-bus capacitor 500. If this mid-bus capacitor's voltage is too low, the rectifiers will not be driven with a high enough voltage to completely turn them on, and this condition could result in improper operation. Therefore, the mid-bus voltage could be sensed and the controlled rectifiers disabled whenever this voltage is below some threshold value. This threshold could be chosen to be relatively high (e.g. 50% of the mid-bus voltage's nominal value) since the mid-bus voltage should not be below this level during normal operation of the converter. When a dc/dc converter is operating and delivering power to its output, but the controlled rectifiers of the synchronous rectifiers and/or the ORing transistors are disabled, the converter is compensating for the relatively large drop of the uncontrolled rectifiers. When the time comes to enable the controlled rectifiers, if they are enabled too quickly the output voltage will momentarily increase by the difference in the voltage drop between the uncontrolled and the controlled rectifiers. To avoid this transient, the controlled rectifiers should be “enabled slowly.” By this it is meant that the average on-state voltage across a conducting synchronous rectifier or ORing MOSFET should gradually change from the larger voltage of the uncontrolled rectifier to the smaller voltage of the controlled rectifier over a time period that is comparable to or longer than the converter's bandwidth. When this is done, the converter's feedback loop will have time to adjust the duty ratio (or some other control variable) so that the deviation in the output voltage remains acceptably small. For example, in a converter with a 10 kHz bandwidth to its feedback loop, the slow enabling might occur over about 0.1 ms or longer. There are two approaches to controlling the average on-state voltage of a synchronous rectifier or an ORing transistor. They are discussed in detail in PCT Application No. WO98/33267 published 30 Jul. 1998. The first approach is to control the degree to which the controlled rectifier is turned on. For instance, assuming a MOSFET device, the gate voltage (during the time when the MOSFET is to be conducting) can be controlled to be anywhere between the threshold level and several volts above threshold. In the former case, the MOSFET's channel resistance is very high, and in the latter case it is at its minimum value. The average on-state voltage of a MOSFET can therefore be gradually reduced from that of its uncontrolled rectifier to that of its controlled rectifier by allowing the gate voltage (during the MOSFET's conduction time) to slowly increase from the threshold level to several volts above threshold. FIG. 10 shows one way to achieve this slow increase of the MOSFETs' gate voltages. As discussed earlier, in normal operation the gate voltage waveforms are square waves that range from nearly zero during the reset half of the cycle to a voltage well above threshold during the drive half of the cycle. The dc value of this waveform is positive. Conversely, when the hold-off circuit is activated, the gate voltage waveform ranges from slightly above zero during the drive half of the cycle to a negative value during the reset half of the cycle. The dc value of this waveform is negative. When the hold-off circuit of FIG. 10 is deactivated (i.e., when transistor 1011 is turned off), the dc value of the gate's voltage waveform will increase from its initial negative value to its final positive value. This increase is of the form (1-eτ/t), where τ is the characteristic time constant C1005×R1003 (or C1006×R1004). As the dc voltage of the gate waveform increases, so too does the value of the gate voltage during the drive half cycle of the waveform. By making the characteristic time constant long enough (say several milliseconds), the average on-state voltage of the MOSFET will be slowly reduced. Note that this generally means making R1003 (or R1004) relatively large, which keeps the current handling requirements of the hold-off transistor small. Also note that the connection impedance again serves multiple roles, including those mentioned before plus providing a means to slowly increase the MOSFETs gate voltage when it is enabled. The second approach to control the average on-state voltage of a synchronous rectifier or an ORing transistor is to control the percentage of time (during the overall time that the combined device is to be conducting) that the controlled rectifier is turned on. For instance, the controlled rectifier may be turned on very briefly during the conduction time, or it may be turned on for the entire interval. In the former case, the average on-state voltage of the combined device is nearly that of the uncontrolled rectifier (since it carries the current for the vast majority of the time), and in the latter case, the average on-state voltage of the combined device is that of the controlled rectifier. The average on-state voltage of a synchronous rectifier or an ORing transistor can therefore be gradually reduced from that of its uncontrolled rectifier to that of its controlled rectifier by allowing the percentage of time that the control rectifier is turned on to slowly increase. FIG. 20 shows one way this might be accomplished when an electronic circuit is used to provide the control signal for a synchronous rectifier. In this example, the logic gate that is used to enable/disable the controlled rectifier is preceded (on its gating input) by a circuit composed of a ramp generator circuit 2012 (inverter 2002, base resistor 2003, transistor 2004, current source 2005, and capacitor 2006), a comparator 2001, and an RC network 2007, 2009 with a diode 2008. The ramp generator circuit creates a ramp that begins at zero volts whenever the drive signal 2010 from the electronic control circuit 602 indicates that the synchronous rectifier 601 should be on. This ramp, which continues to rise throughout the proposed conduction time, is shifted up by 1 volt due to voltage source 2010 and used as the negative input to the comparator, 2001. The output of this comparator will only be high, and therefore allow the drive signal 2010 to get through logic gate 604, if the voltage on the positive input of the comparator is higher than the ramp voltage. When the enable/disable input signal 605 is low, so too is the positive input to the comparator, and the output of the comparator remains low at all times, disabling the drive signal from reaching the controlled rectifier of 601. When the enable/disable input signal 605 goes high, the voltage at the positive input to the comparator responds by rising exponentially with the time constant R2009×C2007. As this voltage slowly rises, so too does the fraction of the conduction interval that the controlled rectifier is turned on. Once the voltage across capacitor 2007 charges high enough, the controlled rectifier will be turned on for the entire conduction interval. Diode 2008 makes sure that when the hold-off circuit is to be activated, the voltage across capacitor 2007 can be discharged quickly. The circuit shown in FIG. 20 could also be used to gradually turn on a connection switch in the scheme depicted in FIG. 7, or to gradually turn-off a hold-off circuitry working against a connection impedance in the scheme depicted in FIG. 8. It is also possible, using the general concepts discussed above, to control the rate at which the dc/dc converter is transitioned from an enabled state to a disabled state. Most dc/dc converters incorporate a maximum current limit in their control circuitry to protect the converter from the affects of a too large output current. Various schemes are used, including ones that shut the converter off and ones that continue to operate with a reduced output voltage that is a function of the load current. In the latter category, some converters allow the output current to increase slightly above the threshold limit as the output voltage is reduced, some maintain a constant output current, and others cause the output current to decrease. These approaches are sometimes referred to as “fold-forward,” “constant current source,” and “fold-back” current limits, and various methods to achieve each approach are well known in the field. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the converter normally operates at a constant output voltage VOUT with the current rising as needed to serve a particular load. However, if the current reaches a maximum level IMAX, the voltage of the output is reduced as a function of the load current. Fold-forward, constant current source and fold-back current limits are illustrated at 2201, 2202 and 2203, respectively. Similarly, a novel minimum current limit IMIN can be incorporated into a control circuit to avoid the problems associated with negative current flow in a dc/dc converter, particularly one that uses synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors, but is not limited to such converters. In general, such a current limit would increase the output voltage once the load current falls below some threshold level. The increasing output voltage would then counteract the desire for the output current to decrease further. The threshold level for the minimum current limit could be slightly negative as illustrated, zero, or slightly positive. The desire is to avoid a negative current that is large enough to cause a problem. For instance, a slightly negative threshold level (say 1%-10% of the rated current) could be used to make sure the converter works as intended all the way down to zero load current. This would allow some negative current to flow in an abnormal situation, but not enough to detrimentally affect the system's performance. Or a slightly positive threshold level could be used to make sure the converter never draws a negative current. This would cause a small, but still positive load current to flow through the uncontrolled rectifiers rather than the more efficient controlled rectifiers, but this would not cause significant power dissipation due to the low level of current. This condition could actually give less overall dissipation at light loads since the switching losses normally incurred by turning the controlled rectifiers on and off are no longer present. This saving in switching losses could be bigger than the additional conduction loss caused when the light load current flows through the uncontrolled rectifier. Once the threshold current level is reached, the minimum current limit control circuitry can be designed to display the characteristics of a fold-forward, a constant current source, or a fold-back current limit. Here, a fold-forward characteristic 2204 would allow the output current to continue to decrease slightly as the output voltage is increased. The constant current source characteristic 2205 would hold the output current roughly constant as the output voltage increased. And the fold-back characteristic 2206 would make the output current increase above the threshold level once the output voltage increased. These different characteristics, and methods for achieving them in a control circuit, will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art since they are similar to those used for a maximum current limit. FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of a dc/dc converter in which a minimum current limit is incorporated into the control circuitry. This dc/dc converter could be a non-isolated or an isolated converter of any topology. The sensing of the output current could be accomplished with several different types of sensors, such as a resistor, a current transformer, or a Hall effect sensor. The sensed current could be at the output terminals, or at some other location within the power circuit where the current sensed is indicative of the output current. In some cases, other variables besides current (but that are indicative of the output current) could be sensed. In general, sensing techniques like those used in the third, low output current decision logic approach discussed above with respect to disabling the synchronous rectifiers and ORing transistors may be used here. To increase the output voltage once the minimum current level is reached, the control circuit would typically adjust the dc/dc converter's duty cycle. For instance, in the down-converters of FIGS. 1-5, the duty cycle of transistor 101 would be increased. An advantage of increasing the voltage output rather than turning off the synchronous rectifiers is that, with the synchronous rectifiers left on, they continue to operate in an efficient mode when large currents are flowing. On the other hand, when the rectifiers are turned off, the uncontrolled rectifier continues to operate alone, and in this inefficient condition, the circuit may heat up. It will be apparent that one could incorporate both the gate enabling/disabling technique and a minimum current limit technique described above to avoid the problems associated with a negative current limit. For instance, the output voltage could be increased when the minimum current threshold is reached, and the synchronous rectifiers and ORing transistor could subsequently be disabled when a voltage threshold or other current threshold were reached. FIG. 23 shows one method to implement both a maximum and a minimum current limit. In this figure U1 2301 and U2 2302 are op-amps and Vref is a reference voltage. The current, I, to be sensed flows through resistor 2303 and creates a voltage, VI, relative to ground. The op-amps are configured as differential amplifiers with the addition of resistors 2304 through 2311. Capacitors 2313 and 2314 reduce the gains of these amplifiers at high frequencies to stabilize the current limit feedback loops. Capacitor 2312 filters any high frequency components of the sensed signal, VI, due to noise in the power circuit. Op-amp 2301 is responsible for the maximum current limit and op-amp 2302 is responsible for the minimum current limit. Resistors 2305 and 2304 provide a level shift, VLS, for VI, the amount of the shift dependent on Vref and the relative values of the two resistors. Both op-amps amplify the difference between this level-shifted value of VI and a threshold voltage, but they each have different thresholds values, VT1 and VT2, set by Vref and either resistors 2306 and 2307 or resistors 2309 and 2310, respectively. VT1 is set higher than VLS by an amount that corresponds to the maximum current limit desired. Similarly, VT1 is set relative to VLS by an amount that corresponds to the minimum current limit. Due to diodes 2315 and 2316, the two op-amps can only affect the output voltage, VO, in one direction. Op-amp 2301 will pull VCL up when the sensed current exceeds the maximum current limit, and op-amp 2302 will pull VCL down when the sensed current falls below the minimum current limit. The more the sensed current exceeds (or falls below) these two limits, the more the op-amps pull up (or down) VCL. When the sensed current is between the two current limits, node VCL is essentially in a high impedance state (limited by the relatively high impedances of resistors 2308 and 2311 and capacitors 2313 and 2314. Finally, VCL is used as an additional input to the error amplifier 2317 of the normal feedback loop that determines the power converter's duty cycle. It will affect the error amplifier, and therefore the duty cycle, only when the sensed current goes out of range. Its connection to the amplifier is such that when the sensed current exceeds the maximum current limit, the power converter's output voltage is reduced. Conversely, when the sensed current falls below the minimum current limit, VCL causes the converter's output voltage to rise. While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. For instance, synchronous rectifiers and/or ORing transistors could be implemented with P-channel instead of N-channel devices, in which case the detailed connection schemes and polarity of logic might be reversed from those shown in the figures. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Switching dc/dc converters, whether isolated or non-isolated, have long used a combination of transistors and diodes to implement their switching function. More recently, the diodes have been replaced with transistors called “synchronous rectifiers” for the purpose of reducing the power dissipated by the converter. Typically, MOSFETs are used for the synchronous rectifiers, although other types of transistors such as BJTs and JFETs could also be used. While these transistors can provide a lower on-state voltage than a diode, they do need to be turned on and off at the appropriate times in the switching cycle by the application of a voltage waveform on their “control terminal” (e.g. the gate terminal for a MOSFET). Most transistors (including MOSFETs) can carry current in either direction when they are turned on. Some transistors, such as the MOSFET, also have an anti-parallel body diode inherent in their structure that can carry current when the transistor is turned off. Sometimes a Schottky diode is placed in anti-parallel with the transistor to carry this latter current because it has a lower on-state voltage and a faster turn-off recovery time than the transistor's own body diode. Whether internal or external, this anti-parallel diode will be referred to herein as an “uncontrolled rectifier” to distinguish it from the active part of the transistor (i.e., the channel of a MOSFET), which will be referred to herein as a “controlled rectifier.” While synchronous rectifiers have been successfully applied in dc/dc converters, a problem arises with their use when two or more dc/dc converters must interact at their output. A dc/dc converter using controlled rectifiers can draw a negative output current, a result that was not possible when only diode rectifiers were used. For instance, when two dc/dc converters are connected in parallel to provide more output power or redundancy, it is possible for one converter to deliver more output current than the load requires and for the other converter to draw a negative output current to remove the excess. This might typically happen because the first converter wants the output voltage to be higher than does the second converter. Schemes to enforce current sharing between paralleled converters might solve this problem in the steady state, but they are difficult to make work during “start-up” transients when the converter has been turned on and is switching, but steady-state conditions have not yet reached. They are also difficult to make work during conditions where one or more converter has gone into a current limit or short-circuit protection. Often paralleled dc/dc converters with synchronous rectifiers become oscillatory or have other performance problems under these conditions. Even with the paralleled converters operating in the steady state, they will not share the load current perfectly. When the total load current is small, one or more dc/dc converters may actually be drawing a negative current. This condition could cause the performance problems mentioned above. At the very least, it results in an inefficient situation where excess power is circulated among the paralleled dc/dc converters. When redundancy is desired, paralleled converters are often connected at their outputs through diodes so that one failed converter will not bring down the output bus. This “ORing diode” can solve the problem mentioned above because it prevents a converter from drawing a negative output current. However, it is desirable to replace the ORing diode with an “ORing transistor” to reduce its power dissipation. An ORing transistor includes at least a controlled rectifier and may also include an uncontrolled rectifier. Since the controlled rectifier can carry current in both directions when it is turned on, the ORing transistor no longer solves the negative current problem. Besides paralleled converters, another place where the negative current problem mentioned above comes into play is when connections are made between the outputs of two or more converters to ensure that the difference between their output voltages does not exceed some limit. For example, in a system where both a 5V output converter and a 3.3V output converter are used, it is sometimes desirable to place a “clamp diode” between the 3.3V output and the 5V output to ensure that the 3.3V output never gets more than one diode-drop above the 5V output. Conversely, a chain of three or four clamp diodes in series may be placed between the 5V output and the 3.3V output to ensure the former never gets too high compared to the latter. If, during start-up or some other transient condition, these clamp diodes become forward biased, then a condition may once again exist in which one converter delivers more output current than is needed by the entire load, and the other converter draws a negative output current. The converters may oscillate or otherwise not work correctly under this condition. Whether converters are connected together at their outputs directly, through ORing transistors, or through clamp diodes, another condition where the negative current problem can arise is when one of the converters is “shut-down.” This shut-down state may be externally commanded through an ON/OFF control input, or it may be the result of the converter's own protection circuitry sensing an abnormal condition such as a voltage, current, or temperature that is too high. In all such cases, the converter that is shutdown may draw a negative output current from another converter that is holding up the first one's output voltage. Other conditions not described here may also arise in which a problem is caused by the ability of a dc/dc converter with synchronous rectifiers to draw a negative current. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>To avoid the problems mentioned above, one solution presented herein is to ensure the synchronous rectifiers and/or the ORing transistors are “disabled” (i.e., kept from turning on) under the conditions that create the problems. Once this is done, output currents can still flow, but only through the uncontrolled rectifiers. These uncontrolled rectifiers prohibit negative current flow, and therefore the problems associated with negative current flow are eliminated. This disabling of the controlled rectifiers can be done in anticipation of the negative current problem or as a result of a sensed condition that indicates the problem exists. When the conditions under which the negative current problem might arise no longer exists, the controlled rectifiers can once again be “enabled” (i.e., allowed to turn on) so that they function as intended. Since the voltage drop across a controlled rectifier is smaller than that across an uncontrolled rectifier, the output voltage will undergo a transient if the controlled rectifier is suddenly enabled. To avoid this transient, the controlled rectifiers should be turned on in a manner that causes the average on-state voltage of the combined device to change slowly (relative to the bandwidth of the converter) from that of the uncontrolled rectifier to that of the controlled rectifier. By “average on-state voltage” it is meant the average value of the voltage drop across the parallel combination of the controlled and uncontrolled rectifiers during the time that they are conducting current. For the synchronous rectifier, this time is only a portion of the overall switching cycle. Another solution presented herein to the negative current problem is to incorporate a “minimum current limit” in the control circuitry of the dc/dc converter. A minimum current limit compares the output current to some threshold, and raises the output voltage when the output current falls below this threshold so as to limit the further decrease of the current. The threshold current level might be slightly negative, zero, or slightly positive. Furthermore, the minimum current limit can be implemented with either a fold-forward, a constant current source, or a fold-back characteristic. These two approaches for avoiding the negative current problem (i.e., disabling the controlled rectifiers and incorporating a minimum current limit) can be used separately or together. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a DC to DC power converter includes a control circuit which controls the output voltage of the converter. The converter further includes an override control to the control circuit, responsive to a condition of the power converter or connected circuitry, to effect a minimum current limit. Preferably, the power converter includes a synchronous rectifier, and the override control substantially eliminates negative current flow through the controlled rectifier of the synchronous rectifier. To effect the minimum current limit, the override control may increase the voltage output of the power converter. The minimum current limit may be a small negative or positive current, and may take the form of a current source, fold-back or fold-forward. The override control may respond directly to sensed output current or to some other signal indicative of output current. For example, the signal indicative of output current may be a sensed current within the power converter such as current through an ORing transistor coupled to the output of the power converter or other controlled rectifier in the power converter. The system may further disable at least one controlled rectifier in the power converter circuit in response to decision logic. For example, an ORing transistor at the output of the power converter may be disabled. One power converter to which the invention is applied comprises first and second primary transformer windings connected to a power source. A secondary transformer winding circuit has at least one secondary winding coupled to at least one of the first and second primary windings. Each of plural controlled rectifiers has a parallel uncontrolled rectifier and is connected to a secondary winding. Each controlled rectifier is turned on and off in synchronization with the voltage waveform across a primary winding to provide the output. Each primary winding has a voltage waveform with a fixed duty cycle and transition times which are short relative to the on-state and off-state times of the controlled rectifiers. A regulator regulates the output while the fixed duty cycle is maintained. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a DC to DC power converter comprises a controlled rectifier and an uncontrolled rectifier in a power circuit. A connection impedance is provided between a power circuit waveform and a controlled terminal of the controlled rectifier. Hold-off circuitry is activated to disable the controlled rectifier. The controlled rectifier may, for example, be a synchronous rectifier in the power circuit or an ORing transistor at the output of the power converter. The connection impedance may be a completely passive circuit between the power circuit waveform and the control terminal of the controlled rectifier. The power circuit waveform may be a voltage waveform, and the controlled rectifier may be implemented with a MOSFET. In certain embodiments, the connection impedance comprises a capacitor and may include a resistor in parallel with the capacitor. A parallel impedance may be connected in parallel with the hold-off circuitry to further attenuate the power circuit waveform when the hold-off circuitry is deactivated. The hold-off circuitry may comprise a transistor between the control terminal and another terminal of the controlled rectifier to hold the controlled rectifier off when the switch is closed, and a diode may be connected in series with the transistor. A waveform having a negative average may be produced at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier when the hold-off circuitry is activated. When the hold-off circuitry is deactivated, the waveform average applied to the control terminal increases slowly. The hold-off circuitry may be activated by an enable/disable input signal from decision logic. The decision logic may activate the hold-off circuitry when the power convert is shut down, in response to an indication of low output voltage from the power converter, in response to an indication of low output current from the power converter, during startup of the power converter, during a turn-off transient of the power converter, or in response to an external signal. In particular, the hold-off circuitry may be inactivated in response to an indication that the waveform at the control terminal of the controlled rectifier will not result in correct drive. For example, the hold-off circuitry may be activated in response to a low voltage from a regulation stage of the power converter. The hold-off circuitry may be activated in response to the power rail of the converter being too low or in response to a waveform controlling the controlled rectifier being too low. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a DC to DC power converter comprises a controlled rectifier responsive to a control waveform applied to a control terminal. Decision logic generates an enable/disable signal to disable the controlled rectifier. A circuit is responsive to the enable/disable signal to gradually change the degree to which the controlled rectifier is turned on or off such that a substantial momentary deviation in the output voltage is avoided when the controlled rectifier is enabled or disabled. The control waveform may be provided passively from a power circuit of the power converter. The time over which the average of the control waveform changes may be determined by a resistive/capacitive circuit between the control terminal and the power circuit. | 20040803 | 20061010 | 20050113 | 94208.0 | 1 | VU, BAO Q | CONTROL OF DC/DC CONVERTERS HAVING SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIERS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,910,290 | ACCEPTED | Wrench with two jaws sharing a common inclined plane | A wrench includes two jaws extending from a head on an end of a handle. Each jaw has an inclined surface defined in a first side thereof and the two inclined surfaces share a common plane which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane so that when the first and second inclined surfaces are rested on a surface, the handle is oriented upward and the user can comfortably hold the handle while the object is clamped by the two jaws. | 1. A wrench 1 comprising: a handle and a head connected to an end of the handle and a first jaw and a second jaw extending from the head, the first jaw having a first inclined surface defined in a first side thereof and the second jaw having a second inclined surface defined in a first side thereof, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface respectively tapered toward two respective distal ends of the first and second jaws, the first and second inclined surfaces sharing a common plane which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane. 2. The wrench as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thickness of the distal end of the first jaw is smaller than a thickness of the distal end of the second jaw. 3. The wrench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common plane insects root portions of the first and second jaws. 4. The wrench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common plane insects a root portion of the head. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wrench having two jaws and each jaws includes an inclined surface so that the handle is oriented an angle relative to the surface on which the two jaws are rested and the user operates the handle with comfort. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A conventional wrench is disclosed in FIG. 1 and generally includes a handle with a head which includes two jaws. The handle and the jaws are located at the same plane so that when using the wrench to rotate an object such as a bolt head, the handle and the two jaws are rested on the surface where the bolt is connected. The user has to lift the handle slightly and insert his fingers in the space between the surface and the handle. However, this also makes the head and the two jaws to be lifted an angle so that the two jaws embrace the bolt head at an angle. In other words, only limited clamping area of the two jaws contact the bolt head and this could make the jaws slip away from the bolt head. The present invention intends to provide a wrench wherein the two jaws each have an inclined surface so that the handle is oriented upward when the two jaws are rested on the surface with their inclined surfaces. By this way, the user can hold the handle comfortably and the bolt head is clamped by the clamping surfaces of the two jaws. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wrench including a handle and a head connected to an end of the handle. A first jaw and a second jaw extend from the head. The first jaw has a first inclined surface defined in a first side thereof and the second jaw has a second inclined surface defined in a first side thereof. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are respectively tapered toward two respective distal ends of the first and second jaws. The first and second inclined surfaces share a common plane which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane so that when the first and second inclined surfaces are rested on a surface, the handle is oriented upward and the user can comfortably hold the handle while the object is clamped by the two jaws. The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view to show the wrench and viewed from a second side of the wrench; FIG. 2 is a perspective view to show the wrench and viewed from a first side of the wrench; FIG. 3 shows the two inclined surfaces of the two jaws relative to the horizontal plane; FIG. 4 shows the handle is oriented upward when the two jaws are respected on a horizontal plane; FIG. 5 is a perspective view to show another embodiment of the wrench and viewed from a second side of the wrench; FIG. 6 is a perspective view to show the wrench in FIG. 5 and viewed from a first side of the wrench; FIG. 7 shows the two inclined surfaces of the two jaws of the wrench in FIG. 5 relative to the horizontal plane, and FIG. 8 shows the user of a conventional wrench. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the wrench 1 of the present invention comprises a handle 10 and a head 11 connected to an end of the handle 10. A first jaw 12 and a second jaw 13 extend from the head 11 so as to define a space between the first and second jaws 12, 13. The first jaw 12 has a first inclined surface 120 defined in a first side thereof and the second jaw 13 has a second inclined surface 130 defined in a first side thereof. The first inclined surface 120 and the second inclined surface 130 are respectively tapered toward two respective distal ends of the first and second jaws 12, 13. The first and second inclined surfaces 120, 130 share a common plane which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane. A thickness of the distal end of the first jaw 12 is smaller than a thickness of the distal end of the second jaw 13. The common plane insects root portions of the first and second jaws 12, 13. As shown in FIG. 4, when using the wrench to rotate a bolt head 20 which is clamped between the first and second jaws 12, 13, the first and second inclined surfaces 120, 130 are rested on the surface where the bolt is connected. Because of the common plane which is inclined to a horizontal plane such as the surface where the bolt is connected, so that the handle 10 is oriented upward while the bolt head 20 is completely clamped by the first and second jaws 12, 13. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, another embodiment of the wrench is identical to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 except for that the common plane insects a root portion of the head 11. While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A conventional wrench is disclosed in FIG. 1 and generally includes a handle with a head which includes two jaws. The handle and the jaws are located at the same plane so that when using the wrench to rotate an object such as a bolt head, the handle and the two jaws are rested on the surface where the bolt is connected. The user has to lift the handle slightly and insert his fingers in the space between the surface and the handle. However, this also makes the head and the two jaws to be lifted an angle so that the two jaws embrace the bolt head at an angle. In other words, only limited clamping area of the two jaws contact the bolt head and this could make the jaws slip away from the bolt head. The present invention intends to provide a wrench wherein the two jaws each have an inclined surface so that the handle is oriented upward when the two jaws are rested on the surface with their inclined surfaces. By this way, the user can hold the handle comfortably and the bolt head is clamped by the clamping surfaces of the two jaws. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a wrench including a handle and a head connected to an end of the handle. A first jaw and a second jaw extend from the head. The first jaw has a first inclined surface defined in a first side thereof and the second jaw has a second inclined surface defined in a first side thereof. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are respectively tapered toward two respective distal ends of the first and second jaws. The first and second inclined surfaces share a common plane which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane so that when the first and second inclined surfaces are rested on a surface, the handle is oriented upward and the user can comfortably hold the handle while the object is clamped by the two jaws. The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention. | 20040804 | 20060627 | 20060209 | 74296.0 | B25B1302 | 2 | SHAKERI, HADI | WRENCH WITH JAWS HAVING DIFFERENT TILT ANGLES | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | B25B | 2,004 |
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10,910,441 | ACCEPTED | Coated microbubbles for treating an aquifer or soil formations | A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings. | 1-22. (Cancelled) 23. A method comprises: forming microbubbles including an oxidizing gas entrapped by water and having a coating of hydrogen peroxide over the water. 24. The method of claim 43 wherein the microporous bubbles are introduced using a microporous diffuser. 25. The method of claim 44 wherein the microporous diffuser includes a nutrient catalyst agent. 26. The method of claim 43 wherein the microbubbles have a diameter of less than 200 microns. 27. The method of claim 43 wherein oxidizing gas is ozone. 28. The method of claim 43 wherein the oxidizing gas includes ozone and air is included in the microbubbles with the ozone. 29. The method claim 23 wherein the microbubbles are introduced to treat an aquifer or soil formations. 30. The method claim 23 wherein forming the microbubbles comprises: introducing an air-ozone stream through a first centrally disposed member, having sidewalls of a microporous material that is disposed in a wet soil formation to produce microbubbles of water entrapping air-ozone; and introducing a liquid including hydrogen peroxide through a space between the first centrally disposed member and a second member that surrounds the first centrally disposed member, and which is in fluid communication with the first centrally disposed member, to coat surfaces of the microbubbles with a coating of the hydrogen peroxide. 31. The method of claim 23 wherein the microbubbles have a diameter of within a range of about 1-50. 32. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 23 wherein the microbubbles have a diameter in a range of about 5-20 microns. 33. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 30 wherein space between the first and second members is filled with a hydrophilic packing material. 34. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 30 wherein space between the first and second members is filled with a packing material comprised of glass beads, silica particles or porous plastic, and receives the hydrogen peroxide. 35. A method of treating an aquifer, the method comprises: forming microbubbles by introducing an oxidization gas through a microporous diffuser disposed in contact with water, with the microbubbles having a coating of hydrogen peroxide over the water. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the hydrogen peroxide is introduced using a microporous diffuser. 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the microporous diffuser includes a nutrient catalyst agent. 38. The method of claim 36 wherein the microbubbles have a diameter of less than 200 microns. 39. The method of claim 36 wherein oxidizing gas is ozone. 40. The method of claim 36 wherein the oxidizing gas includes ozone and included in the microbubbles with the ozone is air. 41. The method claim 36 wherein forming the microbubbles comprises: introducing an air-ozone stream through a microporous diffuser, having first centrally disposed member with sidewalls of a microporous material, that is disposed in a wet soil formation to produce microfine bubbles of water entrapping air-ozone and a second member that surrounds the first centrally disposed member and which is in fluid communication with the first centrally disposed member, with a liquid including hydrogen peroxide introduced through a space between the first centrally disposed member and the second member to coat surfaces of the microbubbles with the coating of the hydrogen peroxide. | BACKGROUND This invention relates generally to water remediation systems. There is a well recognized need to clean-up contaminants that exist in ground and surface water. In particular, there is one type of contamination problem which widely exists, that is, the contamination of surface waters or subsurface waters which find their way to the surface such as, for example, in a contaminated spring. Such surface waters may be contaminated with various constituents including volatile hydrocarbons, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons including trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE). SUMMARY According to an additional aspect of the present invention, a microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said sidewall defining an interior hollow portion of said member and a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said second member being disposed through the hollow region of said first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings. According to an additional aspect of the present invention, a microporous diffuser includes a first hollow cylindrical tube having a sidewall comprising a plurality of microscopic openings and a second hollow tube having a sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said second tube being disposed through said first tube. The diffuser also includes an end cap to seal ends of said tubes and an inlet cap disposed to provide inlets to interior portions formed by sidewalls of said tubes. According to a still further aspect of the invention, a microporous diffuser includes a first hollow cylindrical tube coupled to a first inlet and adapted to be fed by a gas, the tube having a sidewall comprising a plurality of microscopic openings the openings having a diameter in a range of 1 to 200 microns and a second hollow tube coupled to a second inlet and adapted to be fed by a liquid, the tube having a sidewall with a plurality of microscopic openings, the openings having a diameter in a range of 1 to 200 microns, with the first tube being disposed through the second tube and arranged such that gas injected into the first tube travels towards the sidewall of the second tube forming microfine bubbles laminated with the liquid. The diffuser also includes an end cap to seal first ends of the tubes and an inlet cap disposed to seal second ends of said tubes and to support the first and second inlets to the interior portions formed between the tubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical view of a typical surface water treatment example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus used in the treatment process. FIGS. 3A and 3B are respectively plan and elevational views somewhat schematic, of a spring box used in the apparatus of FIG. 2. FIGS. 3C and 3D are plan and elevational views of still alternate spring box arrangements. FIGS. 4A and 4B are longitudinal cross-section and plan cross-sectional views of a microporous diffuser useful in the spring box of FIGS. 3A and 3B; FIGS. 5A, 5B are longitudinal cross-section and plan cross-sectional views, respectively, of an alternative microporous diffuser useful in the spring box of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional view of sidewalls of the microporous diffusers of either FIGS. 4A, 4B or 5A, 5B showing exemplary construction details. FIGS. 7A, 7B are longitudinal cross-section and plan cross-sectional views, respectively, of a still alternative microporous diffuser useful in the spring box of FIGS. 3A-3D. FIGS. 8A and 8B are respectively plan and elevational views somewhat schematic, of a circular spring box arrangement with a mixing feature also useful in the apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative treatment example. FIG. 10 is a plot of removal rate of PCE for an aqueous solution equivalent to 120 ppb, over differing bubble sizes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 1, an example 10 of the use of an apparatus for treatment of surface water or in-situ removal of contaminants from water is shown. Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a site 11, having a subsurface aquifer 14 that produces surface waters 12 such as by a spring. A spring-box treatment system 20 disposed on the site 11. The spring box treatment system 20 is disposed to intercept the surface water 12 and to divert the surface water into the spring box treatment system 20 to remove contaminants such as volatile hydrocarbons and, in particular, chlorinated hydrocarbons which may exist in the water in the aquifer 14. The spring box treatment system 20 outputs a water stream 16 which is substantially free of the contaminants. Contaminants which can be treated or removed by use of the spring box treatment system 20 include hydrocarbons and, in particular, volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons such as tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, cisdichloroethene, transdichloroethene, 1-1-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride. In particular, other materials can also be removed from the stream including chloroalkanes, including 1,1,1 trichloroethane, 1,1, dichloroethane, methylene chloride, and chloroform; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, O-xylene, P-xylene, naphthalene and methyltetrabutylether (MTBE). It should be understood that the use of the spring-box treatment system 20 is not limited to flowing surface water but could be used to treat pumped or stored water. Referring now to FIG. 2, the spring box treatment system 20 includes a spring box 30, and an air compressor 22, a compressor/pump control mechanism 24, and an ozone (O3) generator 26. The air compressor 24 can feed a stream of air into the spring box 30 whereas, the compressor pump control 24 feeds a stream of air mixed with ozone (O3) from the ozone generator 26 into the spring box 30 to affect substantial removal of the above-mentioned or similar types of contaminants. Optionally, or in addition thereto, the apparatus 20 can also include a pump 28 that supplies a liquid decontamination agent such as hydrogen peroxide or such as catalyst agents including iron containing compounds such as iron silicates or palladium or palladized carbon. To promote biodegradation reactions, the liquid introduced can be a nutrient mixture of nitrogen (ammonium or nitrate), phosphorus, and potassium along with oxygen as a gas to promote oxic reactions or carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide to promote reduction reactions. The spring box 30 uses primarily a gas-gas reaction between contaminant vapors and ozone (described below). This reaction can be supplemented with a liquid phase reaction. A liquid decontaminator such as hydrogen peroxide can also be used. The use of hydrogen peroxide as a thin film coating on the bubbles promotes the decomposition rate by adding a secondary liquid phase reactive interface as volatile compounds enter the gaseous phase. It also expands the types of compounds that can be effectively removed. Alternatively, the pump control 28 can simply feed water. Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an arrangement of a spring box 30 is shown. The spring box includes a container 31 comprised of a sidewall 32 of a durable material such as concrete over which is disposed or attached a water tight lid 33 also comprised of concrete. Within the spring box 30 is provided an inlet port 42 to receive the water from the spring, as well as a plurality of partially closed chambers 40a-40d which are formed within the interior of the spring box by walls or partitions 38a-38c. Within each of the chambers 40a-40d are disposed a plurality of microporous diffusers such as those shown in conjunction with my issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,775 which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, microporous diffusers 50, 70, as described below in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B or FIGS. 5A and 5B may be used. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3A, a first pair of microporous diffusers 50a, 50b or 70a, 70b are coupled to a common gas/liquid feed arrangement 36a which can be fed, for example, from compressor/pump 24 and compressor 28 (FIG. 2). The spring box 30 also includes a second feed arrangement 38b which in this embodiment has one of the microporous diffusers 50c, 70c being fed with a combination of air, ozone and air, ozone and liquid as above, and with the second microporous diffuser 50d, 70d being fed only by air to provide air stripping of any residual ozone before exiting of the treated water. As shown in FIG. 3B, the microporous diffusers are arranged in elevation above the bottom of the spring box 30 within a pool 39 of water provided from the spring or other surface water source. FIGS. 3C and 3D show still alternate spring box arrangements. In the arrangement 30′ of FIG. 3C, the diffusers 50 or 70 are coupled in series whereas FIG. 3D shows diffusers 50, 70 arranged to be staggered in elevation over the height of the spring box. The spring box 30 is an ozone reactor vessel in which ozone is pumped into the pool of water through the use of the microporous diffusers. The microporous diffusers are disposed in the water under treatment and transfer ozone into the water in the form of microfine or fine bubbles which promote rapid gas/gas/water reactions with volatile organic compounds particularly in the presence of a catalyst or enhancer which may participate in the gaseous phase of the reaction, instead of solely enhancing dissolved aqueous disassociation and reactions. In addition, with the optional use of the liquid port to the apparatus, the gas/gas reactions are optimized to include gas/gas reactions within the gaseous phase as well as inducing water aqueous phased reactions to achieve an overall decomposition rate within the gaseous phase and the aqueous phase from second water reactions. For example, the use of hydrogen peroxide as a laminate coating on the bubbles can enhance decomposition rates as mentioned below. The micron plastic bubblers may also be coated with or have sintered into construction an outer layer of activated carbon or activated carbon with palladium to simultaneously accumulate and promote decomposition of the chloroethenes. The production of microbubbles and selection of appropriate size distribution are selected for optimized gas exchange through high surface area to volume ratio and long residence time within the liquid to be treated. The microbubbles are generated by using microporous materials in the microporous diffuser 50 that acts as a bubble chamber, as shown in the embodiment 50 (FIG. 4A-4B) or, alternatively, through the embodiment 70 of the microporous diffuser of FIG. 5A-5B. The apparatus 20 promotes the continuous production of microbubbles minimizing coalescing or adhesion. The injected air/liquid combination moves as a fluid into the water to be treated; whereas, microencapsulated ozone within the microfine bubbles enhances and promoted in-situ stripping of volatile organics and simultaneously terminates normal reversible Henry's reaction. Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, a microporous diffuser 50 is shown. The microporous diffuser 50 includes a first cylindrical member 56 comprised of a hydrophobic material which provides an outer cylindrical shell for the microporous diffuser 50. The cylindrical member 56 has a sidewall 56a which is comprised of a large plurality of micropores. A second cylindrical member 60 is coaxially disposed within the first cylindrical member 56. The second cylindrical member 60 is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has a sidewall 60a which is comprised of a large plurality of micropores. Also disposed within the confines of the first cylindrical member 56 are a plurality of cylindrical members 58, here four, which have sidewalls 58a having a large plurality of micropores and also comprised of a hydrophobic material. A proximate end of central cylindrical member 60 is coupled to a first inlet port 52a which is provided from a first inlet cap 52 and proximate ends of the plurality of cylindrical members 58 are coupled to second inlet ports generally denoted as 52b. At the opposite end of the microporous diffuser 50 an end cap 54 covers distal ends of cylindrical members 56 and 60. Here distal ends of the plurality of cylindrical members 58 are sealed by separate caps 59 but could be terminated by the end cap 54. The end cap 54 in conjunction with cap 52 seals the distal ends of the microporous diffuser. Each of the cylindrical members 56, 58 and 60 are here cylindrical in shape and have a plurality of microscopic openings constructed through sidewalls 56a, 58a and 60a, respectively, thereof having pore sizes matched to or to create a pore size effective for inducing gas/gas reactions in the spring box 30. Sidewalls of each of the cylindrical members can have a pore diameter in a range of 1-200 microns, preferably 1-50 microns and more preferably 5-20 microns. The combination of the inlet cap 52 and end cap 54 seals the microporus diffuser 50 permitting liquid and gas to escape by the porous construction of sidewalls of the microporous diffusers. The microporous diffuser 50 can be filled with a microporous material such as microbeads with mesh sizes from 20 to 200 mesh or sand pack or porous hydrophilic plastic to allow introducing a liquid into the pore spaces where liquid is exiting. Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an alternate embodiment 70 of a microporous diffuser is shown. The microporous diffuser 70 includes an outer cylindrical member 76 having a sidewall 76a within which is disposed an inner cylindrical member 78 having a sidewall 78a. The inner cylindrical member 78 is spaced from the sidewall of the outer cylindrical member. The space 77 between the inner and outer cylindrical members 76, 78 is filled with a packing material comprised of glass beads or silica particles (silicon dioxide) or porous plastic which, in general, are hydrophilic in nature. This space is coupled to an input port 72b which receives liquid, and catalysts, and/or nutrients from pump 39 (FIG. 2). The microporous diffuser 70 has the inner cylindrical member 78 disposed coaxial or concentric to cylindrical member 78. Sidewalls of each of the cylindrical members can have a pore diameter in a range of 1-200 microns, preferably 1-50 microns and more preferably 5-20 microns. A proximate end of the inner cylindrical member is coupled to an inlet port 72a which is fed an air ozone mixture from pump 36. The microporous diffuser also includes an end cap 74 which in combination secures distal ends of the cylinders 76 and 78. The combination of the inlet cap 72 and end cap 74 seals the microporus diffuser permitting liquid and gas to escape by the porous construction of sidewalls of the microporous diffusers. Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B, construction details for the elongated cylindrical members for the microporous diffusers 50, 70 are shown. As shown in FIG. 6A, sidewalls of the members can be constructed from a metal or a plastic support layer 91 having large (as shown) or fine perforations 91a over which is disposed a layer of a sintered i.e., heat fused microscopic particles of plastic. The plastic can be any hydrophobic material such as polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ABS. The support layer 91 can have fine or coarse openings and can be of other types of materials. FIG. 6B shows an alternative arrangement 94 in which sidewalls of the members are formed of a sintered i.e., heat fused microscopic particles of plastic. The plastic can be any hydrophobic material such as polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and alkylbenzylsulfonate (ABS). The fittings (i.e., the inlets in FIGS. 4A, 5A can be threaded and are attached to the inlet cap members by epoxy, heat fusion, solvent or welding with heat treatment to remove volatile solvents or other approaches. Standard threading can be used for example NPT (national pipe thread) or box thread e.g., (F480). The fittings thus are securely attached to the microporous diffusers in a manner that insures that the microporous diffusers can handle pressures that are encountered with injecting of the air/ozone and liquid. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, an alternate microporous diffuser 90 is shown. The microporous diffuser 90 includes a first cylindrical member 96 comprised of a hydrophobic material which provides an outer cylindrical shell for the microporous diffuser 90. The cylindrical member 96 has a sidewall 96a that is comprised of a large plurality of micro pores. A proximate end of cylindrical member 96 is coupled to a first inlet port 92a provided from a first inlet cap 92 and a distal end of the cylindrical member 96 is coupled to an end cap 94 The end cap 94 in conjunction with cap 92 seals the ends of the microporous diffuser 90. Sidewalls of the cylindrical members 96 is provided with a film of a catalysts or reaction promoter or and absorbing material. Examples include a layer 93 of activated carbon that is abraded into the surface or sintered into the surface. Additionally palladized activated carbon could also be used. As explained above the layer 93 can aid in decomposition of the contaminants in the water. Sidewalls of each of the cylindrical members can have a pore diameter in a range of 1-200 microns, preferably 1-50 microns and more preferably 5-20 microns. The use of catalysts supported by absorptive materials such as palladized activated carbon can be particularly effective for compounds that have an absorptive affinity to activated carbon. The compounds such as TCE are concentrated near the release location of the ozone micro bubbles, allowing more efficient reaction for water containing lower concentrations of TCE as explained above. The layer 93 can also be provided on the other embodiments 50, 70 above, e.g., on either or both cylindrical members but preferably on the members that deliver the ozone to the water. Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an alternate arrangement of a spring box 110 is shown. The spring box 110 includes a circular container 111 comprised of a sidewall 112 of a durable material such as concrete over which is disposed or attached a water tight lid 113 also comprised of concrete. Within the spring box 110 is provided an inlet port 115a to receive the water from the spring. Within the circular container are disposed a plurality of microporous diffusers such as those shown in conjunction with my issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,775 which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, microporous diffusers 50, 70, 90, as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, or FIGS. 7A-7B may be used. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 8A, the microporous diffusers 116 are coupled to a common rotary joint 117 that can provides a gas/ozone feed arrangement 86a which can be fed, for example, from compressor/pump 24 and compressor 28 (FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 8B, the microporous diffusers are arranged in elevation above the bottom of the spring box 110 within a pool 119 of water provided from the spring or other surface water source. The rotary joint 117 enables the microporous diffusers to be rotated in the water enabling the ozone to more effectively mix with the water. The spring box 110 can include a sand or other matrix 120 containing a reaction promoter e.g., catalyst as mentioned. The spring box 110 is an ozone reactor vessel in which ozone is pumped into the pool of water through the use of the microporous diffusers. The microporous diffusers 116 are disposed in the water under treatment and transfer ozone into the water in the form of micro fine or fine bubbles which promote rapid gas/gas/water reactions with volatile organic compounds particularly in the presence of a catalyst or enhancer which may participate in the gaseous phase of the reaction, instead of solely enhancing dissolved aqueous disassociation and reactions. In addition, an optional liquid port (not shown) to the rotary joint can be provided to include gas/gas reactions within the gaseous phase as well as inducing water aqueous phased reactions to achieve an overall decomposition rate within the gaseous phase and the aqueous phase from second water reactions. For example, the use of hydrogen peroxide as a laminate coating on the bubbles can enhance decomposition rates as mentioned above. Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternative example of the use of the microporous diffusers 50, 70 is shown. The example shows an injection well to treat subsurface waters of an aquifer. The arrangement includes a well having a casing with an inlet screen and outlet screen to promote a recirculation of water into the casing and through the surrounding ground area. The casing supports the ground about the well. Disposed through the casing is microporous diffusers e.g., 50 or 70. The injection well treatment system 120 also includes an air compressor 132, a compressor/pump control mechanism 134, and an ozone (O3) generator 136. The air compressor 134 can feed a stream of air into the microporous diffuser 50 whereas, the compressor pump control 134 feeds a stream of air mixed with ozone (O3) from the ozone generator 136 into microporous diffuser to affect substantial removal of the above-mentioned or similar types of contaminants. Optionally, or in addition thereto, the treatment system 120 can also include a pump 138 that supplies a liquid decontamination agent such as hydrogen peroxide as well as nutrients such as catalyst agents including iron containing compounds such as iron silicates or palladium containing compounds such as palladized carbon. In addition, other materials such as platinum may also be used. The treatment system 120 makes use of a gas-gas reaction of contaminant vapors and ozone (described below) that can be supplemented with a liquid phase reaction. The use of hydrogen peroxide as a thin film coating on the bubbles promotes the decomposition rate by adding a secondary liquid phase reactive interface as volatile compounds enter the gaseous phase. It also expands the types of compounds that can be effectively removed. Alternatively, the pump control 138 can simply feed water. In particular, with the microporous diffusers 50 and 70 and use of the optional port to introduce a liquid such as hydrogen peroxide or water into the chamber, the microbubbles are produced in the microporous diffuser by bubbling air/ozone through the central cylinder of the microporous diffusers and into the surrounding outer regions of the microporous diffusers. At the same time, a liquid is introduced into the microporous diffusers 50, 70 and laminates an outer surface of bubbles formed by the gas. The liquid forms a liquid barrier between the water to be treated and the inside gas containing air/ozone. This arrangement thus can be injected into a slurry containing a catalyst such as silicate, iron silicate, palladium, palladized carbon or titanium dioxide to produce rapid reactions to decompose contaminants within the pool of water contained in the spring box 30. The reactions can proceed as set out below. The process uses microfine bubble injection to produce simultaneous extraction/decomposition reactions as opposed to simply creating smaller and smaller sized bubbles for the purpose of injecting into free water. The process involves generation of fine bubbles which can promote rapid gas/gas/water reactions with volatile organic compounds which a substrate (catalyst:or enhancer) participates in, instead of solely enhancing dissolved (aqueous) disassociation and reactions. The production of microbubbles and selection of appropriate size distribution is provided by using microporous material and a bubble chamber for optimizing gaseous exchange through high surface area to volume ratio and long residence time within the liquid to be treated. The equipment promotes the continuous production of microbubbles while minimizing coalescing or adhesion. The injected air/liquid combination moves as a fluid into the water to be treated. The use of microencapsulated ozone enhances and promotes in-situ stripping of volatile organics and simultaneously terminates the normal reversible Henry's reaction. The process involves promoting simultaneous volatile organic compounds (VOC) in-situ stripping and gaseous decomposition, with moisture (water) and substrate (catalyst or enhancer). The reaction mechanism is not a dissolved aqueous reaction. In some cases, with cis- or trans-DCE, the aqueous phase reaction may assist the predominantly gas-phase reaction. The remote process controller and monitor allows for the capability for sensor feedback and remote communication to the pump control 24 and ozone (or oxygen or both) generator 26 to achieve a certain level of gaseous content (e.g., dissolved oxygen, ozone, or other gas) and rate of mixing to promote efficient reactions. This is done by sensors 39 (FIGS. 3A, 3B) placed in the bubble chambers at certain distances from the microporous diffusers 50, 70. Oxygen content, redox potential, and dissolved VOC concentration of the water can be monitored within the treatment system. The operator can access the information, modify operations and diagnose the condition of the unit by telephone modem or satellite cell phone. This provides on-site process evaluation and adjustment without the need of on-site operator presence. Appropriately sized microfine bubbles can be generated in a continuous or pulsing manner which allows alternating water/bubble/water/bubble fluid flow. The microfine bubbles substantially accelerate the transfer rate of volatile organic compounds like PCE from aqueous to gaseous state. Reducing the size of the bubbles to microfine sizes, e.g., 5 to 50 microns, can boost extraction rates. These sizes boost exchange rates and do not tend to retard rise time by too small a size. When an oxidizing gas (ozone) is added into the microbubbles, the rate of extraction is enhanced further by maintaining a low interior (intrabubble) concentration of PCE, while simultaneously degrading the PCE by a gas/gas/water reaction. The combination of both processes acting simultaneously provides a unique rapid removal system which is identified by a logarithmic rate of removal of PCE, and a characteristic ratio of efficiency quite different from dissolved (aqueous) ozone reactions. The compounds commonly treated are HVOCs (halogenated volatile organic compounds), PCE, TCE, DCE, vinyl chloride (VC), petroleum compounds (BTEX: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes). An analysis of the reaction mechanism is set out. Gaseous exchange is proportional to available surface area. With partial pressures and mixtures of volatile gases being held constant, a halving of the radius of bubbles would quadruple (i.e., times) the exchange rate. If, in the best case, a standard well screen creates air bubbles 200 times the size of a medium sand porosity, a microporous diffuser of 5 to 20 micron size creates a bubble {fraction (1/10)} the diameter and six to ten times the volume/surface ratio as shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 Diameter Surface Area Volume Surface (microns) 4π 4/3π Area/Volume 200 124600 4186666 0.03 20 1256 4186 0.3 Theoretically, the microporous bubbles exhibit an exchange rate of ten times the rate of a comparable bubble from a standard ten slot well screen. TABLE 2 Surface to Volume (A/V) Ratio Changes As Function of Bubble Size As Bubble Volume Increases D(i.e., 2r) or h as 0.1 0.25 0.5 1 2 5 10 20 Fraction of Pore Size Sphere SPHEROID Area = 4πr2 0.0314 0.19625 0.785 3.14 18.8 37.7 69 131 Vol = 4/3π3 0.0005 0.00817 0.065 0.53 6.3 15.7 31 62 Ratio 62 24 12 5.9 3 2.4 2.2 2.1 In wastewater treatment, the rate of transfer between gas and liquid phases is generally proportional to the surface area of contact and the difference between the existing concentration and the equilibrium concentration of the gas in solution. Simply stated, if the surface to volume ratio of contact is increased, the rate of exchange also increases as illustrated in Table 2. If, the gas (VOC) entering the bubble (or micropore space bounded by a liquid film), is consumed, the difference is maintained at a higher entry rate than if the VOC is allowed to reach saturation equilibrium. In the case of a halogenated volatile organic carbon compound (HVOC), PCE, gas/gas reaction of PCE to by-products of HCl, CO2 and H2O accomplishes this. In the case of petroleum products like BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), the benzene entering the bubbles reacts to decompose to CO2 and H2O. The normal equation for the two-film theory of gas transfer is: rm=KgA(Cg—C) where: rm=rate of mass transfer Kg=coefficient of diffusion for gas A=area through which gas is diffusing Cg=saturation concentration of gas in solution C=concentration of gas in solution. The restatement of the equation to consider the inward transfer of phase change from dissolved HVOC to gaseous HVOC in the inside of the bubble would be: Cs=Saturation concentration of gas phase of HVOC or VOC in bubble. C=Initial concentration of gaseous phase of HVOC or VOC in bubble volume. Soil vapor concentrations are related to two governing systems: water phase and (non-aqueous) product phase. Henry's and Raoult's Laws are commonly used to understand equilibrium-vapor concentrations governing volatilisation from liquids. When soils are moist, the relative volatility is dependent upon Henry's Law. Under normal conditions (free from product) where volatile organic carbons (VOCs) are relatively low, an equilibrium of soil, water, and air is assumed to exist. The compound tetrachloroethene (PCE) has a high exchange capacity from dissolved form to gaseous form. If the surface/volume ratio is modified at least ten fold, the rate of removal should be accelerated substantially. FIG. 10 shows a plot of removal rate of PCE for an aqueous solution equivalent to 120 ppb, over differing bubble sizes. The air volume and water volume is held constant. The only change is the diameter of bubbles passed through the liquid from air released from a diffuser. Ozone is an effective oxidant used for the breakdown of organic compounds in water treatment. The major problem in effectiveness is that ozone has a short lifetime. If ozone is mixed with sewage containing water above ground, the half-life is normally minutes. Ozone reacts quantitatively with PCE to yield breakdown products of hydrochloric acid, carbon dioxide, and water. To offset the short life span, the ozone is injected with microporous diffusers, enhancing the selectiveness of action of the ozone. By encapsulating the ozone in fine bubbles, the bubbles would preferentially extract volatile compounds like PCE from the mixtures of soluble organic compounds they encountered. With this process, volatile organics are selectively pulled into the fine air bubbles. Gas entering a small bubble of volume (4πr3) increases until reaching an asymptotic value of saturation. If we consider the surface of the bubble to be a membrane, a first order equation can be written for the monomolecular reaction of the first order. The reaction can be ⅆ x ⅆ t = K ( Q - X ) written as follows: where X is the time varying concentration of the substance in the bubble, Q is the external concentration of the substance, and K is the absorption constant. X=Q(l−eKt) If at time t=0, X=0, then: K = ⅆ x / ⅆ t Q - X The constant K is found to be: By multiplying both numerator and denominator by V, the K = v ⅆ x / ⅆ t v ( Q - X ) volume of the bubble, we obtain which is the ratio between the amount of substance entering the given volume per unit time and quantity V(Q−X) needed to reach the asymptotic value. By analyzing the concentration change within the fine bubbles sent through a porous matrix with saturated (water filled) solution interacting with the matrix (sand), and determining the rate of decomposition of the products (TCE+ozone=CO2+HCl) and (Benzene+ozone=CO2+HOH), the kinetic rates of reaction can be characterized. The rate which the quantity k1QV of the substance flows in one unit of time from aqueous solution into the bubble is proportional to Henry's Constant. This second rate of decomposition within the bubble can be considered as k1, a second ⅆ x ⅆ t = k 1 Q - k 2 X rate of reaction (−k2X), where X = k 1 k 2 Q and, at equilibrium, as dx/dt=0, gives However, if the reaction to decompose is very rapid, so −k2X goes to zero, the rate of reaction would maximize k1Q, i.e., be proportional to Henry's Constant and maximize the rate of extraction since VOC saturation is not occurring within the bubbles. The combination of microbubble extraction and ozone degradation can be generalized to predict the volatile organic compounds amenable to rapid removal. The efficiency of extraction is directly proportional to Henry's Constant. Multiplying the Henry's Constant (the partitioning of VOCs from water to gas phase) times the reactivity rate constant of ozone for a particular VOC yields the rate of decomposition expected by the microbubble process. The concentration of HVOC expected in the bubble is a consequence of rate of invasion and rate of removal. In practice, the ozone concentration is adjusted to yield 0 rvoc=−KLavoc(C—CL) concentration at the time of arrival at the surface. where: fvoc=rate of VOC mass transfer, (μg/ft3·h) (K1a)voc=overall VOC mass transfer coefficient, (1/h) C=concentration of VOC in liquid CL=saturation concentration of VOC in liquid μg/ft3 (μg/m3) The saturation concentration of a VOC in wastewater is a function of the partial pressure of the VOC in the atmosphere in contact with the wastewater. c g C L = H c thus , C g = H C · C L Cg=concentration of VOC in gas phase μg/ft3 (μg/m3) CL=saturation concentration of VOC in liquid μg/ft3 (μg/m3) Hc=Henry's Constant The rate of decomposition of an organic compound Cg (when present at a concentration (C) by ozone can be formulated - ( ⅆ C g ⅆ t ) O 3 = K o c ( O 3 ) ( C g ) by the equation: or, after integration for the case of a batch reactor: - ln ( C g end C g o ) = K o c ( O 3 ) t ( C g ) end = C o e o c - K ( O 3 ) t ( C g ) end ( C g ) o = e o c ( O 3 ) t ( equation 2 ) where, (O3)=concentration of ozone averaged over the reaction time (t) (Cg)o=halocarbon initial concentration (Cg)end=halocarbon final concentration Substituting: rm = KgA (Cg—C) From Henry's Law: rm = KgA ((Hg.Cg)—C) Cg = Hc.Cg (equation 3) rm = KgZ ((Hg.Cg)—C) With ozone rm = KgZ ((Hc.Cg)—C—Ko(O3)(Cg)) (equation 4) (Hg.C)—Ko(O3)(Cg) = 0 Rate of decomposition is now adjusted to equal the total HVOC entering the bubble. SET: (Hc.Cg)=Ko(O3)(Cg) (equation 5) therefore surface concentration=0 This condition speeds up the rate of extraction because the VOC never reaches equilibrium or saturation in the bubble. Table 4 gives the Henry's Constants (Hc) for a selected number of organic compounds and the second rate constants (R2) for the ozone radical rate of reaction in solely aqueous reactions where superoxide and hydroxide reactions dominate. The third column presents rates of removal process. TABLE 4 REMOVAL RATE COEFFICIENTS Ozone Aqueous Second Order Henry's Rate Removal Rate Constant (a.) Constant Coefficient Organic Compound (M−1 SEC−1) (b.) (τ) (c.) Benzene 2 5.59 × 103 0.06 Toluene 14 6.37 × 103 0.07 Chlorobenzene 0.75 3.72 × 103 0.013 Dichloroethylene 110 7.60 × 103 0.035 Trichloroethylene 17 9.10 × 103 0.05 Tetrachloroethylene 0.1 25.9 × 103 0.06 Ethanol 0.02 .04 × 103 0.0008 (a.) From Hoigne and Bader, 1983. “Rate of Constants of Direct Reactions of Ozone with Organic and Inorganic Compounds in Water-I. Nondissociating Compounds” Water Res/17: 173-184. (b.) From EPA 540/1-86/060, Superfund Public Health Evaluation Manual EPA 540/1-86/060 (OSWER Directive 9285.4-1) Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. (c.) See U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,775. The rapid removal rate of this process does not follow Hoigne and Bader (1983) rate constants. However, there is a close correlation to Henry's Constant as would be expected from equation 5. The presence of the substrate (sand) and moisture is necessary to complete the reaction. The active ingredient in the sand matrix appears to be an iron silicate. The breakdown products include CO2 and dilute HCl. Two sets of equations are involved in the reactions: Dissolved Halogenated Compounds Dissolved Petroleum Distillates Exemplary compounds are normally unsaturated (double bond), halogenated compounds like PCE, TCE, DCE, Vinyl Chloride, EDB; or aromatic ring compounds like benzene derivatives (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes). Also, pseudo Criegee reactions with the substrate and ozone appear effective in reducing certain saturated olefins like trichloro alkanes (1,1,-TCA), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), chloroform and chlorobenzene, for instance. The following characteristics of the contaminants appear desirable for reaction: Henry's Constant: 10−2 to 10−4 m3 · atm/mol Solubility: 10 to 20,000 mg/l Vapor pressure: 1 to 3000 mmhg Saturation concentration: 5 to 9000 g/m3 Absorption-Destruction Absorptive substrates like activated carbon and certain resins serve to remove disolved volatile organic carbon compounds by absorption to the surface. The active surface of particles contain sites which the compounds attach to. The surface absorption is usually mathematically modeled by use of a Langmuir or Freunlich set of equations for particular sizes of particles or total surface area if the material is presented in cylinders or successive plates. The derivation of the Langmuir isotherm stipulated a limited number of absorption sites on the surface of the solid. The absorption of a solute on the surface necessitates the removal of a solvent molecule. An equilibrium is then reached between the absorbed fraction and the remaining concentration in solution. If a continual gas phase of microbubbles is being released from a porous surface, can remove the absorbed molecule and decompose it, the reaction would be moved along much faster Q 1 = K L 1 C L 1 1 + K L 1 C L 1 than in aqueous phase without the collecting surface. Q1=fractional surface coverage of solute KL1=equilibrium constant CL1=solute concentration OTHER EMBODIMENTS It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>This invention relates generally to water remediation systems. There is a well recognized need to clean-up contaminants that exist in ground and surface water. In particular, there is one type of contamination problem which widely exists, that is, the contamination of surface waters or subsurface waters which find their way to the surface such as, for example, in a contaminated spring. Such surface waters may be contaminated with various constituents including volatile hydrocarbons, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons including trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE). | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>According to an additional aspect of the present invention, a microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said sidewall defining an interior hollow portion of said member and a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said second member being disposed through the hollow region of said first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings. According to an additional aspect of the present invention, a microporous diffuser includes a first hollow cylindrical tube having a sidewall comprising a plurality of microscopic openings and a second hollow tube having a sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said second tube being disposed through said first tube. The diffuser also includes an end cap to seal ends of said tubes and an inlet cap disposed to provide inlets to interior portions formed by sidewalls of said tubes. According to a still further aspect of the invention, a microporous diffuser includes a first hollow cylindrical tube coupled to a first inlet and adapted to be fed by a gas, the tube having a sidewall comprising a plurality of microscopic openings the openings having a diameter in a range of 1 to 200 microns and a second hollow tube coupled to a second inlet and adapted to be fed by a liquid, the tube having a sidewall with a plurality of microscopic openings, the openings having a diameter in a range of 1 to 200 microns, with the first tube being disposed through the second tube and arranged such that gas injected into the first tube travels towards the sidewall of the second tube forming microfine bubbles laminated with the liquid. The diffuser also includes an end cap to seal first ends of the tubes and an inlet cap disposed to seal second ends of said tubes and to support the first and second inlets to the interior portions formed between the tubes. | 20040802 | 20060110 | 20050127 | 63101.0 | 2 | HRUSKOCI, PETER A | METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF GROUNDWATER AND/OR SOIL FORMATIONS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,910,716 | ACCEPTED | Retention and release mechanisms for fiber optic modules | A rotate-and-pull mechanism for fiber optic modules. The mechanism having a lever-actuator to unlatch and withdraw a fiber optic module from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The lever-actuator pivotally couples to the fiber optic module so that when lever-actuator is rotated about its pivot point, the lever-actuator causes a pivot-arm actuator to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. The pivot-arm actuator further including a keeper to engage into a latch in the cage assembly. A bracket, which may be coupled to the fiber optic module, provides a flexible arm portion to provide a counteracting force when the pivot-arm actuator rotates to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. The bracket may include a slot through which the keeper on the pivot-arm actuator may move through as the pivot-arm actuator pivots. | 1-41. (canceled) 42. A de-latch mechanism for fiber optic modules comprising: a lever-arm actuator with a pivot point; and a pivot-arm actuator, wherein rotating the lever-arm actuator about its pivot point causes the pivot-arm actuator to rotate and release a fiber optic module from a cage assembly. 43. The de-latch mechanism of claim 42 wherein the lever-arm actuator includes a cross member coupled to the lever-arm actuator, the cross member including an actuating slot, wherein the actuating slot rotates when the lever-arm actuator is rotated about its pivot point to cause the pivot-arm actuator to rotate and release a fiber optic module from a cage assembly. 44. The de-latch mechanism of claim 43 wherein the actuating slot rotates about the same axis as the lever-arm actuator when the lever-arm actuator is rotated. 45. The de-latch mechanism of claim 42 wherein pulling the lever-arm actuator causes a fiber optic module to withdraw from a cage assembly. 46. The de-latch mechanism of claim 42 further comprising: a pivot fastener at the pivot point of the lever-arm actuator to rotationally couple the lever-arm actuator to a fiber optic module. 47. The de-latch mechanism of claim 42 further comprising: a bracket including a flexible arm, the flexible arm to maintain the pivot-arm actuator in an engaged position. 48. The de-latch mechanism of claim 47 wherein the flexible arm portion of the bracket flexes and provides a counteracting force when the pivot-arm actuator rotates to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. 49. The de-latch mechanism of claim 47 wherein the bracket acts as a stop for the pivot-arm actuator in one direction. 50. The de-latch mechanism of claim 47 wherein the bracket further includes side panels to couple to an optical module. 51. The de-latch mechanism of claim 50 wherein the bracket further includes rectangular locating tab openings at the side panels to fit over locating tabs on an optical module. 52. The de-latch mechanism of claim 47 wherein the bracket further includes a slot through which a keeper on the pivot-arm actuator may move through as the pivot-arm actuator pivots. 53. The de-latch mechanism of claim 42 wherein the pivot-arm actuator, includes a keeper to fit into a latch in a cage assembly. 54. The de-latch mechanism of claim 53 wherein the keeper of the pivot-arm actuator includes a triangular protrusion. 55. A fiber optic module comprising: a nose receptacle including a fiber optic cable receptacle to receive one or more fiber optic cable plugs; a lever-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly using a rotational action; and a pivot-arm actuator coupled to the lever-actuator, the pivot-arm including a keeper which is released from a latch to release the fiber optic module in response to a rotational action on the lever-actuator. 56. The fiber optic module of claim 55 further comprising: a printed circuit board including one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals. 57. The fiber optic module of claim 55 wherein the fiber optic module is a small form pluggable (SFP) fiber optic module and the cage assembly is a small form pluggable (SFP) cage assembly. 58. The fiber optic module of claim 57 further comprising: a housing to couple to the nose receptacle and cover the printed circuit board. 59. The fiber optic module of claim 55 wherein the lever-actuator includes one or more pins to rotationally engage the nose receptacle. 60. The fiber optic module of claim 55 wherein the lever-actuator includes one or more holes to rotationally engage the nose receptacle. 61. The fiber optic module of claim 55 wherein the pivot-arm actuator rotates to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. 62. The fiber optic module of claim 55 wherein the nose receptacle further includes, a bracket, the bracket including a flexible arm, the flexible arm to maintain the pivot-arm actuator in an engaged position. 63. The fiber optic module of claim 62 wherein the flexible arm portion of the bracket flexes and provides an opposing spring force when the pivot-arm actuator rotates to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. 64. The fiber optic module of claim 62 wherein the bracket acts as a stop for the pivot-arm actuator in one direction. 65. The fiber optic module of claim 62 wherein the bracket further includes side panels to couple to the nose receptacle. 66. The fiber optic module of claim 65 wherein the bracket further includes rectangular locating tab openings at the side panels to fit over locating tabs on the nose receptacle. 67. The fiber optic module of claim 62 wherein the bracket further includes a slot through which the keeper on the pivot-arm actuator may move through as the pivot-arm actuator pivots. 68. The fiber optic module of claim 55 wherein the keeper of the pivot-arm actuator includes a triangular protrusion. 69. A fiber optic module comprising: means for converting optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; and means for disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly by rotating a lever-actuator. 70. The fiber optic module of claim 69 further comprising: means for withdrawing the fiber optic module by pulling on the lever-actuator. 71. The fiber optic module of claim 70 wherein the means for disengaging also provides a means for withdrawing. 72. The fiber optic module of claim 69 further comprising: means for pivotally disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly when the lever-actuator is rotated. 73. The fiber optic module of claim 69 further comprising: means for coupling the disengaging means to the fiber optic module. | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This United States (U.S.) patent application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/215,965 filed on Aug. 9, 2002 by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al., titled “RETENTION AND RELEASE MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES”; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/939,403 filed on Aug. 23, 2001 by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al., titled “DE-LATCHING MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES”; and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/388,162 filed on Jun. 11, 2002, by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al., titled “RETENTION AND WITHDRAWAL MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES”; and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/313,232 filed on Aug. 16, 2001 by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al., titled “DE-LATCHING MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES”; and also claims the benefit of and is a continuation in part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/896,695, filed on Jun. 28, 2001 by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al., titled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PUSH BUTTON RELEASE FIBER OPTIC MODULES” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/283,843 filed on Apr. 14, 2001 by inventors Liew Chuang Chiu et al. entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PUSH BUTTON RELEASE FIBER OPTIC MODULES”; and is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/939,413, filed on Aug. 23, 2001 by Liew C. Chiu et al., titled “PULL-ACTION DE-LATCHING MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/656,779, filed on Sep. 7, 2000 by Cheng Ping Wei et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/321,308, filed on May 27, 1999 by Wenbin Jiang et al., which are incorporated by reference for all purposes. FIELD This invention relates generally to fiber optic modules. More particularly, the invention relates to retention and release mechanisms for unplugging fiber optic modules. BACKGROUND Fiber optic modules can transduce electrical data signals in order to transmit optical signals over optical fibers. Fiber optic modules can also transduce optical signals received over optical fibers into electrical data signals. The size or form factor of fiber optic modules is important. The smaller the form factor of a fiber optic module, the less space taken on a printed circuit board to which it couples. A smaller form factor allows a greater number of fiber optic modules to be coupled onto a printed circuit board to support additional communication channels. However, the smaller form factor makes it more difficult for a user to handle. When a fiber optic module embedded in a system fails it is desirable to replace it, particularly when other communication channels are supported by other operating fiber optic modules. To replace a failed fiber optic module it needs to be pluggable into a module receptacle. While plugging in a new fiber optic module is usually easy, it is more difficult to remove the failed fiber optic module because of other components surrounding it. Additionally, a user should not attempt to pull on fiber optic cables in order to try and remove a failed fiber optic module or else the user might cause damage thereto. A typical release method for a pluggable fiber optic module is to push in on the fiber optic module itself and then pull out on the fiber optic module to release it from a cage assembly or module receptacle. It has been determined that this method is not very reliable with users complaining of the difficulty in removing pluggable fiber optic modules in this manner. Users often complain that traditional methods offer little leverage in getting a sufficient grip on the module when attempting to pull it out of a module receptacle. Another complaint is that traditional actuators used to remove fiber optic modules are inaccessible or invisible. Other users complain that once released by the traditional method, it is difficult to withdraw the fiber optic module out of its cage or module receptacle. Additionally, the pushing and then pulling of traditional methods places extra strain on components of the fiber optic module itself, the cage assembly or module receptacle and any electrical connections which the fiber optic module makes with an electrical connector. Oftentimes more than one cycle of pushing and pulling on the fiber optic module is required to release it from the cage or receptacle. It is desirable to make it easier to remove pluggable fiber optic modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified top-exploded view illustrating an optical element. FIG. 2 is a partially assembled view of an optical element, receiver printed circuit board, and transmitter printed circuit board. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a printed circuit board cage subassembly and optical element. FIG. 4A is an exploded view from the rear of an embodiment of a hot pluggable fiber optic module. FIG. 4B is a magnified view of a side of a male electrical connector to provide hot pluggability. FIG. 4C is a magnified view of another side of the male electrical connector to provide hot pluggability. FIG. 5 is exploded view from the front of an embodiment of a fiber optic module. FIG. 6A is a top view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6C is a right side view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6D is a left side view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6E is a front view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6F is a rear view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIGS. 7A-7E are views of an exemplary cage assembly or module receptacle for fiber optic modules. FIGS. 8A-8B are views of an exemplary fiber optic receptacle for fiber optic modules. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the retention and release mechanism of the invention apart from the fiber optic module. FIGS. 10A-10B illustrates views of the moving triangle piece and the bracket apart from the fiber optic module. FIG. 11 illustrates the assembly of the moving triangle piece to the optical receptacle of FIGS. 8A-8B. FIG. 12 illustrates the assembly of the bracket to the optical receptacle of FIGS. 8A-8B. FIG. 13 illustrates the assembly of the lever to the nose receptacle of FIGS. 8A-8B and its assembly to a fiber optic module. FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate the operation of the retention and release mechanism apart from the cage assembly. FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate views of a fiber optic module including the retention and release mechanism as another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 16A-16I illustrate various views of an alternate embodiments of the lever. FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a fiber optic system with a belly-to-belly mounting configuration with the top fiber optic module removed. FIG. 17B is a side view of the fiber optic system with a belly-to-belly mounting configuration of FIG. 17A. FIG. 17C is a side view of the fiber optic system with a belly-to-belly mounting configuration of FIG. 17A with the top fiber optic module inserted. FIGS. 18A-18I illustrate various views of how the MT bail-lever delatching mechanism would function in a belly-to-belly mounting configuration for another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention. In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe various features of the invention. For example, a “fiber-optic transceiver” is a fiber optic module having optical signal transmit and receive capability. The terms “disengage”, “release”, “unlatch”, and “de-latch” may be used interchangeably when referring to the de-coupling of a fiber optic module from a cage assembly. The invention includes methods, apparatuses and systems for fiber optic modules including pull-action releasable fiber optic modules in small form pluggable (SFP) GBIC, LC type packages. Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of an optical element 103 of an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The optical element 103 included a nose 151, a pair of fiber ferrule sleeves 131, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield plate 153, an optical block 120, a receiver 111 and a transmitter 110. The electromagnetic interference shield plate 153 provides shielding to keep electromagnetic interference from leaking into or out of the optical block 120 and the module. The optical block 120 aligns a light transmitter 110 and a light receiver 111 with two lenses in the optical block 120. The light transmitters 110 or light receivers 111 are optoelectronic devices for communicating with optical fibers using light of various wavelengths or photons. An optoelectronic device is a device which can convert or transduce light or photons into an electrical signal or an electrical signal into light or photons. In the case of transmitters, the light transmitters 110 are packaged emitters that can convert electrical signals into light or photons. Examples of emitters are semiconductor lasers (i.e. a VCSEL) or an LED which may be packaged in TO (transistor outline) cans. In the case of receivers, the light receivers 111 are packaged photodetectors, that detect or receive light or photons and convert it into an electrical signal. An example of a photo detector is a photo diode which may be packaged in a TO can. However other packages, housings or optoelectronic devices for receiving and transmitting light or photons may be used for the light transmitters 110 or light receivers 111. The electromagnetic interference plate 153 has one or more projections 156 which engage one or more external notches 157 of the optical block 120 near its edges. The optical ports 159 of the electromagnetic interference plate 153 align with a pair of optical ports 129 and 130 of the nose 151. The electromagnetic interference plate 153 is electrically coupled to an outer housing 400 (shown on FIG. 5) via the projections 156 and shunts electro-magnetic fields to the outer housing 400. The fiber ferules 131 can be inserted into the optical ports 129 and 130 upon assembly. The nose 151 further has one or more posts 164 over which one or more holes 158 in the electromagnetic interference plate 153 can slide in order to align the nose 151, the pair of fiber ferules 131, the electromagnetic interference plate 153 and the optical block 120 together. The nose 151 has a pair of LC receptacles 161 for mechanically coupling and aligning a pair of fiber optic cables (not shown) into the fiber optic module 100. Each LC receptacle 161 is a fiber optic receptacle for one serial fiber optic channel. The LC receptacles 161 in the nose 151 are preferably located without spacing between each other. Neighboring channels are separated far enough apart that a fiber optic module 100 having multiple channels can comply with FDA and IEC Class-1 eye safety limits. This eases handling of the fiber optic module 100 by avoiding the use of eye protection. Due to the size of LC receptacles, TO-can size packages are usable which allows the output power level of each individual fiber optic channel to be separately monitored. Monitoring a fiber optic channel involves splitting the light beam so that a photodetector or photodiode receives a portion of the light beam. The electrical output of the photodiode is then measured to indicate the output power level of the fiber optic channel. The relaxed spacing of the individual fiber optic receptacles of the invention facilitate placing light beam splitters within the TO can of the light transmitter 110. The light beam splitter splits the beam such that a portion of the light beam lands on a photodiode within the TO can. The photodiode's output is measured to monitor the output power of the transmitter. Thus, with each channel being separately monitored for power output, each channel can be individually optimized. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that other fiber optic connectors such as, but not limited to, SC, MT-RJ, VF45, and MU connectors, may be used in lieu of the LC receptacles 161. Referring now to FIG. 2, a partially assembled view of an optical element 103, a receiver printed circuit board 250, and a transmitter printed circuit board 200 for an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Receiver printed circuit board 250 includes one or more receiver electrical components 227 (receiver integrated circuit (transimpedance amplifier and post amplifier), resistors, capacitors and other passive or active electrical components), a male electrical connector 235, and a receiver ground plane 213 (not shown). The transmitter printed circuit board 200 includes one or more transmitter electrical components 229 (transmitter integrated circuit (laser driver), resistors, capacitors and other passive or active electrical components) and a transmitter ground plane 215 (not shown). The receiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200 may be assembled by wave soldering. At least one pin of the male electrical connector 235 couples to an external female electrical connector. The external female electrical connectors may be SFP (Small Form Pluggable) SMT (Surface Mount Technology) connectors. One or more pins of the male electrical connector 235 allow electrical signals, power, and ground to be coupled into or out of the fiber optic module 100. Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the optical element 103, the receiver printed circuit board 250, the transmitter printed circuit board 200, a bottom frame 301, and a top frame 303 is illustrated. One or more transmitter pins 243 of the male electrical connector 235 which couple to the transmitter electrical components 229, the transmitter electrical components 229, the light transmitter 110, the interconnect leads 225 and a lens (not shown) of the optical block form one transmitting channel. The transmitter electrical components 229 control the light transmitter 110 and buffer the data signal received from a system for transmission over an optical fiber. One or more receiver pins 245 of the male electrical connector 235 which couple to the receiver electrical components 227, the receiver electrical components 227, the light receiver 111 and a lens (not shown) of the optical block form one receiving channel. The receiver electrical components 227 control the light receiver 111 and buffer the data signal received from an optical fiber. Other combinations of components can form other combinations of communications channels. The optical element 103 includes the light receiver 111 with a plurality of straddle mount signal leads 201. The Straddle mount signal leads 201 are arranged in two horizontal rows to straddle a printed circuit board. The two rows of straddle mount signal leads 201 sandwich the receiver printed circuit board 250 so that the straddle mount signal leads 201 electrically couple the light receiver 111 to a plurality of receiver contacts 203 on both sides of the receiver printed circuit board 250. To improve the coupling between the straddle mount signal lead 201 and the receiver contacts 203, solder may be applied to the straddle mount signal leads 201 and the receiver contacts 203. The receiver contacts 203 are preferably a metal such as copper, silver, gold or other metal or alloy. The receiver contacts 203 may be on one or both the top and bottom surfaces of the receiver printed circuit board 250. Optical element 103 has a light transmitter 110 with a plurality of formed (i.e. bent) signal leads 205. Each formed signal lead 205 is bent and turned up to couple to a header signal via 207, in the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board 250 has a cutout 209 that allows space for a horizontal portion of the formed signal lead 205. The cutout 209 may be at an angle cutting out a corner of receiver printed circuit board 250. In the alternative, the cutout 209 may be a square, semicircle, quarter circle or other shape. The vertical portion of each formed signal lead 205 is long enough to couple the light transmitter 110 to the transmitter printed circuit board 200. The ends of formed signal leads 205 couple to a plurality of vias 207, through-holes, contacts or other coupling devices on the transmitter printed circuit board 200. To improve the coupling between a formed signal lead 205 and a via 207, solder may be applied to the formed signal lead 205 and the via 207. Since the printed circuit board assemblies and optical elements are mechanically coupled after the printed circuit boards have been wave soldered, the optical elements are not subject to the heat generated by wave soldering. While a 90 degree angle has been described, it is understood that other arrangements of the formed signal leads 205 may be employed to couple the light transmitter 110 to the transmitter printed circuit board 200. When assembled into the fiber optic module, the receiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200 are vertically stacked and substantially parallel to each other. The top frame 303 and the bottom frame 301 hold the receiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200 in fixed vertical and horizontal alignment. The fiber optic module further includes one or more interconnect leads 225 which electrically couple the transmitter electrical components 229 on the transmitter printed circuit board 200 to transmitter pins 243 of the electrical connector by means of signal traces in the receiver printed circuit board 250. The receiver printed circuit board 250 includes a receiver ground plane 213 (shown in FIG. 2), and the transmitter printed circuit board 200 includes a transmitter ground plane 215 (shown in FIG. 2). Receiver ground plane 213 shunts electromagnetic fields radiating into it to ground via a pin in the male electrical connector 235. The transmitter ground plane 215 shunts electromagnetic fields radiating into ground through one or more of the interconnect leads 225, a transmitter trace 247 on the receiver printed circuit board 250, and a pin 243 in the male electrical connector 235. The receiver printed circuit board 250 includes a pair of slots 231 (referred to as receiver slots 231) one in the left side edge and another in the right side edge of the printed circuit board as shown and illustrated in FIG. 2. The transmitter printed circuit board 200 includes a pair of slots 233 (referred to as transmitter slots 233) one in the left side edge and another in the right side edge of the printed circuit board as shown and illustrated in FIG. 2. The receiver slots 231 and the transmitter slots 233 facilitate alignment between the receiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200. The bottom frame 301 includes a pair of sides 341A and 341B, a base 343, a pair of rails 305A and 305B, a plurality of lower support tabs 335 and a plurality of upper support tabs 337 extending from a pair of corners of each of the sides 341A and 341B as illustrated in FIG. 3. The base 343 of the bottom frame 301 is L shaped such that the rail 305B extends along the side and base of the bottom frame 301 while the rail 305B extends out of a center line (near the middle of the bottom frame) with a surface of the base there-between. The L shape leaves a cutout area from the base of the bottom frame which will be filled in by a bottom cover as described below. The rail 305A extending from the center line or middle of the bottom frame 301, includes a tip 355A that extends outward and is inserted into an opening 155 in the optical block 120. The top frame 303 includes a top 347, a pair of top frame sides 349A and 349B, a pair of alignment rails 307, and a flange 321 as shown and illustrated in FIG. 3. When assembled, the receiver printed circuit board 250 is inserted into a pair of slots 309 between the upper support tabs and the lower support tabs and rests on the lower support tabs 335 of the bottom frame 301. A pair of receiver slots 231 in edges of the receiver printed circuit board 250 are located near corners of the sides 341A and 341B of the receiver printed circuit board. The four lower support tabs 335 and the four upper support tabs 337 restrict vertical movement in the receiver printed circuit board 250 when its engaged thereto. One or more of the elements of the bottom frame 301 may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or formed to include a conductive plating or surface. The conductive material of the bottom frame 301 shunts electromagnetic fields to ground via an electrical coupling to chassis ground. In this manner the bottom frame 301 can provide electromagnetic interference shielding for the fiber optic module. When assembled, the transmitter printed circuit board 200 rests on the four upper support tabs 337 of the bottom frame 301 such that the pair of transmitter slots 233 in the transmitter printed circuit board 200 are aligned directly above the pair of receiver slots 231 in the receiver printed circuit board 250 at a position adjacent to and above the upper support tabs 337. The alignment of the slots 233 with the slots 231 in each of the respective printed circuit boards assures that the transmitter interconnect vias 239 align with the receiver interconnect vias 241 such that the one or more interconnect leads 225 can be coupled there-between. The one or more interconnect leads 225 couple the respective transmitter traces 247 in the transmitter printed circuit board 200 and the receiver printed circuit board 250 together. The interconnect leads 225 are soldered to the receiver printed circuit board 250 at the receiver interconnect vias 241 on one end and to the transmitter printed circuit board 200 at the transmitter interconnect vias 239 at an opposite end. Though the interconnect leads 225 have been described as providing electrical coupling between the receiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200, it is understood that other interconnect devices may be employed including ribbon cable, wires, male and female electrical connectors and the like. The pair of top frame sides 349A and 349B of the top frame 303 engage with the bottom frame sides 341A and 341B of the bottom frame 301 respectively when they are assembled together. When assembled, external faces of the top frame sides 349 abut inside faces of bottom frame sides 341. Each of the top frame sides have a pair of locking tabs 313 which engage with a pair of lock tab apertures 315 in each of the bottom frame sides 341 to hold them together. The locking tabs 313 and the locking tab apertures 315 prevent the bottom frame 301 and the top frame 303 from moving vertically relative to each other. Each vertical edge of the top frame sides 349A and 349B mates with the upper tabs 337 and the lower tabs 335 to keep the top frame 303 from moving laterally relative to the bottom frame 301. The top frame 303 has the pair of alignment rails 307 on edges of the top frame sides 349A and 349B. The alignment rails 307 mate with the pair of transmitter slots 233 in the transmitter printed circuit board 200 and the pair of the receiver slots 231 in the receiver printed circuit board 250 to keep them in alignment so that the interconnect leads 225 are not sheared by movement in either and the electrical coupling is maintained. Top frame 303 has a tab 363, rib, post or other member on the underside of top 347. When top frame 303 is assembled to the bottom frame 301 and transmitter board 200, the tab 363 prevents upward movement of transmitter printed circuit board 200. Additionally, the pair of alignment rails 307 abut a pair of lower support tabs 335 and a pair of upper support tabs 337 to maintain alignment and avoid movement as stress is placed on the receiver printed circuit board 250 when the fiber optic module is pulled away from a connector. The top frame 303 includes the flange 321 which extends from the top 347 of the top frame 303 as shown and illustrated in FIG. 3. The flange 321 includes an opening 317 which slides over a top post 319 of the optical block 120 of the optical element 103. When the opening 317 of the flange 321 is mated with the top post 319, the top frame 303 is tightly coupled to the optical element 103 to avoid separation when the fiber optic module is inserted or removed from a connector. With the opening 317 engaged to the top post 319 so that the top frame is tightly coupled, the alignment rails 307 of the top frame 303 in conjunction with the receiver slots 231 and the transmitter slots 233, keep the receiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200 tightly coupled to the optical element 103 as well to avoid separation. The flange 321 includes a flange lip 325 that abuts a recess wall 327 of the optical block 120 to prevent lateral movement of the top frame 303 relative to the optical elements 103. The top frame 303 includes a pair of top frame sides 349A and 349B and the top 347. These and other elements of the top frame may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or formed to include a conductive plating or surface. The conductive material of the top frame 303 shunts electromagnetic fields to ground via an electrical coupling to chassis ground. In this manner, the top frame 303 provides electromagnetic interference shielding to the fiber optic module. The assembled subassembly including the receiver printed circuit board 250, the transmitter printed circuit board 200, the interconnect leads 225, the bottom frame 301 and the top frame 303 can hereinafter be referred to as a printed circuit board assembly 411. Referring now to FIG. 4A, an exploded view of an outer housing 400 and the printed circuit board assembly 411 is illustrated. The outer housing 400 includes a top cover 401, a bottom cover 402 and the L shaped bottom frame 301. The top cover 401, the bottom cover 402 and the bottom frame 301 couple together and around the optical block 120 to encase the receiver and transmitter printed circuit boards but for one end where the extension in the receiver printed circuit board forms the male connector 235. The top cover 401 includes a top portion and a pair of sides that fit over the printed circuit board assembly 411 and the optical element 103. The top cover 401 includes a plurality of locating tab openings 405 in each of its sides to engage with locating tabs 407 in sides of the optical block 120, in the nose of optical element 103, and in the bottom frame 301. When the locating tab openings 405 are engaged with the locating tabs 407, movement of the top cover 401 relative to the optical element 103 is prohibited. The top cover 401 includes a hood 409 which encloses an end of the transmitter printed circuit board 200 but leaves the connector 235 of the receiver printed circuit board 250 exposed to connect to a connector. The male electrical connector 235 extends from the top cover 401 to mechanically and electrically couple to an external female electrical connector. The bottom cover 402 is of sufficient size to fill into the cutaway area in the L shaped bottom frame 301. The bottom cover 402 couples to the bottom frame 301 on one side and the top cover 401 on an opposite side. Referring now to FIGS. 4B and 4C, pins of the male electrical connector 235 are illustrated in detail to provide hot pluggability. The male electrical connector 235 includes one or more ground or negative power pins 460, one or more positive power pins 461 and one or more signal pins 462 on top and/or bottom surfaces of the receiver printed circuit board 250. The pins 460, 461, and 462 are staggered from each other with reference to an edge 465 of the receiver printed circuit board 250 to facilitate the hot pluggability. The ground pins 460 of the male electrical connector 235 are closer to the edge 465 than any other pin in the male electrical connector 235 in order for ground to be established first when the fiber optic module is inserted and for ground to be removed last when its removed. The positive power pins 461 are next closest to the edge 465 for power to be established secondly when the fiber optic module is inserted and for power to be removed next to last when its removed. The signal pins 462 are farther from the edge that the power pins 461 and ground pins 462 so that they are established after power and ground has been when inserted and they are disconnect first when the fiber optic module is removed. During the mating of the male electrical connector 235 with an external female electrical connector, the ground pins electrically couple first to ground receptacles of the external female electrical connector in order to ground the fiber optic module 100. During the demating of the male electrical connector 235 and external female electrical connector, the ground pin electrically decouples from the ground last to maintain the grounding of the fiber optic module 100 until after power is removed from the fiber optic module 100. The ground pins 460 being closer to the edge 465 than the power pins 461 and the signal pins 462, prevents damage and disruption to the fiber optic module and the system during the physical insertion and removal of the fiber optic module into and out of the system. The capability to physically remove and insert the fiber optic module during operation without damage or disruption is referred to as hot pluggability. The outer housing 400, including the top cover 401 and the bottom cover 402 and the bottom frame 301, may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or include a conductive plating or surface. With the outer housing 400 formed out of a conductive material, the outer housing 400 can shunt electromagnetic fields radiating into the outer housing 400 to ground via an electrical coupling to chassis ground. In this manner the outer housing 400 also can provide electromagnetic interference shielding to the fiber optic module. Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of the fiber optic module 100 from the front is illustrated. The bottom cover 402 of the outer housing 400 includes a pair of tabs 509 on one side and a pair of projections 505 on an opposite side. The projections 505 of the one side engage a pair of holes 507 in a side of the rail 305A of the bottom frame 301. The projections 505 in the opposite side of the bottom cover 402 engage the housing holes 511 in a side of the top cover 401. The inside surface of the side of the top cover 401 couples to the outer surface of the side of the bottom cover 402 when the tabs 509 are mated with the housing holes 511. The bottom cover 402 can be readily disassembled and reassembled with the top cover 401 and the bottom frame 301 of the fiber optic module 100. By removing the bottom cover 402, a portion of the receiver printed circuit board is exposed to allow access to adjust adjustable electrical components (not shown) on the receiver printed circuit board 250. The adjustable electrical components electrically couple to the electrical components 227 on the receiver printed circuit board 250. The adjustable electrical components electrically couple to the electrical components 229 by way of a conductive path through one or more transmitter traces 361 on the receiver printed circuit board 250, the interconnect vias 225, and the transmitter traces 247 on the transmitter printed circuit board 200. The adjustable electrical components may include DIP switches, potentiometers, variable capacitors and other devices used to tune or adjust the performance of the fiber optic module 100. The bottom cover 402 can also be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or include a conductive plating or surface which is coupled to chassis ground (via holes 507, housing holes 511 and tabs 505 and projections 509) in order to provide electromagnetic interference shielding for the fiber optic module 100. FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a fully assembled fiber optic module 100. FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom view of a fully assembled fiber optic module 100. FIG. 6C illustrates a right side view of a fully assembled fiber optic module 100. FIG. 6D illustrates a left side view of a fully assembled fiber optic module 100. FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of a fully assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6D illustrates a rear view of a fully assembled fiber optic module 100. To assemble the fiber optic module 100 of the invention, the receiver printed circuit board 250 is first slid into the slots 309 of the bottom frame 301 between the upper support tabs 337 and the lower support tabs 335 until the receiver slots 231 are adjacent to, and just inside an end of the bottom frame 301. When receiver printed circuit board 250 is properly positioned in the bottom frame 301, receiver electrical components 227 are face down, the ground plane is face up and the male electrical connector 235 extends beyond the end of the bottom frame 301 so that its external thereto. Next, the one or more interconnect leads 225 are then press fit into the receiver interconnect vias 241. Solder is applied to the interconnect leads 225 at the receiver interconnect vias 241. Then the transmitter interconnect vias 239 of the transmitter printed circuit board 200 are aligned with the one or more interconnect leads and press fit together so that the transmitter printed circuit board rests on top of the upper support tabs 337. With proper orientation, the ground plane is facing down toward the receiver printed circuit board while the transmitter electrical components 229 are on the face up side on the surface of the transmitter printed circuit board 200 and opposite the receiver printed circuit board 250. After press fitting them together, solder is applied to the interconnect leads 225 at the transmitter interconnect vias 239. The top frame 303 is next in the assembly process. The alignment rails 307 of the top frame 303 are aligned with the transmitter slots 233 and the receiver slots 231. The alignment rails 107 are inserted into the transmitter slots 233 so that external surfaces of the sides 349A and 349B slide into the internal surfaces of the sides 341A and 341B respectively. The top frame 303 is coupled to the bottom frame such that the alignment rails 107 slide through the transmitter slots 233 and the receiver slots 231 until the locking tabs 313 engage with the lock tab apertures 315 to lock the top frame 303 in place relative to the bottom frame 301. The optical elements 103 are prepared in parallel with forming the printed circuit board assembly 411. A die (not shown) is used to bend the signal leads of the light transmitter 110 through 90 degrees to form the formed signal leads 205 of the invention. The optical elements are then assembled and aligned together as a subassembly 103. The printed circuit board subassembly 411 is then coupled together to the optical elements subassembly 103. The printed circuit board subassembly 411 is positioned with the optical elements so that the receiver contacts 203 of the receiver printed circuit board 250 align with the space between the horizontal rows of straddle mount signal leads 201. The flange 321 of the top frame 303 is flexed upward so that the opening 317 can mate with the post 319. The printed circuit board subassembly 411 and optical element 103 are brought together so that the receiver contacts 203 can electrically be couple to the straddle mount signal leads 201 and the tip 355A slides into the opening 155. The flange 321 is then released so that the opening 317 slides over the top post 319 to secure the printed circuit board subassembly 411 to the optical element subassembly 103. Next the outer housing 400 is completed around the printed circuit board subassembly 411. The top cover 311 is aligned with the printed circuit board subassembly 411 so that the locating tab openings 405 can mate with the locating tabs 407. The top cover 401 is slid over the optical element subassembly 103 and the printed circuit board subassembly 411 so that the locating tabs 407 snap into the locating tab openings 405. The bottom cover 402 is then couple to the bottom frame 301 and the top cover 401. The bottom cover is tilted so that the projections 505 engage the holes 507 in the side of the rail of the bottom frame 301. Then, the top cover 402 is pressed upward so that the tabs 509 engage with the housing holes 511 so that the bottom cover 402 is secured in place to complete the assembly of the fiber optic module 100. For transmitting signals, the fiber optic module 100 electrically functions such that external electrical transmitter signals arriving at transmitter pins 243 in the male electrical connector 235 are coupled into the transmitter traces 247 routed on the receiver printed circuit board 250. The transmitter traces 247 couple the external electrical transmitter signal from the transmitter pins 243 to the receiver interconnect vias 241. The receiver interconnect vias 241 couple the transmitter signals to the one or more interconnect leads 225. The one or more interconnect leads 225 couple the electrical signals from the receiver interconnect vias 241 at one end into the transmitter interconnect vias 239 at an opposite end. The transmitter traces 247 on the transmitter printed circuit board 200 couple the electrical signals from the transmitter interconnect vias 239 into the transmitter electrical components 229 and/or the transmitter 110. The transmitter electrical components 229 process the electrical signals into electrical transmission pulses for coupling to the light transmitter 110. The light transmitter 110 transduces the electrical transmission pulses into light pulses for transmission over the fiber optic cables. For receiving signals, the fiber optic module 100 electrically functions such that external light pulses arriving at the LC receptacles 161 are transduced into electrical pulses by the light receiver 111 for coupling into the receiver electrical components 227. The receiver electrical components 227 process the electrical pulses into electrical receiver signals which are coupled to the receiver traces 249 of the receiver printed circuit board 250. The receiver traces 249 couple the receiver signals to the receiver pins 245 in the male electrical connector 235 by which the electrical receiver signals are coupled to external devices. In one embodiment of the invention, one electrical component on one of the printed circuit boards controls both the light transmitter 110 and the light receiver 111. In operation, the fiber optic module 100 may be housed in a rack or a cabinet designed to house an LC, GBIC package. When the fiber optic module 100 is inserted into the rack the male electrical connector 235 couples to a female electrical connector of the rack or cabinet. As the electrical connectors couple, one or more ground pins in the male electrical connector 235 electrically couples to one or more corresponding ground receptacles in the female electrical connector before any other pin electrically couples. One or more power pins in the male electrical connector 235 electrically couple to one or more corresponding power receptacles in the female electrical connector before any signal pins electrically couple. After the ground and power pins have coupled, one or more signal pins may then electrically couple to one or more corresponding signal receptacles. Either before or after the fiber optic module is inserted into the rack, fiber optical cables (not shown) are connected to the LC receptacles 161. When it is desired to replace the fiber optic module 100 for some reason, the invention allows hot pluggable replacement. First the fiber connector is removed from the fiber optic module 100. Then the module is disconnected from any electrical connector into which it is coupled. As it is disconnected, the signal pins decouple first, the power pins second and the ground pins last. After which a new fiber optic module 100 can be inserted with the connecting sequence occurring as discussed above. After the fiber optic module is disconnected, the optical element subassembly 103 or the printed circuit board subassembly 411 may be easily replaced. To replace the optical element 103, the flange 321 is flexed up to demate the opening 317 and the top post 319. The optical subassembly 103 is then pulled away from the printed circuit board assembly 411. As the optical subassembly is pulled away from the printed circuit board assembly 411, the straddle mount signal leads 201 decouple from the receiver contacts 203. The formed signal leads 205 also decouple from the header signal vias 207. A replacement optical subassembly is then coupled to the printed circuit board assembly 411 as discussed above. After which the fiber optic module 100 (the replacement optical element 103 coupled to the printed circuit board assembly 411) can be inserted with the connecting sequence occurring as discussed above. To replace the printed circuit board assembly 411, the fiber optic module is removed as discussed above, except that the fiber optic cables need not be removed from the LC receptacles 161. The flange 321 is flexed up to demate the opening 317 and the top post 319. The optical element 103 is then pulled away from the printed circuit board assembly. As the printed circuit board assembly 411 is pulled away from the optical element 103, the straddle mount signal leads 201 decouple from the receiver contacts 203. The formed signal leads 205 also decouple from the header signal vias 207. A replacement printed circuit board assembly 411 is then coupled to the optical element 103 as discussed above. After which the fiber optic module 100 (the optical element 103 coupled to the replacement printed circuit board assembly 411) can be inserted with the connecting sequence occurring as discussed above. The previous detailed description describes the fiber optic module 100 as including one receiver and one transmitter. However, one of ordinary skill can see that the fiber optic module 100 may include two or more combinations of vertically stacked receivers, or transmitters, or receivers and transmitters. One embodiment of the invention includes four vertically stacked transmitters. Another embodiment includes four vertically stacked receivers. Yet another embodiment includes a combination of four vertically stacked transmitters and receivers. Furthermore, as one of ordinary skill can see, the positions of the receiver printed circuit board 250 and the transmitter printed circuit board 200 may be reversed. In this embodiment of the invention, the transmitter printed circuit board 200 has the cutout 209 creating a distance 211 for the formed signal leads 205 of the light receiver 111. The formed signal leads 205 of the light receiver 111 couple to the header signal vias 207 on receiver printed circuit board 250. The straddle mount signal leads 201 of the light transmitter 110 couple to contacts on the transmitter printed circuit board 200. In this embodiment, the electrical components 227 and 229 are on opposite surfaces of the printed circuit boards 250 and 200 so that the ground planes 213 and 215 provide electromagnetic shielding to the electrical components 227 and 229. In another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter printed circuit board 200 includes the male electrical connector 235. Receiver traces 249 of the transmitter printed circuit board 200 couple receiver pins 245 of the male electrical connector 235 to the interconnect vias 225. The interconnect vias 225 couple the receiver traces 249 of the transmitter printed circuit board 200 to receiver traces 249 of receiver printed circuit board 250 for coupling to receiver electrical components 227. The transmitter printed circuit board 200 also includes a portion that protrudes from the outer housing 400 and that includes the male electrical connector 235, thereby allowing the male electrical connector 235 to couple to an external female electrical connector. Referring back to FIGS. 6B-6D and 6F, the fiber optic module includes a fixed hook or boss (also referred to as a triangle) 602 to mate with a catch of a latch of a cage. The fixed hook or boss 602 is a part of the nose receptacle 151 of the fiber optic module. One aspect of the invention provides a rentention and release mechanism for removable or pluggable fiber optic modules which are coupled into a module receptacle or cage assembly. Additionally, a piggy-back or belly-to-belly fiber optic module configuration is provided. The retention and release mechanism is a mechanical device for de-latching or unplugging a fiber optic module from a module receptacle or cage assembly and holding it affixed thereto. The invention is particularly applicable to an SFP fiber optic module and an SFP cage assembly or module receptacle. To de-couple a pluggable fiber optic module from a cage or module receptacle, the pluggable fiber optic module is de-latched or unlatched and unplugged from any sockets or connectors of the cage or module receptacle. Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7E, views of an exemplary cage assembly or module receptacle 700 for fiber optic modules is illustrated. In FIG. 7B, the latch 702 is illustrated in a bottom view of the module receptacle 700. The latch 702 includes a catch 705 that mates with a hook or boss (also referred to as a triangle) of a fiber optic module. As illustrated in the cross sectional view of FIG. 7C and the exploded cross-sectional view of FIG. 7D, the latch 702 may be flexed downward in order to release the fiber optic module. The latch 702 may be flexed downward when a force is exerted thereon. In embodiments of the invention, the hook or boss (also referred to as a triangle) of the fiber optic module is moved upward out from the latch 702 so that the hook or boss is released from the catch 705. An embodiment of the invention may be referred to as a moving triangle-bail lever assembly. The moving triangle-bail lever assembly may include a moving triangle (“MT”) nose receptacle, an MT lever, one or more bail pins, an MT bracket, an MT pin, and an MT pivot arm actuator including a triangle. Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, a bottom and top perspective view of a nose receptacle 151′ are illustrated respectively. Nose receptacle 151′ is somewhat similar to the nose receptacle 151 previously described. Nose receptacle 151′ may also be referred to as a moving triangle (“MT”) receptacle. However, nose receptacle 151′ does not have a boss or hook 602 and has other different features. In fact the portion of the nose receptacle 151′ where a boss or hook might otherwise be formed as a part thereof is open region 802. The nose receptacle 151′ further includes a slot 803 in its base in order to accommodate a pivot arm actuator which will be described further below. The nose receptacle 151′ further includes a first pin opening 804, a second pin opening 806, and a pair of rectangular shaped slots 808 around a pair of locating tabs 807 on each respective side. The first pin opening 804 and the second pin opening are for accommodating respective pins. The pair of rectangular shaped slots 808 are for accommodating sides of a bracket which will be described further below. The nose receptacle 151′ is molded out of a thermoplastic in a preferred embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the retention and release mechanism of the invention apart from the fiber optic module is illustrated. FIG. 9 illustrates an MT Lever 902, a Bail Pin 904, an MT Bracket 906, an MT Pin 908, and a pivot arm-actuator 909 including an MT Triangle 910 assembled together. The assembly illustrated in FIG. 9 may also be referred to as a moving triangle-bail lever assembly or a MT bail-lever delatching mechanism. The moving triangle 901 may also be referred to as a releasable triangle or a moving or releasable hook or a moving or releasable boss. The lever 902 includes a bottom bar 912 and may include a push tab 913 or a pull arm 914 for a user to move the lever. Other embodiments of the lever 902 are further described below with reference to FIGS. 16A-16I. The lever 902 further includes a slot 916 to actuate the pivot arm-actuator 909. The lever 902 may further include an opening 915 which allows a finger to be inserted to pull out the fiber optic module when in an disengaged position. The opening 915 also allows fiber optic plugs and optical fibers to be inserted into the nose receptacle 151′ when the lever 902 is in an engaged, upright, or closed position. The pulling arm 914 or push tab 912 may include a grip to ease grabbing the bail lever 902 from an engaged position into a disengaged or open position. The MT bracket 906 may include rectangular locating tab openings 922 at each side to fit over locating tabs 807 and couple into the slots 808 of the nose receptacle 151′. The MT bracket 906 may further include a slot or opening 924 through which the triangle 910 may move through as the pivot arm-actuator 909 pivots. The MT bracket 906 may further include a base 926 which can act as a stop for the pivot arm actuator 909 in one direction. The bracket 906 may further include a flexible arm portion 928 to act as a spring mechanism. The flexible arm portion 928 supports one end of the pivot-arm actuator 909 so that the moving triangle 910 can extend out through the slot 924 in one state. With a force applied against the pivot arm actuator 909 and the flexible arm portion 928 on one end, the moving triangle 910 can be retracted through the slot 924 and flush with the base 926. The bail pin 904 may extend through each side of the nose receptacle 151′ in the opening 906 or otherwise be a pair of pins extending from each side of the lever 902 into the opening 906 in each side. The pin 908 extends through the pivot arm actuator 909 into the openings 804 in each side of the nose receptacle 151′. The lever 902, the pivot arm-actuator 909, and the bracket 906 may be formed by being either stamped or etched out of a metal material and then formed to have their respective features in a preferred embodiment. Otherwise, all or some of the parts or components, or a combination thereof, can be formed out of other substantially solid materials such as plastic (including a thermoplastic), thermosett, or epoxy. The pins 904 and 908 may be formed by being either extruded or machined out of a metal material in a preferred embodiment. Otherwise, the pins can be formed out of plastic (including a thermoplastic), thermosett, epoxy, or other solid materials. FIGS. 10A-10B illustrates views of the pivot arm-actuator 909 including the moving triangle 910 and the bracket 906 apart from the receptacle 151′ of a fiber optic module. The locating tab openings 922 form rectangular sides panels 923 in the bracket 906. The rectangular side panels 923 couple into the rectangular slots 808 of the nose receptacle 151′ while the locating tab openings 922 allow the locating tabs 807 to extend through. The bracket 906 further includes the flexible arm portion 928 to support the end of the pivot arm actuator 909 opposite the moving triangle 910. The moving triangle 910 of the pivot arm actuator 909 is allowed to move through the slot 924 in the base 926 of the bracket 906. The moving triangle 910 retracts into the opening 802 in the nose receptacle 151′ in order to disengage from the catch in the latch of the cage assembly 700. The moving triangle 910 may retract sufficiently so that its flush with the base 926 or recessed with the base 926 of the bracket 906. The moving triangle 910 may move along an arc as the pivot arm actuator 909 pivots about the pin 908. Referring to FIG. 10B, the pivot arm actuator 909 further includes the moving triangle at one end and a platform 938 at an opposite end. The pivot arm actuator 909 further includes a pair of side tabs 933 each including a pin opening 934 near a middle portion. The pin 908 is coupled into each of the pin openings 934 near the middle portion of the pivot arm actuator 909. A surface of the platform 938 may rest on the flexible arm portion 928 of the bracket 906. The shape of the slot 924 of the bracket 906 may conform to the shape of the moving triangle 910 allowing for gaps there-between. A middle portion 925 of the pivot arm actuator 909 may rest on the base 926 of the bracket 906 to avoid over extension of the moving triangle 910 out from the slot 924. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate the assembly of the moving triangle-bail lever assembly of FIG. 9 to the nose receptacle 151′ of FIGS. 8A-8B. Referring now to FIG. 11, the assembly of the pivot arm actuator 909 to the nose receptacle 151′ of FIGS. 8A-8B is illustrated. The pivot arm actuator 909 is inserted into the base of the nose receptacle 151′ so that its pin openings 934 align with the pin openings 804. In this manner, the platform 938 should align with the slot 803 in the nose receptacle 151′. The pin 908 is inserted into pin openings 804 so that it extends through the pin openings 934 of the pivot arm actuator 909. This pivotably or rotatably couples the pivot arm actuator 909 to the nose receptacle 151′. The platform 938 extends out slightly from the base of the nose receptacle 151′ so that it can engage the bar 912 of the lever 902. Referring now to FIG. 12, the assembly of the bracket 906 to the nose receptacle 151′ of FIGS. 8A-8B is illustrated. The bracket 906 is fitted to the base of the nose receptacle 151′ over the pivot arm actuator 909 and couples to the sides of the nose receptacle. The side panels 923 of the bracket 906 are fitted over nose receptacle 151′ to engage the slots 808 such that the locking tabs 807 engage the tab openings 922. This couples the bracket 906 to the nose receptacle 151′ so that it supports the pivot arm actuator 909. The slot 924 of the bracket 906 aligns with the moving triangle 910. But for the slot 924, the base 926 of the bracket 906 substantially covers the open region 802 in the nose receptacle 151′. The flexible arm 928 of the bracket 906 may align with the slot 803 in the nose receptacle 151′ as well. Referring now to FIG. 13, the assembly of the lever 902 to the nose receptacle 151′ of FIGS. 8A-8B is illustrated. With the pivot arm actuator 909 and the bracket 906 assembled to the nose receptacle 151′, the lever 902 can be fitted thereon. In one embodiment, each end of the pins 904 is fitted over the sides of the nose receptacle 151′ so that they pivotally or rotatably couple into the openings 804. In another embodiment, pin openings in the lever 902 are aligned with the pin openings 804 in the nose receptacle 151′. A pin 904 is inserted into the pin openings in the lever 902 and the pin openings 804 in the nose receptacle 151′. Pins 904 rotatably couple into the openings 806 so that the lever 902 can pivot and rotate. The lever 902 includes the push tab 912. The nose receptacle 151′ including the retention and release mechanism 900 of the invention, is assembled together with a fiber optic module. The nose receptacle 151′ is coupled to an optical block 1320 and may be coupled to a shield plate 153 there-between. After which, the assembly of the fiber optic module continues as previously described with reference to fiber optic module 100. FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate the operation of the retention and release mechanism of a fiber optic module apart from the cage assembly. FIG. 14A illustrates an engaged, original, or steady state of the retention and release mechanism 900. The arm 914 of the lever 902 is stowed next to the nose receptacle 151′. The moving triangle 910 extends out through the slot 924 beyond the outside surface of the base 926 of the bracket 906. In this state, the moving triangle 910 can engage the catch 705 of the latch of the cage assembly 700. The fiber optic module can be retained within the cage assembly 700 and hold its electrical connection to an electrical connector of a host system board. Referring now to FIG. 14B as the lever 902 is extended outwards it pivots on the pins 904 and the bottom bar 912 makes contact with the platform 938 of the pivot-arm actuator 909. The slot 916 in the bottom bar 912 may align with the platform 938. The pivot-arm actuator 909 can pivot around the MT pin 908. The pivot-arm actuator 909 acts like a “seesaw” or a “teeter”, pivoting around the MT pin 908 when the lever 902 is extended and released. On one side of the seesaw is the platform 938 while on the other side is the moving triangle 910. As the platform 938 is pushed on (i.e., pushed down) by the bottom bar 912 of the lever 902, the moving triangle 910 begins retracting (i.e., its pushed up) into the nose receptacle 151′ through the slot 924 in the bracket 906. Referring now to FIG. 14C when the lever 902 is further extended and the platform 938 is further pushed on by the bottom bar 912, the pivot arm actuator is further pivoted such that the moving triangle 910 is fully retracted into the receptacle 151′. With the moving triangle 901 substantially retracted into the nose receptacle 151′, the triangle is disengaged from the catch in the latch of the cage in order to release the fiber optic module from the cage into which it was inserted. A user can pull out on the fiber optic module using the arm 914 of the lever 902 with his or her finger and slide it away from the cage. Otherwise without releasing the lever 902, a user may grip the sides of the nose receptacle and pull out. A grip may be provided on the side of the nose receptacle 151′ to facilitate this. When the platform 938 is pushed on by the bottom bar 912 of the lever 902, the flexible arm portion 928 of the bracket 906 is deflected or flexed. The flexing or deflection of the flexible arm portion 928 generates a counteracting force or bias force to push back on the platform 938 to pivot the pivot arm actuator 909 and extend out, into an engaged position, the moving triangle 910 from the nose receptacle 151′ when the lever 902 is moved back to its original static state as illustrated in FIG. 14A. FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate views of a fiber optic module 1500 including the retention and release mechanism 900 and the nose receptacle 151′. But for the retention and release mechanism 900 and the nose receptacle 151′, the fiber optic module 1500 is somewhat similar to the structure and functionality of the fiber optic module 100 previously described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The similar structure will not be repeated here for reasons of brevity. Note that the lever 902 extends out from the housing 401 such that it is accessible when the fiber optic module 1500 is inserted into a cage assembly 700. FIGS. 16A-16H illustrate various views of alternate embodiments of the lever 902 as well as other delatching mechanisms that can function similar to the lever 902 with a slot 916. FIG. 16A illustrates a lever 902A′ in which the pivot pin 904 is replaced with two smaller pins 904A′ that do not extend across the width of the lever 902A′. Additionally, the lever 902A′ does not include the slot 916 in the bar 912, as well may other embodiments. The pull arm 914A′ of the lever 902A′ is also bent forward to further retract away from the optical receptacles 161. FIG. 16B illustrates a lever 902B′ with a partial pull arm 914B′ coupled to a lever arm 1601 instead of a complete bail lever pull arm. The lever 902B′ may include a pair of pivot pins 904A′ instead of a single pivot pin. FIG. 16C illustrates a lever 902C′ with a partial pull arm (as in FIG. 16B) with a long pivot pin 904C′ coupled to the lever 902C′ at only one side. FIG. 16D illustrates a lever 902D′ with an enclosed pull arm 914D′ with no angles. FIG. 16E illustrates a lever 902E′ with a semi-circular pull arm 914E′. FIG. 16F illustrates a lever 902F′ with just a lever arm 914F′ to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. FIG. 16G illustrates a lever 902G′ with pivoting conical retainers 1606G′ instead of pivot pins to couple the lever 902G′ to the fiber optic module. FIG. 16H illustrates a lever 902H′ with holes 1602 rather than pins. The sides of the fiber optic module or nose receptacle provides pins or protrusions which fit through the holes 1602 to pivotally couple the lever 902H′to the fiber optic module. FIG. 16I illustrates a lever 9021′ that includes a spring 1619. FIG. 16I illustrates a lever 9021′ similar to that shown in FIG. 16F but with a spring 1619 to retract it against the face of the fiber optic module when a user is not pulling or otherwise rotating it. The spring 1619 applies a force to the lever 9021′ in order to return it to its engaged, closed or static state. The spring may be mounted along the pivoting axis of the latch or in other well known configurations to retract the latch arm 9021′ when not in use. The spring 1619 may be any kind of spring including a coil spring, leaf spring, carriage spring, compression spring, conical spring, helical spring, volute spring, spiral spring, scragged spring, and other well known types of springs. According to one implementation, one end of the spring is coupled to the lever 9021′. As the arm 9121′ is rotated it causes spring 1619 to compress (or decompress). When the lever 9021′ is released the spring decompresses (or compresses) to bring the lever against the fiber optic module face. In another embodiment, one end of the spring is coupled to the fiber optic module or nose receptacle so that when the lever is pulled or rotated from its closed position it causes the spring to compress (or decompress). When the lever is released the spring decompresses (or compresses) to push the lever against the fiber optic module face (its closed position). It is desirable to increase the density of fiber optic modules in a system. Another way of doing so is to place fiber optic modules in a belly-to-belly mounting configuration on opposite sides of a host printed circuit board. Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17C, such a high density fiber optic system 1700 is illustrated providing a belly-to-belly mounting configuration. System 1700 includes a face plate or bezel 1702, and a host printed circuit board 1704. For a belly to belly configuration of fiber optic modules, the bezel or face plate 1702 includes one or more openings 1706A-1706B therein in order to allow fiber optic cables to interface to the fiber optic modules, and in case of pluggable fiber optic modules such as fiber optic modules 1500A and 1500B, the openings 1706A-1706B in the bezel or face plate 1702 also allow the insertion and removal of the fiber optic modules themselves. The retention and release mechanism 900 facilitates easy removal of the fiber optic module 1500A and 1500B when in a belly-to-belly configuration. The retention and release mechanism 900 of the fiber optic module 1500A and the retention and release mechanism 900 of the fiber optic module 1500B meet together when both fiber optic modules are inserted into the respective module receptacles or cage assembles 700A and 700B. The cages 700A and 700B sandwich the host printed circuit boards 1704. While only two fiber optic modules are illustrated in FIG. 17A in a belly-to-belly configuration, it is understood that additional fiber optic modules can be arrayed out as belly-to-belly configured fiber optic modules side by side in the system 1700 so that a plurality of fiber optic modules 1500 maybe inserted therein. Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18I various views of how the MT bail-lever delatching mechanism would function in a belly-to-belly mounting configuration for another embodiment of the invention. A first fiber optic module and a second fiber optic module can be engaged into cages in a belly to belly configuration in which case a first nose receptacle 151A′ would be adjacent and parallel to a second nose receptacle 151B′ as illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18I. The first nose receptacle 151A′ and second nose receptacle 151B′ are instances of the nose receptacle 151′ of FIGS. 8A-8B. While FIGS. 18A-18I illustrate only the first lever 902A being in an open or disengaged position, either the first or second levers 902A or 902B can be opened or in a disengaged position. Alternatively, both the top or bottom levers 902A and 902B can be opened or disengaged for some reason if desired. This belly-to-belly configuration for fiber optic modules is described further with reference to FIGS. 17A-17D above; that description applies to fiber optic modules employing the bail lever delatching mechanism of the nose receptacle 151′ described herein. While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. While the invention has been described in particular embodiments, the invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Fiber optic modules can transduce electrical data signals in order to transmit optical signals over optical fibers. Fiber optic modules can also transduce optical signals received over optical fibers into electrical data signals. The size or form factor of fiber optic modules is important. The smaller the form factor of a fiber optic module, the less space taken on a printed circuit board to which it couples. A smaller form factor allows a greater number of fiber optic modules to be coupled onto a printed circuit board to support additional communication channels. However, the smaller form factor makes it more difficult for a user to handle. When a fiber optic module embedded in a system fails it is desirable to replace it, particularly when other communication channels are supported by other operating fiber optic modules. To replace a failed fiber optic module it needs to be pluggable into a module receptacle. While plugging in a new fiber optic module is usually easy, it is more difficult to remove the failed fiber optic module because of other components surrounding it. Additionally, a user should not attempt to pull on fiber optic cables in order to try and remove a failed fiber optic module or else the user might cause damage thereto. A typical release method for a pluggable fiber optic module is to push in on the fiber optic module itself and then pull out on the fiber optic module to release it from a cage assembly or module receptacle. It has been determined that this method is not very reliable with users complaining of the difficulty in removing pluggable fiber optic modules in this manner. Users often complain that traditional methods offer little leverage in getting a sufficient grip on the module when attempting to pull it out of a module receptacle. Another complaint is that traditional actuators used to remove fiber optic modules are inaccessible or invisible. Other users complain that once released by the traditional method, it is difficult to withdraw the fiber optic module out of its cage or module receptacle. Additionally, the pushing and then pulling of traditional methods places extra strain on components of the fiber optic module itself, the cage assembly or module receptacle and any electrical connections which the fiber optic module makes with an electrical connector. Oftentimes more than one cycle of pushing and pulling on the fiber optic module is required to release it from the cage or receptacle. It is desirable to make it easier to remove pluggable fiber optic modules. | <SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG. 1 is a simplified top-exploded view illustrating an optical element. FIG. 2 is a partially assembled view of an optical element, receiver printed circuit board, and transmitter printed circuit board. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a printed circuit board cage subassembly and optical element. FIG. 4A is an exploded view from the rear of an embodiment of a hot pluggable fiber optic module. FIG. 4B is a magnified view of a side of a male electrical connector to provide hot pluggability. FIG. 4C is a magnified view of another side of the male electrical connector to provide hot pluggability. FIG. 5 is exploded view from the front of an embodiment of a fiber optic module. FIG. 6A is a top view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6C is a right side view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6D is a left side view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6E is a front view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIG. 6F is a rear view of an embodiment of an assembled fiber optic module. FIGS. 7A-7E are views of an exemplary cage assembly or module receptacle for fiber optic modules. FIGS. 8A-8B are views of an exemplary fiber optic receptacle for fiber optic modules. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the retention and release mechanism of the invention apart from the fiber optic module. FIGS. 10A-10B illustrates views of the moving triangle piece and the bracket apart from the fiber optic module. FIG. 11 illustrates the assembly of the moving triangle piece to the optical receptacle of FIGS. 8A-8B . FIG. 12 illustrates the assembly of the bracket to the optical receptacle of FIGS. 8A-8B . FIG. 13 illustrates the assembly of the lever to the nose receptacle of FIGS. 8A-8B and its assembly to a fiber optic module. FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate the operation of the retention and release mechanism apart from the cage assembly. FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate views of a fiber optic module including the retention and release mechanism as another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 16A-16I illustrate various views of an alternate embodiments of the lever. FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a fiber optic system with a belly-to-belly mounting configuration with the top fiber optic module removed. FIG. 17B is a side view of the fiber optic system with a belly-to-belly mounting configuration of FIG. 17A . FIG. 17C is a side view of the fiber optic system with a belly-to-belly mounting configuration of FIG. 17A with the top fiber optic module inserted. FIGS. 18A-18I illustrate various views of how the MT bail-lever delatching mechanism would function in a belly-to-belly mounting configuration for another embodiment of the invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040803 | 20061010 | 20060209 | 83024.0 | G02B636 | 1 | WONG, TINA MEI SENG | RETENTION AND RELEASE MECHANISMS FOR FIBER OPTIC MODULES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G02B | 2,004 |
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10,910,806 | REJECTED | Dosage form containing carbetapentane and another drug | A pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an additional drug. The dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. | 1. A pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises (a) a first drug which is selected from carbetapentane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and (b) at least one second drug, wherein the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of a period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 2. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the first drug comprises at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane. 3. The dosage form of claim 2, wherein the first drug comprises carbetapentane citrate. 4. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the at least one second drug comprises at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine. 5. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the at least one second drug comprises a decongestant. 6. The dosage form of claim 5, wherein the at least one second drug comprises at least one of phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 7. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the at least one second drug comprises an antihistamine. 8. The dosage form of claim 7, wherein the antihistamine comprises at least one of chlorpheniramine, promethazine, carbinoxamine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 9. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the at least one second drug comprises an expectorant. 10. The dosage form of claim 9, wherein the expectorant comprises guaifenesin. 11. The dosage form of claim 4, wherein a plasma half-life of the at least one second drug differs from a plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 2 hours. 12. The dosage form of claim 2, wherein a plasma half-life of the at least one second drug differs from a plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 3 hours. 13. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein a plasma half-life of the at least one second drug differs from a plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 4 hours. 14. The dosage form of claim 12, wherein the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug is coextensive with at least about 80% of the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 15. The dosage form of claim 11, wherein the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug is coextensive with at least about 90% of the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 16. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug is coextensive with at least about 95% of the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 17. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the dosage form comprises a tablet. 18. The dosage form of claim 17, wherein the tablet comprises at least two layers. 19. The dosage form of claim 17, wherein the tablet is a bi-layered tablet. 20. The dosage form of claim 17, wherein the tablet comprises one of (a) a matrix which comprises the first drug and has dispersed therein particles which comprise the at least one second drug, and (b) a matrix which comprises the at least one second drug and has dispersed therein particles which comprise the first drug. 21. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the dosage form comprises one of a solution and a suspension. 22. A bi-layered tablet which comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer comprising a first drug which is selected from carbetapentane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and the second layer comprising at least one second drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines, wherein the bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of a period over which the bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 23. The bi-layered tablet of claim 22, wherein the first layer comprises at least one of carbetapentane citrate and carbetapentane tannate. 24. The bi-layered tablet of claim 23, wherein the second layer comprises at least one drug selected from phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 25. The bi-layered tablet of claim 23, wherein the tablet comprises at least one drug selected from phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and at least one other drug selected from chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 26. The bi-layered tablet of claim 22, wherein the first layer comprises at least one of carbetapentane and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as the only active ingredient in the first layer. 27. The bi-layered tablet of claim 22, wherein the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug is coextensive with at least about 80% of the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 28. The bi-layered tablet of claim 24, wherein the period of a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one second drug is coextensive with at least about 90% of the period of a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 29. The bi-layered tablet of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second layers is a controlled release layer. 30. The bi-layered tablet of claim 22, wherein the second layer is an immediate release layer. 31. The bi-layered tablet of claim 29, wherein both of the first and second layers are controlled release layers. 32. The bi-layered tablet of claim 22, wherein at least one of the tablet and the first layer comprises a total of from about 0.1 mg to about 120 mg of the first drug. 33. The bi-layered tablet of claim 32, wherein at least one of the tablet and the first layer comprises a total of from about 5 mg to about 90 mg of the first drug. 34. The bi-layered tablet of claim 33, wherein at least one of the tablet and the first layer comprises a total of from about 25 mg to about 60 mg of the first drug. 35. The bi-layered tablet of claim 33, wherein at least one of the tablet and the second layer comprises one or more of (i) from about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of chlorpheniramine; (ii) from about 1 mg to about 90 mg of phenylepherine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of phenylepherine; (iii) from about 1 mg to about 240 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of pseudoephedrine; (iv) from about 0.1 mg to about 75 mg of promethazine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of promethazine; (v) from about 0.1 mg to about 32 mg of carbinoxamine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbinoxamine; (vi) from about 0.1 mg to about 300 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of diphenhydramine; and (vii) from about 1 mg to about 2400 mg of guaifenesin or an equivalent amount of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin. 36. The bi-layered tablet of claim 32, wherein at least one of the tablet and the first layer further comprises at least one of (i) from about 1 mg to about 90 mg of phenylepherine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of phenylepherine; and (ii) from about 1 mg to about 240 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of pseudoephedrine. 37. The bi-layered tablet of claim 32, wherein the second layer comprises at least one of (i) from about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of chlorpheniramine; (ii) from about 0.1 mg to about 75 mg of promethazine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of promethazine; (iii) from about 0.1 mg to about 32 mg of carbinoxamine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbinoxamine; (iv) from about 0.1 mg to about 300 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of diphenhydramine; and (v) form about 1 mg to about 2400 mg of guaifenesin or an equivalent amount of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin. 38. A multi-layered tablet which comprises at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises at least one of carbetapentane and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second layer comprises at least one drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs and antihistamines. 39. The multi-layered tablet of claim 38, wherein the first layer is a controlled release layer. 40. The multi-layered tablet of claim 39, wherein the second layer is a controlled release layer. 41. The multi-layered tablet of claim 39, wherein the second layer is an immediate release layer. 42. The multi-layered tablet of claim 38, wherein the first layer comprises at least one of carbetapentane citrate and carbetapentane tannate. 43. The multi-layered tablet of claim 42, wherein the second layer comprises at least one of dextromethorphan, phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 44. The multi-layered tablet of claim 38, wherein the tablet comprises at least two of dextromethorphan, phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 45. The multi-layered tablet of claim 38 wherein the at least one drug in the second layer has a plasma half-life which differs by at least about 2 hours from a plasma half-life of carbetapentane. 46. The multi-layered tablet of claim 45, wherein the tablet provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one drug in the second layer over a period which is coextensive with at least about 80% of a period over which the tablet provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 47. The multi-layered tablet of claim 46, wherein the at least one drug in the second layer comprises one or more drugs selected from chlorpheniramine, promethazine, carbinoxamine, diphenhydramine, guaifensin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 48. The multi-layered tablet of claim 38, wherein the layers are discrete zones which are arranged adjacent to each other. 49. The multi-layered tablet of claim 38, wherein one of the first and second layers is partially or completely surrounded by the other one of the first and second layers. 50. The multi-layered tablet of claim 38, wherein one of the first and second layers is coated by the other one of the first and second layers. 51. A liquid dosage form which comprises (a) at least one of carbetapentane and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (b) at least one additional drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines, wherein the liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of a period over which the liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 52. The liquid dosage form of claim 51, wherein the liquid dosage form comprises a suspension. 53. The liquid dosage form of claim 51, wherein the suspension comprises a gel. 54. The liquid dosage form of claim 51, wherein at least a part of (a) is present as a complex with a complexing agent. 55. The liquid dosage form of claim 51, wherein a part of (b) is present as a complex with a complexing agent. 56. The liquid dosage form of claim 54, wherein the complexing agent comprises an ion-exchange resin. 57. The liquid dosage form of claim 56, wherein the ion-exchange resin comprises sodium polystyrene sulfonate. 58. The liquid dosage form of claim 52, wherein the suspension comprises particles of a complex of at least a part of (a) with an ion-exchange resin, which particles are provided, at least in part, with a controlled release coating. 59. The liquid dosage form of claim 58, wherein the controlled release coating comprises an organic polymer. 60. The liquid dosage form of claim 59, wherein the organic polymer comprises a polyacrylate. 61. A method of concurrently alleviating a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine, wherein the method comprises administering the pharmaceutical dosage form of claim 4 to a subject in need thereof. 62. A method of concurrently alleviating a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine, wherein the method comprises administering the multi-layered tablet of claim 38 to a subject in need thereof. 63. A method of concurrently alleviating a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine, wherein the method comprises administering the liquid dosage form of claim 51 to a subject in need thereof. 64. The method of claim 61, wherein the condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane comprises coughing. 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the dosage form is administered not more than about three times per day. 66. The method of claim 62, wherein the multi-layered tablet is administered not more than about twice per day. 67. A process of making the pharmaceutical dosage form of claim 1, wherein the method comprises preparing a first composition which comprises the first drug and a second composition which comprises the at least one second drug, and combining the first and the second compositions to form the dosage form. 68. The process of claim 67, wherein the first and second compositions are combined by using a tablet press. 69. A pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises (a) a first drug which is selected from carbetapentane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and (b) at least one second drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines and has a plasma half-life which differs from a plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 2 hours, wherein the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 80′ % of a period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 70. The dosage form of claim 69, wherein the plasma half-life of (b) differs by at least about 3 hours from the plasma half-life of carbetapentane. 71. The dosage form of claim 69, wherein the plasma half-life of (b) is longer than the plasma half-life of carbetapentane. 72. The dosage form of claim 69, wherein the plasma half-life of (b) is shorter than the plasma half-life of carbetapentane. 73. The dosage form of claim 69, wherein the dosage form is associated with instructions to administer the dosage form three or fewer times per day. 74. The dosage form of claim 73, wherein the dosage form is associated with instructions to administer the dosage form once or twice per day. 75. A pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises at least a first release form of carbetapentane and a second release form of carbetapentane, wherein the first form releases the carbetapentane at least one of over a different period and at a different rate than the second form. 76. The dosage form of claim 75, wherein the first form is an immediate release form and the second form is a controlled release form. 77. The dosage form of claim 76, which comprises a solid dosage form. 78. The dosage form of claim 77, wherein the dosage form comprises a tablet. 79. The dosage form of claim 78, wherein the dosage form comprises a multi-layered tablet. 80. The dosage form of claim 79, wherein the multi-layered tablet comprises at least (a) an immediate release layer which comprises at least one of carbetapentane and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (b) a controlled release layer which comprises at least one of carbetapentane and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 81. The dosage form of claim 75, wherein the dosage form comprises at least one of carbetapentane citrate and carbetapentane tannate. 82. The dosage form of claim 80, wherein the dosage form comprises a bi-layered tablet. 83. The dosage form of claim 80, wherein the dosage form further comprises at least one additional drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. 84. The dosage form of claim 83, wherein at least the immediate release layer thereof comprises the at least one additional drug. 85. The dosage form of claim 83, wherein at least the controlled release layer thereof comprises the at least one additional drug. 86. The dosage form of claim 83, wherein the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of a period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 87. The dosage form of claim 75, which comprises a liquid dosage form. 88. The dosage form of claim 87, wherein the dosage form comprises at least one of carbetapentane and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an uncomplexed form and as a complex with a complexing agent. 89. The liquid dosage form of claim 88, wherein the complexing agent comprises an ion-exchange resin. 90. The liquid dosage form of claim 89, wherein the ion-exchange resin comprises sodium polystyrene sulfonate. 91. The dosage form of claim 87, wherein the dosage form comprises a suspension. 92. The dosage form of claim 87, wherein the dosage form further comprises at least one additional drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. 93. The dosage form of claim 92, wherein the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of the at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of a period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 94. The dosage form of claim 75, wherein the first release form releases the carbetapentane over a different period and at a different rate than the second release form. 95. The dosage form of claim 75, wherein the first release form releases the carbetapentane over a different period than the second release form. 96. The dosage form of claim 95, wherein the first release form releases the carbetapentane over a first period and the second release form releases the carbetapentane over a second period and not more than about 30% of the second period are coextensive with all or a part of the first period. 97. The dosage form of claim 96, wherein there is substantially no overlap between the first and second periods. 98. The dosage form of claim 80, wherein not more than about 30% of a period over which a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of carbetapentane is provided by (b) is coextensive with all or a part of a period over which (a) provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range, provided that the plasma concentrations provided by (a) and (b) together at any time following ingestion of the dosage form are not higher than a maximum plasma concentration of the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. 99. The dosage form of claim 98, wherein not more than about 10% of the period over which a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range is provided by (b) is coextensive with all or a part of the period over which (a) provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range. 100. A method of concurrently alleviating a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine, wherein the method comprises administering the pharmaceutical dosage form of claim 86 to a subject in need thereof. 101. A method of concurrently alleviating a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine, wherein the method comprises administering the pharmaceutical dosage form of claim 93 to a subject in need thereof. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form which contains carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with at least one additional active ingredient. The dosage form provides pharmaceutically suitable plasma concentrations of carbetapentane and the additional active ingredient over similar periods of time. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing the dosage form and to methods for alleviating excessive coughing in a patient by administering the dosage form to the patient. DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION Excessive coughing, which can be treated or ameliorated with carbetapentane is often accompanied by conditions which cannot satisfactorily be ameliorated or treated with carbetapentane, but may be treated or ameliorated by other drugs such as, e.g., expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, decongestants and/or antihistamines. However, a single pharmacologically acceptable dose (i.e., a dose which will not result in a plasma concentration which causes unacceptable side-effects) of carbetapentane provides a therapeutically effective plasma concentration for 2.5±0.7 hours whereas many agents frequently used in conjunction with carbetapentane provide therapeutically effective plasma concentrations per single pharmacologically acceptable dose over periods that differ markedly from that provided by carbetapentane. For example, a single pharmacologically acceptable dose of an expectorant such as guaifenesin will usually provide relief for about one hour, and decongestants usually provide relief for about 4 to 8 hours per single dose. As a result, there appears to be virtually no benefit in combining carbetapentane and any such drug with a noticeably shorter or longer therapeutically effective period in a single dosage unit. With a corresponding combination, one drug (e.g., the carbetapentane) may still provide the desired therapeutic effect when the other drug has already ceased to be effective, or the other drug may continue to exert a therapeutic effect, which prohibits administration of another dosage unit even though the carbetapentane no longer provides the desired antitussive effect. It would be desirable if patients suffering from, e.g., excessive coughing, respiratory congestion, inflammation of the respiratory mucosa and sinus cavities, weeping eyes, rhinorrhea, Eustachian Tube congestion, nausea and related symptoms, for which carbetapentane is indicated, would also obtain relief, over a similar time period, from one or more conditions for which drugs different from carbetapentane are indicated, by administering a single dose of a dosage form such as, e.g., a tablet, liquid, syrup, suspension, capsule and the like which contains both the carbetapentane and one or more other drugs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises a first drug which is selected from one or more of carbetapentane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and at least one second drug. The dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect of the dosage form, the first drug may comprise at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane. For example, the dosage form may comprise carbetapentane citrate. In another aspect, the at least one second drug may comprise a decongestant and/or an expectorant and/or a mucus thinning drug and/or an antihistamine. By way of non-limiting example, the at least one second drug may comprise a decongestant, for example, phenylepherine and/or pseudoephedrine and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and/or the at least one second drug may comprise an antihistamine, for example, chlorpheniramine and/or promethazine and/or carbinoxamine and/or diphenhydramine and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and/or the at least one second drug may comprise an expectorant, for example, guaifenesin. In yet another aspect of the dosage form of the present invention, the plasma half-life of the at least one second drug may differ from the plasma half-life of the first drug (i.e., may be longer or may be shorter) by at least about 2 hours, e.g., by at least about 3 hours, or by at least about 4 hours. In a still further aspect, the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug may be coextensive with at least about 80%, e.g., at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, of the period within which the plasma concentration of carbetapentane is within the therapeutic range. In another aspect, the dosage form may be a tablet. For example, the tablet may have at least two layers such as, e.g., in a bi-layered tablet. In another embodiment, the tablet may comprise a matrix which comprises the first drug and has dispersed therein particles which comprise the at least one second drug, or the tablet may comprise a matrix which comprises the at least one second drug and has dispersed therein particles which comprise the first drug. In yet another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a solution and/or a suspension. The present invention also provides a bi-layered tablet having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises a first drug which is selected from carbetapentane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and the second layer comprises at least one second drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. This bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer may comprise carbetapentane citrate and/or carbetapentane tannate. In another aspect of the bi-layered tablet of the present invention, the second layer thereof may comprise one or more of phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In another aspect, the tablet may comprise at least two of phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (contained in only the second layer or in both the first layer and the second layer, e.g., one in the first layer and another one in the second layer; likewise, the carbetapentane and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be present in one or both layers). In a still further aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer thereof may comprise carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as the only active ingredient(s) of the first layer. In yet another aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug which is provided by the tablet may be coextensive with at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90%, of the period over which the tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In another aspect of the tablet, at least one of the first and second layers may be a controlled release layer. For example, the first layer may be a controlled release layer and the second layer may be an immediate release layer. In yet another aspect, both of the first and second layers may be controlled release layers (which may provide different release rates and/or may exhibit different times at which the release of the active ingredient(s) contained therein starts, etc.). In a still further aspect of the tablet, the first layer and/or the entire tablet may comprise a total of from about 0.1 mg to about 120 mg, e.g., from about 5 mg to about 90 mg, or from about 25 mg to about 60 mg (preferably from about 30 mg to about 50 mg) of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another aspect of the tablet, the second layer and/or the entire tablet may comprise (i) from about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate or an equivalent amount (on a molar basis) of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of chlorpheniramine; and/or (ii) from about 1 mg to about 90 mg of phenylepherine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of phenylepherine; and/or (iii) from about 1 mg to about 240 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of pseudoephedrine; and/or (iv) from about 0.1 mg to about 75 mg of promethazine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of promethazine; and/or (v) from about 0.1 mg to about 32 mg of carbinoxamine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbinoxamine; and/or (vi) from about 0.1 mg to about 300 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of diphenhydramine; and/or (vii) form about 1 mg to about 2400 mg of guaifenesin or an equivalent amount of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin. In another aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer thereof may comprise, in addition to the carbetapentane and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (i) from about 1 mg to about 90 mg of phenylepherine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of phenylepherine; and/or (ii) from about 1 mg to about 240 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of pseudoephedrine. In yet another aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the second layer thereof may comprise (i) from about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of chlorpheniramine; and/or (ii) from about 0.1 mg to about 75 mg of promethazine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of promethazine; and/or (iii) from about 0.1 mg to about 32 mg of carbinoxamine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbinoxamine; and/or (iv) from about 0.1 mg to about 300 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of diphenhydramine; and/or (v) form about 1 mg to about 2400 mg of guaifenesin or an equivalent amount of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin. The present invention also provides a multi-layered tablet which comprises at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second layer comprises at least one drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, antihistamines, analgesics and combinations thereof. In one aspect of the multi-layered tablet, the first layer may be a controlled release layer. In another aspect, the second layer may be a controlled release layer. In yet another aspect, the second layer may be an immediate release layer. In a still further aspect of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention, the first layer may comprise carbetapentane citrate and/or carbetapentane tannate. In another aspect, the second layer of the multi-layered tablet may comprise one or more of dextromethorphan, phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In another aspect, the the multi-layered tablet may comprise two or more of dextromethorphan, phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In yet another aspect, the at least one drug in the second layer may have a plasma half-life which differs from the plasma half-life of the carbetapentane by at least about 2 hours. In another aspect, the multi-layered tablet may provide a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one drug in the second layer over a period which is coextensive with at least about 80% of the period over which the tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the carbetapentane. In yet another aspect, the at least one drug in the second layer may comprise one or more of chlorpheniramine, promethazine, carbinoxamine, diphenhydramine, guaifensin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In a further aspect of the multi-layered tablet, the layers thereof may be discrete zones which are arranged adjacent to each other; or the first (second) layer may be partially or completely surrounded by the second (first) layer; or the first (second) layer may be coated with the second (first) layer. The present invention further provides a liquid dosage form which comprises (a) carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (b) at least one additional drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. The liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect, the liquid dosage form may comprise a suspension, for example, in the form of a gel. In another aspect, at least a part of (b) and/or at least a part of (a) may be present as a complex with a complexing agent. By way of non-limiting example, the complexing agent may comprise an ion-exchange resin such as, e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate. In another aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form comprises a suspension, which suspension may comprise particles of a complex of at least a part of component (a) with an ion-exchange resin. These particles may be provided, at least in part, with a controlled release coating. The controlled release coating may comprise an organic polymer such as, e.g., a polyacrylate. The present invention also provides a method of concurrently alleviating (including treating) a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and/or an antihistamine. This method comprises the administration of any of the pharmaceutical dosage forms of the present invention to a subject in need thereof. In one aspect of the method, the condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane may comprise (excessive) coughing. In another aspect, the dosage form may be administered not more than about three times per day, e.g., not more than about twice per day. The present invention further provides a process of making a pharmaceutical dosage form of the present invention, wherein the method comprises preparing a first composition which comprises the first drug (i.e., carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) and a second composition which comprises the at least one second drug, and combining the first and the second compositions to form the dosage form. In one aspect of the process, the first and second compositions may be combined by using a tablet press. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises (a) a first drug which comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (b) at least one second drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs and antihistamines and has a plasma half-life which differs from (i.e., is shorter than or is longer than) the plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 2 hours, e.g., by at least about 3 hours, preferably by at least about 4 hours. The dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90%, of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect, the dosage form may comprise a multi-layered tablet. In another aspect, the dosage form may be associated with instructions to administer the dosage form three or fewer times per day, e.g., once or twice per day. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises at least a first release form of carbetapentane and a second release form of carbetapentane. The first release form releases the carbetapentane over a different period and/or at a different rate than the second release form. In one aspect of the dosage form, the first release form may be an immediate release form and the second release form may a controlled release form. In another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a solid dosage form. For example, the dosage form may comprise a tablet. In yet another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a multi-layered tablet. By way of non-limiting example, the multi-layered tablet may comprise at least (a) an immediate release layer which comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (b) a controlled release layer which comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In a still further aspect, the dosage form may comprise carbetapentane citrate and/or carbetapentane tannate. In another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a bi-layered tablet. In yet another aspect of this dosage form, the dosage form may further comprise one or more additional drugs which are selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. For example, at least an immediate release layer and/or at least a controlled release layer of a multi-layer tablet embodying this dosage form may comprise the one or more additional drugs. In another aspect, the dosage form may provide a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In yet another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a liquid dosage form. For example, the dosage form may comprise carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an uncomplexed form and as a complex with a complexing agent such as, e.g., an ion-exchange resin. A non-limiting example of a suitable ion-exchange resin comprises sodium polystyrene sulfonate. In one aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form may comprise a suspension. In another aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form may further comprise one or more drugs which are selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. In yet another aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form may provide a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of at least one additional drug contained therein over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. The present invention also provides a method of concurrently alleviating a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine, wherein the method comprises administering any of the pharmaceutical dosage forms set forth above to a subject in need thereof. The pharmaceutical dosage form which constitutes one aspect of the present invention comprises a first drug which comprises carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. A preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane is carbetapentane citrate. However, any other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane with inorganic and organic acids may be used as well, such as, e.g., carbetapentane tannate. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to those salts of a particular drug that are not substantially toxic at the dosage administered to achieve the desired effect and do not independently possess significant pharmacological activity. The salts included within the scope of this term are pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of a suitable inorganic or organic acid. Non-limiting examples of suitable inorganic acids are, for example, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric and phosphoric acids. Non-limiting examples of suitable organic acids include carboxylic acids, such as acetic, propionic, tannic, glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, malonic, succinic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, cyclamic, ascorbic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, benzoic, phenylacetic, 4-aminobenzoic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, anthranillic, cinnamic, salicylic, 4-aminosalicyclic, 2-phenoxybenzoic, 2-acetoxybenzoic and mandelic acids, as well as sulfonic acids such as, e.g., methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, and β-hydroxyethanesulfonic acids. In addition to carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, the above dosage form may (and preferably does) contain one or more (e.g., one, two or three) second drugs. Preferred, non-limiting examples of such second drugs are decongestants (such as, e.g., phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof), expectorants and mucus thinning drugs (such as, e.g., guaifenesin), and antihistamines (such as, e.g., chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof). The above dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with (overlaps) at least about 70%, more preferred at least about 80%, e.g., at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%, of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. The term “therapeutic range” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the range of drug levels within which most patients will experience a significant therapeutic effect (including alleviation of symptoms) without an undesirable degree of adverse reactions. It is noted that the term “coextensive with” does not exclude, but rather includes, cases where a part of the period over which the plasma concentration of the at least one second drug is within the therapeutic range is outside the period over which the plasma concentration of carbetapentane is within the therapeutic range. In other words, even if the corresponding period for the at least one second drug is to overlap, for example, about 70% of the corresponding period of carbetapentane, a certain percentage (preferably not more than about 30%, e.g., not more than about 20%, not more than about 10% or even not more than about 5%) of the total period over which the plasma concentration of the at least one second drug is within the therapeutic range may be outside the period over which the plasma concentration of carbetapentane is within the therapeutic range. The period over which the therapeutic range of a particular drug may be provided in a given case depends, at least in part, on the plasma half-life of the drug and/or active metabolites thereof. The term “plasma half-life” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the time required for the plasma drug concentration to decline by 50%. The shorter the plasma half-life of a particular drug, the shorter will be the period within the therapeutic range of the drug which is provided by a single administered dose of the drug. In one aspect of the dosage form of the present invention, the plasma half-life of the at least one second drug may be shorter or longer than the plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 1 hour, preferably by at least about 2 hours, or at least about 3 hours, or at least about 4 hours, but usually not more than about to 10 hours, e.g., not more than about 8 hours, or not more than about 6 hours. A preferred, although non-limiting, embodiment of the dosage form of the present invention is a tablet, in particular, a multi-layered tablet such as a bi-layered tablet. Non-limiting examples of other embodiments of the dosage form of the invention are capsules, pills, chewable tablets, extended/sustained/delayed release single layer matrix tablets, suspensions, solutions, syrups, gels and suppositories. The bi-layered tablet which forms another aspect of the present invention comprises two layers. The first layer comprises carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (preferably, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), as discussed above. The second layer comprises at least one additional drug which preferably is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. Specific and non-limiting examples of such drugs are given above. The bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, e.g., at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% of the period over which the bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In a preferred aspect of the bi-layered tablet, carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are the only active ingredients in the first layer. The second layer will usually contain one, two, three or even more additional drugs. It is to be understood, however, that even the first layer may contain further active ingredients, different from carbetapentane, e.g., one, two or more additional drugs, preferably selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, antihistamines and combinations thereof. Conversely, the second layer may also contain carbetapentane, e.g., where the second layer provides a release profile of carbetapentane that is different from that provided by the first layer. With regard to the present invention in general, it is to be understood that it does not matter in which form and/or layer a particular active ingredient which is different from carbetapentane and a salt thereof is present in the dosage form of the present invention, as long as this form and/or layer is capable of providing a therapeutic effect of this active ingredient over a period which substantially overlaps the period over which the dosage form provides a therapeutic effect of carbetapentane. In another preferred aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer is a controlled release layer and the second layer is an immediate release layer, or a controlled release layer. The term “controlled release layer” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to any layer that is not an immediate release layer, i.e., does not release all of an active ingredient contained therein within a relatively short time (for example, within less than about 1 hour, e.g., less than about 0.75 hours, following ingestion of the dosage form). Accordingly, this term is a generic term which encompasses, e.g., sustained (extended) release layers, pulsed release layers, delayed release layers, and the like. Preferably, the controlled release layer releases the one or more active ingredients contained therein continuously or intermittently and, preferably, in approximately equal amounts per time unit, over an extended period of time such as, e.g., at least about 2 hours, at least about 3 hours, at least about 4 hours, or at least about 6 hours, or at least about 8 hours, or at least about 10 hours, or at least about 11 hours. The desirable length of the time period of continuous or intermittent (e.g., pulsed) release depends, inter alia, on the plasma half-life of the drug and/or an active metabolite thereof. It is to be understood that one or both layers of the bi-layered tablet of the present invention may contain carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. When two controlled release layers are present in the bi-layered tablet of the present invention, these layers will usually provide different release profiles. By way of non-limiting example, they will release the active ingredient(s) contained therein at different rates, at different times and/or over different time periods. In this regard, it may be desirable for a particular active ingredient to be present in both controlled layers of a bi-layered tablet of the present invention, e.g., in order to extend the period over which the tablet will provide a therapeutic effect of this active ingredient. By the same token, when an immediate release layer and a controlled release layer are present in a bi-layered tablet of the present invention, it may be desirable for a particular active ingredient to be present in both layers of the bi-layered tablet, e.g., in order to provide a dose of the active ingredient for immediate relief and a dose over an extended period in order to sustain the effect provided by the immediate release layer. The first layer of the bi-layered tablet of the present invention preferably is a controlled release layer, in particular, a sustained release layer, and will usually contain at least about 0.1 mg, preferably at least about 5 mg, e.g., at least about 8 mg, at least about 12 mg, at least about 25 mg, or at least about 30 mg of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Usually, the first layer will not contain more than about 120 mg, preferably not more than about 90 mg, e.g., not more than about 70 mg, not more than about 60 mg, or not more than about 50 mg of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The same amounts apply to the entire tablet if the tablet contains carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in both layers. The second layer of the bi-layered tablet may be a controlled release layer, in particular, a sustained release layer, or an immediate release layer, depending, in part, on the type (in particular, half-life) of the active ingredient(s) contained therein. The second layer may contain, by way of non-limiting example, (i) chlorpheniramine maleate, usually in an amount which is not less than about 0.1 mg, e.g., not less than about 2 mg, or not less than about 4 mg, but not more than about 16 mg, e.g., not more than about 12 mg, or equivalent amounts (on a molar basis) of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of chlorpheniramine; and/or (ii) promethazine hydrochloride, usually in an amount which is not less than about 0.1 mg. e.g., not less that about 6 mg, but not more than about 75 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of promethazine; and/or (iii) phenylepherine hydrochloride, usually in an amount which is not less than about 1 mg, e.g., not less than about 10 mg, or not less than about 15 mg, but not more than about 90 mg, e.g., not more than about 75 mg, or not more than about 50 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of phenylepherine; and/or (iv) pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, usually in an amount which is not less than about 1 mg, e.g., not less than about 10 mg, not less than about 25 mg, or not less than about 50 mg, but not more than about 240 mg, e.g., not more than about 150 mg, not more than about 100 mg, or not more than about 70 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of pseudoephedrine; and/or (v) guaifenesin, usually in an amount which is not less than about 1 mg, e.g., not less than about 10 mg, not less than about 25 mg, or not less than about 50 mg, but not more than about 2400 mg, e.g., not more than about 1500 mg, or equivalent amounts of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin; and/or (vi) carbinoxamine maleate, usually in an amount which is not less than about 0.1 mg, e.g., not less that about 6 mg, but not more than about 32 mg, e.g., not more than about 24 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of carbinoxamine; and/or (vii) carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, usually in an amount as indicated above for the first layer, e.g., not less than about 0.1 mg, but not more than for providing about 120 mg for the combined amount in the first and second layers. Another aspect of the present invention is a multi-layered tablet which comprises at least a first layer and a second layer, but may optionally comprise a third, fourth, fifth, etc. layer. The first layer, which may be an immediate release layer or a controlled release layer, but preferably is a controlled release layer (e.g., a sustained release layer), comprises carbetapentane (preferably as the only active ingredient contained therein), and the mandatory second layer which may be an immediate release layer or a controlled release layer, but preferably is a controlled release layer may comprise at least one drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. If more than one additional drug is incorporated in the tablet, the first and/or the second layer may contain all of the additional drugs. Alternatively, a separate (third, fourth, etc.) layer may be provided for the or each additional third, for example, in cases where it would be difficult to design a controlled release layer which provides a desired release rate for both a first and an additional second drug, or carbetapentane and the additional drug. Of course, a fourth, fifth, etc. layer may be provided for a third or fourth additional drug, and so on. Alternatively and by way of non-limiting example, an additional and/or a third layer may contain the same drug or drugs, but in different (relative) concentrations and/or incorporated in a different controlled release formulation. In another embodiment, more than one layer (e.g., two or three layers) of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention may contain carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, either alone and/or in combination with any of the other therapeutically active ingredients contained in the dosage form. For example, carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be contained in an immediate release layer and also in one or more controlled release layers which form a part of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention, or carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be contained in two or more controlled release layers. Of course, in this case the controlled release layers will usually provide different release profiles (e.g., different release rates, different release periods, different release times, etc.) of carbetapentane. The multi-layered tablet of the present invention will usually be made up of two or more distinct layers or discrete zones of granulation compressed together with the individual layers lying on top of one another. Layered tablets have the appearance of a sandwich because the edges of each layer or zone are exposed. These layered tablets may be prepared by compressing a granulation onto a previously compressed granulation. The operation may be repeated to produce multi-layered tablets of more than two layers. In a preferred embodiment of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention, the tablet consists of two layers. It is to be understood that it is not necessary for the two or more individual layers of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention to lie on top of one another. By way of non-limiting example, a first layer (e.g., a sustained release layer) may be partially or completely surrounded by a second layer (e.g., an immediate release layer). For example, the second layer may be coated with the first layer. In the case of three layers, for example, the third layer may be partially or completely coated with the second layer, which in turn may be partially or completely coated with the first layer. Of course, these are but a few examples of the many different ways in which the various layers of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention can be arranged relative to each other. Moreover, it is to be understood that the tablets of the present invention are not limited to such multi-layered tablets. By way of non-limiting example, the tablet may comprise an immediate release matrix which comprises any of the desired drug(s) (possibly including carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) incorporated therein, which matrix has dispersed therein particles of one or more controlled release formulations which have at least carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof incorporated therein. Another aspect of the present invention is formed by a liquid (including a semi-solid) dosage form, preferably a suspension, including a gel, which comprises (a) carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and (b) at least one drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. This liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of component (b) over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70%, preferably at least 80%, e.g., at least 90%, of the period over which the liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of component (a). This may be accomplished in various ways. By way of non-limiting example, one component, for example, component (a) may be incorporated into a solid controlled release formulation. For example, particles of component (a) may be provided with a controlled release coating (e.g. a controlled release coating comprising an organic polymer such as, e.g., a polyacrylate). This formulation may then be comminuted, if necessary, in an appropriate manner (e.g., by milling) to form particles of a size which is small enough to be suitable for being suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier. The other component, e.g., component (b), on the other hand, may be used as such and/or incorporated as an ion-exchange complex, and/or incorporated in a solid immediate release formulation, comminuted and incorporated into the liquid carrier as well. A non-limiting example of a corresponding procedure is described in the Examples below. Prior to incorporating components (a) and (b) into a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier to form a liquid dosage form (including a gel form) according to the present invention, at least a part of component (a) and/or at least a part of component (b) may be transformed into a complex with a complexing agent. Non-limiting examples of suitable complexing agents comprise ion-exchange resins such as, e.g., (sodium) polystyrene sulfonate. In one preferred aspect of the semi solid dosage form of the present invention, the dosage form comprises a gel which may comprise particles of an ion-exchange complex of one or more of the active ingredients and a gel-forming agent such as, e.g., a Carbomer (e.g., Carbopol). The present invention also provides a dosage form which comprises carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in at least two different release forms, e.g., two different release layers. This dosage form does not necessarily contain any further active ingredient(s). By way of non-limiting example, carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g., carbetapentane citrate, may be present in an immediate release layer and in one (or more) controlled release layer(s) of a multi-layered (e.g., bi-layered) tablet, or it may be present in two (or more) controlled release layer(s) of a tablet (e.g., a bi-layered tablet) where the controlled release layers provide different release profiles of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In particular in the case of a liquid dosage form, the dosage form may contain carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof both as such (immediate release) and in a controlled release form (e.g., in the form of an ion-exchange complex and/or coated with a sustained/delayed etc. release coating). For example, by providing the carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in different forms/layers, the period over which the carbetapentane exhibits a therapeutic effect may be extended. The dosage forms of the present invention can be manufactured by processes which are well known to those of skill in the art. For example, for the manufacture of bi-layered tablets, the active ingredients may be dispersed uniformly into a mixture of excipients, for example, by high shear granulation, low shear granulation, fluid bed granulation, or by blending for direct compression Excipients may include diluents, binders, disintegrants, dispersants, lubricants, glidants, stabilizers, surfactants and colorants. Diluents, also termed “fillers”, are typically used to increase the bulk of a tablet so that a practical size is provided for compression. Non-limiting examples of diluents include lactose, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, dry starch, hydrolyzed starches, powdered sugar, talc, sodium chloride, silicon dioxide, titanium oxide, dicalcium citrate dihydrate, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, alumina and kaolin. Binders impart cohesive qualities to a tablet formulation and are used to ensure that a tablet remains intact after compression. Non-limiting examples of suitable binders include starch (including corn starch and pregelatinized starch), gelatin, sugars (e.g., glucose, dextrose, sucrose, lactose and sorbitol), celluloses, polyethylene glycol, waxes, natural and synthetic gums, e.g., acacia, tragacanth, sodium alginate, and synthetic polymers such as polymethacrylates and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Lubricants facilitate tablet manufacture; non-limiting examples thereof include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate, and polyethylene glycol. Disintegrants facilitate tablet disintegration after administration, and non-limiting examples thereof include starches, alginic acid, crosslinked polymers such as, e.g., crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, croscarmellose sodium, potassium or sodium starch glycolate, clays, celluloses, starches, gums and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable glidants include silicon dioxide, talc and the like. Stabilizers inhibit or retard drug decomposition reactions, including oxidative reactions. Surfactants may be anionic, cationic, amphoteric or nonionic. If desired, the tablets may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as pH buffering agents, preservatives, e.g., antioxidants, wetting or emulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, coating agents, flavoring agents, and the like. Extended/sustained release formulations may be made by choosing the right combination of excipients that slow the release of the active ingredients by coating or temporarily bonding or decreasing the solubility of the active ingredients. Examples of these excipients include cellulose ethers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (e.g., Methocel K4M), polyvinylacetate-based excipients such as, e.g., Kollidon SR, and polymers and copolymers based on methacrylates and methacrylic acid such as, e.g., Eudragit NE 30D. There are several commercially available tablet presses capable of making bi-layered tablets. For example, Manesty RotaPress Diamond, a 45 station D tooling press, is capable of making bi-layered tablets described in this application. Non-limiting examples of presses for the manufacture of bi-layered tablets include Fette America Model No. PT 3090; Maneklal Global Exports (Mumbai, India) Models JD and DH series; Niro Pharma Systems, Model R292F; and Korsch AG Models XL 800 and XL 400. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice. The following Examples illustrate the use of carbetapentane citrate and carbetapentane tannate. It is to be understood, however, that the use of these salts is in no way limiting of the present invention and that any pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane as well as carbetapentane as such may equally be used for the purposes of the present invention. EXAMPLE 1 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises guaifenesin in a first sustained release layer and carbetapentane citrate and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride in a second sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Sustained release) Guaifenesin 600.0 510.6 Methocel K15M 100.0 85.1 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 50 42.6 Eudragit NE 42 35.7 Magnesium Stearate 8.0 6.8 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 30.0 25.5 Pseudoephedrine HCl 120.0 102.1 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 45.0 38.4 Eudragit NE 15.0 12.8 Methocel K4M Premium 140.0 119.1 Stearic Acid 20.0 17.0 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 4.3 Total 1175.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Sustained release layer #1: Mix the guaifenesin, Methocel®K15M and silicified microcrystalline cellulose in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Dry the granulation until the LOD (weight loss on drying) is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Mix the carbetapentane citrate, pseudoephedrine HCl, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Add the Methoce®K4M to the granulator and post mix for 5 minutes. Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 800 mgs and layer #2 is 375 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 2 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises promethazine hydrochloride in an immediate release layer and carbetapentane citrate and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride in a sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Immediate release) Promethazine HCl 25.0 37.0 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 111.0 164.3 Povidone 3.0 4.4 Croscarmellose Sodium 10.0 14.8 Magnesium Stearate 1.0 1.5 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 30.0 44.4 Pseudoephedrine HCl 120.0 177.6 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 30.0 44.4 Dicalcium Citrate 100.0 148.0 Povidone 15.0 22.2 Methocel K4M Premium 205.0 304.4 Stearic Acid 20.0 29.6 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 7.4 Total 675.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Immediate release layer #1: Mix the promethazine HCl, silicified microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium, in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (3.0 gms povidone in 10.0 gms purified water). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Mix the carbetapentane citrate, pseudoephedrine HCl, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, dicalcium phosphate, Methocel K4M Premium and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (15.0 gms povidone in 50.0 gms purified water). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 150 mgs and layer #2 is 525 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 3 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises phenylepherine hydrochloride and carbinoxamine maleate in a first sustained release layer and carbetapentane citrate in a second sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Sustained release) Phenylepherine HCl 75.0 185.2 Carbinoxamine Maleate 8.0 19.8 Methocel K4M 59.0 145.7 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 30.0 74.1 Eudragit NE 15.0 37.0 Magnesium Stearate 3.0 7.4 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 30.0 74.1 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 45.0 111.1 Eudragit NE 15.0 37.0 Methocel K4M Premium 100.0 246.9 Stearic Acid 20.0 49.4 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 12.3 Total 405.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Sustained release layer #1: Mix the phenylepherine HCl, carbinoxamine maleate, Methocel®K4M and silicified microcrystalline cellulose in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Mix the carbetapentane citrate, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Add the Methocel®K4M to the granulator and post mix for 5 minutes. Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 190 mgs and layer #2 is 215 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 4 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate in a first sustained release layer and carbetapentane citrate in a second sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Sustained release) Pseudoephedrine HCl 120.0 253.2 Chlorpheniramine Maleate 12.0 25.3 Methocel K4M 70.0 146.7 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 35.0 73.9 Eudragit NE 20.0 42.2 Magnesium Stearate 3.0 6.3 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 30.0 63.4 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 45.0 95.0 Eudragit NE 15.0 31.7 Methocel K4M Premium 100.0 209.5 Stearic Acid 20.0 42.2 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 10.6 Total 475.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Sustained release layer #1: Mix the pseudoephedrine HCl, chlorpheniramine maleate, Methocel®K4M and silicified microcrystalline cellulose in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Mix the carbetapentane citrate, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Add the Methocel®K4M to the granulator and post mix for 5 minutes. Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 260 mgs and layer #2 is 215 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 5 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises carbinoxamine maleate in a first sustained release layer and carbetapentane citrate in a second sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Sustained release) Carbinoxamine Maleate 8.0 19.3 Lactose Monohydrate 61.0 147.0 Methocel K4M 70.0 168.7 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 39.0 94.0 Eudragit NE 20.0 48.2 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 4.82 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 30.0 72.4 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 45.0 108.5 Eudragit NE 15.0 36.2 Methocel K4M Premium 100.0 241.0 Stearic Acid 20.0 48.2 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 12.1 Total 415.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Sustained release layer #1: Mix the carbinoxamine maleate, Methocel®K4M, lactose monohydrate and silicified microcrystalline cellulose in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Mix the carbetapentane citrate, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit®(D NE (30%). Add the Methocel®K4M to the granulator and post mix for 5 minutes. Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 200 mgs and layer #2 is 215 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 6 Bi-Layered Tablet (Direct Compression) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises promethazine hydrochloride (longer half-life drug) in an immediate release layer and carbetapentane citrate (shorter half-life drug) in a sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg batch Ingredients (mg) (in grams) Layer 1 (Immediate release) Promethazine HCl 25 45.5 Silicified Microcrystalline 114.0 207.5 Cellulose Sodium Starch Glycolate 10.0 18.2 Magnesium Stearate 1.0 1.8 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 60.0 109.2 Lactose Monohydrate 50.0 91.0 Dicalcium Citrate 50.0 91.0 Kollidon SR 220.0 399.4 Stearic acid 15.0 27.3 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 9.1 Total 550.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Immediate release layer #1: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Blend the promethazine hydrochloride, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate for 20 minutes. Add magnesium stearate to the above blend and mix for an additional time of three minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Blend the carbetapentane citrate, lactose monohydrate, dicalcium citrate and Kollidon® SR for 20 minutes. Add stearic acid and magnesium stearate to the above blend and mix for an additional time of three minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet the immediate release layer #1 is 150 mgs and the sustained release layer #2 is 400 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 7 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises pseudoephedrine tannate and chlorpheniramine tannate in an immediate release layer and carbetapentane tannate in a sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Immediate release) Pseudoephedrine Tannate 60.0 85.7 Chlorpheniramine Tannate 8.0 11.4 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 108.0 154.3 Povidone 3.0 4.3 Croscarmellose Sodium 10.0 14.3 Magnesium Stearate 1.0 1.4 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Tannate 30.0 42.9 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 30.0 42.9 Lactose Monohydrate 100.0 142.9 Dicalcium Citrate 100.0 142.9 Povidone 15.0 21.4 Methocel K4M Premium 210.0 300.0 Stearic Acid 20.0 28.6 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 7.1 Total 700.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Immediate release layer #1: Mix the pseudoephedrine tannate, chlorpheniramine tannate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium, in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (3.0 gms povidone in 10.0 gms purified water). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Mix the carbetapentane tannate, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, lactose monohydrate, dicalcium phosphate, Methocel K4M Premium and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (15.0 gms povidone in 50.0 gms purified water). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 190 mgs and layer #2 is 510 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 8 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises diphenhydramine hydrochloride in an immediate release layer and carbetapentane citrate and phenylepherine hydrochloride in a sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Immediate release) Diphenydramine HCl 100 181.8 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 86.0 156.4 Povidone 3.0 5.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 10.0 18.2 Magnesium Stearate 1.0 1.8 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 60.0 109.1 Phenylepherine HCl 75.0 136.4 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 30.0 54.5 Dicalcium Citrate 30.0 54.5 Povidone 15.0 27.3 Methocel K4M Premium 115.0 209.1 Stearic Acid 20.0 36.4 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 9.1 Total 450.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Immediate release layer #1: Mix the diphenhydramine hydrochloride, silicified microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (3.0 gms povidone in 10.0 gms purified water). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Mix the carbetapentane citrate, phenylepherine HCl, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, dicalcium phosphate, Methocel K4M Premium and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (15.0 gms povidone in 50.0 gms purified water). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 125 mgs and layer #2 is 325 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 9 Bi-Layered Tablet (Direct Compression) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises guaifenesin in a first sustained release layer and carbetapentane citrate in a second sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg batch Ingredients (mg) (in grams) Layer 1 (Sustained release) Guaifenesin 600.0 499.8 Methocel K15M 200.0 166.6 Silicified Microcrystalline 72 60.0 Cellulose Magnesium Stearate 8.0 6.7 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 60.0 50 Lactose Monohydrate 35.0 29.2 Dicalcium Citrate 35.0 29.2 Kollidon SR 170.0 141.6 Stearic acid 15.0 12.5 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 4.2 Total 1200.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Sustained release layer #1: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Blend the guaifenesin, Methocel® K15M and silicified microcrystalline cellulose for 25 minutes. Add magnesium stearate to the above blend and mix for an additional time of three minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Blend the carbetapentane citrate, lactose monohydrate, dicalcium citrate and Kollidon® SR for 20 minutes. Add stearic acid and magnesium stearate to the above blend and mix for an additional time of three minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 880 mgs and layer #2 is 320 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 10 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises guaifenesin in a first sustained release layer and carbetapentane citrate and phenylepherine hydrochloride in a second sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Sustained release) Guaifenesin 600.0 545.5 Methocel K15M 100.0 90.9 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 50 45.5 Eudragit NE 42 38.2 Magnesium Stearate 8.0 7.3 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 60.0 54.6 Phenylepherine HCl 60.0 54.6 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 45.0 40.9 Eudragit NE 15.0 13.6 Methocel K4M Premium 100.0 90.9 Stearic Acid 20.0 13.6 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 4.5 Total 1100 1000 Procedure: (a) Sustained release layer #1: Mix the guaifenesin, Methocel®K15M and silicified microcrystalline cellulose in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Mix the carbetapentane citrate, phenylepherine HCl, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, dicalcium phosphate and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Add the Methocel®K4M to the granulator and post mix for 5 minutes. Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 800 mgs and layer #2 is 275 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 11 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises guaifenesin in a first sustained release layer and carbetapentane citrate and phenylepherine hydrochloride in a second sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Sustained release) Guaifenesin 1000.0 625.0 Methocel K15M 200.0 208.3 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 40.0 41.7 Eudragit NE 50.0 31.3 Magnesium Stearate 10.0 6.3 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 60.0 37.5 Phenylepherine HCl 60.0 37.5 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 45.0 25 Eudragit NE 15.0 9.4 Methocel K4M Premium 100.0 62.5 Stearic Acid 20.0 12.5 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 3.1 Total 1600.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Sustained release layer #1: Mix the guaifenesin, Methocel®K15M and silicified microcrystalline cellulose in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Mix the carbetapentane citrate, phenylepherine HCl, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, dicalcium phospate and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using the Eudragit® NE (30%). Add the Methocel®K4M to the granulator and post mix for 5 minutes. Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 1300 mgs and layer #2 is 300 mgs. Capsules may be manufactured by filling the same proportions into capsules. EXAMPLE 12 Bi-Layered Tablet (Direct Compression) By using the process described in Example 6, a bi-layered tablet which contains carbetapentane citrate in an immediate release layer and carbetapentane citrate, phenylepherine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate in a sustained release layer may be manufactured by using direct compression: Weight/tablet Ingredients (mgs) Layer 1 (Immediate Release) Carbetapentane Citrate 10 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 133.5 Sodium Starch Glycolate 15 Magnesium Stearate 1.5 Layer 2 (Sustained Release) Carbetapentane Citrate 40 Phenylepherine HCl 50 Chlorpheniramine Maleate 8 Lactose Monohydrate 50 Dicalcium Citrate 50 Kollidon SR 252 Stearic Acid 15 Magnesium Stearate 5 Total 630 EXAMPLE 13 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which comprises carbetapentane citrate in an immediate release layer and carbetapentane citrate, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate in a sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Immediate release) Carbetapentane Citrate 10.0 13.8 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 111.0 153.1 Povidone 3.0 4.1 Croscarmellose Sodium 10.0 13.8 Magnesium Stearate 1.0 1.4 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 40 55.2 Pseudoephedrine HCl 60.0 82.8 Chlorpheniramine Maleate 8.0 11 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 30.0 41.4 Lactose Monohydrate 100.0 137.9 Dicalcium Citrate 100.0 137.9 Povidone 15.0 20.7 Methocel K4M Premium 212.0 292.4 Stearic Acid 20.0 27.6 Magnesium Stearate 5.0 6.9 Total 725.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Immediate release layer #1: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Blend the carbetapentane citrate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, and croscarmellose sodium in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (4.1 gms povidone in 13.7 gms of solution). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate (1.4 gms) to the above blend and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Screen all ingredients through a USP sieve size # 30. Blend the pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (87.5 gms), chlorpheniramine maleate, carbetapentane citrate, microcrystalline cellulose PH 102, lactose monohydrate, dicalcium citrate, Methocel K4M Premium and stearic acid in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (20.7 gms povidone in 69 gms of solution). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate (6.9 gms) to the above blend and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet the immediate release layer is 135 mgs and the sustained release layer is 590 mgs. EXAMPLE 14 Bi-Layered Tablet (Wet Granulation) By using the process described in Example 13, a bi-layered tablet containing carbetapentane citrate in an immediate release layer and carbetapentane citrate, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate in a sustained release layer may be manufactured by using wet granulation: Weight/tablet Ingredients (mgs) Layer 1 (Immediate Release) Carbetapentane Citrate 30 Silicified Microcrystalline cellulose 126 Povidone 3 Croscarmellose sodium 10 Magnesium Stearate 1 Layer 2 (Sustained Release) Carbetapentane Citrate 30 Pseudoephedrine HCl 60 Chlorpheniramine Maleate 8 Microcrystalline Cellulose 102 30 Lactose Monohydrate 100 Dicalcium Citrate 100 Povidone 15 Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 212 Stearic Acid 20 Magnesium Stearate 5 Total 750 The above examples illustrate how to manufacture a bi-layered tablet containing carbetapentane citrate in (at least) a first layer and an antihistamine and/or a decongestant and/or an expectorant in (at least) a second layer. Non-limiting examples of possible active ingredients (in addition to carbetapentane) in an exemplary range as described in the following Table 1 can be employed depending on the specific therapeutic effect desired. TABLE 1 Preferred OTC Amount per Amount per Daily Active ingredient Tablet Tablet Dosage ANTIHISTAMINES Azelastine hydrochloride 0.1-2.0 mg 0.125 mg Azalastine hydrochloride 0.1-4.0 mg 1 mg Brompheniramine maleate 0.1-64 mg 2-16 mg 24 mg Dexbrompheniramine 0.1-24 mg 3-6 mg 12 mg maleate Carbinoxamine maleate 0.1-16 mg 4 mg Cetirizine hydrochloride 0.1-40 mg 5-10 mg Chlorcyclizine 0.1-300 mg 75 mg Chlorpheniramine maleate 0.1-64 mg 2-16 mg 24 mg Chlorpheniramine polistirex 0.1-32 mg 4-8 mg Clemastine 0.1-12 mg 0.5-2.68 mg Cyproheptadine 0.1-16 mg 2-4 mg Dexchlorpheniramine 0.1-24 mg 2 mg 12 mg maleate Cyproheptadine 0.1-32 mg 2-4 mg hydrochloride Diphenhydramine 0.1-300 mg 10-50 mg 300 mg hydrochloride Diphenhydramine citrate 0.1-2000 mg 456 mg Bromodiphenhydramine 0.1-200 mg 12.5-25 mg hydrochloride Doxylamine succinate 0.1-200 mg 12.5-25 mg 75 mg Fexofenadine hydrochloride 0.1-720 mg 30-180 mg Hydroxyzine hydrochloride 0.1-400 mg 10-100 mg Hydroxyzine pamoate 0.1-400 mg 25-100 mg Loratadine 0.1-80 mg 1-10 mg Desloratadine 0.1-40 mg 5 mg Phenindamine tartrate 0.1-750 mg 150 mg Pheniramine maleate 0.1-750 mg 150 mg Pyrilamine maleate 0.1-200 mg 25 mg 200 mg Terfenadine Thenyldiamine Thonzylamine 0.1-3000 mg 600 mg Thymol Tripelennamine 0.1-400 mg 25-50 mg hydrochloride Triprolidine hydrochloride 0.1-40 mg 1.25-5 mg 10 mg EXPECTORANT Guaifenesin 0.1-2000 mg 50-1200 2400 mg EXAMPLE 15 Bi-Layered Tablet (Direct Compression and Wet Granulation) A bi-layered tablet in accordance with the present invention which contains carbetapentane citrate in both an immediate release layer and a sustained release layer is illustrated as follows: Weight/tablet Weight/1 kg Ingredients (mgs) batch (gms) Layer 1 (Immediate release) Carbetapentane Citrate 15.0 46.2 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 73.5 226.2 Croscarmellose Sodium 10.0 30.8 Magnesium Stearate 1.5 4.6 Layer 2 (Sustained release) Carbetapentane Citrate 45.0 138.5 Microcrystalline Cellulose (PH 102) 20.0 61.5 Povidone 8.0 24.6 Methocel K4M Premium 150.0 462.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 6.2 Total 325.0 1000.0 Procedure: (a) Immediate release layer #1: Mix the prescreened (# 30 mesh) carbetapentane citrate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium in a V shaped blender for 20 minutes. Add prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. (b) Sustained release layer #2: Mix the carbetapentane citrate, Methocel K4M Premium and microcrystalline cellulose in a high shear mixer/granulator for 10 minutes. Granulate the above blend using a 30% povidone solution (8.0 gms povidone in 26.7 gms of solution). Dry the granulation until the LOD is less than 2.0%. Screen granules through a USP sieve size # 14. Add the granules and the prescreened magnesium stearate in a V shaped blender and mix for 3 minutes. Manufacture bi-layered tablets using a rotary bi-layer tablet press where in each tablet layer #1 is 100 mgs and layer #2 is 225 mgs. EXAMPLE 16 Single Layer Tablet or Capsule A single layer tablet or a capsule in accordance with the present invention which contains carbetapentane citrate both in an immediate release form and in a sustained release form is illustrated as follows: Ingredients Amount (mg)/tablet Carbetapentane Citrate Ion-Exchange Complex Equivalent to 45 mgs of Carbetapentane Citrate Carbetapentane Citrate 15 Eudragit ® L 100 10 to 100 Microcrystalline Cellulose q.s* Magnesium Stearate 5 Total 500 *Added to make remainder of weight. The formula described above serves as a non-limiting example. Any active drug which is in the form of a salt, such as carbetapentane, can be incorporated as an ion-exchange resin complex. Procedure: (1) Add the appropriate amount of sodium polystyrene sulphonate USP (e.g. Amberlite® IRP 69 or Amberlite® IRP 88N) to a carbetapentane citrate solution. (2) Stir the mix for 12 hrs to allow complete drug/resin complex formation. (3) Dry the insoluble drug/resin complex. (4) Granulate the drug/resin complex with a delayed release/enteric polymer (e.g. Eudragit® L 100, Kollidon® MAE, Aquacoat® cPD) and dry the granules. (5) Mill the granules, if needed. (6) To the milled granules add the appropriate amount of microcrystalline cellulose and the remaining carbetapentane citrate in a V shaped blender and mix for 15 minutes. (7) Add prescreened (sieve # 30) magnesium stearate to the above blend and mix for 3 minutes. (8) Fill into appropriate capsules. EXAMPLE 17 Extended Release Suspension (Gel) An extended release suspension (in the form of a gel) in accordance with the present invention which contains a carbetapentane citrate ion-exchange complex and promethazine hydrochloride is illustrated as follows (note that the carbetapentane citrate is used in a controlled release form since it has a shorter half-life than the promethazine hydrochloride): Ingredients Amount/5 ml Carbetapentane Citrate Ion-Exchange Complex Equivalent to 60 mgs of Carbetapentane Citrate Promethazine HCl 25 mgs Eudragit ® L 100 0.2 to 2.8 grams Glycerin 315 mgs Polysorbate 80 1.5 mgs Carbomer (e.g., Carbopol ® 974) 37.5 mgs Methyl Paraben 9 mgs Propyl Paraben 1 mgs Saccharin Sodium cryst., USP 0.1 mg Artificial Grape Flavor 5 mgs FD&C Red # 40 Dye 0.5 mgs Sodium Hydroxide q.s. Water q.s Procedure: (1) Add the appropriate amount of sodium polystyrene sulphonate USP (e.g. Amberlite® IRP 69) to a carbetapentane citrate solution. (2) Stir the mix for 12 hrs to allow complete drug/resin complex formation. (3) Separate and dry the insoluble drug/resin complex. (4) Granulate the drug/resin complex with a delayed release/enteric polymer (e.g. Eudragit® L 100, Kollidon® MAE, Aquacoat® cPD) and dry the granules. (5) Mill the granules, if needed. (6) To an appropriate amount of water add the following ingredients and dissolve: promethazine hydrochloride, Carbomer (e.g., Carbopol® 974), glycerin, polysorbate 80, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, artificial grape flavor, FD&C red # 40 dye. (7) Add milled granules. (8) Add water to 95% of final volume. (9) Agitate at suitable rate to avoid settling of the suspension and maintain a homogeneous product mixture. (10) Neutralize the solution to form a gel using a 1N sodium hydroxide solution to a pH of 5 to 8. Add water to make final volume. (11) Fill in suitable containers ensuring that the product is homogeneous throughout the filling operation. EXAMPLE 18 Extended Release Suspension (Liquid) An extended release suspension (in the form of a liquid) in accordance with the present invention which contains a carbetapentane tannate ion-exchange complex and promethazine hydrochloride is illustrated as follows: Ingredients Amount/5 ml Carbetapentane Tannate Ion-Exchange Equivalent to 30 mgs of Complex Carbetapentane Tannate Promethazine HCl 25 mgs Eudragit ® L 100 0.2 to 2.8 grams Silica, colloidal anhydrous, NF 100 mgs Glycerin 740 mgs Xylitol, NF 800 mgs Sodium Citrate, USP 100 mgs Saccharin Sodium cryst., USP, 0.1 mg Sodium Benzoate 7.5 mgs Citric Acid Monohydrate, USP 8.0 mgs Artificial Grape Flavor 5 mgs FD&C Red # 40 Dye 0.5 mgs Water q.s Manufacturing Process for 1000 L Batch: Add the appropriate amount of sodium polystyrene sulphonate USP (e.g. Amberlite® IRP 69 or Amberlite® 88N) to a carbetapentane tannate solution. Stir the mix for 12 hrs to allow complete drug/resin complex formation. Separate and dry the insoluble drug/resin complex. Granulate the drug/resin complex with a delayed release/enteric polymer (e.g. Eudragit® L 100, Kollidon® MAE, Aquacoat® CPD) and dry the granules. Mill the granules, if needed. In a suitably sized stainless steel vessel, dissolve saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and sodium citrate in approximately 50 L of warm (about 45° C.), purified water. In another large stainless steel drum mix the silica, carbetapentane tannate ion-exchange complex, and promethazine hydrochloride until a uniform and consistent mixture is obtained. In a separate 1000 L stainless steel tank equipped with a suitably sized homogenizer/disperser add about 100 L of purified water. With the homogenizer on, add the silica mixture containing carbetapentane tannate ion-exchange complex, and promethazine hydrochloride. Add the previously prepared solution of saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and sodium citrate to the 1000 L tank. Rinse the first vessel with about 2 L of water and transfer the rinsate to the 1000 L tank. Add the remaining ingredients and homogenize for 15 minutes. EXAMPLE 19 Extended Release Suspension (Liquid) An extended release suspension (in the form of a liquid) in accordance with the present invention which contains a carbetapentane citrate ion-exchange complex, pseudoephedrine tannate and chlorpheniramine tannate is illustrated as follows: Ingredients Amount/5 ml Carbetapentane Citrate Ion-Exchange Complex Equivalent to 20 mgs of Carbetapentane Citrate Pseudoephedrine Tannate 75.0 Chlorpheniramine Tannate 4.5 Eudragit ® L 100 0.2 to 2.8 grams Silica, colloidal anhydrous, NF 100 mgs Glycerin 740 mgs Xylitol, NF 800 mgs Sodium Citrate, USP 100 mgs Saccharin Sodium cryst., USP, 0.1 mg Sodium Benzoate 7.5 mgs Citric Acid Monohydrate, USP 8.0 mgs Artificial Grape Flavor 5 mgs FD&C Red # 40 Dye 0.5 mgs Water q.s Manufacturing Process for 1000 kg Batch: Add the appropriate amount of sodium polystyrene sulphonate USP (e.g. Amberlite® IRP 69 or Amberlite® 188N) to a carbetapentane citrate solution. Stir the mix for 12 hrs to allow complete drug/resin complex formation. Separate and dry the insoluble drug/resin complex. Granulate the drug/resin complex with a delayed release/enteric polymer (e.g. Eudragit® L 100, Kollidon® MAE, Aquacoat® CPD) and dry the granules. Mill the granules, if needed. In a suitably sized stainless steel vessel, dissolve saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and sodium citrate in approximately 50 L of warm (about 45° C.), purified water. In another large stainless steel drum mix the silica, carbetapentane citrate ion-exchange complex, pseudoephedrine tannate, and the chlorpheniramine tannate until a uniform and consistent mixture is obtained. In a separate 1000 L stainless steel tank equipped with a suitably sized homogenizer/disperser add about 100 L of purified water. With the homogenizer on, add the silica mixture containing carbetapentane citrate ion-exchange complex, pseudoephedrine tannate, and the chlorpheniramine tannate. Add the previously prepared solution of saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and sodium citrate to the 1000 L tank. Rinse the first vessel with about 2 L of water and transfer the rinsate to the 1000 L tank. Add the remaining ingredients and homogenize for 15 minutes. REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1 Extended Release Gel An extended release suspension which contains a carbetapentane citrate ion-exchange complex, a dexchlorpheniramine maleate ion-exchange complex and a phenylepherine hydrochloride ion-exchange complex is illustrated as follows: Ingredients Amount/5 ml Carbetapentane Citrate Equivalent to 20 mgs of Ion-Exchange Complex Carbetapentane Citrate Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate Equivalent to 4 mgs of Ion-Exchange Complex Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate Phenylepherine HCl Equivalent to 10 mgs of Ion-Exchange Complex Phenylepherine HCl Eudragit ® L 100 0.2 to 2.8 grams Glycerin 315 mgs Polysorbate 80 1.5 mgs Carbomer 15 mgs (e.g., Carbopol ® 974) Methyl Paraben 9 mgs Propyl Paraben 1 mgs Artificial Grape Flavor 5 mgs FD&C Red # 40 Dye 0.5 mgs Water q.s The formula described above serves as a non-limiting example. Any active drug which is in the form of a salt can be incorporated as an ion-exchange resin complex. Procedure: (1) Add the appropriate amount of sodium polystyrene sulphonate USP (e.g. Amberlite® IRP 69 or Amberlite® 188N) to a carbetapentane citrate, dexchlorpheniramine maleate and phenylepherine HCl solution. (2) Stir the mix for 12 hrs to allow complete drug/resin complex formation. (3) Separate and dry the insoluble drug/resin complex. (4) Granulate the drug/resin complex with a delayed release/enteric polymer (e.g. Eugragit® L 100, Kollidon® MAE, Aquacoa®t cPD) and dry the granules. (5) Mill the granules, if needed. (6) To an appropriate amount of water add the following ingredients and dissolve: Carbomer (e.g., Carbopol® 974), glycerin, polysorbate 80, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, artificial grape flavor, FD&C red # 40 dye. (7) Add milled granules. (8) Add water to 95% of the final volume. (9) Agitate at suitable rate to avoid settling of the suspension and maintain a homogeneous product mixture. (10) Neutralize the solution to form a gel using a 1N sodium hydroxide solution to a pH of 5 to 8. Add enough water to make up to the final volume. (11) Fill in suitable containers ensuring that the product is homogeneous throughout the filling operation. REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2 Suspension Formula A suspension formula which comprises carbetapentane citrate and phenylepherine tannate is illustrated as follows: g/100 mL = kg/batch = Ingredients 120 g 1000 kg Carbetapentane Citrate 0.500 Phenylepherine Tannate 0.800 6.667 Silica, colloidal anhydrous, NF 1.73 14.417 Hydroxyethylcellulose, NF 0.05 0.417 Sorbitol Solution 70% 34.00 283.333 (non-crystallizing), NF Glycerol 14.75 122.917 Xylitol, NF 16.00 133.333 Sodium Citrate, USP 2.00 16.667 Saccharin Sodium cryst., USP, 0.01 0.083 Sodium Benzoate, NF 0.15 1.250 Citric Acid Monohydrate, USP 0.16 1.333 Strawberry Flavor 0.15 1.250 Banana Flavor 0.15 1.250 Purified Water 49.55 412.917 Total Amount 120.000 g 1000.000 kg Manufacturing Process for 1000 kg Batch: bbb In a suitably sized stainless steel vessel, dissolve saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and sodium citrate in approximately 50 L of warm (about 45° C.), purified water. In another large stainless steel drum mix the silica, carbetapentane citrate, and micronized phenylepherine tannate until a uniform and consistent mixture is obtained. In a separate 1000 L stainless steel tank equipped with a suitably sized homogenizer/disperser add about 100 L of purified water. With the homogenizer on, add the silica mixture containing phenylepherine tannate and carbetapentane citrate. Add the previously prepared solution of saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and sodium citrate to the 1000 L tank. Rinse the first vessel with about 2 L of water and transfer the rinsate to the 1000 L tank. Add the remaining ingredients and homogenize for 15 minutes. Filter product through a 10 micron filter and fill in appropriately sized containers. To make products with other agents such as antihistamines, decongestants, or expectorants, one or more combinations of each of the ingredients in a range as described in Table 1 above can be made depending on the specific therapeutic effect desired. REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3 Liquid Formula A liquid dosage form which comprises carbetapentane citrate and phenylepherine hydrochloride is illustrated as follows: Ingredients Per 5 mL Per 425 L Carbetapentane Citrate USP 30 mg kg Phenylepherine Hydrochloride USP 10.0 mg 0.850 kg Methyl Paraben USP 9.0 mg 0.765 kg Propyl Paraben USP 1.0 mg 0.085 kg Propylene Glycol USP 259 mg 22.016 kg Saccharin Sodium USP 3.18 mg 0.270 kg Citric Acid USP 5.0 mg 0.425 kg Strawberry Flavor 10 mg 0.850 kg Banana Flavor 10 mg 0.850 kg Sorbitol Solution 70% USP 3212.5 mg 273.1 kg Purified Water, as required to q.s. to 5.0 mL 425 L Manufacturing Process for 425 L batch size: In a suitably sized stainless steel vessel, dissolve methyl paraben and propyl paraben in approximately 50 L of warm (about 45° C.), purified water. Add about half of the propylene glycol and mix for about 1 hr. In a separate 1000 L stainless steel tank equipped with a suitably sized agitator, add about 50 L of purified water. With the agitator on, add phenylepherine hydrochloride, carbetapentane citrate, saccharin sodium and citric acid and dissolve. Add the previously prepared paraben/propylene glycol solution to the 1000 L tank. Rinse the first vessel with about 2 L of water and transfer the rinsate to the 1000 L tank. Add the remaining propylene glycol to a suitably sized stainless steel vessel and dissolve the strawberry and banana flavors. Transfer this to the 1000 L tank. Rinse the container with 2 L of purified water and transfer to the 1000 L tank. With the agitator on, add the sorbitol solution 70% to the 1000 L tank. In a suitably sized stainless steel vessel, dissolve the carbetapentane citrate in about 5 L of purified water and transfer to the 1000 L tank. Rinse the container with about 2 L of purified water and transfer to the 1000 L tank. Stop the agitator and let the solution stand for 15 minutes. QS to 425 L with purified water. Filter product through a 1 micron filter and fill in appropriately sized containers. To make products with other antihistamines, decongestants, or expectorants, one or more combinations of each of the ingredients in a range as described in Table 1 above can be made depending on the specific therapeutic effect desired. It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION <EOH>Excessive coughing, which can be treated or ameliorated with carbetapentane is often accompanied by conditions which cannot satisfactorily be ameliorated or treated with carbetapentane, but may be treated or ameliorated by other drugs such as, e.g., expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, decongestants and/or antihistamines. However, a single pharmacologically acceptable dose (i.e., a dose which will not result in a plasma concentration which causes unacceptable side-effects) of carbetapentane provides a therapeutically effective plasma concentration for 2.5±0.7 hours whereas many agents frequently used in conjunction with carbetapentane provide therapeutically effective plasma concentrations per single pharmacologically acceptable dose over periods that differ markedly from that provided by carbetapentane. For example, a single pharmacologically acceptable dose of an expectorant such as guaifenesin will usually provide relief for about one hour, and decongestants usually provide relief for about 4 to 8 hours per single dose. As a result, there appears to be virtually no benefit in combining carbetapentane and any such drug with a noticeably shorter or longer therapeutically effective period in a single dosage unit. With a corresponding combination, one drug (e.g., the carbetapentane) may still provide the desired therapeutic effect when the other drug has already ceased to be effective, or the other drug may continue to exert a therapeutic effect, which prohibits administration of another dosage unit even though the carbetapentane no longer provides the desired antitussive effect. It would be desirable if patients suffering from, e.g., excessive coughing, respiratory congestion, inflammation of the respiratory mucosa and sinus cavities, weeping eyes, rhinorrhea, Eustachian Tube congestion, nausea and related symptoms, for which carbetapentane is indicated, would also obtain relief, over a similar time period, from one or more conditions for which drugs different from carbetapentane are indicated, by administering a single dose of a dosage form such as, e.g., a tablet, liquid, syrup, suspension, capsule and the like which contains both the carbetapentane and one or more other drugs. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises a first drug which is selected from one or more of carbetapentane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and at least one second drug. The dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect of the dosage form, the first drug may comprise at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane. For example, the dosage form may comprise carbetapentane citrate. In another aspect, the at least one second drug may comprise a decongestant and/or an expectorant and/or a mucus thinning drug and/or an antihistamine. By way of non-limiting example, the at least one second drug may comprise a decongestant, for example, phenylepherine and/or pseudoephedrine and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and/or the at least one second drug may comprise an antihistamine, for example, chlorpheniramine and/or promethazine and/or carbinoxamine and/or diphenhydramine and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and/or the at least one second drug may comprise an expectorant, for example, guaifenesin. In yet another aspect of the dosage form of the present invention, the plasma half-life of the at least one second drug may differ from the plasma half-life of the first drug (i.e., may be longer or may be shorter) by at least about 2 hours, e.g., by at least about 3 hours, or by at least about 4 hours. In a still further aspect, the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug may be coextensive with at least about 80%, e.g., at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, of the period within which the plasma concentration of carbetapentane is within the therapeutic range. In another aspect, the dosage form may be a tablet. For example, the tablet may have at least two layers such as, e.g., in a bi-layered tablet. In another embodiment, the tablet may comprise a matrix which comprises the first drug and has dispersed therein particles which comprise the at least one second drug, or the tablet may comprise a matrix which comprises the at least one second drug and has dispersed therein particles which comprise the first drug. In yet another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a solution and/or a suspension. The present invention also provides a bi-layered tablet having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises a first drug which is selected from carbetapentane and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and the second layer comprises at least one second drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. This bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer may comprise carbetapentane citrate and/or carbetapentane tannate. In another aspect of the bi-layered tablet of the present invention, the second layer thereof may comprise one or more of phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In another aspect, the tablet may comprise at least two of phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (contained in only the second layer or in both the first layer and the second layer, e.g., one in the first layer and another one in the second layer; likewise, the carbetapentane and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be present in one or both layers). In a still further aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer thereof may comprise carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as the only active ingredient(s) of the first layer. In yet another aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the period of a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug which is provided by the tablet may be coextensive with at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90%, of the period over which the tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In another aspect of the tablet, at least one of the first and second layers may be a controlled release layer. For example, the first layer may be a controlled release layer and the second layer may be an immediate release layer. In yet another aspect, both of the first and second layers may be controlled release layers (which may provide different release rates and/or may exhibit different times at which the release of the active ingredient(s) contained therein starts, etc.). In a still further aspect of the tablet, the first layer and/or the entire tablet may comprise a total of from about 0.1 mg to about 120 mg, e.g., from about 5 mg to about 90 mg, or from about 25 mg to about 60 mg (preferably from about 30 mg to about 50 mg) of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another aspect of the tablet, the second layer and/or the entire tablet may comprise (i) from about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate or an equivalent amount (on a molar basis) of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of chlorpheniramine; and/or (ii) from about 1 mg to about 90 mg of phenylepherine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of phenylepherine; and/or (iii) from about 1 mg to about 240 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of pseudoephedrine; and/or (iv) from about 0.1 mg to about 75 mg of promethazine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of promethazine; and/or (v) from about 0.1 mg to about 32 mg of carbinoxamine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbinoxamine; and/or (vi) from about 0.1 mg to about 300 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of diphenhydramine; and/or (vii) form about 1 mg to about 2400 mg of guaifenesin or an equivalent amount of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin. In another aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer thereof may comprise, in addition to the carbetapentane and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (i) from about 1 mg to about 90 mg of phenylepherine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of phenylepherine; and/or (ii) from about 1 mg to about 240 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of pseudoephedrine. In yet another aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the second layer thereof may comprise (i) from about 0.1 mg to about 16 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of chlorpheniramine; and/or (ii) from about 0.1 mg to about 75 mg of promethazine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of promethazine; and/or (iii) from about 0.1 mg to about 32 mg of carbinoxamine maleate or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbinoxamine; and/or (iv) from about 0.1 mg to about 300 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride or an equivalent amount of at least one other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of diphenhydramine; and/or (v) form about 1 mg to about 2400 mg of guaifenesin or an equivalent amount of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin. The present invention also provides a multi-layered tablet which comprises at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the second layer comprises at least one drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, antihistamines, analgesics and combinations thereof. In one aspect of the multi-layered tablet, the first layer may be a controlled release layer. In another aspect, the second layer may be a controlled release layer. In yet another aspect, the second layer may be an immediate release layer. In a still further aspect of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention, the first layer may comprise carbetapentane citrate and/or carbetapentane tannate. In another aspect, the second layer of the multi-layered tablet may comprise one or more of dextromethorphan, phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In another aspect, the the multi-layered tablet may comprise two or more of dextromethorphan, phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In yet another aspect, the at least one drug in the second layer may have a plasma half-life which differs from the plasma half-life of the carbetapentane by at least about 2 hours. In another aspect, the multi-layered tablet may provide a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one drug in the second layer over a period which is coextensive with at least about 80% of the period over which the tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the carbetapentane. In yet another aspect, the at least one drug in the second layer may comprise one or more of chlorpheniramine, promethazine, carbinoxamine, diphenhydramine, guaifensin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In a further aspect of the multi-layered tablet, the layers thereof may be discrete zones which are arranged adjacent to each other; or the first (second) layer may be partially or completely surrounded by the second (first) layer; or the first (second) layer may be coated with the second (first) layer. The present invention further provides a liquid dosage form which comprises (a) carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (b) at least one additional drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. The liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect, the liquid dosage form may comprise a suspension, for example, in the form of a gel. In another aspect, at least a part of (b) and/or at least a part of (a) may be present as a complex with a complexing agent. By way of non-limiting example, the complexing agent may comprise an ion-exchange resin such as, e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate. In another aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form comprises a suspension, which suspension may comprise particles of a complex of at least a part of component (a) with an ion-exchange resin. These particles may be provided, at least in part, with a controlled release coating. The controlled release coating may comprise an organic polymer such as, e.g., a polyacrylate. The present invention also provides a method of concurrently alleviating (including treating) a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and/or an antihistamine. This method comprises the administration of any of the pharmaceutical dosage forms of the present invention to a subject in need thereof. In one aspect of the method, the condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane may comprise (excessive) coughing. In another aspect, the dosage form may be administered not more than about three times per day, e.g., not more than about twice per day. The present invention further provides a process of making a pharmaceutical dosage form of the present invention, wherein the method comprises preparing a first composition which comprises the first drug (i.e., carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) and a second composition which comprises the at least one second drug, and combining the first and the second compositions to form the dosage form. In one aspect of the process, the first and second compositions may be combined by using a tablet press. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises (a) a first drug which comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (b) at least one second drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs and antihistamines and has a plasma half-life which differs from (i.e., is shorter than or is longer than) the plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 2 hours, e.g., by at least about 3 hours, preferably by at least about 4 hours. The dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90%, of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In one aspect, the dosage form may comprise a multi-layered tablet. In another aspect, the dosage form may be associated with instructions to administer the dosage form three or fewer times per day, e.g., once or twice per day. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises at least a first release form of carbetapentane and a second release form of carbetapentane. The first release form releases the carbetapentane over a different period and/or at a different rate than the second release form. In one aspect of the dosage form, the first release form may be an immediate release form and the second release form may a controlled release form. In another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a solid dosage form. For example, the dosage form may comprise a tablet. In yet another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a multi-layered tablet. By way of non-limiting example, the multi-layered tablet may comprise at least (a) an immediate release layer which comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (b) a controlled release layer which comprises carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In a still further aspect, the dosage form may comprise carbetapentane citrate and/or carbetapentane tannate. In another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a bi-layered tablet. In yet another aspect of this dosage form, the dosage form may further comprise one or more additional drugs which are selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. For example, at least an immediate release layer and/or at least a controlled release layer of a multi-layer tablet embodying this dosage form may comprise the one or more additional drugs. In another aspect, the dosage form may provide a plasma concentration within a therapeutic range of at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In yet another aspect, the dosage form may comprise a liquid dosage form. For example, the dosage form may comprise carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an uncomplexed form and as a complex with a complexing agent such as, e.g., an ion-exchange resin. A non-limiting example of a suitable ion-exchange resin comprises sodium polystyrene sulfonate. In one aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form may comprise a suspension. In another aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form may further comprise one or more drugs which are selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. In yet another aspect of the liquid dosage form, the dosage form may provide a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of at least one additional drug contained therein over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70% of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. The present invention also provides a method of concurrently alleviating a condition which can be alleviated by administering carbetapentane and at least one other condition which can be alleviated by administering a drug which is at least one of a decongestant, an expectorant, a mucus thinning drug, and an antihistamine, wherein the method comprises administering any of the pharmaceutical dosage forms set forth above to a subject in need thereof. The pharmaceutical dosage form which constitutes one aspect of the present invention comprises a first drug which comprises carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. A preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane is carbetapentane citrate. However, any other pharmaceutically acceptable salt of carbetapentane with inorganic and organic acids may be used as well, such as, e.g., carbetapentane tannate. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to those salts of a particular drug that are not substantially toxic at the dosage administered to achieve the desired effect and do not independently possess significant pharmacological activity. The salts included within the scope of this term are pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of a suitable inorganic or organic acid. Non-limiting examples of suitable inorganic acids are, for example, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric and phosphoric acids. Non-limiting examples of suitable organic acids include carboxylic acids, such as acetic, propionic, tannic, glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, malonic, succinic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, cyclamic, ascorbic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, benzoic, phenylacetic, 4-aminobenzoic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, anthranillic, cinnamic, salicylic, 4-aminosalicyclic, 2-phenoxybenzoic, 2-acetoxybenzoic and mandelic acids, as well as sulfonic acids such as, e.g., methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, and β-hydroxyethanesulfonic acids. In addition to carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, the above dosage form may (and preferably does) contain one or more (e.g., one, two or three) second drugs. Preferred, non-limiting examples of such second drugs are decongestants (such as, e.g., phenylepherine, pseudoephedrine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof), expectorants and mucus thinning drugs (such as, e.g., guaifenesin), and antihistamines (such as, e.g., chlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof). The above dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one second drug over a period which is coextensive with (overlaps) at least about 70%, more preferred at least about 80%, e.g., at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%, of the period over which the dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. The term “therapeutic range” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the range of drug levels within which most patients will experience a significant therapeutic effect (including alleviation of symptoms) without an undesirable degree of adverse reactions. It is noted that the term “coextensive with” does not exclude, but rather includes, cases where a part of the period over which the plasma concentration of the at least one second drug is within the therapeutic range is outside the period over which the plasma concentration of carbetapentane is within the therapeutic range. In other words, even if the corresponding period for the at least one second drug is to overlap, for example, about 70% of the corresponding period of carbetapentane, a certain percentage (preferably not more than about 30%, e.g., not more than about 20%, not more than about 10% or even not more than about 5%) of the total period over which the plasma concentration of the at least one second drug is within the therapeutic range may be outside the period over which the plasma concentration of carbetapentane is within the therapeutic range. The period over which the therapeutic range of a particular drug may be provided in a given case depends, at least in part, on the plasma half-life of the drug and/or active metabolites thereof. The term “plasma half-life” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to the time required for the plasma drug concentration to decline by 50%. The shorter the plasma half-life of a particular drug, the shorter will be the period within the therapeutic range of the drug which is provided by a single administered dose of the drug. In one aspect of the dosage form of the present invention, the plasma half-life of the at least one second drug may be shorter or longer than the plasma half-life of carbetapentane by at least about 1 hour, preferably by at least about 2 hours, or at least about 3 hours, or at least about 4 hours, but usually not more than about to 10 hours, e.g., not more than about 8 hours, or not more than about 6 hours. A preferred, although non-limiting, embodiment of the dosage form of the present invention is a tablet, in particular, a multi-layered tablet such as a bi-layered tablet. Non-limiting examples of other embodiments of the dosage form of the invention are capsules, pills, chewable tablets, extended/sustained/delayed release single layer matrix tablets, suspensions, solutions, syrups, gels and suppositories. The bi-layered tablet which forms another aspect of the present invention comprises two layers. The first layer comprises carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (preferably, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), as discussed above. The second layer comprises at least one additional drug which preferably is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. Specific and non-limiting examples of such drugs are given above. The bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of the at least one additional drug over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, e.g., at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% of the period over which the bi-layered tablet provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of carbetapentane. In a preferred aspect of the bi-layered tablet, carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are the only active ingredients in the first layer. The second layer will usually contain one, two, three or even more additional drugs. It is to be understood, however, that even the first layer may contain further active ingredients, different from carbetapentane, e.g., one, two or more additional drugs, preferably selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, antihistamines and combinations thereof. Conversely, the second layer may also contain carbetapentane, e.g., where the second layer provides a release profile of carbetapentane that is different from that provided by the first layer. With regard to the present invention in general, it is to be understood that it does not matter in which form and/or layer a particular active ingredient which is different from carbetapentane and a salt thereof is present in the dosage form of the present invention, as long as this form and/or layer is capable of providing a therapeutic effect of this active ingredient over a period which substantially overlaps the period over which the dosage form provides a therapeutic effect of carbetapentane. In another preferred aspect of the bi-layered tablet, the first layer is a controlled release layer and the second layer is an immediate release layer, or a controlled release layer. The term “controlled release layer” as used herein and in the appended claims refers to any layer that is not an immediate release layer, i.e., does not release all of an active ingredient contained therein within a relatively short time (for example, within less than about 1 hour, e.g., less than about 0.75 hours, following ingestion of the dosage form). Accordingly, this term is a generic term which encompasses, e.g., sustained (extended) release layers, pulsed release layers, delayed release layers, and the like. Preferably, the controlled release layer releases the one or more active ingredients contained therein continuously or intermittently and, preferably, in approximately equal amounts per time unit, over an extended period of time such as, e.g., at least about 2 hours, at least about 3 hours, at least about 4 hours, or at least about 6 hours, or at least about 8 hours, or at least about 10 hours, or at least about 11 hours. The desirable length of the time period of continuous or intermittent (e.g., pulsed) release depends, inter alia, on the plasma half-life of the drug and/or an active metabolite thereof. It is to be understood that one or both layers of the bi-layered tablet of the present invention may contain carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. When two controlled release layers are present in the bi-layered tablet of the present invention, these layers will usually provide different release profiles. By way of non-limiting example, they will release the active ingredient(s) contained therein at different rates, at different times and/or over different time periods. In this regard, it may be desirable for a particular active ingredient to be present in both controlled layers of a bi-layered tablet of the present invention, e.g., in order to extend the period over which the tablet will provide a therapeutic effect of this active ingredient. By the same token, when an immediate release layer and a controlled release layer are present in a bi-layered tablet of the present invention, it may be desirable for a particular active ingredient to be present in both layers of the bi-layered tablet, e.g., in order to provide a dose of the active ingredient for immediate relief and a dose over an extended period in order to sustain the effect provided by the immediate release layer. The first layer of the bi-layered tablet of the present invention preferably is a controlled release layer, in particular, a sustained release layer, and will usually contain at least about 0.1 mg, preferably at least about 5 mg, e.g., at least about 8 mg, at least about 12 mg, at least about 25 mg, or at least about 30 mg of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Usually, the first layer will not contain more than about 120 mg, preferably not more than about 90 mg, e.g., not more than about 70 mg, not more than about 60 mg, or not more than about 50 mg of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The same amounts apply to the entire tablet if the tablet contains carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in both layers. The second layer of the bi-layered tablet may be a controlled release layer, in particular, a sustained release layer, or an immediate release layer, depending, in part, on the type (in particular, half-life) of the active ingredient(s) contained therein. The second layer may contain, by way of non-limiting example, (i) chlorpheniramine maleate, usually in an amount which is not less than about 0.1 mg, e.g., not less than about 2 mg, or not less than about 4 mg, but not more than about 16 mg, e.g., not more than about 12 mg, or equivalent amounts (on a molar basis) of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of chlorpheniramine; and/or (ii) promethazine hydrochloride, usually in an amount which is not less than about 0.1 mg. e.g., not less that about 6 mg, but not more than about 75 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of promethazine; and/or (iii) phenylepherine hydrochloride, usually in an amount which is not less than about 1 mg, e.g., not less than about 10 mg, or not less than about 15 mg, but not more than about 90 mg, e.g., not more than about 75 mg, or not more than about 50 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of phenylepherine; and/or (iv) pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, usually in an amount which is not less than about 1 mg, e.g., not less than about 10 mg, not less than about 25 mg, or not less than about 50 mg, but not more than about 240 mg, e.g., not more than about 150 mg, not more than about 100 mg, or not more than about 70 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of pseudoephedrine; and/or (v) guaifenesin, usually in an amount which is not less than about 1 mg, e.g., not less than about 10 mg, not less than about 25 mg, or not less than about 50 mg, but not more than about 2400 mg, e.g., not more than about 1500 mg, or equivalent amounts of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of guaifenesin; and/or (vi) carbinoxamine maleate, usually in an amount which is not less than about 0.1 mg, e.g., not less that about 6 mg, but not more than about 32 mg, e.g., not more than about 24 mg, or equivalent amounts of any other pharmaceutically acceptable salts of carbinoxamine; and/or (vii) carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, usually in an amount as indicated above for the first layer, e.g., not less than about 0.1 mg, but not more than for providing about 120 mg for the combined amount in the first and second layers. Another aspect of the present invention is a multi-layered tablet which comprises at least a first layer and a second layer, but may optionally comprise a third, fourth, fifth, etc. layer. The first layer, which may be an immediate release layer or a controlled release layer, but preferably is a controlled release layer (e.g., a sustained release layer), comprises carbetapentane (preferably as the only active ingredient contained therein), and the mandatory second layer which may be an immediate release layer or a controlled release layer, but preferably is a controlled release layer may comprise at least one drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. If more than one additional drug is incorporated in the tablet, the first and/or the second layer may contain all of the additional drugs. Alternatively, a separate (third, fourth, etc.) layer may be provided for the or each additional third, for example, in cases where it would be difficult to design a controlled release layer which provides a desired release rate for both a first and an additional second drug, or carbetapentane and the additional drug. Of course, a fourth, fifth, etc. layer may be provided for a third or fourth additional drug, and so on. Alternatively and by way of non-limiting example, an additional and/or a third layer may contain the same drug or drugs, but in different (relative) concentrations and/or incorporated in a different controlled release formulation. In another embodiment, more than one layer (e.g., two or three layers) of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention may contain carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, either alone and/or in combination with any of the other therapeutically active ingredients contained in the dosage form. For example, carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be contained in an immediate release layer and also in one or more controlled release layers which form a part of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention, or carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be contained in two or more controlled release layers. Of course, in this case the controlled release layers will usually provide different release profiles (e.g., different release rates, different release periods, different release times, etc.) of carbetapentane. The multi-layered tablet of the present invention will usually be made up of two or more distinct layers or discrete zones of granulation compressed together with the individual layers lying on top of one another. Layered tablets have the appearance of a sandwich because the edges of each layer or zone are exposed. These layered tablets may be prepared by compressing a granulation onto a previously compressed granulation. The operation may be repeated to produce multi-layered tablets of more than two layers. In a preferred embodiment of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention, the tablet consists of two layers. It is to be understood that it is not necessary for the two or more individual layers of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention to lie on top of one another. By way of non-limiting example, a first layer (e.g., a sustained release layer) may be partially or completely surrounded by a second layer (e.g., an immediate release layer). For example, the second layer may be coated with the first layer. In the case of three layers, for example, the third layer may be partially or completely coated with the second layer, which in turn may be partially or completely coated with the first layer. Of course, these are but a few examples of the many different ways in which the various layers of the multi-layered tablet of the present invention can be arranged relative to each other. Moreover, it is to be understood that the tablets of the present invention are not limited to such multi-layered tablets. By way of non-limiting example, the tablet may comprise an immediate release matrix which comprises any of the desired drug(s) (possibly including carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) incorporated therein, which matrix has dispersed therein particles of one or more controlled release formulations which have at least carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof incorporated therein. Another aspect of the present invention is formed by a liquid (including a semi-solid) dosage form, preferably a suspension, including a gel, which comprises (a) carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and (b) at least one drug which is selected from decongestants, expectorants, mucus thinning drugs, and antihistamines. This liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of component (b) over a period which is coextensive with at least about 70%, preferably at least 80%, e.g., at least 90%, of the period over which the liquid dosage form provides a plasma concentration within the therapeutic range of component (a). This may be accomplished in various ways. By way of non-limiting example, one component, for example, component (a) may be incorporated into a solid controlled release formulation. For example, particles of component (a) may be provided with a controlled release coating (e.g. a controlled release coating comprising an organic polymer such as, e.g., a polyacrylate). This formulation may then be comminuted, if necessary, in an appropriate manner (e.g., by milling) to form particles of a size which is small enough to be suitable for being suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier. The other component, e.g., component (b), on the other hand, may be used as such and/or incorporated as an ion-exchange complex, and/or incorporated in a solid immediate release formulation, comminuted and incorporated into the liquid carrier as well. A non-limiting example of a corresponding procedure is described in the Examples below. Prior to incorporating components (a) and (b) into a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier to form a liquid dosage form (including a gel form) according to the present invention, at least a part of component (a) and/or at least a part of component (b) may be transformed into a complex with a complexing agent. Non-limiting examples of suitable complexing agents comprise ion-exchange resins such as, e.g., (sodium) polystyrene sulfonate. In one preferred aspect of the semi solid dosage form of the present invention, the dosage form comprises a gel which may comprise particles of an ion-exchange complex of one or more of the active ingredients and a gel-forming agent such as, e.g., a Carbomer (e.g., Carbopol). The present invention also provides a dosage form which comprises carbetapentane and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in at least two different release forms, e.g., two different release layers. This dosage form does not necessarily contain any further active ingredient(s). By way of non-limiting example, carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g., carbetapentane citrate, may be present in an immediate release layer and in one (or more) controlled release layer(s) of a multi-layered (e.g., bi-layered) tablet, or it may be present in two (or more) controlled release layer(s) of a tablet (e.g., a bi-layered tablet) where the controlled release layers provide different release profiles of carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In particular in the case of a liquid dosage form, the dosage form may contain carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof both as such (immediate release) and in a controlled release form (e.g., in the form of an ion-exchange complex and/or coated with a sustained/delayed etc. release coating). For example, by providing the carbetapentane and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in different forms/layers, the period over which the carbetapentane exhibits a therapeutic effect may be extended. The dosage forms of the present invention can be manufactured by processes which are well known to those of skill in the art. For example, for the manufacture of bi-layered tablets, the active ingredients may be dispersed uniformly into a mixture of excipients, for example, by high shear granulation, low shear granulation, fluid bed granulation, or by blending for direct compression Excipients may include diluents, binders, disintegrants, dispersants, lubricants, glidants, stabilizers, surfactants and colorants. Diluents, also termed “fillers”, are typically used to increase the bulk of a tablet so that a practical size is provided for compression. Non-limiting examples of diluents include lactose, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, dry starch, hydrolyzed starches, powdered sugar, talc, sodium chloride, silicon dioxide, titanium oxide, dicalcium citrate dihydrate, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, alumina and kaolin. Binders impart cohesive qualities to a tablet formulation and are used to ensure that a tablet remains intact after compression. Non-limiting examples of suitable binders include starch (including corn starch and pregelatinized starch), gelatin, sugars (e.g., glucose, dextrose, sucrose, lactose and sorbitol), celluloses, polyethylene glycol, waxes, natural and synthetic gums, e.g., acacia, tragacanth, sodium alginate, and synthetic polymers such as polymethacrylates and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Lubricants facilitate tablet manufacture; non-limiting examples thereof include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate, and polyethylene glycol. Disintegrants facilitate tablet disintegration after administration, and non-limiting examples thereof include starches, alginic acid, crosslinked polymers such as, e.g., crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, croscarmellose sodium, potassium or sodium starch glycolate, clays, celluloses, starches, gums and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable glidants include silicon dioxide, talc and the like. Stabilizers inhibit or retard drug decomposition reactions, including oxidative reactions. Surfactants may be anionic, cationic, amphoteric or nonionic. If desired, the tablets may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as pH buffering agents, preservatives, e.g., antioxidants, wetting or emulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, coating agents, flavoring agents, and the like. Extended/sustained release formulations may be made by choosing the right combination of excipients that slow the release of the active ingredients by coating or temporarily bonding or decreasing the solubility of the active ingredients. Examples of these excipients include cellulose ethers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (e.g., Methocel K4M), polyvinylacetate-based excipients such as, e.g., Kollidon SR, and polymers and copolymers based on methacrylates and methacrylic acid such as, e.g., Eudragit NE 30D. There are several commercially available tablet presses capable of making bi-layered tablets. For example, Manesty RotaPress Diamond, a 45 station D tooling press, is capable of making bi-layered tablets described in this application. Non-limiting examples of presses for the manufacture of bi-layered tablets include Fette America Model No. PT 3090; Maneklal Global Exports (Mumbai, India) Models JD and DH series; Niro Pharma Systems, Model R292F; and Korsch AG Models XL 800 and XL 400. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? | 20040804 | 20060209 | 66231.0 | A61K920 | 0 | AHMED, HASAN SYED | Dosage form containing carbetapentane and another drug | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | PENDING | A61K | 2,004 |
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10,911,144 | REJECTED | Streaming video selection system and method | A system and method of broadcasting images in a communications network. Methods according to the invention include providing image content from at least one mobile content provider, coupling the image content from the mobile content provider to a network, presenting the image content from the mobile content provider for selection, and selecting the image content from the mobile content provider. | 1. A method for selecting image content from a network comprising: providing image content from at least one mobile content provider; coupling said image content from said mobile content provider to the network; presenting said image content from said mobile content provider for selection; and selecting said image content from said mobile content provider. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of presenting is displayed on a homepage. 3. The method according to claim 2 further comprising: searching for image content from a mobile content provider using specific criteria. 4. The method according to claim 3 further comprising: including audio as part of said image content. 5. The method according to claim 4 further comprising: paying a predetermined fee for a predetermined amount of viewing time for said selected image content. 6. The method according to claim 5 further comprising: viewing said selected image content. 7. The method according to claim 6 further comprising: paying said selected mobile content provider a first percentage of said fee. 8. The method according to claim 7 further comprising: paying said selected mobile content provider a second percentage of said fee. 9. A system for selecting image content from a network comprising: means for providing image content from at least one mobile content provider; means for coupling said image content from said mobile content provider to the network; means for presenting said image content from said mobile content provider for selection; and means for selecting said image content from said mobile content provider. 10. The system according to claim 9 wherein means for presenting is displayed on a homepage. 11. The system according to claim 10 further comprising: means for searching for image content from a mobile content provider using specific criteria. 12. The system according to claim 11 further comprising: means for including audio as part of said image content. 13. The system according to claim 12 further comprising: means for paying a predetermined fee for a predetermined amount of viewing time for said selected image content. 14. The system according to claim 13 further comprising: means for viewing said selected image content. 15. The system according to claim 14 further comprising: means for paying said selected mobile content provider a first percentage of said fee. 16. The system according to claim 15 further comprising: means for paying said selected mobile content provider a second percentage of said fee. 17. A system for selecting image content from a network, the system comprising: a display; and a processor coupled to said display, said processor configured to receive image content from at least one mobile content provider over the network and select the image content from said mobile content provider for display. | REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/493,898, filed on Aug. 8, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND The invention relates generally to the field of network broadcasting and streaming video. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods that couple mobile streaming video over unguided media to a network for viewer selection. Today, video technology is omnipresent in both home and business. From video conferencing in the work environment, to store surveillance, to video taping family events, video technology has become commonplace. For recordation, video surveillance has taken to the roads in law enforcement applications. For police rushing to the scene of a crime or traffic accident, a patrol car mounted camera, microphone and recorder allow law enforcement to memorialize the event for evidentiary purposes. However, these systems do not typically allow for events to be shared in real time with other viewers. While law enforcement video and audio capture serve a limited role in preserving evidence, public applications of real-time mobile video can also benefit law enforcement; provide general information pertaining to road systems, as well as entertainment. The systems employed in law enforcement applications lack many of the conveniences and speed offered by computer-based systems for enterprise applications. SUMMARY Although there are systems for providing network broadcasting, an easily and broadly accessible system operable to subscribe to a plurality of mobile video content providers for providing content for a plurality of users to select from is not available. Such a system would allow a plurality of users to access a network and select from a plurality of available video content. The inventor has discovered that it would be desirable to have a system and method that subscribes to video content provided by mobile sources for view. One aspect of the invention provides a method for broadcasting images in a communications network. Methods according to this aspect of the invention include providing image content from at least one mobile content provider, coupling the content from the mobile content provider to a network, presenting the image content from the mobile content provider for selection, and selecting the content from the mobile content provider. Other objects and advantages of the features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of the Internet. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer. FIG. 3 is an exemplary system of the invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary video content provider subsystem. FIG. 5 is another exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary computer network. FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate an exemplary method of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout. Before embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the examples set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of applications and in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected,” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, and coupling. Further, “connected,” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to any particular software language described or that is implied in the figures. One of ordinary skill in this art will understand that a variety of alternative software languages may be used for implementation of the invention. It should also be understood that some of the components and items are illustrated and described as if they were hardware elements, as is common practice within the art. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, would understand that, in at least one embodiment, components in the method and system may be implemented in software or hardware. In one embodiment, the system and method of the invention is a client/server model deploying a two-tiered distributed application that provides network access to real-time streaming video (with or without audio content) content over unguided media for a user (client) to view. All forms of data transmission require a physical layer. The purpose of the physical layer is to convey data from one location to another over a communication channel that constitutes the physical transmission medium. Physical transmission media are typically grouped into guided media, such as copper wire and fiber optics, and unguided media such as radio and lasers. Preferably, the system and method include a plurality of mobile video content providers coupled to a network over unguided media providing content to a server for a user to select from. In this client/server model, embodiments of the invention provide a computer-readable media application split into a front-end client component and a back-end server component. The server component can be mobile, coupled to at least one camera, or at a fixed location coupled to the network and receiving video content from a plurality of video content providers. The front-end client component of the invention is executed on stationary or portable computers coupled to a network over guided or unguided media and receives data from the server or input by a user. The user accesses a homepage and chooses from a plurality of video content to view. Viewing can be implemented on a pay-per-view basis after a selection is performed, such as block of time billing, per-minute billing, membership billing, wholesale/unlimited use billing, or other billing methods. The client component sends information to the hosting server usually in the form of a request. Network communications between the clients and server, and server and video providers can be by a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, accessed using a cable modem, dial-up modem, wireless modem, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or other computer communication technique known to those skilled in the art. The back-end server component of the invention receives data in the form of streaming video content subscribed to from a plurality of video content providers using, for example, a provider's URL (Universal Resource Locator) or other network location as the originating address. A video content provider can also function as a client, accessing image content provided by another video content provider. The content providers log in/out activity is date and time stamped for remuneration if desired. The server presents content from each subscribed to video provider on a home page, acknowledges a clients' request, and couples selected content to the client. Clients receive the information returned from the server and present it to the users by way of its user interface or GUI (Graphic User Interface). Most of the processing is performed at the back-end (server end) data center where messaging servers, application servers, database servers and other resources are located. The invention is executed preferably on a server, either fixed or mobile, using guided or unguided media to couple with its client counterparts (users) and video content providers. Networks allow more than one user to work together and share resources with one another. The capability of individual computers being linked together as a network is familiar with one skilled in the art. Network architectures vary for LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), WLANs (Wireless Local Area Network), WWANs (Wireless Wide Area Network) and networks that use terminals to connect to mainframes. Two physical networks can be connected by a router, which has a separate interface for each network connection. Computers attach to each network. A larger internet can be formed by using three routers to interconnect four physical networks. One of the largest collections of existing networks is the Internet, which includes backbones, regional networks, and LANs. The Internet concept, as shown in FIG. 1, is the illusion of a single network 15 that TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) software provides to users and applications. The underlying physical structure of the Internet 15 is where a computer 21 attaches to one physical network 15 and routers 17 interconnect individual networks 19. The physical structure or layer can be guided or unguided media. TCP views IP as a mechanism that allows TCP software on a host, to exchange messages with TCP software on a remote host. This model refers to the users as clients and the overall arrangement as a client server model. The client and server use TCP/IP protocols to communicate across an internet. The client and server each interact with a protocol in a higher layer known as the transport layer. The transport layer provides data transport from the source device to the destination device, independent of the network 19 or networks 15 used. An embodiment of a computer 21 executing the instructions of one embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 2. The computer 21 can execute the client, server, or video content provider component instructions. A representative hardware environment is depicted which illustrates a typical hardware configuration of a computer. Each computer 21 includes a CPU 23, memory 25, a reader 27 for reading computer executable instructions on computer readable media, a common communication bus 29, a communication suite 31 with external ports 33, a network protocol suite 35 with external ports 37 and a GUI 39. The communication bus 29 allows bi-directional communication between the components of the computer 21. The communication suite 31 and external ports 33 allow bi-directional communication between the computer 21, other computers 21, and external compatible devices such as laptop computers and the like using communication protocols such as EEE 1394 (FireWire or i.LINK), IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), RS (Recommended Standard) 232, 422, 423, USB (Universal Serial Bus) and others. The network protocol suite 35 and external ports 37 allow for the physical network connection and collection of protocols when communicating over a network. Protocols such as the TCP/IP suite, IPX/SPX (Internetwork Packet eXchange/Sequential Packet eXchange), SNA (Systems Network Architecture), and others. The TCP/IP suite includes IP (Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Each protocol within a network protocol suite has a specific function to support communication between computers on a network. The GUI 39 includes a graphics display such as a CRT, fixed-pixel display or others 41, a key pad, keyboard or touchscreen 43 and pointing device 45 such as a mouse, trackball, optical pen or others to provide an easy-to-use, user interface for the invention. The computer 21 can be a handheld device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), Blackberry device or conventional personal computer such as a PC, Macintosh, or UNIX based workstation running their appropriate OS (Operating System) capable of communicating with a computer over guided or unguided media. The CPU 23 executes compatible instructions or software stored in the memory 25. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may also be practiced on platforms and operating systems other than those mentioned. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention 51 for broadcasting and receiving information over a network 53. The system includes a network 53 having a plurality of clients 55 and at least one vehicle 57 with a mobile server 59. In the embodiment shown, the clients 55 and mobile content provider 56 server 59 communicate with each other over the network 53. The vehicle 57 is merely for illustrative purposes. In the embodiment shown, the vehicle 57 exemplifies that the mobile server 59 is supported by an individual, or moving or movable carrier. For example, the vehicle 57 can be an automobile, truck, train, ship, airplane, motorcycle, and others. The mobile server 59 can be a portable computer or PDA 21 operable to couple to the network 53 over unguided media 61. The mobile server 59 establishes an unguided media 61 connection with the network 53 using a wireless modem such as a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) card or an AirCard (not shown) coupled to the modem port 37 executing software such as Rhino Software FTP Voyager, for example. Wi-Fi allows for a wireless network 53 connection. Wi-Fi enabled computers can send and receive data anywhere within the range of a Wi-Fi base station using IEEE 802.11x radio technology to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi networks can connect computers 21 to each other and to the Internet and wired networks 53 (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate with data rates up to 54 Mbps or greater, and can provide performance comparable to 10BaseT Ethernet networks. An AirCard allows for network 53 access using wireless cellular telephony. One example is the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. The AirCard provides the mobile content providers 56 and clients 55 with instant access when using a high-speed wireless network 53 which delivers average data speeds ranging 50 to 144 kbps or greater. For example, a wireless AirCard allows connection to the Internet and fax via the PCMCIA slot of a PC and provides LAN-like connectivity with wireless access to email, intranet, corporate applications and full web browsing. As a result, the mobile content provider 56 or client 55 can instantly access an application on a laptop or other handheld device 21. Wireless modems allow users to perform mobile networking whereby a user remains connected to a network 53 even though their point of attachment to the Internet 53 (a wireless access point or cellular tower) may change as the user's physical location changes. If a computer 21 is connected to the Internet 53 via a wireless modem to a cellular tower, it is important that the IP address does not change even as the computer 21 moves into an area that has coverage from a different cellular tower. By way of cellular telephony background, as a user navigates throughout a cellular region, he is constantly “handed-off” between respective cellular towers as his location changes thereby maintaining a reliable connection. An IP address uniquely identifies the computer that is attached to that network and allows other computers to communicate with it. If his computer 21 connects to a new cell tower and its IP address changes during the process, it would no longer be able to receive the data that was being sent to its former address. This is a problem not only in wide area cellular networks, but also in wireless local area networks as users move from an area served by one wireless access point to another. Mobile IP is a system designed to solve this problem by giving the user two IP addresses, called a home address and a care-of address. The home address is a unique IP address (that can be statically or dynamically assigned), located on the user's home network 53, while the care-of address is a new IP address that changes every time the mobile user connects to the network 53, and marks the location of their connection to the network. A mobile IP network also has a computer 21 known as the home agent. The home agent tracks the location of the mobile user and records the current care-of addresses where they are attached to the network 53. When data is sent to the mobile user it is sent to their home IP address (on their home network). If the mobile user is attached to a network 53 that is not its home network 53, the home agent forwards all data packets to the care-of address, which is where the mobile user is currently attached to the network 53. A mobile IP address acts as a forwarding service. The use of mobile IP on a network 53 allows users to have a unique IP address, for example, 10.10.10.10, that makes it appear that the mobile user is permanently connected to their home network 53, even though they may be traveling across different connection points and changing their IP address, for example, from 11.11.11.11 to 12.12.12.12. Each IP address consists of four bytes or octets. To the fixed server or client 55, the mobile video content provider appears to have an unchanging address during the entire session, as they hand-off from one cellular tower to another while connected. Agents in mobile IP support software perform this function. The network 53 and wireless modems support the mobile IP agents to manage the IP address changes. The video content provider 56 subsystem 65 shown in FIG. 4 includes a camera 69 coupled to a networked 53 computer 21. The subsystem 65 can comprise individual components such as a camera 69, computer 21 with GUI 39, wireless modem or card 71, external keyboard 73, additional memory 75, external display 77, and other peripheral components, or packaged as a complete unit comprising all of the individual functionality (not shown). The camera 69 can be, an analog video camera (camcorder), a digital video camera, a digital still camera, or other technology capable of outputting 79 moving or still image content, as well as audio signals (microphone not shown) in a compatible video format such as, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) or MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) formats for coupling with a computer 21. The camera 69 is supported by the vehicle 57 such that the camera is operable to record images and/or audible signals from the interior of the vehicle 57, such as, for example, the view inside of the vehicle 57, the view out of the front windshield, the view out of the back glass, or other vehicle 57 placements offering a predetermined or adjustable view. In other embodiments, the camera is supported on the exterior of the vehicle 57 (as shown in FIG. 3) such that the camera 69 is positioned in predetermined or adjustable views from the exterior of the vehicle 57. For example, looking forward down the road traveled from the roof of the vehicle 57, or the POV (Point-Of-View) of a motorcycle operator, etc. In other embodiments, a plurality of cameras 69 can be employed for multiple views (including audio) to provide images and sound located in the interior and/or exterior of the vehicle 57. The video content provider 56 computer 21 can function as a mobile server 59 or client 55. The mobile server 59 can store video (including audio) or still images captured by the camera(s) 69 in memory 25, 75 and process the signals for transmission over the network 53 using, for example, Windows Media Encoder which formats the video and audio signals for streaming delivery. Streaming video sends live or archived video content to the network 53 that can be accessed with a computer 21. For access, Apple's QuickTime, Microsoft's Windows Media Player, Real Network's Real Player, or other software, and the URL (Universal Resource Locator) or address for the originating site is required. The faster the network 53 connection and computer 21 speed, the better the video will be. Audio is acceptable even with slower connection speeds. Streaming video accepts sound, video or other medium file types, breaks them up into smaller pieces and forwards the pieces to their destination. The media is converted to a form readable by servers 59 and computers 21. For example, RealOne player is able to read a stream of smaller pieces as it arrives at a destination and begins playing each piece before the rest of the file arrives. To make playback smooth, RealOne player buffers the collections of data prior to being played. To play a file, decoder software must be resident on the computer 21. One system is termed “on demand” where the file is read directly from the server 59 as it plays so there are no lengthy waits for huge memory consuming files to be downloaded before playing. Network Web servers are typically stateless. A Web server accepts a request for information, and returns the information to a client 55 thereby completing the transaction, disconnects, and processes other requests by other users 55. The client 55 Web browser takes the information it receives and assembles it on the screen. However, moving images and sound are problematic. Unlike a graphic; video, animation, and sound are continuous in time. With the stateless approach, a Web user 55 would need to download the entire video clip before it can be viewed. But with the large file size that comes with even a short video clip, the wait becomes lengthy. Streaming media overcomes the stateless connection by transferring data to the client (user) 55 as the media is viewed as a continuous connection. The client 55 receives the images or audio prior to viewing or hearing them. The file size of the clip becomes less of an issue. Compression allows a modem 71 or network 53 to transfer the data. Streaming compression is a lossy compression method and removes unnecessary data making a given file size smaller allowing for easy access. A client 55 can reside in England and receive video content on-demand from Las Vegas, Nevada. Streaming media provides for a selling, informing, and educating multimedia Web experience. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the system for broadcasting information from a plurality of mobile content providers 56 over a network 53. In this embodiment, each video content provider 56 subsystem 65 provides video content to a fixed server 81 over the network 53. Each video content provider subsystem 65 can record the video (and audio) content. The server 81 resides in a data center on two application servers 81a, 81b. The servers 81a, 81b are computers 21 running Microsoft Server 2000 or 2003 that host the server component of the invention. The invention can be deployed on any compliant application server. As one skilled in the art will recognize, other platforms and frameworks can be used along with application servers. Clustering is a redundancy mechanism used to share data between two different application servers so each participant of the cluster can act as a standby in case one of the participants of the cluster crashes. Clustering achieves high availability and transparent switchover. The servers 81a, 81b are also load balanced using a hardware solution 83a, 83b for distributing the computing load among them. In one embodiment, the directors 83a, 83b are arranged in a master-standby configuration to ensure that the framework is not susceptible to a single point failure. This ensures that the application framework is available to the network 53 in case one of the switches fails. The servers 81a, 81b communicate with a clustered Windows database running on separate servers 85a, 85b using clustered RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) 10 storage 87a, 87b. Clustering provides similar redundancy to avoid data unavailability in case one of the servers fails. Other database technologies such as Oracle can be used. The network 53 is used to provide a communication path between the clients 55, servers 81a, 81b and video content providers 56 from any location. The video content providers 56 can communicate with the data center over guided media 60, such as Ethernet, when at a stationary location or over unguided media 61, such as cellular telephony, when mobile. Communications between the data center and clients 55 is over any of the aforementioned network 53 connections, or modem 89 coupled to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 91 for hardwire or wireless 93 telephony connections. The system 51 is built using Web-based technology. An Internet browser such as IE, or others, allows users 55 to view the presented video content. Individual clients 55 at a plurality of locations can communicate with a plurality of network 53 Web servers, which in turn communicate with the server 59, 81 hosting the application. A communication path is established between the browser (client 55) executed on a computer 21 and the server 59 through an ASP (Active Server Pages) application environment using IIS (Internet Information Server) Web servers. ASP is used to build distributed Web-based applications. An exemplary method of the invention is show in FIGS. 7a and 7b. Using the pointing device 45, a user 55 opens a browser on a computer 21 coupled to a network 53 and accesses the application homepage URL (step 201) on the hosting server 59, 81. Using conventional GUI interface devices such as a title bar, toolbars, pull-down menus, tabs, scroll bars, context help, dialog boxes, operating buttons (icons) and status bar, the user navigates throughout the display. The display appears in the browser window with the toolbar. Toolbar buttons activate the functionality of the client 55. Toolbar buttons are active/inactive depending upon the tab and functionality presented in a view. The video content subscribed to from video content providers 56 from a plurality of locations is presented on the homepage for selection by the user 55. The user can search for available video content based on various selection criteria (step 203) such as, for example, the name of a vehicle 57, the type of vehicle 57, the location of a vehicle 57 (country, state, etc.), the location of a camera 69 within the vehicle 57, with or without audio commentary, with or without corresponding audio content, etc. The search can yield results of presently available content, archived content, or content that will be available at predetermined times. Content found for selection (step 205) is displayed within separate windows or frames, or as a list depending on the amount of content found matching the specific search criteria. Some vehicles can include multiple media recorders which offer additional selection. To view the selected content (step 207), the invention employs a pay-per-view system. In one system, the user purchases tokens, with each token representing a predetermined block of time. The user purchases tokens using a credit card over a secure credit card connection from the hosting site (step 209). The purchased tokens are credited or debited in an account a user can establish, or can all be redeemed during one viewing session. The user decides how much viewing time is desired for a selected video provider, and enters his time selection using a pull-down menu, or selects from a plurality of radio buttons denoting periods of time. The user is coupled to the selected video content and begins viewing the video streaming from his selected source (step 211). The elapsed viewing time is displayed for the user to see. The purchasing system allocates a predetermined percentage of a token price to the selected video provider as remuneration with the remainder allocated as payment for the hosting site (step 213). The amount allocated for the video provider is credited to an account previously established by a video provider. For example, if one token cost $5 for 15 minutes of viewing time, 75% can automatically be debited from the hosting site and credited to the selected video provider's electronic account during the viewing session or at a later time. The video provider credit can also be sent using regular mail service. The remaining 25% is credited to the hosting site's account. The user watches the selected content until the paid for viewing time expires, or can exit at anytime. As the paid-for viewing time becomes exhausted, the user is alerted (215) and can purchase additional tokens, or redeem previously purchased tokens that are noted under his account to maintain viewing (step 217). As an additional incentive for providing video content, during preselected times, the amount of revenue collected by the hosting site can have a set distribution made to each provider, or to those providers that are more frequently subscribed to (step 219). The distribution can be a set percentage for all video providers based upon the amount of time they provided paid-for content, or the distribution can vary depending upon a scale of time. The distributions are automatically credited to a respective content provider's account. Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The invention relates generally to the field of network broadcasting and streaming video. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods that couple mobile streaming video over unguided media to a network for viewer selection. Today, video technology is omnipresent in both home and business. From video conferencing in the work environment, to store surveillance, to video taping family events, video technology has become commonplace. For recordation, video surveillance has taken to the roads in law enforcement applications. For police rushing to the scene of a crime or traffic accident, a patrol car mounted camera, microphone and recorder allow law enforcement to memorialize the event for evidentiary purposes. However, these systems do not typically allow for events to be shared in real time with other viewers. While law enforcement video and audio capture serve a limited role in preserving evidence, public applications of real-time mobile video can also benefit law enforcement; provide general information pertaining to road systems, as well as entertainment. The systems employed in law enforcement applications lack many of the conveniences and speed offered by computer-based systems for enterprise applications. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Although there are systems for providing network broadcasting, an easily and broadly accessible system operable to subscribe to a plurality of mobile video content providers for providing content for a plurality of users to select from is not available. Such a system would allow a plurality of users to access a network and select from a plurality of available video content. The inventor has discovered that it would be desirable to have a system and method that subscribes to video content provided by mobile sources for view. One aspect of the invention provides a method for broadcasting images in a communications network. Methods according to this aspect of the invention include providing image content from at least one mobile content provider, coupling the content from the mobile content provider to a network, presenting the image content from the mobile content provider for selection, and selecting the content from the mobile content provider. Other objects and advantages of the features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment. | 20040804 | 20050210 | 75143.0 | 5 | AIRAPETIAN, MILA | Streaming video selection system and method | MICRO | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,911,249 | ACCEPTED | Method of image transfer on a colored base | The present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a release layer and a polymer layer. One or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment. | 1. A method for transferring an image to a colored substrate, comprising: providing an image transfer sheet comprising a release layer and an image-imparting layer that comprises a polymer wherein one or more of the image-imparting layer and the release layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent pigment; contacting the image transfer sheet to the colored substrate; and applying heat to the image transfer sheet so that an image is transferred from the image transfer sheet to the colored substrate that comprises a substantially white background or luminescent background and indicia. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the colored substrate is a fabric. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is black. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the release layer is impregnated with titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent material. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the image imparting layer is impregnated with titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent material. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the polymer of the image-imparting layer encapsulates the titanium oxide or other white pigment and indicia and transfers the titanium oxide or other white pigment and indicia to the colored substrate. 7. An image transfer sheet, comprising: a release layer; and a polymer layer wherein one or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment. 8. The image transfer sheet of claim 7 wherein the release layer is impregnated with titanium oxide or other white pigment. 9. The image transfer sheet of claim 7 wherein the polymer layer is comprised of titanium oxide or other white pigment. 10. The image transfer layer of claim 7 wherein the polymer layer comprises polypropylene. 11. The image transfer layer of claim 7 wherein the polymer layer comprises polyester or polyamide or a mixture of polyester and polyamide. 12. A kit comprising the image transfer sheet of claim 7 and a colored fabric. 13. The kit of claim 12 wherein the colored fabric is an article of clothing. 14. The kit of claim 13 wherein the article of clothing is a T-shirt. 15. The image transfer sheet of claim 7 wherein the polymer layer is a polyamide. 16. The image transfer sheet of claim 7 wherein the polymer comprises LDPE, EAA, EVA, MAEA, nylon or mixtures of these polymers or polyamide. 17. A method for making an image transfer sheet, comprising: providing an ink receptive polymer; impregnating the polymer with titanium oxide or other white pigment; and imparting an image on the polymer. 18. The method of claim 17 and further comprising adding a release coating to the polymer. 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the image is imparted by ink jet printing. 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the titanium oxide or other white pigment provides a background. | This application is a Continuation-In-Part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/391,910, filed Sep. 9, 1999. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for transferring an image onto a colored base and to an article comprising a dark base and an image with a light background on the base. Image transfer to articles made from materials such as fabric, nylon, plastics and the like has increased in popularity over the past decade due to innovations in image development. On Feb. 5, 1974, LaPerre et al. had issued a United States patent describing a transfer sheet material markable with uniform indicia and applicable to book covers. The sheet material included adhered plies of an ink receptive printable layer and a solvent free, heat activatable adhesive layer. The adhesive layer was somewhat tacky prior to heat activation to facilitate positioning of a composite sheet material on a substrate which was to be bonded. The printable layer had a thickness of 10-500 microns and had an exposed porous surface of thermal plastic polymeric material at least 10 microns thick. Indicia were applied to the printable layer with a conventional typewriter. A thin film of temperature-resistant low-surface-energy polymer, such as polytetraflouroethylene, was laid over the printed surface and heated with an iron. Heating caused the polymer in the printable layer to fuse thereby sealing the indicia into the printable layer. On Sep. 23, 1980, Hare had issued U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,358, which described a kit for applying a colored emblem to a T-shirt. The kit comprised a transfer sheet which included the outline of a mirror image of a message. To utilize the kit, a user applied a colored crayon to the transfer sheet and positioned the transfer sheet on a T-shirt. A heated instrument was applied to the reverse side of the transfer sheet in order to transfer the colored message. The Greenman et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,657, issuing Nov. 25, 1980, described a transfer web for a hot melt transfer of graphic patterns onto natural, synthetic fabrics. The transfer web included a flexible substrate coating with a first polymer film layer and a second polymer film layer. The first polymer film layer was made with a vinyl resin and a polyethylene wax which were blended together in a solvent or liquid solution. The first film layer served as a releasable or separable layer during heat transfer. The second polymeric film layer was an ionomer in an aqueous dispersion. An ink composition was applied to a top surface of the second film layer. Application of heat released the first film layer from the substrate while activating the adhesive property of the second film layer thereby transferring the printed pattern and a major part of the first layer along with the second film layer onto the work piece. The second film layer bonded the printed pattern to the work piece while serving as a protective layer for the pattern. DeSanders et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,209, issuing Aug. 16, 1983, describes an imaging system in which images were formed by exposing a photosensitive encapsulate to actinic radiation and rupturing the capsules in the presence of a developer so that there was a pattern reaction of a chromogenic material present in the encapsulate or co-deposited on a support with the encapsulate and the developer which yielded an image. The Joffi patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,678, issuing Nov. 14, 1989, describes a dry transfer sheet which comprises a colored film adhering to a backing sheet with an interposition of a layer of release varnish. The colored film included 30%-40% pigment, 1%-4% of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, from 15%-35% of vinyl copolymer and from 1%-4% of polyethylene wax. This particular printing process was described as being suitable for transferring an image to a panel of wood. The Kronzer et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,990, issuing Dec. 21, 1993, describes an image-receptive heat transfer paper that included a flexible paper web based sheet and an image-receptive melt transfer film that overlaid the top surface of the base sheet. The image-receptive melt transfer film was comprised of a thermal plastic polymer melting at a temperature within a range of 65°-180° C. The Higashiyami et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,475, issuing May 28, 1991, describes a recording medium that included a base sheet, a thermoplastic resin layer formed on at least one side of the base sheet and a color developer formed on a thermoplastic resin layer and capable of color development by reaction with a dye precursor. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of one process of image transfer onto colored product, of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one prior art process of image transfer onto a colored product. FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the image transfer device of the present invention. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the image transfer device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the image transfer device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one other embodiment of the image transfer device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the image transfer device of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for transferring an image to a colored substrate. The method comprises providing an image transfer sheet comprising a release layer and an image-imparting layer that comprises a polymer. The image-imparting layer comprises titanium oxide or another white pigment or luminescent pigment. The image transfer sheet is contacted to the colored substrate. Heat is applied to the image transfer sheet so that an image is transferred from the image transfer sheet to the colored substrate. The image transferred comprises a substantially white or luminescent background and indicia. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a polymer. The polymer comprises titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent pigment. One other embodiment of the present invention includes a method for making an image transfer sheet. The method comprises providing an ink receptive polymer and impregnating the polymer with titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent pigment. An image is imparted to the polymer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION One method embodiment of the present invention, for transferring an image onto a colored base material, illustrated generally at 100 in FIG. 1, comprises providing the colored base material 102, such as a colored textile, and providing an image. 104 that comprises a substantially white background 106 with indicia 108 disposed on the substantially white background, applying the image 104 to the colored base 102 with heat to make an article, such as is shown generally at 110 in FIG. 1 with the substantially white background 106, the image 108 disposed on the white background, so that the image and background are adhered to the colored base in a single step. As used herein, the term “base” or substrate refers to an article that receives an image of the image transfer device of the present invention. The base includes woven or fabric-based materials. The base includes articles of clothing such as T-shirts, as well as towels, curtains, and other fabric-based or woven articles. As used herein, the term “indicia” refers to an image disposed on the image transfer device of the present invention in conjunction with a substantially white background. Indicia includes letters, figures, photo-derived images and video-derived images. As used herein, the term “white layer” refers to a layer on a transfer sheet positioned between a release layer and a receiving layer. The white layer imparts a white background on a dark substrate. The method of the present invention is a significant improvement over conventional two-step image transfer processes. One prior art embodiment is shown generally at 200 in FIG. 2. Typically in prior art embodiments, a colored base, in particular, a dark base such as a black T-shirt 202, is imparted with an image in a multiple step process. One prior art method 200 includes applying a white or light background 204 to the colored base 202 with heat. The light or white background 204 is typically a polymeric material such as a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, a vinyl copolymer and/or a polyethylene wax. A sheet 206 with an image 208 printed or otherwise imparted is applied to the substantially white polymeric material 204 by aligning the image to the white background and applying heat. This two-step prior art process requires the use of two separate sheets 204 and 206, separately applied to the colored base. The two-step prior art process 200 also requires careful alignment of the image 208 to the white background 202. Consequently, the two-step process is exceedingly time-consuming and, because of improper alignment, produces significant wastage of base and image transfer materials. With the method of the present invention, a sheet such as is shown at 104a, is prepared having a substrate layer 302 that comprises a polymeric material such as polypropylene, paper, a polyester film, or other film or films having a matte or glossy finish, such as is shown in FIG. 3a. The substrate layer 302 may be coated with clay on one side or both sides. The substrate layer may be resin coated or may be free of coating if the substrate is smooth enough. The resin coating acts as a release coating 306. The coating weight typically ranges from 40 g/square meter to 250 g/square meter. In one embodiment, the range is 60 to 130 g/square meter. In one embodiment, overlaying the substrate 302 or base paper is a silicon coating 304. Other release coatings such as fluorocarbon, urethane, or acrylic base polymer are usable in the image transfer device of the present invention. One other release coating is a silicone coating. The silicone coating has a release value of about 10 to 2500 g/inch, using a Tesa Tape 7375 tmi, 90 degree angle, 1 inch tape, 12 inches per minute. These other release coatings are, for some embodiments, impregnated with titanium oxide or other white pigments in a concentration of about 20% by weight. Impregnated within the substrate 302, shown in FIG. 3a and/or silicon coating 304, shown in FIG. 3b, is a plurality of titanium oxide particles or other white pigment or luminescent pigment in a concentration that may be as high as about 35% by volume or as low as 5% by volume. Specific embodiments include titanium oxide concentrations or talc, or barium or aluminum hydrate with or without calcium carbonate or aluminum silicate in a range from 0 to 50%, by weight. Other materials such as hollow pigment, kaolin, silica, zinc oxide, alumina, zinc sulfate, calcium carbonate, barium or aluminum oxide; aluminum trihydrate, aluminum fillers, aluminum silicate, alumina trihydrate, barium sulfate, barium titanate, fumed silica, talc, and titanium oxide extenders are also usable in conjunction with titanium oxide or instead of titanium oxide. It is believed that any white organic or inorganic pigment that has a concentration at a level of 0 to 7% by weight total ash content is acceptable for use. In one embodiment illustrated at 500 in FIG. 6, a white layer 202 includes a concentration of blended pigments or other pigments at a concentration of 10 to 40% by weight. Other pigments such as Lumilux®, manufactured by Reidel de Haen Aktiengellschaft of Germany, or other luminescent pigments, such as pigments manufactured by Matsui International, Inc., may be used in the method and article of the present invention. The titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent particles impart to the substrate layer, a substantially white background with a glowing that occurs at night or in the dark area. The pigments are used in conjunction with ink jet printing, laser printing, painting, other inks, for “Glow in the Dark” images, for light resolution displays, for pop displays, monochrome displays or image transfer articles. Suitable pigments are excitable by daylight or artificial radiation, fluorescent light, fluorescent radiation, infrared light, infrared radiation, IR light, ultra-violet light or UV radiation. Other materials may be added to the substrate such as antistatic agents, slip agents, lubricants or other conventional additives. The white layer or layers are formed by extrusion or co-extrusion emulsion coating or solvent coating. The white layer coating thickness ranges from 0.5 to 7 mils. In one embodiment, the range is 1.5 to 3.5 mils or 14 g/meter squared to up to 200 g/meter squared. In other embodiments of the image transfer sheet, a changeable color was added to one or more of the layers of the image transfer sheet. The color-changeable material transferred utilized a material such as a temperature sensitive pigmented chemical or light changeable material, a neon light which glows in the dark for over 50 hours and was a phosphorescent pigment, a zinc-oxide pigment or a light-sensitive colorant. A concentrated batch of one or more of the materials of polyethylene, polyester, EVA, EAA, polystyrene, polyamide or MEAA which was a Nucrel-like material was prepared. The color-changeable material was added to the layer material up to a concentration of 100% by weight with 50% by weight being typical. The color-changeable material technologies changed the image transfer sheet from colorless to one or more of yellow, orange, red, rose, red, violet, magenta, black, brown, mustard, taupe, green or blue. The color-changeable material changed the image transfer sheet color from yellow to green or from pink to purple. In particular, sunlight or UV light induced the color change. The color-changeable material was blendable in a batch process with materials such as EAA, EVA, polyamide and other types of resin. The polymer was extruded to 0.5 mils or 14 g/m2 to 7 mils or 196 g/m2 against a release side or a smooth side for a hot peel with up to 50% by weight of the color-changeable concentrate. The first ink-receiving layer was an acrylic or SBR EVA, PVOH, polyurethane, MEAA, polyamide, PVP, or an emulsion of EAA, EVA or a blend of EAA or acrylic or polyurethane or polyamide, modified acrylic resins with non-acrylic monomers such as acrylonitrile, butadiene and/or styrene with or without pigments such as polyamide particle, silica, COCl3, titanium oxide, clay and so forth. The thermoplastic copolymer was an ethylene acrylic acid or ethylene vinyl acetate grade, water- or solvent-based, which was produced by high pressure copolymerization of ethylene and acrylic acid or vinyl acetate. Use of EAA or EVA as a binder was performed by additionally adding in a concentration of up to 90% with the concentration being up to 73% for some embodiments. The titanium oxide pigment concentration was, for some embodiments, about 50%. The photopia concentration was about 80% maximum. The additive was about 70% maximum. The second receiving layer included the photopia or color changeable material in a concentration of up to 70% by weight with a range of 2 to 50% by weight for some embodiments. PHOTOPHOPIA is an ink produced by Matsui Shikiso chemical, Co. of Kyoto, Japan. The pigment ranged from 0 to 90% and the binder from 0 to 80%. This type of coloring scheme was used in shirts with invisible patterns and slogans. The PHOTOPIA products were obtained from Matsui International Company, Inc. While they have been described as being incorporated in the ink-receiving layer, the PHOTOPIA products were also applicable as a separate monolayer. PHOTOPIA-containing layers were coated onto the release layer by conventional coating methods such as by rod, slot, reverse or reverse gravure, air knife, knife-over and so forth. Temperature sensitive color changeable materials could also be added to the image transfer sheet. Chromacolor materials changed color in response to a temperature change. The Chromacolor solid material had a first color at a first temperature and changed color as the temperature changed. For instance, solid colors on a T-shirt became colorless as a hot item or the outside temperature increased. Chromacolor was prepared as a polypropylene concentrate, polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylo-styrene (AS) resins, PVC/plasticizer, nylon or 12 nylon resin, polyester resin, and EVA resin. The base material for this image transfer sheet embodiment was selected from materials such as paper, PVC, polyester, and polyester film. This type of image transfer sheet was fabricated, in some embodiments, without ink-jet receiving layers. It was usable by itself for color copy, laser printers, and so forth and then was transferable directly onto T-shirts or fabrics. In one or both receiving layers, permanent color was addable with a color-changeable dispersion when the temperature changed, that is, when color disappeared. The color returned to permanent color as was shown in previous examples. With this formulation, the changeable color was added to one or more layers in a concentration of up to about 80% by weight with a range of 2-50% by weight being typical. The base paper for this embodiment was about 90 g/m2. About 0.5 mils EAA were applied with 10% PHOTOPIA or temperature-sensitive color-changeable materials. The top coat layer was an ink-receiving layer that contained polyamides, silica, COCl3 for 15% color-changeable items. For some embodiments, the white layer 202 includes ethylene/methacrylic acid (E/MAA), with an acid content of 0-30%, and a melt index from 10 to 3500 with a melt index range of 20 to 2300 for some embodiments. A low density polyethylene with a melt index higher than 200 is also suitable for use. Other embodiments of the white layer include ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin, EVA, with vinyl acetate percentages up to 50%/EVA are modifiable with an additive such as DuPont Elvax, manufactured by DuPont de Neimours of Wilmington, Del. These resins have a Vicat softening point of about 40 degrees tp 220 degrees C., with a range of 40 degrees to 149 degrees C. usable for some embodiments. Other resins usable in this fashion include nylon multipolymer resins with or without plasticizers with the same pigment percent or ash content nylon resin such as Elvamide, manufactured by DuPont de Neimours or CM 8000 Toray. Nylon polymers are also blendable with resin such as ENGAGE with or without plasticizers. These resins are applicable as a solution water base or a solvent base solution system. These resins are also applicable by extrusion or co-extrusion or hot melt application. Other suitable resins include Allied Signal Ethylene acrylic acid, A-C540, 540A, or AC 580, AC 5120, and /or AC 5180 or ethylene vinyl acetate, AC-400, 400A, AC-405(s), or AC-430. The silicon-coated layer 304 acts as a release-enhancing layer. When heat is applied to the image transfer sheet 104, thereby encapsulating image imparting media such as ink or toner or titanium oxide with low density polyethylene, ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), or MEAA, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyester exhibiting a melt point from 20 C up to 225 C, polyamide, nylon, or methane acrylic ethylene acrylate (MAEA), or mixtures of these materials in the substrate layer 302, local changes in temperature and fluidity of the low density polyethylene or other polymeric material occurs. These local changes are transmitted into the silicon coated release layer 304 and result in local preferential release of the low density polyethylene encapsulates, EVA, EAA, polyester, and polyamide. The silicon coated release layer is an optional layer that may be eliminated if the colored base 202 or peel layer is sufficiently smooth to receive the image. In instances where the silicon coated release layer 304 is employed, the silicon coated release layer may, for some embodiments wherein the release layer performs image transfer, such as is shown in FIG. 3b, also include titanium oxide particles or other white pigment or luminescent pigment in a concentration of about 20% by volume. One other image transfer sheet embodiment of the present invention, illustrated at 400 in FIG. 4, includes a substrate layer 402, a release layer 404 and an image imparting layer 406 that comprises a polymeric layer such as a low density polyethylene layer, an EAA layer, an EVA layer or a nylon-based layer or an MAEA layer or polyester melt point of 20 C up to 225 degrees C. The image imparting layer is an ink jet receptive layer. In one embodiment, the nylon is 100% nylon type 6 or type 12 or a blend of type 6 and 12. The polyamides, such as nylon, are insoluble in water and resistant to dry cleaning fluids. The polyamides may be extruded or dissolved in alcohol or other solvent depending upon the kind of solvent, density of polymer and mixing condition. Other solvents include methanol, methanol trichloro ethylene, propylene glycol, methanol/water or methanol/chloroform. One additional embodiment of the present invention comprises an image transfer sheet that comprises an image imparting layer but is free from an image receptive layer such as an ink receptive layer. The image imparting layer includes titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent pigment in order to make a white or luminescent background for indicia or other images. Image indicia are imparted, with this embodiment, by techniques such as color copy, laser techniques, toner, dye applications or by thermo transfer from ribbon wax or from resin. The LDPE polymer of the image imparting layer melts at a point within a range of 43°-300° C. The LDPE and EAA have a melt index (MI) of 20-1200 SI-g/10 minutes. The EAA has an acrylic acid concentration ranging from 5 to 25% by weight and has an MI of 20 to 1300 g/10 minutes. A preferred EAA embodiment has an acrylic acid concentration of 7to 20% by weight and an MI range of 20 to 1300. The EVA has an MI within a range of 20 to 3300. The EVA has a vinyl acetate concentration ranging from 10 to 40% by weight. One other polymer usable in the image imparting layer comprises a nylon-based polymer such as Elvamide®, manufactured by DuPont de Nemours or ELF ATO CHEM, with or without plasticizers in a concentration of 10 to 37% by weight. Each of these polymers, LDPE, EAA, EVA and nylon-based polymer is usable along or with a resin such as Engage® resin, manufactured by DuPont de Nemours. Suitable plasticizers include N-butyl benzene sulfonamide in a concentration up to about 35%. In one embodiment, the concentration of plasticizer ranged from 8 to 27% by weight with or without a blend of resin, such as Engage® resin, manufactured by DuPont de Nemours. Suitable Elvamide® nylon multipolymer resins include Elvamide 8023R® low viscosity nylon multipolymer resin; Elvamide 8063® multipolymer resin manufactured by Dupont de Nemours. The melting point of the Elvamide® resins ranges from about 154° to 158° C. The specific gravity ranges from about 1.07 to 1.08. The tensile strength ranges from 51.0 to about 51.7 Mpa. Other polyamides suitable for use are manufactured by ELF ATO CHEM, or Toray. Other embodiments include polymers such as polyester No. MH 4101, manufactured by Bostik, and other polymers such as epoxy or polyurethane. The density of polymer has a considerable effect on the viscosity of a solution for extrusion. In one embodiment, 100% of a nylon resin such as DuPont Elvamide 80625® having a melting point of 124° C. or Elvamide 8061M®, or Elvamide 8062 P® or Elvamide 8064®, all supplied by DuPont de Nemours. Other suitable polyamide formulations include Amilan CM 4000® or CM 8000 supplied by Toray, or polyamide from ELF ATO CHEM M548 or other polyamide type. In an extrusion process, these polyamide formulations may be used straight, as 100% polyamide or may be blended with polyolefin elastomers to form a saturated ethylene-octane co-polymer that has excellent flow properties and may be cross-linked with a resin such as Engage®, manufactured by DuPont de Nemours, by peroxide, silane or irradiation. The Engage® resin is, in some embodiments, blended in a ratio ranging from 95/5 nylon/Engage® to 63/35 nylon/Engage®. The polyamide is, in some embodiments, blended with resins such as EVA or EAA, with or without plasticizers. Plasticizers are added to improve flexibility at concentrations as low as 0% or as high as 37%. One embodiment range is 5% to 20%. Other resins usable with the polyamide include Dupont's Bynel®, which is a modified ethylene acrylate acid terpolymer. The Bynel® resin, such as Bynel 20E538®, has a melting point of 53° C. and a melt index of 25 dg/min as described in D-ASTM 1238. The Bynel® has a Vicat Softening Point of 44 C as described in D-ASTM 1525-91. This resin may be blended with other resin solutions and used as a top coat primer or as a receptive coating for printing applications or thermo transfer imaging. For some embodiments, an emulsion solution is formed by dissolving polymer with surfactant and KOH or NaOH and water to make the emulsion. The emulsion is applied by conventional coating methods such as a roll coater, air knife or slot die and so forth. The polymeric solution is pigmented with up to about 50%, with a material such as titanium oxide or other pigment, or without plasticizers and is applied by conventional coating methods such as air knife, rod gater, reverse or slot die or by standard coating methods in one pass pan or in multiple passes. Fillers may be added in order to reduce heat of fusion or improve receptivity or to obtain particular optical properties, opacity or to improve color copy or adhesion. The present invention further includes a kit for image transfer. The kit comprises an image transfer sheet for a color base that is comprised of a substrate layer impregnated with titanium oxide, a release layer and an image imparting layer made of a polymer such as LDPE, EAA, EVA, or MAEA, MEAA, nylon-based polymer or mixtures of these polymers or blends of these polymers with a resin such as Engage® or other polyester adhesion that melt at a temperature within a range of 100°-700° C. entigrade. The LDPE has a melt index of 60-1200 (SI)-g/minute. The kit also includes a colored base for receiving the image on the image transfer sheet and a package for containing the image transfer sheet and the colored base. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an emulsion-based image transfer system. The system comprises a colored base, such as a colored fabric, an image transfer sheet with a release coating and a polyamide. The polyamide is impregnated with titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent pigment in order to impart a white or luminescent background on the colored base. One other embodiment of the present invention, illustrated at 500 in FIG. 5, is also utilized in a method for transferring an image from one substrate to another. The method comprises a step providing an image transfer sheet 500 that is comprised of a substrate layer 502, a release layer 504, comprising a silicone coating and a white layer 506 with a thickness of about 0.5 to 7 mils and having a melt index, MI, within a range of 40-280° C. The substrate layer 502 is, for some embodiments, a base paper coated on one side or both sides. The base paper is, optionally, of a saturated grade. In one embodiment, the white layer 506 of the image transfer sheet 500 is impregnated with titanium oxide or other white or luminescent pigment. In one embodiment, the white layer 506 and a receiving layer 508, contacting the white layer 506 are impregnated with titanium oxide or other white or luminescent pigment. In one embodiment, the nylon resin is applied by a hot melt extrusion process in a thickener to a thickness of 0.35 mils or 8 gms per square meter to about 3.0 mils or 65 gms per square meter to a maximum of about 80 gms per square meter. In one particular embodiment, the thickness is about 0.8 mils or 15 gms per square meter to about 50 gms per square meter or about 0.75 mils to about 2.00 mils. The nylon resin is, in another embodiment, emulsified in alcohol or other solvent or is dispersed in water and applied with conventional coating methods Known in the industry. Next, an image is imparted to the polymer component of the peel layer 520 utilizing a top coat image-imparting material such as ink or toner. In one embodiment, the polymer coating is impregnated with titanium oxide or other white or luminescent pigment prior to imparting the image. The ink or toner may be applied utilizing any conventional method such as an ink jet printer or an ink pen or color copy or a laser printer. The ink may be comprised of any conventional ink formulation. An ink jet coating is preferred for some embodiments. A reactive ink is preferred for other applications. The image transfer sheet 500 is applied to the colored base material so that the polymeric component of the peel layer 520 contacts the colored base. The second substrate is comprised of materials such as cloth, paper and other flexible or inflexible materials. Once the image transfer sheet peel layer 520 contacts the colored base, a source of heat, such as an iron or other heat source, is applied to the image transfer sheet 500 and heat is transferred through the peel layer 520. The peel layer 520 transfers the image, which is indicia over a white or luminescent field, to the colored base. The application of heat to the transfer sheet 500 results in ink or other image-imparting media within the polymeric component of the peel layer being changed in form to particles encapsulated by the polymeric substrate such as the LDPE, EAA, EVA, nylon or M/EAA or polyamides, or polyester, urethane, epoxies or resin-containing mixtures of these polymers immediately proximal to the ink or toner. The encapsulated ink particles or encapsulated toner particles and encapsulated titanium oxide particles are then transferred to the colored base in a mirror image to the ink image or toner image on the polymeric component of the peel layer 520. Because the polymeric component of the peel layer 520 generally has a high melting point, the application of heat, such as from an iron, does not result in melting of this layer or in a significant change in viscosity of the overall peel layer 520. The change in viscosity is confined to the polymeric component that actually contacts the ink or toner or is immediately adjacent to the ink or toner. As a consequence, a mixture of the polymeric component, titanium oxide or other white or luminescent pigment, and ink or toner is transferred to the colored base as an encapsulate whereby the polymeric component encapsulates the ink or toner or titanium oxide or other white pigment. It is believed that the image transfer sheet, with the white titanium oxide or other white or luminescent pigment background is uniquely capable of both cold peel and hot peel with a very good performance for both types of peels. EXAMPLE 1 EAA is extruded or co-extruded at 300 melt index (Dow Primacor 59801) with 30% titanium oxide ash content extruded on silicone coated base paper 95 g/meter squared for thicknesses as follows: 0.75 mils, 1.0 mil, 1.2 mils, 2.2 mils, 2.75 mils, 3.5 mils, 7.0 mils. The EAA layer is coated with ink jet receptive layers and then printed on an ink jet printer. The print is then removed from the release layer to expose the print. The exposed print is applied against fabric and covered by release paper, wherein the release side contacts the printed side. The printed image is transferred by heat application with pressure, such as by an iron, at 250 F to 350 F for about 15 seconds. This procedure is usable with a blend of 80/20, 70/30, 50/50, 60/40 or vice versa, Dow Primacor 59801 and 59901. This procedure is also usable with DuPont Elvax 3180, or 3185 DuPont Nucrel 599, DuPont Nucrel 699, Allied Signal AC-5120 or an EAA emulsion of Primacor or Allied Signal 580 or 5120 resin or EVA or make a wax emulsion or EVA or EAA emulsion, or is blended with ELF 548 or Elvamide or polyester resin from Bostik MLT 4101. The emulsion is blended with titanium or white pigment in one or multiple layers and applied with conventional coating methods such as roll coating, myer rod, air knife, knife over or slot die. The blended emulsion is applied with a coat weight of 5 g/meter squared to 150 g/meter squared. The percent ash is about 7 to 80 percent with 10 to 70 percent for some embodiments. EXAMPLE 2 An ink receptive mono or multiple layer such as is shown in FIG. 6 at 504, 506, 508 and 510 includes a first layer 506 that includes 0 to 80% titanium pigment with acrylic or EVA or polyvinyl alcohol, or SBR with a Tg glass transition of −60 up to 56 with a range of −50 to 25, for some embodiments. In another embodiment, a wax emulsion is used with a coat weight of 5 g/meter squared to 38 g/meter squared with a range of 8 g/meter squared to 22 g/meter squared for some embodiments. In another embodiment, a pigment is blended to make layer 506. EAA or EVA solution solvent or a water base solution and a different coat and different thickness are employed. On top of extruded layers, a top coat 508 and 510 is coated with an ink receptive layer. This construction imparts an excellent whiteness to the background of a print with an excellent washability. EXAMPLE 3 For one image transfer sheet, such as is shown at 500 in FIG. 6, a blend is prepared. The blend includes the same ratio of ash to emulsion of EAA or EVA or a blend of both of these polymers. The blend has a MEIT index of 10 MI to 2500 MI with a range of 25 MI to 2000 MI for some embodiments. The blend is formed into a substrate layer 502. The substrate layer 502 is coated with a release layer 504 that is coated with ink jet receptive layers 506 and 508. The ink jet receptive layer or layers 506 and 508 include 50 percent titanium or barium talc, or a combination of different high brightness, high opacity pigments. These layers are coated within a range of 5 g/meter squared to 50 g/meter squared. In one embodiment, the range is 8 g/meter squared to 30 g/meter squared. EXAMPLE 4 A polyester resin obtained from Bostek MH 4101 was extruded to thicknesses of 0.5 mils, 1.0 mils, 2.0 mils and 4 mils with titanium oxide concentrations of 5%, 10%, 30%, and 40%, respectively, against silicone coated paper, having a density of 80 g/m-sq. The silicone coated paper was top coated with an EAA solution that included titanium oxide in a concentration of about 40%. This titanium oxide coated paper was then coated with an ink jet receiving layer. The ink jet receiving layer was coated with a “Glow in the Dark” containing layer or a temperature changeable pigment containing layer or a light changeable layer. These layers were ink jet printed, as required. The printed layers were then placed against a fabric and covered with release paper. Heat was applied to the printed layers and the release paper. The heat was applied at 200F, 225F, 250F, 300F, 350F, and 400F. A good image transfer was observed for all of these temperatures. EXAMPLE 5 An image transfer sheet was prepared in the manner described in Example 4 except that a polyamide polymer layer was coextruded using polyamide from ELF ATO CHEM M 548. EXAMPLE 6 An image transfer sheet was prepared in the manner described in Example 4 except that a blend of polyamides and DuPont 3185 in ratios of 90/10, 80/20, 50/50, 75/25 and 10/90, respectively was prepared and coextruded to make image transfer sheets. Each of the sheets displayed a good image transfer. EXAMPLE 7 An image transfer sheet was prepared in the manner described in Example 4 except that a blend of EAA and polyamide was prepared and coextruded to make image transfer sheets. Each of the sheets displayed a good image transfer. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to a method for transferring an image onto a colored base and to an article comprising a dark base and an image with a light background on the base. Image transfer to articles made from materials such as fabric, nylon, plastics and the like has increased in popularity over the past decade due to innovations in image development. On Feb. 5, 1974, LaPerre et al. had issued a United States patent describing a transfer sheet material markable with uniform indicia and applicable to book covers. The sheet material included adhered plies of an ink receptive printable layer and a solvent free, heat activatable adhesive layer. The adhesive layer was somewhat tacky prior to heat activation to facilitate positioning of a composite sheet material on a substrate which was to be bonded. The printable layer had a thickness of 10-500 microns and had an exposed porous surface of thermal plastic polymeric material at least 10 microns thick. Indicia were applied to the printable layer with a conventional typewriter. A thin film of temperature-resistant low-surface-energy polymer, such as polytetraflouroethylene, was laid over the printed surface and heated with an iron. Heating caused the polymer in the printable layer to fuse thereby sealing the indicia into the printable layer. On Sep. 23, 1980, Hare had issued U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,358, which described a kit for applying a colored emblem to a T-shirt. The kit comprised a transfer sheet which included the outline of a mirror image of a message. To utilize the kit, a user applied a colored crayon to the transfer sheet and positioned the transfer sheet on a T-shirt. A heated instrument was applied to the reverse side of the transfer sheet in order to transfer the colored message. The Greenman et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,657, issuing Nov. 25, 1980, described a transfer web for a hot melt transfer of graphic patterns onto natural, synthetic fabrics. The transfer web included a flexible substrate coating with a first polymer film layer and a second polymer film layer. The first polymer film layer was made with a vinyl resin and a polyethylene wax which were blended together in a solvent or liquid solution. The first film layer served as a releasable or separable layer during heat transfer. The second polymeric film layer was an ionomer in an aqueous dispersion. An ink composition was applied to a top surface of the second film layer. Application of heat released the first film layer from the substrate while activating the adhesive property of the second film layer thereby transferring the printed pattern and a major part of the first layer along with the second film layer onto the work piece. The second film layer bonded the printed pattern to the work piece while serving as a protective layer for the pattern. DeSanders et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,209, issuing Aug. 16, 1983, describes an imaging system in which images were formed by exposing a photosensitive encapsulate to actinic radiation and rupturing the capsules in the presence of a developer so that there was a pattern reaction of a chromogenic material present in the encapsulate or co-deposited on a support with the encapsulate and the developer which yielded an image. The Joffi patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,678, issuing Nov. 14, 1989, describes a dry transfer sheet which comprises a colored film adhering to a backing sheet with an interposition of a layer of release varnish. The colored film included 30%-40% pigment, 1%-4% of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, from 15%-35% of vinyl copolymer and from 1%-4% of polyethylene wax. This particular printing process was described as being suitable for transferring an image to a panel of wood. The Kronzer et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,990, issuing Dec. 21, 1993, describes an image-receptive heat transfer paper that included a flexible paper web based sheet and an image-receptive melt transfer film that overlaid the top surface of the base sheet. The image-receptive melt transfer film was comprised of a thermal plastic polymer melting at a temperature within a range of 65°-180° C. The Higashiyami et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,475, issuing May 28, 1991, describes a recording medium that included a base sheet, a thermoplastic resin layer formed on at least one side of the base sheet and a color developer formed on a thermoplastic resin layer and capable of color development by reaction with a dye precursor. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for transferring an image to a colored substrate. The method comprises providing an image transfer sheet comprising a release layer and an image-imparting layer that comprises a polymer. The image-imparting layer comprises titanium oxide or another white pigment or luminescent pigment. The image transfer sheet is contacted to the colored substrate. Heat is applied to the image transfer sheet so that an image is transferred from the image transfer sheet to the colored substrate. The image transferred comprises a substantially white or luminescent background and indicia. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a polymer. The polymer comprises titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent pigment. One other embodiment of the present invention includes a method for making an image transfer sheet. The method comprises providing an ink receptive polymer and impregnating the polymer with titanium oxide or other white pigment or luminescent pigment. An image is imparted to the polymer. | 20040804 | 20101102 | 20050303 | 89140.0 | 2 | HESS, BRUCE H | IMAGE TRANSFER ON A COLORED BASE | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,911,280 | ACCEPTED | Method for laying and interlocking panels | Rectangular floor panels, a fastening system for joining the panels, and a method for laying and interlocking the panels are disclosed. The panels are provided complementary, form-fitting retaining profiles extending over the length of the sides. The complementary edges of the panels allow two adjacent panels to be positively joined such that displacement of the panels away from one another is prevented, while enabling articulation of the panels with respect to one another at the joint location. The method of installation provides for installing a new panel to a first row and a panel in a second row by first joining the new panel to the panel of the second row at its short side, followed by pivoting the new panel upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along its long side, along with at least the adjacent end of the first panel in the second row, into an inclined position, and sliding the new panel into the retaining profile of the panels in the first row. The new panel and the raised end of the panel in the second row are then pivoted down into the plane of the laid panels. Laying of panels continues according to this process until the complete floor assembly has been laid. | 1. A method for laying and interlocking floor panels provided with a first pair and a second pair of opposite panel sides, each of which pair of sides displays complementary retaining profiles extending over a length of the sides, the method comprising: (a) pivoting a first panel side of said first pair of sides of a previously laid panel upward so as to twist said previously laid panel about an axis extending through said previously laid panel; (b) interlocking a second panel side of said first pair of sides of a new panel with said first panel side of said first pair of sides of said previously laid panel, such that the new panel assumes an inclined position in which the retaining profile of a first panel side of said second pair of sides of said new panel can be inserted into the complementary retaining profile of one or more stationary panels in a row adjacent said new panel and said previously laid panel; and (c) pivoting the inclined new panel and the previously laid panel together into the plane of the stationary panels. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: prior to said step (c), inserting the retaining profile of a first panel side of said second pair of sides of said new panel into the complementary retaining profile of one or more stationary panels in a row adjacent said new panel and said previously laid panel. 3. The method of claim 1, step (b) further comprising: sliding said second panel side of said first pair of sides of said new panel into said first panel side of said first pair of sides of said previously laid panel in a longitudinal direction of the panel sides in a common line. 4. The method of claim 1, step (b) further comprising: initially inserting the second panel side of said first pair of sides of said new panel into said first panel side of said first pair of sides of said previously laid panel in an inclined position relative to the previously laid panel, and subsequently pivoting the new panel into the plane of the first panel side of said first pair of sides of said previously laid panel. 5. A method for laying and interlocking floor panels provided with a pair of opposite long sides and a pair of opposite short sides, each of which pair of sides displays complementary retaining profiles extending over a length of the sides, the method comprising: (a) pivoting a short side of a previously laid panel upward so as to twist said previously laid panel about an axis extending through said previously laid panel; (b) interlocking a complementary short side of a new panel with said short side of said previously laid panel, such that the new panel assumes an inclined position in which the retaining profile of a first long side of said new panel can be inserted into the complementary retaining profile of one or more stationary panels in a row adjacent said new panel and said previously laid panel; and (c) pivoting the inclined new panel and the previously laid panel together into the plane of the stationary panels. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of: prior to said step (c), inserting the retaining profile of a long side of said new panel into the complementary retaining profile of one or more stationary panels in a row adjacent said new panel and said previously laid panel. 7. The method of claim 5, step (b) further comprising: sliding said complementary short side of said new panel into said short side of said previously laid panel in a longitudinal direction of the panel sides in a common line. 8. The method of claim 5, step (b) further comprising: initially inserting the complementary short side of said new panel into said short side of said previously laid panel in an inclined position relative to the previously laid panel, and subsequently pivoting the new panel about the short side of said previously laid panel to form a common plane with said new panel and said previously laid panel. 9. A method of joining floor panels of identical construction, said floor panels being provided with a pair of opposite long edges and a pair of opposite short edges, each of which pair of edges displays complementary retaining profiles extending over a length of the edges, the method comprising: (a) placing a new panel adjacent a long edge of a previously laid panel in an adjacent row and adjacent a short edge of a previously laid panel in the same row; (b) angling up a first short edge of the previously laid panel in the same row so as to position said first short edge in a plane distinct from a plane including a second short edge of said previously laid panel in the same row; (c) interlocking a complementary short edge of said new panel to said first short edge of the previously laid panel in the same row; (d) joining a complementary long edge of said new panel with said long edge of said previously laid panel in an adjacent row while maintaining the new panel and the first short edge of the previously laid panel in the same row in an inclined position with respect to the previously laid panel in an adjacent row; and (e) angling down the new panel and the first short edge of the previously laid panel in the same row to form a common plane with said new panel and said previously laid panel in an adjacent row. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the angling up of a first short edge of the previously laid panel in the same row causes the previously laid panel in the same row to twist along its longitudinal axis. 11. The method of claim 9, step (c) further comprising: sliding the complementary short edge of said new panel into said first short edge of the previously laid panel in the same row in a longitudinal direction of the panel edges in a common plane. 12. The method of claim 9, step (c) further comprising: initially inserting the complementary short edge of said new panel into said first short edge of the previously laid panel in the same row in an inclined position relative to the previously laid panel in the same row, and subsequently pivoting the new panel into the plane of the previously laid panel in the same row. 13. A method for placing and blocking rectangular, plate-like panels, especially floor panels, that display holding profiles extending over the full length of the edges, on opposite long edges and on opposite short edges, opposite holding profiles being designed in essentially complementary form, where panels of a first row are first joined together at the short edges, either by the complementary holding profiles of a placed panel and a new panel being inserted into each other in the longitudinal direction of the short edges, or by the holding profile of a new panel first being inclined relative to the placed panel and inserted into the complementary profile of the placed panel and then blocked with the placed panel, both in the direction perpendicular to the joined edges and in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the placed panels, by being pivoted into the plane of the placed panel, after which a new panel is next placed in a second row by the holding profile of its long edge initially being inclined relative to the long edge of a panel of the first row, inserted into the holding profile of the latter and subsequently pivoted into the plane of the placed panels, and where the short edge of a new panel, whose short edge is to be blocked with the short edge of the panel placed in the second row and whose long edge is to be blocked with the long edge of a panel placed in the first row, is first blocked with the panel in the second row, characterized in that the new panel is then pivoted upwards out of the plane of the placed panels along the long edge of a panel placed in the first row, where the panel of the second row, previously blocked with the new panel at the short edge, is also pivoted upwards into an inclined position at this end together with the new panel, where the inclination decreases towards the blocked short edge of the panel, and where the long holding profile of the new panel can be inserted into the complementary holding profile of the panel placed in the first row in this inclined position and, following joining, the inclined new panel and the panel blocked with the new panel on one short edge in the second row are pivoted into the plane of the placed panels. 14. The method according to claim 13 for placing and blocking rectangular, plate-like panels displaying complementary holding profiles, extending over the full length of the edges, on parallel edges, where one holding profile is designed as an articulated projection with a convex curvature and the complementary holding profile is designed as a socket recess with a concave curvature, where each articulated projection of a new panel to be placed in the second row can, by slightly expanding the socket recess of a panel previously placed in the second row, be inserted into the latter, and the new panel to be placed in the second row is, finally, blocked by being pivoted into the plane of the panel previously placed in the second row. 15. A method for placing a new, rectangular, plate-like panel in a second row of panels, where the new panel to be placed in the second row displays holding profiles that enable the new panel to be blocked both with panels of a first row and with a previously placed panel in the second row, especially for floor panels, where the new panel to be placed in the second row is blocked both on one long edge with a first row of panels, and on one short edge with a panel that has already been placed in the second row, where the panels display holding profiles, extending over the full length of the edges, on opposite long edges and on opposite short edges, opposite holding profiles being designed in essentially complementary form, and where one of the short edges of the new panel to be placed in the second row is first blocked with the panel previously placed in the second row by the free end of the latter being pivoted upwards out of the placing plane through a pivoting angle about the blocked long edge, and the panel previously placed in the second row is twisted in such a way that the amount of the pivoting angle decreases from the free end to the blocked end, part of the short edge of the new panel to be placed in the second row is placed, in this position and at an inclination relative to the panel previously placed in the second row, against the free end of the latter, the new panel to be placed in the second row is then pivoted into a pivoting position until it is likewise positioned at the pivoting angle relative to the placing plane, where the new panel to be placed in the second row is displaced from the pivoting position and the holding profile of the new panel to be placed in the second row is inserted into the holding profiles of the panels of the first row, where the short edge of the new panel to be placed in the second row is simultaneously slid completely onto the short edge of the panel previously placed in the second row and, finally, the panel previously placed in the second row and the new panel to be placed in the second row are jointly pivoted into the placing plane and blocked with the panels of the first row. 16. The method according to claim 15 for placing and blocking rectangular, plate-like panels displaying complementary holding profiles, extending over the full length of the edges, on parallel edges, where one holding profile is designed as an articulated projection with a convex curvature and the complementary holding profile is designed as a socket recess with a concave curvature, where each articulated projection of a new panel to be placed in the second row can, by slightly expanding the socket recess of a panel previously placed in the second row, be inserted into the latter, and the new panel to be placed in the second row is, finally, blocked by being pivoted into the plane of the panel previously placed in the second row. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of co-pending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/609,251, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 30, 2000 entitled “Method for Laying and Interlocking Panels”, which is a continuation of PCT/DE00/00870, filed in Germany by the inventor herein, the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method for laying and interlocking panels, particularly via a fastening system consisting of positive retaining profiles provided on the narrow sides of the panels, which extend over the length of the narrow sides and are provided with joint projections or complementary joint recesses. 2. Background of the Prior Art German utility model G 79 28 703 U1 describes a generic method for laying and interlocking floor panels with positive retaining profiles. These retaining profiles can be connected to each other by means of a rotary connecting movement. However, the disadvantage is that, in order to lay a second row of panels that is to be attached to a laid first row of panels, the second row first has to be completely assembled. The technical teaching to be taken from utility model G 79 28 703 U1 is that a first row of panels initially has to be laid ready horizontally and that a start is then made with a second panel in a second row, which has to be held at an angle and slid into a groove formed in the first panel row. The second panel has to be held at this angle, so that a third panel can be connected to the second panel. The same applies to the subsequent panels that have to be connected to each other in the second row. Only once all the panels of the second panel row have been pre-assembled in an inclined position can the entire second panel row be swung into horizontal position, this causing it to interlock with the first panel row. The unfavorable aspect of the laying method required for this panel design is the fact that several persons are required in order to hold all the panels of a second panel row in an inclined position for pre-assembly and then to jointly lower the second panel row into the laying plane. Another method for laying and interlocking panels is known from EP 0 855 482 A2. In this case, panels to be laid in the second row are again connected to the panels of a first row in an inclined position. Adjacent panels of the second row are initially interlocked with the panels of the first row, leaving a small lateral distance between them. In this condition, the panels of the second row can be displaced along the first row. Retaining profiles provided on the short narrow sides of the panels are pressed into each other by sliding two panels of the second row against each other. Disadvantageously, the retaining profiles are greatly expanded and elongated during this process. Even during assembly, the retaining profiles already suffer damage that impairs the durability of the retaining profiles. The retaining profiles designed and laid according to the teaching of EP 0 855 482 A2 are not suitable for repeated laying. For example, retaining profiles molded from HDF or MDF material become soft as a result of the high degree of deformation to which the retaining profiles are subjected by the laying method according to EP 0 855 482 A2. Internal cracks and shifts in the fiber structure of the HDF or MDF material are responsible for this. The object of the invention is thus to simplify the method for laying and interlocking panels and to improve the durability of the fastening system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, the object is solved by a method for laying and interlocking rectangular, plate-shaped panels, particularly floor panels, the opposite long narrow sides and opposite short narrow sides of which display retaining profiles extending over the length of the narrow sides, of which the opposite retaining profiles are designed to be essentially complementary to each other, where a first row of panels is initially connected on the short narrow sides, either in that the complementary retaining profiles of a laid panel and a new panel are slid into each other in the longitudinal direction of the short narrow sides, or in that the retaining profile of a new panel is initially inserted in an inclined position relative to the laid panel having the complementary retaining profile of the laid panel and subsequently interlocked, both in the direction perpendicular to the connected narrow ends and in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the laid panels, by pivoting into the plane of the laid panel, the next step being to lay a new panel in the second row, in that the retaining profile of its long narrow side is initially inserted into the retaining profile of the long narrow side of a panel of the first row by positioning at an angle relative to it and subsequently pivoting into the plane of the laid panels, and where a new panel, the short narrow side of which must be interlocked with the short narrow side of the panel laid in the second row and the long narrow side of which must be connected to the long narrow side of a panel laid in the first row, is first interlocked with the panel of the second row at its short narrow end, the new panel then being pivoted upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along the long narrow side of a panel laid in the first row, where the panel of the second row that was previously interlocked with the new panel on the short narrow side is also pivoted upwards, at least at this end, together with the new panel, into an inclined position in which the long retaining profile of the new panel can be inserted into the complementary retaining profile of the panel laid in the first row and, after insertion, the inclined new panel and the panel interlocked with the new panel on a short narrow side in the second row are pivoted into the plane of the laid panels. According to the new method, panels to be laid in the second row can be fitted by a single person. A new panel can be interlocked both with panels of a first row and with a previously laid panel of the second row. This does not require interlocking of the short narrow sides of two panels lying in one plane in a manner that expands and deforms the retaining profiles. The last panel laid in the second row can be gripped by its free, short narrow end and can be pivoted upwards into an inclined position about the interlocked, long narrow side as the pivoting axis. The panel is slightly twisted about its longitudinal axis in this process. The result of this is that the free, short narrow end of the panel is in an inclined position and the inclination decreases towards the interlocked, short narrow end of the panel. Depending on the stiffness of the panels, this can result in more or less strong torsion and thus in a greater or lesser decrease in the inclination. In the event of relatively stiff panels, the inclination can continue through several of the previous panels in the second row. When laying, it is, of course, not necessary for the first row to be laid completely before making a start on laying the second row. During laying, attention must merely be paid to ensuring that the number of elements in the first row is greater than that in the second row, and so on. The method can be realized particularly well when using thin, easily twisted panels. The inclination of a thin panel located in the second row decreases over a very short distance when subjected to strong torsion. The non-twisted remainder of a panel, or of a panel row, located in the laying plane, is securely interlocked. Only on the short, inclined part of the last panel of the second row can the retaining profiles of the long narrow sides become disengaged during the laying work. However, they can easily be re-inserted together with the new panel attached at the short narrow side. A particularly flexible and durable design is one consisting of rectangular, plate-shaped panels that display complementary retaining profiles extending over the length of the narrow sides on narrow sides parallel to each other, where one retaining profile is provided in the form of a joint projection with a convex curvature and the complementary retaining profile in the form of a joint recess with a concave curvature, where each joint projection of a new panel is inserted into the joint recess of a laid panel, expanding it only slightly, and the new panel is finally interlocked by pivoting into the plane of the laid panel. The deformation of the retaining profiles required for laying and interlocking is considerably smaller than with retaining profiles that have to be pressed together perpendicular to their narrow sides in the laying plane. Advantageously, the joint projection does not protrude from the narrow side by more than the thickness of the panel. In this way, another advantage lies in the fact that the retaining profile can be milled on the narrow side of a panel with very little waste. When laid, the retaining profiles of the long narrow sides of two panels, which can also be referred to as form-fitting profiles, form a common joint, where the upper side of the joint projection facing away from the substrate preferably displays a bevel extending to the free end of the joint projection, and where the bevel increasingly reduces the thickness of the joint projection towards the free end and the bevel creates freedom of movement for the common joint. The design permits articulated movement of two connected panels. In particular, two connected panels can be bent upwards at the point of connection. If, for example, one panel lies on a substrate with an elevation, with the result that one narrow side of the panel is pressed onto the substrate when loaded, and the opposite narrow side rises, a second panel fastened to the rising narrow side is also moved upwards. However, the bending forces acting in this context do not damage the narrow cross-sections of the form-fitting profiles. An articulated movement takes place instead. A floor laid using the proposed fastening system displays an elasticity adapted to irregularly rough or undulating substrates. The fastening system is thus particularly suitable for panels for renovating uneven floors in old buildings. Of course, it is also more suitable than the known fastening system when laying panels on a soft intermediate layer. The design caters to the principle of “adapted deformability”. This principle is based on the knowledge that very stiff, and thus supposedly stable, points of connection cause high notch stresses and can easily fail as a result. In order to avoid this, components are to be designed in such a way that they display a degree of elasticity that is adapted to the application, or “adapted deformability”, and that notch stresses are reduced in this way. Moreover, the form-fitting profiles are designed in such a way that a load applied to the upper side of the floor panels in laid condition is transmitted from the upper side wall of the joint recess of a first panel to the joint projection of the second panel and from the joint projection of the second panel into the lower-side wall of the first panel. When laid, the walls of the joint recess of the first panel are in contact with the upper and lower side of the joint projection of the second panel. However, the upper wall of the joint recess is only in contact with the joint projection of the second panel in a short area on the free end of the upper wall of the joint recess. In this way, the design permits articulated movement between the panel with the joint recess and the panel with the joint projection, with only slight elastic deformation of the walls of the joint recess. In this way, the stiffness of the connection is optimally adapted to an irregular base, which inevitably leads to a bending movement between panels connected to each other. Another advantage is seen as lying in the fact that the laying and interlocking method according to the invention is more suitable for repeated laying than the known methods, because the panels display no damage to the form-fitting profiles after repeated laying and after long-term use on an uneven substrate. The form-fitting profiles are dimensionally stable and durable. They can be used for a substantially longer period and re-laid repeatedly during their life cycle. Advantageously, the convex curvature of the joint projection and the concave curvature of the joint recess each essentially form a segment of a circle where, in laid condition, the center of the circle of the segments of the circle is located on the upper side of the joint projection or below the upper side of the joint projection. In the latter case, the center of the circle is located within the cross-section of the joint projection. This simple design results in a joint where the convex curvature of the joint projection is designed similarly to the ball, and the concave curvature of the joint recess similarly to the socket, of a ball-and-socket joint, where, of course, in contrast to a ball-and-socket joint, only planar rotary movement is possible and not spherical rotary movement. In a favorable configuration, the point of the convex curvature of the joint projection of a panel that protrudes farthest is positioned in such a way that it is located roughly below the top edge of the panel. This results in a relatively large cross-section of the joint projection in relation to the overall thickness of the panel. Moreover, the concave curvature of the joint recess offers a sufficiently large under-cut for the convex curvature of the joint projection, so that tensile forces acting in the laying plane can hardly move the panels apart. The articulation properties of two panels connected to each other can be further improved if the inside of the wall of the joint recess of a panel that faces the substrate displays a bevel extending up to the free end of the wall and the wall thickness of this wall becomes increasingly thin towards the free end. In this context, when two panels are laid, the bevel creates space for movement of the common joint. This improvement further reduces the amount of elastic deformation of the walls of the joint recess when bending the laid panels upwards. It is also expedient if the joint recess of a panel for connecting to the joint projection of a second panel can be expanded by resilient deformation of its lower wall and the resilient deformation of the lower wall occurring during connection is eliminated again when connection of the two panels is complete. As a result, the form-fitting profiles are only elastically deformed for the connection operation and during joint movement, not being subjected to any elastic stress when not loaded. The ability also to connect the short narrow ends of two panels in articulated fashion benefits the resilience of a floor covering. The form-fitting profiles preferably form an integral part of the narrow sides of the panels. The panels can be manufactured very easily and with little waste. The laying method is particularly suitable if the panels consist essentially of an MDF (medium-density fiberboard), HDF (high-density fiberboard), or particleboard material. These materials are easy to process and can be given a sufficient surface quality by means of cutting processes, for example. In addition, these materials display good dimensional stability of the milled profiles. The various features of novelty that characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims of this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An example of the invention is illustrated in a drawing and described in detail below on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 9. The figures show the following: FIG. 1—Part of a fastening system on the basis of the cross-sections of two panels prior to connection, FIG. 2—The fastening system as per FIG. 1 in assembled condition, FIG. 3—A connecting procedure, where the joint projection of one panel is inserted in the joint recess of a second panel in the direction of the arrow and the first panel is subsequently locked in place by a rotary movement, FIG. 4—A further connecting procedure, where the joint projection of a first panel is slid into the joint recess of a second panel parallel to the laying plane, FIG. 5—The fastening system in laid condition as per FIG. 2, where the common joint is moved upwards out of the laying plane and the two panels form a bend, FIG. 6—The fastening system in laid condition as per FIG. 2, where the common joint is moved downwards out of the laying plane and the two panels form a bend, FIG. 7—A fastening system in the laid condition of two panels, with a filler material between the form-fitting profiles of the narrow sides, FIG. 8—A perspective representation of the method for laying and interlocking rectangular panels, FIG. 9—An alternative method for laying and interlocking rectangular panels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the drawing, fastening system 1, required for the method for laying and interlocking rectangular panels, is explained based on oblong, rectangular panels 2 and 3, a section of which is illustrated in FIG. 1. Fastening system 1 displays retaining profiles, which are located on the narrow sides of the panels and designed as complementary form-fitting profiles 4 and 5. The opposite form-fitting profiles of a panel are of complementary design in each case. In this way, a further panel 3 can be attached to every previously laid panel 2. Form-fitting profiles 4 and 5 are based on the prior art according to German utility model G 79 28 703 U1, particularly on the form-fitting profiles of the practical example. The form-fitting profiles according to the invention are developed in such a way that they permit the articulated and resilient connection of panels. One of the form-fitting profiles 4 of the present invention is provided with a joint projection 6 protruding from one narrow side. For the purpose of articulated connection, the lower side of joint projection 6, which faces the base in laid condition, displays a cross-section with a convex curvature 7. Convex curvature 7 is mounted in rotating fashion in complementary form-fitting profile 5. In the practical example shown, convex curvature 7 is designed as a segment of a circle. Part 8 of the narrow side of panel 3, which is located below joint projection 6 and faces the base in laid condition, stands farther back from the free end of joint projection 6 than part 9 of the narrow side, which is located above joint projection 6. In the practical example shown, part 8 of the narrow side, located below joint projection 6, recedes roughly twice as far from the free end of joint projection 6 and part 9 of the narrow side, located above joint projection 6. The reason for this is that the segment of a circle of convex curvature 7 is of relatively broad design. As a result, the point of convex curvature 7 of joint projection 6 that projects farthest is positioned in such a way that it is located roughly below top edge 10 of panel 3. Part 9 of the narrow side, located above joint projection 6, protrudes from the narrow side on the top side of panel 3, forming abutting joint surface 9a. Part 9 of the narrow side recedes between this abutting joint surface 9a and joint projection 6. This ensures that part 9 of the narrow side always forms a closed, top-side joint with the complementary narrow side of the second panel 2. The upper side of joint projection 6, opposite convex curvature 7 of joint projection 6, displays a short, straight section 11 that is likewise positioned parallel to substrate U in laid condition. From this short section 11 to the free end, the upper side of joint projection 6 displays a bevel 12 that extends up to the free end of joint projection 6. Form-fitting profile 5 of a narrow side, which is complementary to form-fitting profile 4 described, displays a joint recess 20. This is essentially bordered by a lower wall 21 that faces substrate U in laid condition, and an upper wall 22. On the inside of joint recess 20, lower wall 21 is provided with a concave curvature 23. Concave curvature 23 is likewise designed in the form of a segment of a circle. In order for there to be sufficient space for the relatively broad concave curvature 23 on lower wall 21 of joint recess 20, lower wall 21 projects farther from the narrow side of panel 2 than upper wall 22. Concave curvature 23 forms an undercut at the free end of lower wall 21. In finish-laid condition of two panels 2 and 3, this undercut is engaged by joint projection 6 of associated form-fitting profile 4 of adjacent panel 3. The degree of engagement, meaning the difference between the thickest point of the free end of the lower wall and the thickness of the lower wall at the lowest point of concave curvature 23, is such that a good compromise is obtained between flexible resilience of two panels 2 and 3 and good retention to prevent form-fitting profiles 4 and 5 being pulled apart in the laying plane. In comparison, the fastening system of the prior art utility model G 79 28 703 U1 displays a considerably greater degree of undercut. This results in extraordinarily stiff points of connection, which cause high notch stresses when subjected to stress on an uneven substrate. According to the practical example, the inner side of upper wall 22 of joint recess 20 of panel 2 is positioned parallel to substrate U in laid condition. On lower wall 21 of joint recess 20 of panel 2, which faces substrate U, the inner side of wall 21 has a bevel 24 that extends up the free end of lower wall 21. As a result, the wall thickness of this wall becomes increasingly thin towards the free end. According to the practical example, bevel 24 follows on from the end of concave curvature 23. Joint projection 6 of panel 3 and joint recess 20 of panel 2 form a common joint G, as illustrated in FIG. 2. When panels 2 and 3 are laid, the previously described bevel 12, on the upper side of joint projection 6 of panel 3, and bevel 24 of lower wall 21 of joint recess 20 of panel 2 create spaces for movement 13 and 25, which allow joint G to rotate over a small angular range. In laid condition, short straight section 11 of the upper side of joint projection 6 of panel 3 is in contact with the inner side of upper wall 22 of joint recess 20 of panel 2. Moreover, convex curvature 7 of joint projection 6 lies against concave curvature 23 of lower wall 21 of joint recess 20 of panel 2. Lateral abutting joint surfaces 9a and 26 of two connected panels 2 and 3, which face the upper side, are always definitely in contact. In practice, simultaneous exact positioning of convex curvature 7 of joint projection 6 of panel 3 against concave curvature 23 of joint recess 20 of panel 2 is impossible. Manufacturing tolerances would lead to a situation where either abutting joint surfaces 9a and 26 are positioned exactly against each other or joint projection 6/recess 20 are positioned exactly against each other. In practice, the form fitting profiles are thus designed in such a way that abutting joint surfaces 9a and 26 are always exactly positioned against each other and joint projection 6/recess 20 cannot be moved far enough in each other to achieve an exact fit. However, as the manufacturing tolerances are in the region of hundredths of a millimeter, joint projection 6/recess 20 also fit almost exactly. Panels 2 and 3, with complementary form-fitting profiles 4 and 5 described, can be fastened to each other in a variety of ways. According to FIG. 3, one panel 2 with a joint recess 20 has already been laid, while a second panel 3, with a complementary joint projection 6, is being inserted into joint recess 20 of first panel 2 at an angle in the direction of the arrow P. After this, second panel 3 is rotated about the common center of circle K of the segments of a circle of convex curvature 7 of joint projection 6 and concave curvature 23 of joint recess 20 until second panel 3 lies on substrate U. Another way of joining the previously described panels 2 and 3 is illustrated in FIG. 4, according to which first panel 2 with joint recess 20 has been laid and a second panel 3 with joint projection 6 is slid in the laying plane and perpendicular to form-fitting profiles 4 and 5 in the direction of the arrow P until walls 21 and 22 of joint recess 20 expand elastically to a small extent and convex curvature 7 of joint projection 6 has overcome the undercut at the front end of concave curvature 23 of the lower wall and the final laying position is reached. The latter way of joining is preferably used for the short narrow sides of a panel if these are provided with the same complementary form-fitting profiles 4 and 5 as the long narrow sides of the panels. FIG. 5 illustrates fastening system 1 in use. Panels 2 and 3 are laid on an uneven substrate U. A load has been applied to the upper side of first panel 2 with form-fitting profile 5. The narrow side of panel 2 with form-fitting profile 5 has been lifted as a result. Form-fitting profile 4 of panel 3, which is connected to form-fitting profile 5, has also been lifted. Joint G results a bend between the two panels 2 and 3. The spaces for movement 13 and 25 create room for the rotary movement of the joint. Joint G, formed by the two panels 2 and 3, has been moved slightly upwards out of the laying plane. Space for movement 13 has been utilized to the full for rotation, meaning that the area of bevel 12 on the upper side of joint projection 6 of panel 3 is in contact with the inner side of wall 22 of panel 2. The point of connection is inherently flexible and does not impose any unnecessary, material-fatiguing bending loads on the involved form-fitting profiles 4 and 5. The damage soon occurring in form-fitting profiles according to the prior art, owing to the breaking of the joint projection or the walls of the form-fitting profiles, is avoided in this way. Another advantage results in the event of movement of the joint in accordance with FIG. 5. This can be seen in the fact that, upon relief of the load, the two panels drop back into the laying plane under their own weight. Slight elastic deformation of the walls of the joint recess is also present in this case. This elastic deformation supports the panels in dropping back into the laying plane. Only very slight elastic deformation occurs because the center of motion of the joint, which is defined by curvatures 7 and 23 with the form of a segment of a circle, is located within the cross-section of joint projection 6 of panel 3. FIG. 6 illustrates movement of the joint of two laid panels 2 and 3 in the opposite sense of rotation. Panels 2 and 3, laid on uneven substrate U, are bent downwards. The design is such that, in the event of downward bending of the point of connection out of the laying plane towards substrate U, far more pronounced elastic deformation of lower wall 21 of joint recess 20 occurs than during upward bending from the laying plane. This measure is necessary because downward-bent panels 2 and 3 cannot return to the laying plane as a result of their own weight when the load is relieved. However, the greater elastic deformation of lower wall 21 of joint recess 20 generates an elastic force that immediately moves panels 2 and 3 back into the laying plane in the manner of a spring when the load is relieved. In the present form, the previously described form-fitting profiles 4 and 5 are integrally molded on the narrow sides of panels 2 and 3. This is preferably achieved by means of a so-called formatting operation, where a number of milling tools connected in series mills the shape of form-fitting profiles 4 and 5 into the narrow sides of panels 2 and 3. Panels 2 and 3 of the practical example described essentially consist of MDF board with a thickness of 8 mm. The MDF board has a wear-resistant and decorative coating on the upper side. A so-called counteracting layer is applied to the lower side in order to compensate for the internal stresses caused by the coating on the upper side. Finally, FIG. 7 shows two panels 2 and 3 in laid condition, where fastening system 1 is used with a filler 30 that remains flexible after curing. Filler 30 is provided between all adjacent parts of the positively connected narrow sides. In particular, the top-side joint 31 is sealed with the filler to prevent the ingress of any moisture or dirt. In addition, the elasticity of filler 30, which is itself deformed when two panels 2 and 3 are bent, brings about the return of panels 2 and 3 to the laying plane. FIG. 8 shows a perspective representation of the laying of a floor, where the method for laying and interlocking panels according to the invention is used. For the sake of the simplicity of the drawing, the details of the retaining profiles have been omitted. However, these correspond to the form-fitting profiles in FIGS. 1 to 7 and display profiled joint projections and complementary joint recesses that extend over the entire length of the narrow sides. A first row R1, comprising rectangular, plate-like panels 40, 41, 42 and 43, can be seen. Panels 40, 41, 42 and 43 of first row R1 are preferably laid in such a way that joint recesses are always located on the free sides of a laid panel and new panels can be attached by their joint projections to the joint recesses of the laid panels. Panels 40, 41, 42 and 43 of fist row R1 have been interlocked at their short sides. This can be done either in the laying plane by sliding the panels laterally into each other in the longitudinal direction of the retaining profiles of the short narrow sides or, alternatively, by joining the retaining profiles while positioning a new panel at an angle relative to a laid panel and subsequently pivoting the new panel into the laying plane. The laying plane is indicated by broken line V in FIGS. 8 and 9. The retaining profiles have been interlocked without any major deformation in both cases. The panels are interlocked in the direction perpendicular to the laying plane. Moreover, they are also interlocked in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the narrow sides. Panels 44, 45 and 46 are located in a second row R2. First, the long side of panel 44 was interlocked by inserting its joint projection by positioning it at an angle relative to the panels of first row R1 and subsequently pivoting panel 44 into the laying plane. In order to lay a new panel in the second row, several alternative procedural steps can be performed, two alternatives of which are described on the basis of FIGS. 8 and 9. A further alternative is explained without an illustration. When laying a new panel 46 in the second row, one of its long sides has to be interlocked with first row R1 and one of its short sides with laid panel 45. A short side of new panel 46 is always first interlocked with laid panel 45. According to FIG. 8, free end 45a is pivoted upwards out of the laying plane through a pivoting angle α about interlocked long narrow side 45b. Panel 45 is twisted in such a way during the process that the dimension of pivoting angle α decreases from free end 45a towards interlocked end 45c. According to FIG. 8, interlocked end 45c remains in place in the laying plane. In this position, new panel 46 is set at an angle relative to panel 45 on free end 45a of the latter. Panel 46 can initially not be set against the whole length of the short side, because panel 45 is already interlocked with panels 41 and 42 of the first row. Panel 46 is now pivoted in the direction of arrow A until it is likewise positioned at pivoting angle a relative to the laying plane, as indicated by dotted pivoting position 46′. In pivoting position 46′, panel 46 is slid in the direction of arrow B and the joint projection of panel 46 is inserted into the joint recess of panels 42 and 43 of first row R1. In this context, the short narrow side of panel 46 is simultaneously slid completely onto short narrow side 45a of panel 45. Finally, panels 45 and 46 are jointly pivoted into the laying plane in the direction of arrow C and interlocked with the panels of first row R1. Damage to the retaining profiles due to a high degree of deformation during laying and interlocking is avoided. The alternative laying method according to FIG. 9 likewise provides for free end 45a to be pivoted upwards out of the laying plane by a pivoting angle α about interlocked long narrow side 45b, where panel 45 is twisted and its free end 45a is inclined through a pivoting angle α relative to the laying plane. Interlocked end 45c again remains in place in the laying plane. In contrast to FIG. 8, panel 46 is now likewise positioned at the pivoting angle α relative to the laying plane and its short side 46a is slid in the longitudinal direction onto the retaining profile of short side 45a of panel 45. In this inclined position, the joint projection of long side 46b of panel 46 is immediately inserted into the joint recess of panels 42 and 43 of first row R1. Finally, panels 45 and 46 are jointly pivoted into the laying plane and interlocked with the panels of first row R1. The alternatives not shown for laying and interlocking panels consist in first interlocking the short narrow ends of panels 45 and 46 in the laying plane. The alternatives described here can be followed by examining FIGS. 8 and 9, which is why reference numbers are also given for the alternatives not illustrated. According to one of the alternatives, the retaining profiles of short narrow sides 45a and 46a of panels 45 and 46 are slid into each other in the longitudinal direction while both panels 45 and 46 remain in place in the laying plane. According to another alternative, panel 45 lies in the laying plane and panel 46 is set at an angle against short narrow side 45a of panel 45 and then pivoted into the laying plane. According to the above alternative procedural steps for interlocking panels 45 in the laying plane, the long side of panel 46 is not yet interlocked with panels 42 and 43 of first row R1. To this end, panel 46 and end 45a of panel 45 must be lifted into the previously described inclined position at pivoting angle α. The joint projection of long side 46b of panel 46 is then inserted into the joint recess of panels 42 and 43 of first row R1, and panels 45 and 46 are finally jointly interlocked with panels 42 and 43 of first row R1 by being pivoted into laying plane V. Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the various embodiments shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method for laying and interlocking panels, particularly via a fastening system consisting of positive retaining profiles provided on the narrow sides of the panels, which extend over the length of the narrow sides and are provided with joint projections or complementary joint recesses. 2. Background of the Prior Art German utility model G 79 28 703 U1 describes a generic method for laying and interlocking floor panels with positive retaining profiles. These retaining profiles can be connected to each other by means of a rotary connecting movement. However, the disadvantage is that, in order to lay a second row of panels that is to be attached to a laid first row of panels, the second row first has to be completely assembled. The technical teaching to be taken from utility model G 79 28 703 U1 is that a first row of panels initially has to be laid ready horizontally and that a start is then made with a second panel in a second row, which has to be held at an angle and slid into a groove formed in the first panel row. The second panel has to be held at this angle, so that a third panel can be connected to the second panel. The same applies to the subsequent panels that have to be connected to each other in the second row. Only once all the panels of the second panel row have been pre-assembled in an inclined position can the entire second panel row be swung into horizontal position, this causing it to interlock with the first panel row. The unfavorable aspect of the laying method required for this panel design is the fact that several persons are required in order to hold all the panels of a second panel row in an inclined position for pre-assembly and then to jointly lower the second panel row into the laying plane. Another method for laying and interlocking panels is known from EP 0 855 482 A2. In this case, panels to be laid in the second row are again connected to the panels of a first row in an inclined position. Adjacent panels of the second row are initially interlocked with the panels of the first row, leaving a small lateral distance between them. In this condition, the panels of the second row can be displaced along the first row. Retaining profiles provided on the short narrow sides of the panels are pressed into each other by sliding two panels of the second row against each other. Disadvantageously, the retaining profiles are greatly expanded and elongated during this process. Even during assembly, the retaining profiles already suffer damage that impairs the durability of the retaining profiles. The retaining profiles designed and laid according to the teaching of EP 0 855 482 A2 are not suitable for repeated laying. For example, retaining profiles molded from HDF or MDF material become soft as a result of the high degree of deformation to which the retaining profiles are subjected by the laying method according to EP 0 855 482 A2. Internal cracks and shifts in the fiber structure of the HDF or MDF material are responsible for this. The object of the invention is thus to simplify the method for laying and interlocking panels and to improve the durability of the fastening system. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to the invention, the object is solved by a method for laying and interlocking rectangular, plate-shaped panels, particularly floor panels, the opposite long narrow sides and opposite short narrow sides of which display retaining profiles extending over the length of the narrow sides, of which the opposite retaining profiles are designed to be essentially complementary to each other, where a first row of panels is initially connected on the short narrow sides, either in that the complementary retaining profiles of a laid panel and a new panel are slid into each other in the longitudinal direction of the short narrow sides, or in that the retaining profile of a new panel is initially inserted in an inclined position relative to the laid panel having the complementary retaining profile of the laid panel and subsequently interlocked, both in the direction perpendicular to the connected narrow ends and in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the laid panels, by pivoting into the plane of the laid panel, the next step being to lay a new panel in the second row, in that the retaining profile of its long narrow side is initially inserted into the retaining profile of the long narrow side of a panel of the first row by positioning at an angle relative to it and subsequently pivoting into the plane of the laid panels, and where a new panel, the short narrow side of which must be interlocked with the short narrow side of the panel laid in the second row and the long narrow side of which must be connected to the long narrow side of a panel laid in the first row, is first interlocked with the panel of the second row at its short narrow end, the new panel then being pivoted upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along the long narrow side of a panel laid in the first row, where the panel of the second row that was previously interlocked with the new panel on the short narrow side is also pivoted upwards, at least at this end, together with the new panel, into an inclined position in which the long retaining profile of the new panel can be inserted into the complementary retaining profile of the panel laid in the first row and, after insertion, the inclined new panel and the panel interlocked with the new panel on a short narrow side in the second row are pivoted into the plane of the laid panels. According to the new method, panels to be laid in the second row can be fitted by a single person. A new panel can be interlocked both with panels of a first row and with a previously laid panel of the second row. This does not require interlocking of the short narrow sides of two panels lying in one plane in a manner that expands and deforms the retaining profiles. The last panel laid in the second row can be gripped by its free, short narrow end and can be pivoted upwards into an inclined position about the interlocked, long narrow side as the pivoting axis. The panel is slightly twisted about its longitudinal axis in this process. The result of this is that the free, short narrow end of the panel is in an inclined position and the inclination decreases towards the interlocked, short narrow end of the panel. Depending on the stiffness of the panels, this can result in more or less strong torsion and thus in a greater or lesser decrease in the inclination. In the event of relatively stiff panels, the inclination can continue through several of the previous panels in the second row. When laying, it is, of course, not necessary for the first row to be laid completely before making a start on laying the second row. During laying, attention must merely be paid to ensuring that the number of elements in the first row is greater than that in the second row, and so on. The method can be realized particularly well when using thin, easily twisted panels. The inclination of a thin panel located in the second row decreases over a very short distance when subjected to strong torsion. The non-twisted remainder of a panel, or of a panel row, located in the laying plane, is securely interlocked. Only on the short, inclined part of the last panel of the second row can the retaining profiles of the long narrow sides become disengaged during the laying work. However, they can easily be re-inserted together with the new panel attached at the short narrow side. A particularly flexible and durable design is one consisting of rectangular, plate-shaped panels that display complementary retaining profiles extending over the length of the narrow sides on narrow sides parallel to each other, where one retaining profile is provided in the form of a joint projection with a convex curvature and the complementary retaining profile in the form of a joint recess with a concave curvature, where each joint projection of a new panel is inserted into the joint recess of a laid panel, expanding it only slightly, and the new panel is finally interlocked by pivoting into the plane of the laid panel. The deformation of the retaining profiles required for laying and interlocking is considerably smaller than with retaining profiles that have to be pressed together perpendicular to their narrow sides in the laying plane. Advantageously, the joint projection does not protrude from the narrow side by more than the thickness of the panel. In this way, another advantage lies in the fact that the retaining profile can be milled on the narrow side of a panel with very little waste. When laid, the retaining profiles of the long narrow sides of two panels, which can also be referred to as form-fitting profiles, form a common joint, where the upper side of the joint projection facing away from the substrate preferably displays a bevel extending to the free end of the joint projection, and where the bevel increasingly reduces the thickness of the joint projection towards the free end and the bevel creates freedom of movement for the common joint. The design permits articulated movement of two connected panels. In particular, two connected panels can be bent upwards at the point of connection. If, for example, one panel lies on a substrate with an elevation, with the result that one narrow side of the panel is pressed onto the substrate when loaded, and the opposite narrow side rises, a second panel fastened to the rising narrow side is also moved upwards. However, the bending forces acting in this context do not damage the narrow cross-sections of the form-fitting profiles. An articulated movement takes place instead. A floor laid using the proposed fastening system displays an elasticity adapted to irregularly rough or undulating substrates. The fastening system is thus particularly suitable for panels for renovating uneven floors in old buildings. Of course, it is also more suitable than the known fastening system when laying panels on a soft intermediate layer. The design caters to the principle of “adapted deformability”. This principle is based on the knowledge that very stiff, and thus supposedly stable, points of connection cause high notch stresses and can easily fail as a result. In order to avoid this, components are to be designed in such a way that they display a degree of elasticity that is adapted to the application, or “adapted deformability”, and that notch stresses are reduced in this way. Moreover, the form-fitting profiles are designed in such a way that a load applied to the upper side of the floor panels in laid condition is transmitted from the upper side wall of the joint recess of a first panel to the joint projection of the second panel and from the joint projection of the second panel into the lower-side wall of the first panel. When laid, the walls of the joint recess of the first panel are in contact with the upper and lower side of the joint projection of the second panel. However, the upper wall of the joint recess is only in contact with the joint projection of the second panel in a short area on the free end of the upper wall of the joint recess. In this way, the design permits articulated movement between the panel with the joint recess and the panel with the joint projection, with only slight elastic deformation of the walls of the joint recess. In this way, the stiffness of the connection is optimally adapted to an irregular base, which inevitably leads to a bending movement between panels connected to each other. Another advantage is seen as lying in the fact that the laying and interlocking method according to the invention is more suitable for repeated laying than the known methods, because the panels display no damage to the form-fitting profiles after repeated laying and after long-term use on an uneven substrate. The form-fitting profiles are dimensionally stable and durable. They can be used for a substantially longer period and re-laid repeatedly during their life cycle. Advantageously, the convex curvature of the joint projection and the concave curvature of the joint recess each essentially form a segment of a circle where, in laid condition, the center of the circle of the segments of the circle is located on the upper side of the joint projection or below the upper side of the joint projection. In the latter case, the center of the circle is located within the cross-section of the joint projection. This simple design results in a joint where the convex curvature of the joint projection is designed similarly to the ball, and the concave curvature of the joint recess similarly to the socket, of a ball-and-socket joint, where, of course, in contrast to a ball-and-socket joint, only planar rotary movement is possible and not spherical rotary movement. In a favorable configuration, the point of the convex curvature of the joint projection of a panel that protrudes farthest is positioned in such a way that it is located roughly below the top edge of the panel. This results in a relatively large cross-section of the joint projection in relation to the overall thickness of the panel. Moreover, the concave curvature of the joint recess offers a sufficiently large under-cut for the convex curvature of the joint projection, so that tensile forces acting in the laying plane can hardly move the panels apart. The articulation properties of two panels connected to each other can be further improved if the inside of the wall of the joint recess of a panel that faces the substrate displays a bevel extending up to the free end of the wall and the wall thickness of this wall becomes increasingly thin towards the free end. In this context, when two panels are laid, the bevel creates space for movement of the common joint. This improvement further reduces the amount of elastic deformation of the walls of the joint recess when bending the laid panels upwards. It is also expedient if the joint recess of a panel for connecting to the joint projection of a second panel can be expanded by resilient deformation of its lower wall and the resilient deformation of the lower wall occurring during connection is eliminated again when connection of the two panels is complete. As a result, the form-fitting profiles are only elastically deformed for the connection operation and during joint movement, not being subjected to any elastic stress when not loaded. The ability also to connect the short narrow ends of two panels in articulated fashion benefits the resilience of a floor covering. The form-fitting profiles preferably form an integral part of the narrow sides of the panels. The panels can be manufactured very easily and with little waste. The laying method is particularly suitable if the panels consist essentially of an MDF (medium-density fiberboard), HDF (high-density fiberboard), or particleboard material. These materials are easy to process and can be given a sufficient surface quality by means of cutting processes, for example. In addition, these materials display good dimensional stability of the milled profiles. The various features of novelty that characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims of this application. | 20040804 | 20060627 | 20050113 | 96916.0 | 1 | CANFIELD, ROBERT | METHOD FOR LAYING AND INTERLOCKING PANELS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,911,347 | ACCEPTED | Spin pressure power tool and apparatus | Apparatus for installing a rivet nut or the like having an intentionally threaded shaft wherein said apparatus includes a hydraulically geared power tool having an inner hydraulic fluid containing a chamber and a screw adapted to engage the threaded shaft of the nut wherein said power tool rotates said screw when actuated. A fluid outlet is coupled to the chamber and is coupled to a gauge controlled power supply, the power supply being fluidly coupled to the power tool whereby the power supply includes torque predetermining means for determining when a predetermined torque is placed on the screw, this stopping rotation thereof and resuming rotation in an opposite direction to withdraw the screw from the nut. | 1. Apparatus for installing a rivet nut or the like having an internally threaded shaft wherein said apparatus includes a hydraulically geared power tool having an inner hydraulic fluid containing chamber and a screw adapted to engage the threaded shaft of the nut wherein said power tool rotates said screw in a first direction when actuated, the improvement which comprises: a) a fluid outlet coupled to said chamber coupled to a gauge controlled power supply, said power supply being fluidly coupled to said power tool whereby said power supply includes torque predetermining means for determining when a predetermined torque is placed on said screw, then stopping rotation thereof and resuming rotation in an opposite direction to withdraw the screw from said nut. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said torque predetermining means includes a piston mounted internally of said power tool movable between a forward position adapted to rotate said screw in a first direction and to a rearward position adapted to rotate said piston in a direction opposite to said first direction. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nut has a flange and said power tool has a nose piece at its forward end through which said screw extends, said torque predetermining means being actuated when said nose piece is in engagement with said flange and said predetermined torque is reached. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the power tool is activated by a hydraulic motor that stalls when said predetermined torque is reached. 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power supply includes air regulator means regulating the amount of air delivered to said tool to activate the same. 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power tool includes a rocker trigger, said trigger, when activated in a first position, rotates said screw in said first direction, and, when activated in a second position, rotates said shaft in a direction opposite to said first direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power supply includes a hydraulic chamber for delivering hydraulic fluid to said power tool. 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said power supply includes a power booster coupled to said hydraulic chamber for selectively admitting hydraulic fluid therein and withdrawing hydraulic fluid therefrom. 9. The apparatus of claim 1 including a trigger valve coupled to said motor activated when said motor reaches said predetermined torque. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to power tool apparatus; and, more particularly, to a hydraulically actuated power tool and related apparatus used to install a rivet nut in a panel or the like. 2. Related Art Power tools have been used for years to install rivet nuts in panel assemblies. The Aro Corporation of City of Industry, California manufactures and sells power installation tools for installing threaded inserts, such as rivet nuts, in panels or the like. Convention power tools rotate to install such nuts but break off the shafts of such nuts during installation. Other such tools require measurement of the shaft of the nut during installation, then adjustment of the power tool. There is a need for apparatus to install rivet nuts wherein, when a predetermined torque is reached during installation, the rotating tip of the power tool stops, then reverses rotation to unscrew the tip from the nut. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide spin pressure power tool apparatus for installing rivet nuts. It is a further object of this invention to provide such apparatus wherein a predetermined pressure can be set and the tip of the tool stops when such pressure is reached. These and other objects are preferably accomplished by providing apparatus for installing a rivet nut or the like having a threaded shaft. The apparatus includes a hydraulic geared power tool having an inner hydraulic fluid containing chamber and a screw adapted to engage the threaded shaft of the nut wherein the power tool rotates the screw when actuated. A fluid outlet is coupled to the chamber and coupled to a gauge controlled power supply, the power supply being fluidly coupled to the power tool whereby the power supply determines when a predetermined torque is placed on the screw. Rotation of the screw is stopped, then thereof and resumes rotation in an opposite direction to withdraw the screw from the nut. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the installation tool of the total assembly; FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the spin pressure power tool apparatus of the invention; FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2 showing the interior of the power pack assembly with the top plate removed for convenience of illustration; FIGS. 4 through 9 are detailed view of portions of the apparatus; FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a modification of the apparatus of FIG. 3 showing the modification in a cutaway view; FIGS. 11 and 12 are views showing a portion of the tool of FIG. 1 used to install a conventional rivet nut, shown partly in cross-section, using the apparatus of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawing, a power tool 10 is shown which forms part of the apparatus of the invention. Tool 10 includes a handle portion encompassed by housing 111 which internally includes components manufactured and sold by Aro Corp., of Bryan, Ohio. Tool 10 is adapted from the air motor operated tools made by Aro Corp. Two such tools are Aro Model No. 8519 (pistol grip shown in FIG. 1) and Aro Model no. 7359E1 (lever style to be discussed further hereinbelow). Thus, housing 11, except as herein discussed, internally houses components made by Aro Corp. to pneumatically rotate head cap screw 12 of tool 10. Such internal equipment in housing 11 includes the head section, motor section, and gearing section of tool 10 and forms no part of the invention other than as modified herein and in the environment set forth. Thus, again referring to FIG. 1, a threaded hole 13 is tapped into the interior of housing 11 providing fluid communication with hydraulic fluid chamber 11′, a conventional part of Aro housing 11, and shown in dotted lines. A conventional pneumatic fitting 15 is threaded into hole 15 coupled to a trigger signal line 16 which, as will be discussed, is coupled to fitting 100 (FIG. 2). Housing 11 also includes a conventional pneumatic fitting 17, FIG. 1, communicating with the interior of housing 11, coupled to hydraulic tubing 18 which, as will be discussed, is coupled to fitting 98 (FIG. 2). Housing 11 also includes a conventional exhaust stem 19 (FIG. 1) coupled to exhaust tubing 20. Both fitting 17 and stem 19 are mounted in apertures 21, 22, respectively, in a mounting plate 23 and retained thereto by a retaining ring 24. Tool 10 is trigger operated by a rocker trigger 25 internally coupled to the valve stems (not shown) operatively coupled to the internal motor (not shown) of tool 10 within housing 11. If desired, the internal mechanism of housing 11 may be lever operated as provided in Aro Corp.'s lever-style power installation tool Model No. 7359E1. Rocker trigger 25 may rotate the cap screw 12 in a forward or clockwise direction when in one position, as the “up” position, and rotate cap screw 12 in the reverse or counterclockwise direction when in the other or “down” position, as will be discussed. Cylindrical housing 26 is mounted to rear housing 11 and includes an internal chamber 27. A piston 28 is reciprocally mounted within chamber 27. A spring 29 is disposed between piston 28 and a stop 40 mounted in chamber 27. A washer 30 is mounted within chamber 27 between stop 40 and shoulder 31. Washer 30 is stopped in its rearward direction by abutment with a shoulder 31. A shaft 32 extends through the middle of piston 28 rearwardly through a washer 33 retained to shaft 32 by a roll pin 34 then rearwardly to a hex portion 35 mounted in extension 36 having a reduced neck portion 37 rotatably mounted in the rotatable portion 38 of thrust bearing assembly 39. A stop 40 is provided in chamber 27 abutting at its forward end against a shoulder 41 on the inner wall of chamber 27 and at its rear abutting against an adapter 42 at the terminal end of housing 26 retained therein by groove pins 43, 44. A spring 93 is encircles shaft 32 abutting at one end against washer 33 and at the other end against hex portion 35. Piston 28 has a cavity 45 with a spring 46 mounted in cavity 45 surrounding shaft 32 and abutting at its rear end against shoulder 31. An outer tube 47 is mounted to mounting plate 23 by means of an apertured guide 48 extending into an opening 49 in plate 23 receiving tube 47 thereon. A groove pin 50 retains tube 47 to guide 48 angled portion 52 having a conventional quick release hydraulic fitting 53 at the terminal end thereof coupled to fitting 96 (FIG. 2). Tubes 47 and 51, extending through outer tube 47, are coupled (FIG. 1) to housing 26 by means of an elbow 54 having a spring biased portion 55 mounted inside of the upper end of tube 47 receiving tube 51 therethrough. tube 51 has an elbow 54 is threaably mounted at its upper end 56 in a threaded opening 57 in housing 26. Tube 51 has an angled upper portion 58 coupled thereto mounted in end 56 opening into communication with a fluid inlet 59 communicating with the interior of chamber 27. A conventional O-ring 60 surrounds piston 28 mounted in an annular groove 61 therein. Piston 28 has a forward reduced neck portion 63 extending to and through a forward housing 64 detachably mounted to housing 26 as will be discussed. A pair of grooves 65, 66 are provided in the inner wall 67 of housing 26 surrounding piston portion 63. A conventional O-ring 68 is mounted in groove 65 and a conventional backing ring 69 is mounted in groove 66, both encircling piston neck portion 63. A set screw 68′ having a slotted head 69′ is mounted in a stepped opening 70 in housing 26. A conventional O-ring 71 surrounds the reduced neck portion 72 of screw 68′. A quick release sleeve 73 encircles a reduced diameter end 74 of housing 26 retained thereto by groove pin 75. A ball bearing assembly 76 is provided in groove 77, the ball thereof engaging the interior of sleeve 23. An O-ring 91 is provided between sleeve 73 and shoulder 92 of housing 26. Housing 64 tapers forwardly to terminal end 77′. Shaft 32 abuts against a shaft portion 78 extending into a hex-shaped nut 79 terminating in a hex head 80. A roll pin 81 retains shaft portion 78 to nut 79. Nut 79 is disposed in a cavity 82 formed in a cover 83. A cap screw 12 extends through opening 85 in cover 83 with washer 86 surrounding the same. A hex-shaped end 87 closes off the forward end of housing 64, head cap screw 12 extending therethrough. An insert 88 is disposed between hex nose piece 87 and screw 12 encircling screw 12. Set screw 89 extends through a hole 90 in end 77′ of housing 64 securing nose piece 87 thereto. Referring now to FIG. 2, the tool 10 is coupled to a power pack 94. Fitting 53 (FIG. 1) is coupled, via tubing 95 to a quick connect fitting 96 in fluid communication with the interior of power pack 94 as well be discussed. Tubing 20 is coupled to a conventional muffler 20′. Tubing 18 extends to quick connect fitting 98 in fluid communication with the interior of power pack 94. Tubing 16 extends to quick connect fitting 100 in fluid communication with the interior of power pack 94. Suitable control dials 271, 256 to be discussed, are provided on the exterior of housing 106 of power pack 94. Also, a pair of hooks 293, 294 may also be provided connected to housing 106 of power pack 94. The interior of power pack 94 is shown in FIG. 3. Power pack 94 includes a rear cover 201 and a front cover 202 with interconnecting side plates 203, 204. A pair of spaced internal partition walls 205, 206 are spaced from side walls 203, 204 respectively. Partition walls 205, 206 abut against and are supported at top and bottom by spaced hinges 207, 208, respectively, curving upwardly at the sides of partition walls 205, 206, as seen in FIG. 3. Hinges 207, 208 are bolted to cover 202 by suitable screws 209 and nuts 210. Bushings 211, 212 interconnect partition wall 205 to side wall 203 whereas bushings 213, 214 interconnect partition wall 206 to side wall 204. Screws 215 secure the bushings to their respective side walls. Bushing 211 extends through a hook spacer 216 with nut 217 on bushing 211 securing the spacer 216 in position. A like hook spacer 218 on the opposite side is secured in position by bushing 213 with nut 219 on bushing 213 holding spacer 218 in position. A pair of chest handles 220 are pivotally mounted on each side wall 203, 204 to hinges 221 fixed to their respective side walls by screws 222. Handles 220 pivot outwardly to enable one to carry power pack 94. Lower bushings 223, 224 are provided between side walls 203, 204 respectively and their respective partition walls secured in place by threaded inserts 225. A support member 226 extends along the pack 94 between walls 203, 204 spaced from front wall 202 and secured to side walls 203, 204, at each end respectively by screws 227. It is to be understood that power pack 94 in FIG. 3 may be normally closed by a top plate (not shown) extending between rear cover 201, front cover 202, and side walls 203, 204. A back wall 228 closes off the back of power pack 94. A conventional power booster 229 is mounted internally of power pack 94 connected to partition wall 205 by suitable nuts and bolts 200. A conventional four-way valve 230 is also mounted internally of power pack 94 with a hollow tube 231 fluidly communicating at one end with valve 230 and at the other end with the space between partition wall 205 and side wall 203. A male connector fitting 232 fluidly connects valve 230 to a pipe union 233 which is in turn fluidly connected to air filter, regulator and water separator apparatus 234. A nipple 235 is fluidly connected to apparatus 234 fluidly coupled to elbow 236 which is fluidly coupled to ferrule 239 (FIG. 4) coupled to the hose barb 237 via air house 238. Hose barb 237 extends from regulator 240 and a nipple 241 fluidly couples regulator 240 to an elbow 242 fluidly coupled to a nipple 243. Nipple 243 is in turn fluidly coupled to a cross fitting 244 (see also FIG. 5) with bushing 245 (FIG. 4) disposed between fitting 244 and elbow 242. Cross fitting 244 (FIG. 5) has a nipple 247 extending from one fluid outlet coupled to reducer adapter 246. A swivel elbow 248 is fluidly coupled to another outlet of fitting 233 having tubing 249 fluidly coupled thereto. A third fluid outlet has nipple 250 fluidly coupled to a tee 251 having one outlet coupled to elbow 252 with tubing 253 in fluid communication therewith. A second outlet of tee 251 is fluidly coupled to a safety valve 254. As seen in FIG. 6, cross fitting 244 is coupled to an elbow 255 of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 238′. The apparatus 234 (FIG. 3) includes a liquid filled gauge 256 fluidly coupled thereto. Gauge 256 is coupled to power booster 229 (FIG. 7) by an hydraulic tubing 257 extending at one end through a connector 258 to gauge 256 and at the other end to a tee 259 having one outlet 260 coupled to power booster 229 and the other outlet 261 coupled to an hydraulic tube 262. The apparatus 234 includes a trigger valve 263 (FIG. 7) coupled to a manifold 264. Tubing 265 (see also FIG. 8) is fluidly coupled to a connector 266 in fluid engagement with manifold 264. A second tubing 267 is fluidly coupled to connector 258 (FIG. 7) fluidly coupled to manifold 264. A swivel elbow 269 (FIG. 8) is fluidly coupled via tubing 270 to connector 266. A gauge 271 (FIG. 9) is coupled to apparatus 234 via a connector 272 fluidly connected at one end to apparatus 234 and at its other end coupled to tubing 273 extending to a connector 274 fluidly coupled to air gauge 271. Air hose tubing 238 (FIG. 4) extends from regulator 240 through an opening 275 in cover 202 to a quick connect/disconnect hose nipple 276 (FIG. 3). A muffler 277 is coupled to an elbow 278 having a nipple 279 fluidly coupled to apparatus 234. A keeper 280 is secured to back cover 228 by suitable screw and nut assemblies 281, 282. A latch knob 283 extends from keeper 280 accessible from the exterior of front cover 202. Rotation of knob 283, coupled to front cover 202 via nut 285, releases button 284 allowing removal of cover 202. Tubing 262 is coupled via swivel elbow 286 to a manifold 287. A like swivel elbow 289 couples tubing 267 to manifold 287. Elbow 288, coupled to tubing, is in fluid communication with a quick connect/disconnect pneumatic coupler 98 extending out of the front cover 202 of pack 94. Elbow 289 is in fluid communication with a quick connect/disconnect pneumatic nipple fitting 100 extending out of the front cover 202 of pack 94. Connection 286 is in fluid communication with a quick connect/disconnect hydraulic fitting nipple 96 extending out of the front cover 202 of pack 94. Although a pair of carrying handles 220, 221 have been disclosed, as seen in FIG. 10, a pair of hooks 293, 294 may be provided for hanging power pack 200 on a supporting structure. Thus, each hook 293, 294 is pivotally connected via hex screw 295 and hex nut 296 between their respective outer side wall and an internal L-shaped flange 297 so that each hook 293, 294 may be pivoted to the position shown in FIG. 10 for hooking the pack 94 on a supporting structure, then pivot the same back into pack 94 as seen in the dotted line position 294′. It is to be understood that air hose connector 276 (FIG. 3) is adapted to be coupled to a suitable source of air (not shown). In operation, as seen in FIG. 11, the air motor (not shown) in tool 10 thus stalls or stops turning when flange 184 hits nose piece 87. The trigger signal line 16 detects the stall of the air motor due to an increase in air pressure. That is, the air pressure goes up due to the trigger valve 263 (FIG. 3) coupled to fitting 100 via line 267 (and, thus, to trigger line 16). A signal is sent from trigger valve 263 (FIG. 8) via line 270 to main four-way valve 230. Main valve 230 turns on and sends air to the air cylinder (not shown) via line 231. This moves the piston (not shown) inside of power booster 229 forwardly, the rod of the piston moving to the left in FIG. 3 or forwardly thus raising the pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 264 which raises the pressure in cylinder 264. At the same time, hydraulic fluid from reservoir 238′ to hydraulic cylinder 264 and raises the pressure. The fluid flows out through fitting 96 via line 95 to fitting 53 to tool 10. This moves the piston 28 in tool 10 rearwardly (backward) in FIG. 1 which pulls the fastener 181 (FIG. 11) backwards collapsing the same as seen in FIG. 12. This of course all occurs when trigger 25 is pressed in the “up” position. Trigger 25 is now pressed in the “down” position which threads cap screw 12 out of threaded engagement with fastener 181 shutting off the main valve 230. This causes the piston inside of power booster 229 to move backwardly or the right in FIG. 3 to its original position. This release the hydraulic pressure inside of cylinder 264 and the hydraulic fluid returns to reservoir 238′. This causes the return springs 29, 93 inside of tool 10 to push the piston 28 forwardly or to the left in FIG. 1 when the pressure is released. When the trigger 25 is pushed at bottom, this creates a gap between flange 184 and the nose piece 87 reversing the screw 12 so it unthreads from fastener 181 (FIG. 11). The operation of the air motor (not shown) in the tool 10 is conventional and the air supply via line 18 activated when the trigger 25 is pressed runs the air motor in forward and reverse directions as is well known in the pneumatic tool art. In operation, regulator gauge assembly 240 (FIG. 3) is preset to the predetermined hydraulic pressure to be placed on the head cap screw 12 of the tool 10 of FIG. 1 when installing a nut, such as the rivet nut 181 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. That is, nut 181 is inserted into a hole 182 in a panel 183, the enlarged head 184 thereof abutting against the outer surface 185 of panel 183. Screw 12 is disposed in threading engagement with the inner threaded shank 186 of nut 181. A predetermined torque on screw 12, when installing nut 181, will tell the operator that the nut 181 is properly installed as shown in FIG. 12. That is, the exterior surface 187 bulges up when a predetermined torque is reached when flange 184 hits nose piece 87 forming bulge 188 which deforms up against the panel 183 thus locking nut 181 to panel 183. This torque is preset using regulator gauge 240. Trigger 25 is thus pressed in the up position actuating the hydraulical gearing mechanism of pistol 10 thereby rotating screw 12. Screw 12 will spin clockwise within nut 181 until it seizes up and the fluid pressure changes internally within pistol 10. The nut shank 186 bulges up against the panel 183 to hold the rivet nut 181 to panel 183. Trigger 25 is now pressed, in the down position, to rotate in a counterclockwise direction to remove the same from nut 181 (see FIG. 12). Although a particular embodiment of the invention is disclosed, variations thereof may occur to an artisan and the scope of the invention should only be limited by the scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to power tool apparatus; and, more particularly, to a hydraulically actuated power tool and related apparatus used to install a rivet nut in a panel or the like. 2. Related Art Power tools have been used for years to install rivet nuts in panel assemblies. The Aro Corporation of City of Industry, California manufactures and sells power installation tools for installing threaded inserts, such as rivet nuts, in panels or the like. Convention power tools rotate to install such nuts but break off the shafts of such nuts during installation. Other such tools require measurement of the shaft of the nut during installation, then adjustment of the power tool. There is a need for apparatus to install rivet nuts wherein, when a predetermined torque is reached during installation, the rotating tip of the power tool stops, then reverses rotation to unscrew the tip from the nut. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is an object of this invention to provide spin pressure power tool apparatus for installing rivet nuts. It is a further object of this invention to provide such apparatus wherein a predetermined pressure can be set and the tip of the tool stops when such pressure is reached. These and other objects are preferably accomplished by providing apparatus for installing a rivet nut or the like having a threaded shaft. The apparatus includes a hydraulic geared power tool having an inner hydraulic fluid containing chamber and a screw adapted to engage the threaded shaft of the nut wherein the power tool rotates the screw when actuated. A fluid outlet is coupled to the chamber and coupled to a gauge controlled power supply, the power supply being fluidly coupled to the power tool whereby the power supply determines when a predetermined torque is placed on the screw. Rotation of the screw is stopped, then thereof and resumes rotation in an opposite direction to withdraw the screw from the nut. | 20040803 | 20061212 | 20060209 | 66566.0 | B23P1100 | 0 | COZART, JERMIE E | SPIN PRESSURE POWER TOOL | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | B23P | 2,004 |
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10,911,391 | ACCEPTED | Dual-mode pulse oximeter | A pulse oximeter has an integrated mode in which it operates as a plug-in module for a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS). The pulse oximeter also has a portable mode in which operates separately from the MPMS as a battery-powered handheld or standalone instrument. The pulse oximeter has a sensor port that receives a photo-plethysmographic signal as input to an internal processor. The pulse oximeter processes this sensor signal to derive oxygen saturation and pulse rate measurements. In the portable mode, this information is provided on its display, and stored in memory for trend capability. In the integrated mode, the pulse oximeter provides oxygen saturation and pulse rate measurements to the MPMS through a docking station to be displayed on a MPMS monitor. In the integrated mode, the portable pulse oximeter docks to the docking station, which in turn is inserted in one or more MPMS slots. The docking station can function as a simple electrical pass-through device between the docked portable pulse oximeter and the MPMS or it can provide a MPMS communications interface. | 1. A physiological measurement apparatus comprising: a sensor responsive to a physiological state; a measurement processor means for calculating a physiological parameter based upon said physiological state; a display means for presenting said physiological parameter to a person; a packaging means for housing said measurement processor and said display and for providing a connection between said sensor and said measurement processor means; an interface means for electrically connecting said packaging means to a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS) in an integrated mode and for disconnecting said packaging means from said MPMS in a portable mode; and a docking station means for plugging into a slot portion of said MPMS, said packaging means configured to attach to said docking station in said integrated mode. 2. A physiological measurement system comprising: a monitor capable of accepting one or more signals from a light sensitive detector capable of detecting light attenuated by body tissue of a patient, the monitor also being capable of determining one or more physiological parameters of the patient based on the one or more signals from the light sensitive detector; and a docking station capable of communicating with the monitor and with a multiparameter measurement device (MPMS), wherein the docking station generates one or more output signals interpretable by the MPMS. 3. The physiological measurement system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more output signals comprises a signal indicative of a blood pressure of the patient. 4. The physiological measurement system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more output signals comprises a signal indicative of at least one of an EEG, ECG, and EtCO2 of the patient. 5. The physiological measurement system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more output signals comprises a signal indicative of respiratory information of the patient. 6. The physiological measurement system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more output signals comprises a signal indicative of a blood oxygen saturation of the patient. 7. The physiological measurement system of claim 6, wherein the signal indicative of the blood oxygen saturation comprises a signal capable of being interpreted as a signal expected by the MPMS when the MPMS is communicating with its expected devices. 8. The physiological measurement system of claim 6, wherein the signal indicative of the blood oxygen saturation comprises a simulation of a signal expected by the MPMS. 9. The physiological measurement system of claim 2, wherein the monitor comprises a portable monitor. 10. The physiological measurement system of claim 9, wherein the monitor is capable of operating in a first mode in conjunction with the MPMS and in a second mode separately from the MPMS. 11. The physiological measurement system of claim 10, wherein the monitor is further capable of operating in a third mode separate from the MPMS and the docking station. 12. The physiological measurement system of claim 10, further comprising: a physiological measurement processor providing a physiological measurement output; and a display indicating at least one of the one or more physiological parameters of the patient according to said physiological measurement output. 13. A pulse oximetry system comprising: portable means for determining an oxygen saturation from a light sensitive detector capable of detecting light attenuated by body tissue; and docking means for electrically communicating with said portable means and outputting signals to a monitoring device indicative of signals expected by said monitoring device but different from signals output by said portable means. 14. The pulse oximetry system of claim 13, wherein the portable means further comprises means for displaying information indicative of said oxygen saturation. | REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/641,542, entitled “Dual-Mode Pulse Oximeter,” filed Aug. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,028, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/491,175 entitled “Universal/Upgrading Pulse Oximeter,” filed Jan. 25, 2000, now abandoned, which claims a priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/161,565, filed Oct. 26, 1999, now abandoned, entitled “Improved Universal/Upgrading Pulse Oximeter,” and 60/117,097, filed Jan. 25, 1999, now abandoned, entitled “Universal/Upgrading Pulse Oximeter.” The present application incorporates the foregoing disclosures herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Oximetry is the measurement of the oxygen level status of blood. Early detection of low blood oxygen level is critical in the medical field, for example in critical care and surgical applications, because an insufficient supply of oxygen can result in brain damage and death in a matter of minutes. Pulse oximetry is a widely accepted noninvasive procedure for measuring the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood, an indicator of oxygen supply. A pulse oximetry system generally consists of a sensor applied to a patient, a pulse oximeter, and a patient cable connecting the sensor and the pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter may be a standalone device or may be incorporated as a module or built-in portion of a multiparameter patient monitoring system, which also provides measurements such as blood pressure, respiratory rate and EKG. A pulse oximeter typically provides a numerical readout of the patient's oxygen saturation, a numerical readout of pulse rate, and an audible indicator or “beep” that occurs in response to each pulse. In addition, the pulse oximeter may display the patient's plethysmograph, which provides a visual display of the patient's pulse contour and pulse rate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art pulse oximeter 100 and associated sensor 110. Conventionally, a pulse oximetry sensor 110 has LED emitters 112, typically one at a red wavelength and one at an infrared wavelength, and a photodiode detector 114. The sensor 110 is typically attached to an adult patient's finger or an infant patient's foot. For a finger, the sensor 110 is configured so that the emitters 112 project light through the fingernail and through the blood vessels and capillaries underneath. The LED emitters 112 are activated by drive signals 122 from the pulse oximeter 100. The detector 114 is positioned at the fingertip opposite the fingernail so as to detect the LED emitted light as it emerges from the finger tissues. The photodiode generated signal 124 is relayed by a cable to the pulse oximeter 100. The pulse oximeter 100 determines oxygen saturation (SpO2) by computing the differential absorption by arterial blood of the two wavelengths emitted by the sensor 110. The pulse oximeter 100 contains a sensor interface 120, an SpO2 processor 130, an instrument manager 140, a display 150, an audible indicator (tone generator) 160 and a keypad 170. The sensor interface 120 provides LED drive current 122 which alternately activates the sensor red and IR LED emitters 112. The sensor interface 120 also has input circuitry for amplification and filtering of the signal 124 generated by the photodiode detector 114, which corresponds to the red and infrared light energy attenuated from transmission through the patient tissue site. The SpO2 processor 130 calculates a ratio of detected red and infrared intensities, and an arterial oxygen saturation value is empirically determined based on that ratio. The instrument manager 140 provides hardware and software interfaces for managing the display 150, audible indicator 160 and keypad 170. The display 150 shows the computed oxygen status, as described above. The audible indicator 160 provides the pulse beep as well as alarms indicating desaturation events. The keypad 170 provides a user interface for such things as alarm thresholds, alarm enablement, and display options. Computation of SpO2 relies on the differential light absorption of oxygenated hemoglobin, HbO2, and deoxygenated hemoglobin, Hb, to determine their respective concentrations in the arterial blood. Specifically, pulse oximetry measurements are made at red and IR wavelengths chosen such that deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more red light than oxygenated hemoglobin, and, conversely, oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light than deoxygenated hemoglobin, for example 660 nm (red) and 905 nm (IR). To distinguish between tissue absorption at the two wavelengths, the red and IR emitters 112 are provided drive current 122 so that only one is emitting light at a given time. For example, the emitters 112 may be cycled on and off alternately, in sequence, with each only active for a quarter cycle and with a quarter cycle separating the active times. This allows for separation of red and infrared signals and removal of ambient light levels by downstream signal processing. Because only a single detector 114 is used, it responds to both the red and infrared emitted light and generates a time-division-multiplexed (“modulated”) output signal 124. This modulated signal 124 is coupled to the input of the sensor interface 120. In addition to the differential absorption of hemoglobin derivatives, pulse oximetry relies on the pulsatile nature of arterial blood to differentiate hemoglobin absorption from absorption of other constituents in the surrounding tissues. Light absorption between systole and diastole varies due to the blood volume change from the inflow and outflow of arterial blood at a peripheral tissue site. This tissue site might also comprise skin, muscle, bone, venous blood, fat, pigment, etc., each of which absorbs light. It is generally assumed that the background absorption due to these surrounding tissues is relatively invariant over short time periods and can be easily removed. Thus, blood oxygen saturation measurements are based upon a ratio of the time-varying or AC portion of the detected red and infrared signals with respect to the time-invariant or DC portion: RD/IR=(RedAC/RedDC)/(IRAC/IRDC) The desired SpO2 measurement is then computed from this ratio. The relationship between RD/IR and SpO2 is most accurately determined by statistical regression of experimental measurements obtained from human volunteers and calibrated measurements of oxygen saturation. In a pulse oximeter device, this empirical relationship can be stored as a “calibration curve” in a read-only memory (ROM) look-up table so that SpO2 can be directly read-out of the memory in response to input RD/IR measurements. Pulse oximetry is the standard-of-care in various hospital and emergency treatment environments. Demand has lead to pulse oximeters and sensors produced by a variety of manufacturers. Unfortunately, there is no standard for either performance by, or compatibility between, pulse oximeters or sensors. As a result, sensors made by one manufacturer are unlikely to work with pulse oximeters made by another manufacturer. Further, while conventional pulse oximeters and sensors are incapable of taking measurements on patients with poor peripheral circulation and are partially or fully disabled by motion artifact, advanced pulse oximeters and sensors manufactured by the assignee of the present invention are functional under these conditions. This presents a dilemma to hospitals and other caregivers wishing to upgrade their patient oxygenation monitoring capabilities. They are faced with either replacing all of their conventional pulse oximeters, including multiparameter patient monitoring systems, or working with potentially incompatible sensors and inferior pulse oximeters manufactured by various vendors for the pulse oximetry equipment in use at the installation. Hospitals and other caregivers are also plagued by the difficulty of monitoring patients as they are transported from one setting to another. For example, a patient transported by ambulance to a hospital emergency room will likely be unmonitored during the transition from ambulance to the ER and require the removal and replacement of incompatible sensors in the ER. A similar problem is faced within a hospital as a patient is moved between surgery, ICU and recovery settings. Incompatibility and transport problems are exacerbated by the prevalence of expensive and non-portable multi-parameter patient monitoring systems having pulse oximetry modules as one measurement parameter. One aspect of the present invention is a dual-mode physiological measurement apparatus having a portable mode and an integrated mode. In the integrated mode, the measurement apparatus operates in conjunction with a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS). In the portable mode, the measurement apparatus operates separately from the MPMS. The measurement apparatus has a physiological measurement processor, a display, a MPMS interface and a management processor. The physiological measurement processor has a sensor input and provides a physiological measurement output. In the portable mode, the display indicates a physiological parameter according to the physiological measurement output. In the integrated mode, the MPMS interface provides a communications link between the measurement apparatus and the MPMS. The management processor has as an input the physiological measurement output. The management processor controls the display in the portable mode and communicates the measurement output to the MPMS via the MPMS interface in the integrated mode. In one embodiment, the measurement apparatus described in the previous paragraph further comprises a plug-in module. The plug-in module comprises the measurement processor and the MPMS interface and possibly the display and management processor and is configured to be removably retained by and electrically connected to the MPMS in the integrated mode. The plug-in module may further comprise a patient cable connector providing the sensor input, a keypad accepting user inputs in the portable mode, and a module connector mating with a corresponding MPMS backplane connector in the integrated mode. In another embodiment, the measurement apparatus further comprises a docking station and a portable portion. The docking station has a docking portion, a plug-in portion and the MPMS interface. The plug-in portion is configured to be removably retained by and electrically connected to the MPMS. The portable portion comprises the measurement processor, the display and the management processor. In the integrated mode, the portable portion is configured to be removably retained by and electrically connected to the docking portion. In the portable mode, the portable portion is separated from the docking station and operated as a standalone patient monitoring apparatus. The portable portion may further comprise a patient cable connector providing the sensor input, a keypad accepting user inputs in the portable mode, and a portable connector mating with a corresponding docking station connector in the integrated mode. Another aspect of the present invention is a patient monitoring method utilizing a standalone measurement apparatus and a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS) comprising the steps of performing a first physiological measurement with the standalone apparatus physically and electrically isolated from the MPMS and presenting information related to the first measurement on a display portion of the standalone apparatus. Further steps include performing a second physiological measurement with the standalone apparatus interfaced to the MPMS, communicating the second physiological measurement to the MPMS, and presenting information related to the second measurement on a monitor portion of the MPMS. One embodiment of the patient monitoring method described in the previous paragraph further comprises the step of plugging the measurement apparatus into a module slot portion of the MPMS so that the measurement apparatus is in electrical communications with the MPMS. Another embodiment further comprises the steps of plugging a docking station into a module slot portion of the MPMS so that the docking station is in electrical communications with the MPMS, and attaching the standalone apparatus to the docking station so that the standalone apparatus is in electrical communications with the docking station. Yet another aspect of the present invention is a physiological measurement apparatus comprising a sensor responsive to a physiological state, a measurement processor means for calculating a physiological parameter based upon the physiological state, which presents the physiological parameter to a person, a packaging means for housing the measurement processor and the display and for providing a connection between the sensor and the measurement processor means, and an interface means for electrically connecting the packaging means to a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS) in an integrated mode and for disconnecting the packaging means from the MPMS in a portable mode. In a particular embodiment, the packaging means comprises a module means for plugging into a slot portion of the MPMS. In another particular embodiment, the physiological measurement apparatus further comprises a docking station means for plugging into a slot portion of the MPMS. In the integrated mode, the packaging means is configured to attach to the docking station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art pulse oximeter; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a patient monitoring system incorporating a universal/upgrading pulse oximeter (UPO) according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is top level block diagram of a UPO embodiment; FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the waveform generator portion of the UPO embodiment shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is an illustration of a handheld embodiment of the UPO; FIG. 6 is a top level block diagram of another UPO embodiment incorporating a portable pulse oximeter and a docking station; FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the portable pulse oximeter portion of FIG. 6; FIG. 8A is an illustration of the portable pulse oximeter user interface, including a keyboard and display; FIGS. 8B-C are illustrations of the portable pulse oximeter display showing portrait and landscape modes, respectively; FIG. 9 is a detailed block diagram of the docking station portion of FIG. 6; FIG. 10 is a schematic of the interface cable portion of FIG. 6; FIG. 11A is a front view of an embodiment of a portable pulse oximeter; FIG. 11B is a back view of a portable pulse oximeter; FIG. 12A is a front view of an embodiment of a docking station; FIG. 12B is a back view of a docking station; FIG. 13 is a front view of a portable docked to a docking station; FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a local area network interface for a docking station; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a patient care bed incorporating a docking station; FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a docking station integrated into a patient care bed; FIGS. 17A-B are front and back perspective views of a dual-mode pulse oximeter module according to the present invention; FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the dual-mode pulse oximeter module; FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a docking station module according to the present invention; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the docking station module of FIG. 19 attached to a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS); FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a pass-through docking station module; and FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a docking station module providing an MPMS interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 2 depicts the use of a Universal/Upgrading Pulse Oximeter (“UPO”) 210 to perform patient monitoring. A pulse oximetry sensor 110 is attached to a patient (not illustrated) and provides the UPO 210 with a modulated red and IR photo-plethysmograph signal through a patient cable 220. It should be understood that while a pulse oximeter is illustrated, the present invention has applicability to other physiological parameter such as ECG, blood pressure, respiration, etc. The UPO 210 computes the patient's oxygen saturation and pulse rate from the sensor signal and, optionally, displays the patient's oxygen status. The UPO 210 may incorporate an internal power source 212, such as common alkaline batteries or a rechargeable power source. The UPO 210 may also utilize an external power source 214, such as standard 110V AC coupled with an external step-down transformer and an internal or external AC-to-DC converter. In addition to providing pulse oximetry measurements, the UPO 210 also separately generates a signal, which is received by a pulse oximeter 260 external to the UPO 210. This signal is synthesized from the saturation calculated by the UPO 210 such that the external pulse oximeter 260 calculates the equivalent saturation and pulse rate as computed by the UPO 210. The external pulse oximeter receiving the UPO signal may be a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS) 250 incorporating a pulse oximeter module 260, a standalone pulse oximeter instrument, or any other host instrument capable of measuring SpO2. As shown in FIG. 2, a MPMS 250 typically has a chassis 270, a multiparameter monitor 280, a processor 1894 (FIG. 18) and a power supply 1892 (FIG. 18), which derives power from a standard external AC power source. The monitor 280 typically incorporates a display 282. The chassis 270 typically has various slots 290 each configured to receive a plug-in module 298. A module connector, e.g. the connector 1750 (FIG. 17B) on the dual-mode pulse oximeter module described with respect to FIGS. 17A-B, below, mates and electrically connects with a corresponding backplane connector (not shown) within the chassis 270. A variety of modules having various patient monitoring functions, such as blood pressure, EKG, respiratory gas and pulse oximetry 260 can be plugged into the slots 290 so that the associated patient parameters can be jointly monitored by the MPMS 250 and logged on the multiparameter display 282. Also shown in FIG. 2, the UPO 210 is connected to an existing MPMS 250 with a cable 230, advantageously integrating the UPO oxygen status measurements with other MPMS measurements. This allows the UPO calculations to be shown on a unified display of important patient parameters, networked with other patient data, archived within electronic patient records and incorporated into alarm management, which are all MPMS functions convenient to the caregiver. FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the major functions of the UPO 210, including an internal pulse oximeter 310, a waveform generator 320, a power supply 330 and an optional display 340. Attached to the UPO 210 is a sensor 110 and an external pulse oximeter 260. The internal pulse oximeter 310 provides the sensor 110 with a drive signal 312 that alternately activates the sensor's red and IR LEDs, as is known in the art. A corresponding detector signal 314 is received by the internal pulse oximeter 310. The internal pulse oximeter 310 computes oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and, in some embodiments, other physiological parameters such as pulse occurrence, plethysmograph features and measurement confidence. These parameters 318 are output to the waveform generator 320. A portion of these parameters may also be used to generate display drive signals 316 so that patient status may be read from, for example, an LED or LCD display module 340 on the UPO. The internal pulse oximeter 310 may be a conventional pulse oximeter or, for upgrading an external pulse oximeter 260, it may be an advanced pulse oximeter capable of low perfusion and motion artifact performance not found in conventional pulse oximeters. An advanced pulse oximeter for use as an internal pulse oximeter 310 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,272 assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. An advanced pulse oximetry sensor for use as the sensor 110 attached to the internal pulse oximeter 310 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,818 assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. Further, a line of advanced Masimo SET® pulse oximeter OEM boards and sensors are available from the assignee of the present invention. The waveform generator 320 synthesizes a waveform, such as a triangular waveform having a sawtooth or symmetric triangle shape, that is output as a modulated signal 324 in response to an input drive signal 322. The drive input 322 and modulation output 324 of the waveform generator 320 are connected to the sensor port 262 of the external pulse oximeter 260. The synthesized waveform is generated in a manner such that the external pulse oximeter 260 computes and displays a saturation and a pulse rate value that is equivalent to that measured by the internal pulse oximeter 310 and sensor 110. In the present embodiment, the waveforms for pulse oximetry are chosen to indicate to the external pulse oximeter 260 a perfiusion level of 5%. The external pulse oximeter 260, therefore, always receives a strong signal. In an alternative embodiment, the perfusion level of the waveforms synthesized for the external pulse oximeter can be set to indicate a perfusion level at or close to the perfusion level of the patient being monitored by the internal pulse oximeter 310. As an alternative to the generated waveform, a digital data output 326, is connected to the data port 264 of the external pulse oximeter 260. In this manner, saturation and pulse rate measurements and also samples of the unmodulated, synthesized waveform can be communicated directly to the external pulse oximeter 260 for display, bypassing the external pulse oximeter's signal processing functions. The measured plethysmograph waveform samples output from the internal pulse oximeter 310 also may be communicated through the digital data output 326 to the external pulse oximeter 260. It will be understood from the above discussion that the synthesized waveform is not physiological data from the patient being monitored by the internal pulse oximeter 310, but is a waveform synthesized from predetermined stored waveform data to cause the external pulse oximeter 260 to calculate oxygen saturation and pulse rate equivalent to or generally equivalent (within clinical significance) to that calculated by the internal pulse oximeter 310. The actual physiological waveform from the patient received by the detector is not provided to the external pulse oximeter 260 in the present embodiment. Indeed, the waveform provided to the external pulse oximeter will usually not resemble the plethysmographic waveform of physiological data from the patient being monitored by the internal pulse oximeter 310. The cable 230 (FIG. 2) attached between the waveform generator 320 and external pulse oximeter 260 provides a monitor ID 328 to the UPO, allowing identification of predetermined external pulse oximeter calibration curves. For example, this cable may incorporate an encoding device, such as a resistor, or a memory device, such as a PROM 1010 (FIG. 10) that is read by the waveform generator 320. The encoding device provides a value that uniquely identifies a particular type of external pulse oximeter 260 having known calibration curve, LED drive and modulation signal characteristics. Although the calibration curves of the external pulse oximeter 260 are taken into account, the wavelengths of the actual sensor 110 need not correspond to the particular calibration curve indicated by the monitor ID 328 or otherwise assumed for the external pulse oximeter 260. That is, the wavelength of the sensor 110 attached to the internal pulse oximeter 310 is not relevant or known to the external pulse oximeter 260. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the waveform generator portion 320 of the UPO 210 (FIG. 3). Although this illustration may suggest a hardware implementation, the functions of the waveform generator may be implemented in software or firmware or a combination of hardware, software and firmware. The waveform generator 320 performs waveform synthesis with a waveform look-up table (“LUT”) 410, a waveform shaper 420 and a waveform splitter 430. The waveform LUT 410 is advantageously a memory device, such as a ROM (read only memory) that contains samples of one or more waveform portions or segments containing a single waveform. These stored waveform segments may be as simple as a single period of a triangular waveform, having a sawtooth or symmetric triangle shape, or more complicated, such as a simulated plethysmographic pulse having various physiological features, for example rise time, fall time and dicrotic notch. The waveform shaper 420 creates a continuous repeated waveform from the waveform segments provided by the waveform LUT 410. The waveform shaper 420 has a shape parameter input 422 and an event indicator input 424 that are buffered 470 from the parameters 318 output from the internal pulse oximeter 310 (FIG. 3). The shape parameter input 422 determines a particular waveform segment in the waveform LUT 410. The chosen waveform segment is specified by the first address transmitted to the waveform LUT 410 on the address lines 426. The selected waveform segment is sent to the waveform shaper 420 as a series of samples on the waveform data lines 412. The event indicator input 424 specifies the occurrence of pulses in the plethysmograph waveform processed by the internal pulse oximeter 310 (FIG. 3). For example, the event indicator may be a delta time from the occurrence of a previously detected falling pulse edge or this indicator could be a real time or near real time indicator or flag of the pulse occurrence. The waveform shaper 420 accesses the waveform LUT 410 to create a corresponding delta time between pulses in the synthesized waveform output 428. In one embodiment, the waveform shaper is clocked at a predetermined sample rate. From a known number of samples per stored waveform segment and the input delta time from the event indicator, the waveform shaper 420 determines the number of sequential addresses to skip between samples and accesses the waveform LUT 410 accordingly. This effectively “stretches” or “shrinks” the retrieved waveform segment so as to fit in the time between two consecutive pulses detected by the UPO. The waveform splitter 430 creates a first waveform 432 corresponding to a first waveform (such a red wavelength) expected by the external pulse oximeter 260 (FIG. 3) and a second waveform (such as infrared) 434 expected by the external pulse oximeter 260. The relative amplitudes of the first waveform 432 and second waveform 434 are adjusted to correspond to the ratio output 444 from a calibration curve LUT 440. Thus, for every value of measured oxygen saturation at the sat input 442, the calibration curve LUT 440 provides a corresponding ratio output 444 that results in the first waveform 432 and the second waveform 434 having an amplitude ratio that will be computed by the external pulse oximeter 260 (FIG. 3) as equivalent to the oxygen saturation measured by the internal pulse oximeter 310 (FIG. 3). As described above, one particularly advantageous aspect of the UPO is that the operating wavelengths of the sensor 110 (FIG. 3) are not relevant to the operating wavelengths required by the external pulse oximeter 260 (FIG. 3), i.e. the operating wavelengths that correspond to the calibration curve or curves utilized by the external pulse oximeter. The calibration curve LUT 440 simply permits generation of a synthesized waveform as expected by the external oximeter 260 (FIG. 3) based on the calibration curve used by the external pulse oximeter 260 (FIG. 3). The calibration curve LUT 440 contains data about the known calibration curve of the external pulse oximeter 260 (FIG. 3), as specified by the monitor ID input 328. In other words, the waveform actually synthesized is not a patient plethysmographic waveform. It is merely a stored waveform that will cause the external pulse oximeter to calculate the proper oxygen saturation and pulse rate values. Although this does not provide a patient plethysmograph on the external pulse oximeter for the clinician, the calculated saturation and pulse rate values, which is what is actually sought, will be accurate. A modulator 450 responds to an LED drive input 322 from the external pulse oximeter to generate a modulated waveform output 324 derived from the first waveform 432 and second waveform 434. Also, a data communication interface 460 transmits as a digital data output 326 the data obtained from the sat 442, pulse rate 462 and synthesized waveform 428 inputs. FIG. 5 depicts a handheld UPO 500 embodiment. The handheld UPO 500 has keypad inputs 510, an LCD display 520, an external power supply input 530, an output port 540 for connection to an external pulse oximeter and a sensor input 550 at the top edge (not visible). The display 520 shows the measured oxygen saturation 522, the measured pulse rate 524, a pulsating bar 526 synchronized with pulse rate or pulse events, and a confidence bar 528 indicating confidence in the measured values of saturation and pulse rate. Also shown are low battery 572 and alarm enabled 574 status indicators. The handheld embodiment described in connection with FIG. 5 may also advantageously function in conjunction with a docking station that mechanically accepts, and electrically connects to, the handheld unit. The docking station may be co-located with a patient monitoring system and connected to a corresponding SpO2 module sensor port, external power supply, printer and telemetry device, to name a few options. In this configuration, the handheld UPO may be removed from a first docking station at one location to accompany and continuously monitor a patient during transport to a second location. The handheld UPO can then be conveniently placed into a second docking station upon arrival at the second location, where the UPO measurements are displayed on the patient monitoring system at that location. FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a UPO embodiment, where the functions of the UPO 210 are split between a portable pulse oximeter 610 and a docking station 660. The portable pulse oximeter 610 (“portable”) is a battery operated, fully functional, stand-alone pulse oximeter instrument. The portable 610 connects to a sensor 110 (FIG. 2) through a UPO patient cable 220 (FIG. 2) attached to a patient cable connector 618. The portable 610 provides the sensor 110 with a drive signal 612 that alternately activates the sensor's red and IR LEDs, as is well-known in the art. The portable also receives a corresponding detector signal 614 from the sensor. The portable can also input a sensor ID on the drive signal line 612, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,644 entitled Manual and Automatic Probe Calibration, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The portable 610 can be installed into the docking station 660 to expand its functionality. When installed, the portable 610 can receive power 662 from the docking station 660 if the docking station 660 is connected to external power 668. Alternately, with no external power 668 to the docking station 660, the portable 610 can supply power 662 to the docking station 660. The portable 610 communicates to the docking station with a bi-directional serial data line 664. In particular, the portable 610 provides the docking station with SpO2, pulse rate and related parameters computed from the sensor detector signal 614. When the portable 610 is installed, the docking station 660 may drive a host instrument 260 (FIG. 2) external to the portable 610. Alternatively, the portable 610 and docking station 660 combination may function as a standalone pulse oximeter instrument, as described below with respect to FIG. 13. In one embodiment, the docking station 660 does not perform any action when the portable 610 is not docked. The user interface for the docking station 660, i.e. keypad and display, is on the portable 610 in the present embodiment. An indicator LED on the docking station 660 is lit when the portable is docked. The docking station 660 generates a detector signal output 674 to the host instrument 260 (FIG. 2) in response to LED drive signals 672 from the host instrument and SpO2 values and related parameters, received from the portable 610. The docking station 660 also provides a serial data output 682, a nurse call 684 and an analog output 688. An interface cable 690 connects the docking station 660 to the host instrument. The LED drive signals 672 and detector signal output 674 are communicated between the docking station 660 and the host instrument 260 (FIG. 2) via the interface cable 690. The interface cable 690 provides a sync data output 692 to the docking station 660, communicating sensor, host instrument (e.g. monitor ID 328, FIG. 3) and calibration curve data. Advantageously, this data allows the docking station 660 to provide signals to a particular host instrument on which it can operate. FIG. 7 provides further detail of the portable 610. The portable components has a pulse oximeter processor 710, a management processor 720, a power supply 730, a display 740 and a keypad 750. The pulse oximeter processor 710 functions as an internal pulse oximeter, interfacing the portable to a sensor 110 (FIG. 2) and deriving SpO2, pulse rate, a plethysmograph and a pulse indicator. An advanced pulse oximeter for use as the pulse oximeter processor 710 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,272, referenced above. An advanced pulse oximetry sensor for use as the sensor 110 (FIG. 2) attached to the pulse oximeter processor 710 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,818, also referenced above. Further, a line of advanced Masimo SET® pulse oximeter OEM boards and sensors are available from the assignee of the present invention. In one embodiment, the pulse oximeter processor 710 is the Masimo SET® MS-3L board or a low power MS-5 board available from Masimo Corporation. The management processor 720 controls the various functions of the portable 610, including asynchronous serial data communications 724 with the pulse oximeter processor 710 and synchronous serial communications 762 with the docking station 660 (FIG. 6). The physical and electrical connection to the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) is via a docking station connector 763 and the docking station interface 760, respectively. The processor 720 utilizes a real-time clock 702 to keep the current date and time, which includes time and date information that is stored along with Sp O2 parameters to create trend data. In one embodiment, the processor of the portable 610 and the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) can be from the same family of processors to share common routines and minimize code development time. The processor 720 also controls the user interface 800 (FIG. 8A) by transferring display data 742 to the display 740, including display updates and visual alarms, and by interpreting keystroke data 752 from the keypad 750. The processor 720 generates various alarm signals, when required, via an enable signal 728, which controls a speaker driver 770. The speaker driver 770 actuates a speaker 772, which provides audible indications such as, for example, alarms and pulse beeps. The processor 720 also monitors system status, which includes battery status 736, indicating battery levels, and docked status 764, indicating whether the portable 610 is connected to the docking station 660 (FIG. 6). When the portable 610 is docked and is on, the processor 720 also decides when to turn on or off docking station power 732. Advantageously, the caregiver can set (i.e. configure or program) the behavior of the portable display 740 and alarms when the docked portable 610 senses that an interface cable 690 has connected the docking station 660 to an external pulse oximeter, such as a multiparameter patient monitoring system. In one user setting, for example, the portable display 740 stops showing the SpO2 811 (FIG. 8) and pulse rate 813 (FIG. 8) values when connected to an external pulse oximeter to avoid confusing the caregiver, who can read equivalent values on the patient monitoring system. The display 740, however, continues to show the plethysmograph 815 (FIG. 8) and visual pulse indicator 817 (FIG. 8) waveforms. For one such user setting, the portable alarms remain active. Another task of the processor 720 includes maintenance of a watchdog function. The watchdog 780 monitors processor status on the watchdog data input 782 and asserts the :P reset output 784 if a fault is detected. This resets the management processor 720, and the fault is indicated with audible and visual alarms. The portable 610 gets its power from batteries in the power supply 730 or from power 766 supplied from the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) via the docking station interface 760. A power manager 790 monitors the on/off switch on the keypad 750 and turns-on the portable power accordingly. The power manager 790 turns off the portable on command by the processor 720. DC/DC converters within the power supply 730 generate the required voltages 738 for operation of the portable 610 and docking station power 732. The portable batteries are preferably rechargeable batteries or another renewable power source. The batteries of the power supply 730 supply docking station power 732 when the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) is without external power. A battery charger within the docking station power supply provides charging current 768 to rechargeable batteries within the power supply 730. The docking station power supply 990 (FIG. 9) monitors temperature 734 from a thermistor in the rechargeable battery pack, providing an indication of battery charge status. A non-volatile memory 706 is connected to the management processor 720 via a high-speed bus 722. In the present embodiment, the memory 706 is an erasable and field re-programmable device used to store boot data, manufacturing serial numbers, diagnostic failure history, adult SpO2 and pulse rate alarm limits, neonate SpO2 and pulse rate alarm limits, SpO2 and pulse rate trend data, and program data. Other types of non-volatile memory are well known. The SpO2 and pulse rate alarm limits, as well as SpO2 related algorithm parameters, may be automatically selected based on the type of sensor 110 (FIG. 2), adult or neonate, connected to the portable 610. The LCD display 740 employs LEDs for a backlight to increase its contrast ratio and viewing distance when in a dark environment. The intensity of the backlight is determined by the power source for the portable 610. When the portable 610 is powered by either a battery pack within its power supply 730 or a battery pack in the docking station power supply 990 (FIG. 9), the backlight intensity is at a minimum level. When the portable 610 is powered by external power 668 (FIG. 6), the backlight is at a higher intensity to increase viewing distance and angle. In one embodiment, a button on the portable permits overriding these intensity settings, and provides adjustment of the intensity. The backlight is controlled in two ways. Whenever any key is pressed, the backlight is illuminated for a fixed number of seconds and then turns off, except when the portable is docked and derives power from an external source. In that case, the backlight is normally on unless deactivated with a key on the portable 610. FIG. 8A illustrates the portable user interface 800, which includes a display 740 and a keypad 750. In one embodiment, the display 740 is an LCD device having 160 pixels by 480 pixels. The display 740 can be shown in portrait mode, illustrated in FIG. 8B, or in landscape mode, illustrated in FIG. 8C. A tilt (orientation) sensor 950 (FIG. 9) in the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) or a display mode key on the portable 610 (FIG. 6) determines portrait or landscape mode. The tilt sensor 950 (FIG. 9) can be a gravity-activated switch or other device responsive to orientation and can be alternatively located in the portable 610 (FIG. 6). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor 950 (FIG. 9) is a non-mercury tilt switch, part number CW 1300-1, available from Comus International, Nutley, N.J. (www.comus-intl.com). The tilt sensor 950 (FIG. 9) could also be a mercury tilt switch. Examples of how the display area can be used to display SpO2 811, pulse rate 813, a plethysmographic waveform 815, a visual pulse indicator 817 and soft key icons 820 in portrait and landscape mode are shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, respectively. The software program of the management processor 720 (FIG. 7) can be easily changed to modify the category, layout and size of the display information shown in FIGS. 8B-C. Other advantageous information for display is SpO2 limits, alarm limits, alarm disabled, exception messages and battery status. The keypad 750 includes soft keys 870 and fixed keys 880. The fixed keys 880 each have a fixed function. The soft keys 870 each have a function that is programmable and indicated by one of the soft key icons 820 located next to the soft keys 870. That is, a particular one of the soft key icons 820 is in proximity to a particular one of the soft keys 870 and has a text or a shape that suggests the function of that particular one of the soft keys 870. In one embodiment, the button portion of each key of the keypad 750 is constructed of florescent material so that the keys 870, 880 are visible in the dark. In one embodiment, the keypad 750 has one row of four soft keys 870 and one row of three fixed keys 880. Other configurations are, of course, available, and specific arrangement is not significant. In one embodiment, the functions of the three fixed keys 880 are power, alarm silence and light/contrast. The power function is an on/off toggle button. The alarm silence function and the light/contrast function have dual purposes depending on the duration of the key press. A momentary press of the key corresponding to the alarm silence function will disable the audible alarm for a fixed period of time. To disable the audible alarm indefinitely, the key corresponding to the alarm silence function is held down for a specified length of time. If the key corresponding to the alarm silence function is pressed while the audible alarm has been silenced, the audible alarm is reactivated. If the key corresponding to the light/contrast function is pressed momentarily, it is an on/off toggle button for the backlight. If the key corresponding to the light/contrast function is held down, the display contrast cycles through its possible values. In the present embodiment, the default functions of the four soft keys 870 are pulse beep up volume, pulse beep down volume, menu select, and display mode. These functions are indicated on the display by the up arrow, down arrow, “menu” and curved arrow soft key icons 820, respectively. The up volume and down volume functions increase or decrease the audible sound or “beep” associated with each detected pulse. The display mode function rotates the display 740 through all four orthogonal orientations, including portrait mode (FIG. 8B) and landscape mode (FIG. 8C), with each press of the corresponding key. The menu select function allows the functionality of the soft keys 870 to change from the default functions described above. Examples of additional soft key functions that can be selected using this menu feature are set SpO2 high/low limit, set pulse rate high/low limit, set alarm volume levels, set display to show trend data, print trend data, erase trend data, set averaging time, set sensitivity mode, perform synchronization, perform rechargeable battery maintenance (deep discharge/recharge to remove battery memory), and display product version number. FIG. 9 provides further details of the docking station 660, which includes a docking station processor 910, a non-volatile memory 920, a waveform generator 930, a PROM interface 940, a tilt sensor 950, a portable interface 970 and associated connector 972, status indicators 982, a serial data port 682, a nurse call output 684, an analog output 688 and a power supply 990. In one embodiment, the docking station 660 is intended to be associated with a fixed (non-transportable) host instrument, such as a multiparameter patient monitoring instrument in a hospital emergency room. In a transportable embodiment, the docking station 660 is movable, and includes a battery pack within the power supply 990. The docking station processor 910 orchestrates the activity on the docking station 660. The processor 910 provides the waveform generator 930 with parameters 932 as discussed above for FIGS. 3 and 4. The processor 910 also provides asynchronous serial data 912 for communications with external devices and synchronous serial data 971 for communications with the portable 610 (FIG. 6). In addition, the processor 910 determines system status including sync status 942, tilt status 952 and power status 992. The portable management processor 720 (FIG. 7) performs the watchdog function for the docking station processor 910. The docking station processor 910 sends watchdog messages to the portable processor 720 (FIG. 7) as part of the synchronous serial data 972 to ensure the correct operation of the docking station processor 910. The docking station processor 910 can also perform resource downloading to the portable processor 720 (FIG. 7) as part of the synchronous serial data 971. That is, the docking station 660 can provide functionality not present in the portable 610 (FIG. 6), and, when docked, that added capability can be reflected by the portable user interface, i.e. the soft keys 870 (FIG. 8A), and the display 740 (FIG. 8A). For example, a portable 610 (FIG. 6) providing only pulse oximetry measurements can be docked to a docking station 660 having the added functionality of blood pressure measurements. The docking station 660 can download a blood pressure measurement menu and an associated user interface to the portable 610 (FIG. 6) upon docking, allowing the portable 610 (FIG. 6) to control and display this additional docking station functionality. Docking station resource downloading would apply to other physiological measurements as well, such as respiration rate, EEG, ECG and EtCO2 to name a few. The docking station processor 910 accesses non-volatile memory 920 over a high-speed bus 922. The non-volatile memory 920 is re-programmable and contains program data for the processor 910 including instrument communication protocols, synchronization information, a boot image, manufacturing history and diagnostic failure history. The waveform generator 930 generates a synthesized waveform that a conventional pulse oximeter can process to calculate SpO2 and pulse rate values or exception messages, as described above with respect to FIG. 4. However, in the present embodiment, as explained above, the waveform generator output does not reflect a physiological waveform. It is merely a waveform constructed from stored memory data to cause the external pulse oximeter to calculate the correct saturation and pulse rate. In an alternative arrangement, physiological data could be scaled or otherwise mathematically converted and provided to the external pulse oximeter, but the external pulse oximeter would often not be able to calculate the proper saturation values, and the upgrading feature would be lost. This is particularly true due to the likely mismatch in the actual sensor wavelength and the calibration curves in the external pulse oximeter. The waveform generator 930 is enabled if an interface cable 690 (FIG. 6), described below with respect to FIG. 10, with valid synchronization information is connected. Otherwise, the power to the waveform generator 930 is disabled, thereby rendering the waveform generator inoperable. The status indicators 982 are a set of LEDs on the front of the docking station 660 used to indicate various conditions including external power (AC), portable docked, portable battery charging, docking station battery charging and alarm. The serial data port 682 is used to interface with either a computer, a serial port of conventional pulse oximeters or serial printers via a standard RS-232 DB-9 connector 962. This port 682 can output trend memory, SpO2 and pulse rate and support the system protocols of various manufacturers. The analog output 688 is used to interface with analog input chart recorders via a connector 964 and can output “real-time” or trend SPO2 and pulse rate data. The nurse call output 684 from a connector 964 is activated when alarm limits are exceeded for a predetermined number of consecutive seconds. In another embodiment, data, including alarms, could be routed to any number of communications ports, and even over the Internet, to permit remote use of the upgrading pulse oximeter. The PROM interface 940 accesses synchronization data 692 from the PROM 1010 (FIG. 10) in the interface cable 690 (FIGS. 6, 10) and provides synchronization status 942 to the docking station processor 910. The portable interface 970 provides the interconnection to the portable 610 (FIG. 6) through the docking station interface 760 (FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 9, external power 668 is provided to the docking station 660 through a standard AC connector 968 and on/off switch 969. When the docking station 660 has external power 668, the power supply 990 charges the battery in the portable power supply 730 (FIG. 7) and the battery, if any, in the docking station power supply 990. When the portable 610 (FIG. 6) is either removed or turned off, the docking station power 973 is removed and the docking station 660 is turned off, except for the battery charger portion of the power supply 990. The docking station power 973 and, hence, the docking station 660 powers on whenever a docked portable 610 (FIG. 6) is switched on. The portable 610 (FIG. 6) supplies power for an embodiment of the docking station 660 without a battery when external power 668 is removed or fails. FIG. 10 provides further detail regarding the interface cable 690 used to connect between the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) and the host instrument 260 (FIG. 2). The interface cable 690 is configured to interface to a specific host instrument via the sensor input to the host instrument. A PROM 1010 built into the interface cable 690 contains information identifying a sensor type, a specific host instrument, and the calibration data (if necessary) of the specific host instrument. This PROM information can be read by the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) as synchronization data 692. Advantageously, the synchronization data 692 allows the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) to generate a waveform to the host instrument that causes the host instrument to display SpO2 values equivalent to those calculated by the portable 610 (FIG. 6). The interface cable 690 includes an LED drive path 672. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the LED drive path 672 is configured for common anode LEDs and includes IR cathode, red cathode and common anode signals. The interface cable 690 also includes a detector drive path 674, including detector anode and detector cathode signals. A menu option on the portable 610 (FIG. 6) also allows synchronization information to be calculated in the field. With manual synchronization, the docking station 660 (FIG. 6) generates a waveform to the host instrument 260 (FIG. 2) and displays an expected SpO2 value. The user enters into the portable the SpO2 value displayed on the host instrument using the portable keypad 750 (FIG. 7). These steps are repeated until a predetermined number of data points are entered and the SpO2 values displayed by the portable and the host instrument are consistent. FIGS. 11A-B depict an embodiment of the portable 610, as described above with respect to FIG. 6. FIGS. 12A-B depict an embodiment of the docking station 660, as described above with respect to FIG. 6. FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of the UPO 210 where the portable 610 is docked with the docking station 660, also as described above with respect to FIG. 6. FIG. 11A depicts the portable front panel 1110. The portable 610 has a patient cable connector 618, as described above with respect to FIG. 6. Advantageously, the connector 618 is rotatably mounted so as to minimize stress on an attached patient cable (not shown). In one embodiment, the connector 618 can freely swivel between a plane parallel to the front panel 1110 and a plane parallel to the side panel 1130. In another embodiment, the connector 618 can swivel between, and be releasably retained in, three semi-locked positions. The connector 618 can be rotated from a semi-locked position with moderate force. A first locked position is as shown, where the connector is in a plane parallel to the front panel 1110. A second locked position is where the connector 618 is in a plane parallel to the side panel 1130. The connector 618 also has an intermediate locked position 45° between the first and the second locked positions. The connector 618 is placed in the first locked position for attachment to the docking station 660. Shown in FIG. 11A, the portable front panel 1110 also has a speaker 772, as described with respect to FIG. 7. Further, the front panel 1110 has a row of soft keys 870 and fixed keys 880, as described above with respect to FIG. 8. In addition, the front panel 1110 has a finger actuated latch 1120 that locks onto a corresponding catch 1244 (FIG. 12A) in the docking station 660, allowing the portable 610 to be releasably retained by the docking station 660. An OEM label can be affixed to a recessed area 1112 on the front panel 1110. FIG. 11B depicts the portable back panel 1140. The back panel 1140 has a socket 763, a pole clamp mating surface 1160, and a battery pack compartment 1170. The socket 763 is configured to mate with a corresponding docking station plug 972 (FIG. 12A). The socket 763 and plug 972 (FIG. 12A) provide the electrical connection interface between the portable 610 and the docking station 660 (FIG. 12A). The socket 763 houses multiple spring contacts that compress against plated edge-connector portions of the docking station plug 972 (FIG. 12A). A conventional pole clamp (not shown) may be removably attached to the mating surface 1160. This conveniently allows the portable 610 to be held to various patient-side or bedside mounts for hands-free pulse oximetry monitoring. The portable power supply 730 (FIG. 7) is contained within the battery pack compartment 1170. The compartment 1170 has a removable cover 1172 for protection, insertion and removal of the portable battery pack. Product labels, such as a serial number identifying a particular portable, can be affixed with the back panel indent 1142. FIG. 12A depicts the front side 1210 of the docking station 660. The front side 1210 has a docking compartment 1220, a pole clamp recess 1230, pivots 1242, a catch 1244, a plug connector 972 and LED status indicators 982. The docking compartment 1220 accepts and retains the portable 610 (FIGS. 11A-B), as shown in FIG. 13. When the portable 610 (FIGS. 11A-B) is docked in the compartment 1220, the pole clamp recess 1230 accommodates a pole clamp (not shown) attached to the portable's pole clamp mating surface 1160 (FIG. 11B), assuming the pole clamp is in its closed position. The portable 610 (FIGS. 11A-B) is retained in the compartment 1220 by pivots 1242 that fit into corresponding holes in the portable's side face 1130 and a catch 1244 that engages the portable's latch 1120 (FIG. 11A). Thus, the portable 610 (FIGS. 11A-B) is docked by first attaching it at one end to the pivots 1242, then rotating it about the pivots 1242 into the compartment 1220, where it is latched in place on the catch 1244. The portable 610 (FIGS. 11A-B) is undocked in reverse order, by first pressing the latch 1120 (FIG. 11A), which releases the portable from the catch 1244, rotating the portable 610 (FIGS. 11A-B) about the pivots 1242 out of the compartment 1220 and then removing it from the pivots 1242. As the portable is rotated into the compartment, the docking station plug 972 inserts into the portable socket 763 (FIG. 11B), providing the electrical interface between the portable 610 and the docking station 660. The status indicators 982 are as described above with respect to FIG. 9. FIG. 12B depicts the back side 1260 of the docking station 660. The back side 1260 has a serial (RS-232 or USB) connector 962, an analog output and nurse call connector 964, an upgrade port connector 966, an AC power plug 968, an on/off switch 969 and a ground lug 1162. A handle 1180 is provided at one end and fan vents 1170 are provided at the opposite end. A pair of feet 1190 are visible near the back side 1260. A corresponding pair of feet (not visible) are located near the front side 1210 (FIG. 12A). The feet near the front side 1210 extend so as to tilt the front side 1210 (FIG. 12A) upward, making the display 740 (FIG. 13) of a docked portable 610 (FIG. 13) easier to read. FIG. 13 illustrates both the portable 610 and the docking station 660. The portable 610 and docking station 660 constitute three distinct pulse oximetry instruments. First, the portable 610 by itself, as depicted in FIGS. 11A-B, is a handheld pulse oximeter applicable to various patient monitoring tasks requiring battery power or significant mobility, such as ambulance and ER situations. Second, the portable 610 docked in the docking station 660, as depicted in FIG. 13, is a standalone pulse oximeter applicable to a wide-range of typical patient monitoring situations from hospital room to the operating room. Third, the portable 610 docked and the upgrade port 966 (FIG. 12B) connected with an interface cable to the sensor port of a conventional pulse oximeter module 260 (FIG. 2) within a multiparameter patient monitoring instrument 250 (FIG. 2) or other conventional pulse oximeter, is a universal/upgrading pulse oximeter (UPO) instrument 210, as described herein. Thus, the portable 610 and docking station 660 configuration of the UPO 210 advantageously provides a three-in-one pulse oximetry instrument functionality. Another embodiment of the docking station 660 incorporates an input port that connects to a blood pressure sensor and an output port that connects to the blood pressure sensor port of a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS). The docking station 660 incorporates a signal processor that computes a blood pressure measurement based upon an input from the blood pressure sensor. The docking station 660 also incorporates a waveform generator connected to the output port that produces a synthesized waveform based upon the computed measurement. The waveform generator output is adjustable so that the blood pressure value displayed on the MPMS is equivalent to the computed blood pressure measurement. Further, when the portable 610 is docked in the docking station 660 and the blood pressure sensor is connected to the input port, the portable displays a blood pressure value according to the computed blood pressure measurement. Thus, in this embodiment, the docking station 660 provides universal/upgrading capability for both blood pressure and Sp O2. Likewise, the docking station 660 can function as an universal/upgrading instrument for other vital sign measurements, such as respiratory rate, EKG or EEG. For this embodiment, the docking station 660 incorporates related sensor connectors and associated sensor signal processors and upgrade connectors to an MPMS or standalone instrument. In this manner, a variety of vital sign measurements can be incorporated into the docking station 660, either individually or in combination, with or without SpO2 as a measurement parameter, and with or without the portable 610. In yet another embodiment, the docking station 660 can be configured as a simple SpO2 upgrade box, incorporating a SpO2 processor and patient cable connector for an SpO2 sensor that functions with or without the portable 610. Unlike a conventional standalone pulse oximeter, the standalone configuration shown in FIG. 13 has a rotatable display 740 that allows the instrument to be operated in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. A tilt sensor 950 (FIG. 9) indicates when the bottom face 1310 is placed along a horizontal surface or is otherwise horizontally-oriented. In this horizontal orientation, the display 740 appears in landscape mode (FIG. 8C). The tilt sensor 950 (FIG. 9) also indicates when the side face 1320 is placed along a horizontal surface or is otherwise horizontally oriented. In this vertical orientation, the display 740 appears in portrait mode (FIG. 8B). A soft key 870 on the portable 610 can override the tilt sensor, allowing the display to be presented at any 90° orientation, i.e. portrait, landscape, “upside-down” portrait or “upside-down” landscape orientations. The handheld configuration (FIG. 11A), can also present the display 740 at any 90° orientation using a soft key 870. In the particular embodiment described above, however, the portable 610 does not have a separate tilt sensor and, hence, relies on a soft key 870 to change the orientation of the display when not docked. FIG. 14 illustrates the docking station 660 incorporated within a local area network (LAN). The LAN shown is Ethernet-based 1460, using a central LAN server 1420 to interconnect various LAN clients 1430 and other system resources such as printers and storage (not shown). In this embodiment, an Ethernet controller module 1410 is incorporated with the docking station 660. The controller module 1410 can be incorporated within the docking station 660 housing or constructed as an external unit. In this manner, the UPO, according to the present invention, can communicate with other devices on the LAN or over the Internet 1490. The Ethernet controller module 1410 can be embedded with web server firmware, such as the Hewlett-Packard (HP) BFOOT-10501. The module 1410 has both a 10 Base-T Ethernet interface for connection to the Ethernet 1460 and a serial interface, such as RS-232 or USB, for connection to the docking station 660. The module firmware incorporates HTTP and TCP/IP protocols for standard communications over the World Wide Web. The firmware also incorporates a micro web server that allows custom web pages to be served to remote clients over the Internet, for example. Custom C++ programming allows expanded capabilities such as data reduction, event detection and dynamic web page configuration. As shown in FIG. 14, there are many applications for the docking station 660 to Ethernet interface. Multiple UPOs can be connected to a hospital's LAN, and a computer on the LAN could be utilized to upload pulse rate and saturation data from the various UPOs, displaying the results. Thus, this Ethernet interface could be used to implement a central pulse oximetry monitoring station within a hospital. Further, multiple UPOs from anywhere in the world can be monitored from a central location via the Internet. Each UPO is addressable as an individual web site and downloads web pages viewable on a standard browser, the web pages displaying oxygen saturation, pulse rate and related physiological measurements from the UPO. This feature allows a caregiver to monitor a patient regardless of where the patient or caregiver is located. For example a caregiver located at home in one city or at a particular hospital could download measurements from a patient located at home in a different city or at the same or a different hospital. Other applications include troubleshooting newly installed UPOs or uploading software patches or upgrades to UPOs via the Internet. In addition alarms could be forwarded to the URL of the clinician monitoring the patient. The UPO may have other configurations besides the handheld unit described in connection with FIG. 5 or the portable 610 and docking station 660 combination described in connection with FIGS. 11-13. The UPO may be a module, with or without a display, that can be removably fastened to a patient via an arm strap, necklace or similar means. In a smaller embodiment, this UPO module may be integrated into a cable or connector used for attaching a sensor to a pulse oximeter. The UPO may also be a circuit card or module that can externally or internally plug into or mate with a standalone pulse oximeter or multiparameter patient monitoring system. Alternatively, the UPO may be configured as a simple standalone upgrade instrument. FIG. 15 illustrates a UPO configuration utilizing a patient care bed 1500. The bed 1500 includes a bed frame and mattress 1502, lower rails 1506 and upper rails 1508. One of the upper rails 1508 incorporates an instrument panel 1510 and the docking station 1540 is incorporated into the instrument panel 1510 according to the present invention. The instrument panel 1510 typically has keypad controls 1520, a display 1530, and a power supply 1550. The power supply 1550 has a power cord 1552 that plugs into an AC power source. The docking station 1540 includes a docking station compartment that accepts and electrically connects to the portable 610. In this manner, UPO can monitor a patient as a portable 610 during transport and then dock at the patient's destination as an integral part of the bedside instrument panel 1510. FIG. 16 is block diagram of the instrument panel 1510 and incorporated docking station 1540. The instrument panel 1510 has a processor 1694, which, in conjunction with a display driver 1696 and a keypad interface 1697, drives the display 1530 and receives commands from the keypad controls 1520. The processor 1694 also communicates with a docked portable 610 (FIG. 6) via the docking station interface 1691 and a portable connector 1610 within the docking station receptacle. In one embodiment, the docking station 1540 simply provides a communications path and a DC power path between the docked portable 610 (FIG. 6) and the instrument panel 1510 via the portable connector 1610 and the docking station interface 1690. In that embodiment, the portable management processor 720 (FIG. 7) is programmed with the communications protocol of the instrument panel processor 1694. In another embodiment, the docking station 1540 provides communications and upgrade capability in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 9. In that embodiment, the bed-integrated UPO could also connect to and upgrade a MPMS pulse oximeter module 260 (FIG. 2) or other external pulse oximeter located near the patient bed 1500, in a manner as described with respect to FIG. 2, above. Although a universal/upgrading apparatus and method have been mainly described in terms of a pulse oximetry measurement embodiment, the present invention is equally applicable to other physiological measurement parameters such as blood pressure, respiration rate, EEG, ECG and EtCO2 (capnography) to name a few. In addition, a universal/upgrading instrument having a single physiological measurement parameter or a multiple measurement parameter capability and configured as a handheld, standalone, portable, docking station, module, plug-in, circuit card, to name a few, is also within the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 17A-B illustrate one embodiment of a dual-mode pulse oximeter module according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17A, a dual-mode pulse oximeter module 1700 is contained within a case 1710 having dimensions that conform to a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS) slot 290 (FIG. 2). The dual-mode module 1700 has a display 1720, a keypad 1730, and a patient cable connector 1740. A module connector 1750 (FIG. 17B) mates and electrically connects with a corresponding backplane connector (not shown) within an MPMS slot 292 (FIG. 2). In reference to FIGS. 17A-B, the dual-mode pulse oximeter module 1700 has a portable mode, separate from MPMS 250 (FIG. 2), and an integrated mode, plugged into an MPMS slot 292 (FIG. 2). In the portable mode, the pulse oximeter module 1700 functions as a handheld or standalone pulse oximeter, in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 6, above. Specifically, the portable module 1700 is a battery-powered, pulse oximeter instrument. The portable module 1700 connects to a sensor through a patient cable attached to the patient cable connector 1740. The module 1700 provides the sensor with a drive signal that alternately activates the sensor's red and IR LEDs, as is well-known in the art. The pulse oximeter module 1700 also receives a corresponding photo-plethysmographic detector signal from the sensor, also well-known in the art. The portable module 1700 processes this sensor signal to derive oxygen saturation and pulse rate measurements. In the portable mode, this information is provided on the module display 1720, and a keypad 1730 provides a user interface for operational control of the portable module 1700. Also in reference to FIGS. 17A-B, in the integrated mode, the pulse oximeter module 1700 is a plug-in module that functions in conjunction with the MPMS 250 (FIG. 2). When installed in a MPMS slot 290 (FIG. 2), the integrated module 1700 receives power from the MPMS 250 (FIG. 2), drives a sensor, receives a corresponding photo-plethysmographic sensor signal, and processes this sensor signal to derive oxygen saturation and pulse rate measurements, as described with respect to the portable mode, above. The integrated module 1700, however, communicates oxygen saturation, pulse rate and related measurements to the MPMS 250 (FIG. 2) via the module connector 1750. Typically, the integrated module display 1720 and keypad 1730 are disabled, and the MPMS monitor 280 (FIG. 2) displays the physiological measurements made by the integrated module 1700. FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the dual-mode pulse oximeter module 1700. The pulse oximeter module 1700 includes a pulse oximeter processor 1810, management processor 1820, power supply 1830, power manager 1840, keypad interface 1850, speaker driver 1860, display driver 1870, clock 1802, watch dog timer 1804, and MPMS interface 1880. These components fimction in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 7, above. Specifically, the pulse oximeter processor 1810 functions as an internal pulse oximeter, interfacing the pulse oximeter module 1700 to a sensor and deriving oxygen saturation, pulse rate, a plethysmograph and a pulse indicator. As shown in FIG. 18, the management processor 1820 controls the various functions of the pulse oximeter module 1700, including data communications with the pulse oximeter processor 1810 and communications with the MPMS 250 via the MPMS interface 1880. The physical connection to the MPMS 250 is via the module connector 1750 (FIG. 17B) and a corresponding MPMS backplane connector. The electrical connection is via a module interface 1898. The management processor 1820 utilizes a real-time clock 1802 to keep the current date and time, which includes time and date information that is stored in nonvolatile memory 1806 along with oxygen saturation related parameters to create trend data. The management processor 1820 also controls a user interface by transferring data to a display driver 1870 and from a keypad interface 1850. The management processor 1820 generates various alarm signals, which control a speaker driver 1860. The management processor 1820 also monitors system status, which includes battery status, indicating battery levels, and plug-in status, indicating whether the pulse oximeter module 1700 is connected to the MPMS 250. Another task of the management processor 1820 includes maintenance of a watchdog function. A watchdog 1804 monitors processor status on the watchdog data input and asserts a management processor reset if a fault is detected, along with audible and visual alarms. Also shown in FIG. 18, the pulse oximeter module 1700 gets its power from batteries in the power supply 1830 or from power supplied on line 1884 from the MPMS 250 via the MPMS interface 1880. A power manager 1840 monitors the keypad on/off switch via the keypad interface 1850 and turns-on module power 1830 accordingly. The power manager 1840 turns off module power 1830 on command by the management processor 1820. DC/DC converters within the power supply 1830 generate the required voltages for module operation. A battery charger within the module power supply 1830 provides charging current to recharge the internal batteries. A non-volatile memory 1806 is connected to the management processor 1820 and used to store boot data, alarm limits trend data and program data. FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of a dual-mode pulse oximeter according to the present invention. A docking station module 1900 has a docking portion 1910 and a plug-in portion 1920. The docking portion 1910 has a docking compartment 1930 and a portable socket 1940. The docking compartment 1930 is configured to accept and retain a portable pulse oximeter 610, such as described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 11A-B, above. In particular, the portable 610 has a socket 763 (FIG. 11B) that mates with a corresponding plug 1940, providing an electrical connection between the portable pulse oximeter 610 and the docking station module 1900. The plug-in portion 1920 has dimensions that conform to an MPMS slot 290 (FIG. 2). A module connector similar to that of the pulse oximeter module connector 1750 (FIG. 17B) mates and electrically connects with a corresponding backplane connector (not shown) within an MPMS slot 290 (FIG. 2). In reference to FIG. 19, the docking station module 1900 allows the portable 610 to function as a dual-mode pulse oximeter. That is, the portable 610 has a portable mode separate from the MPMS 250 (FIG. 2) and an integrated mode connected to an MPMS slot 290 (FIG. 2) via the docking station module 1900. In this manner, the portable 610 functions much as the dual-mode module 1700 (FIGS. 17A-B) described with respect to FIGS. 17A-B, above. In the portable mode, the portable 610 functions as a handheld or standalone pulse oximeter as described with respect to FIG. 6, above. In the integrated mode, the portable 610 is docked to the docking station module 1900 and functions in conjunction with the MPMS 250 (FIG. 2). When installed in an MPMS slot 290 (FIG. 2), the portable receives power from a MPMS 250 (FIG. 2), drives a sensor, receives a corresponding photo-plethysmographic sensor signal, and processes this sensor signal to derive oxygen saturation and pulse rate measurements, as described with respect to FIG. 6, above. The integrated portable 610, however, communicates oxygen saturation, pulse rate and related measurements to the MPMS 250 (FIG. 2) via the docking station module 1900, as described below. Typically, the portable display 740 and keys 750 are disabled, and the MPMS monitor 280 (FIG. 2) controls and displays the physiological measurements made by the integrated portable 610. Also in reference to FIG. 19, in an alternative embodiment, the docking compartment 1930 is configured to accept and retain a pulse oximeter module 1700 (FIGS. 17A-B). In that embodiment, the docking compartment 1930 has a docking connector (not shown) that mates with the module connector 1750 (FIG. 17B), providing an electrical connection between the pulse oximeter module 1700 (FIGS. 17A-B) and the docking station module 1900. FIG. 20 illustrates the docking station module 1900 attached to the MPMS 250. The plug-in portion 1920 (FIG. 19) plugs into at least one of the MPMS slots 290 (FIG. 2) and electrically connects to the MPMS backplane as described with respect to FIG. 19, above. In the portable mode (shown), the portable pulse oximeter 610 functions in a manner similar to the portable module 1700 (FIGS. 17A-B), i.e. as handheld or standalone pulse oximeter. In the integrated mode, the portable 610 is installed into the docking compartment 1930, providing an electrical connection and communications interface between the MPMS 250 and the portable pulse oximeter 610. In the integrated mode, the combination of the portable pulse oximeter 610 and the docking station module 1900 functions in a manner similar to the integrated module 1700 (FIGS. 17A-B). FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a pass-through embodiment of a docking station module 1900, which includes a portable connector 2110, an MPMS connector 2160 and a direct electrical path between the two connectors 2110, 2160. In this embodiment, the docking station module 1900 simply provides a physical interface between the portable 610 (FIG. 20) and the MPMS 250. A MPMS communications path 1882 is directly routed to the portable communications path 2112. MPMS power 1884 is also directly routed to the portable input power line 2114. The docking station module 1900, with various configurations of the plug-in portion 1920 (FIG. 19) and associated module connector can be adapted to the slots 290 (FIG. 2) of various MPMS manufacturers. In this manner, the docking station module 1900 can function as a universal interface between the portable pulse oximeter 610 or, alternatively, the pulse oximeter module 1700 and various multiparameter patient monitoring systems. FIG. 22 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a docking station module 1900a, which includes a portable interface 2210, docking station processor 2220, power supply 2230 and monitor interface 2260. These components function in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 9, above. Specifically, the docking station processor 2220 orchestrates the activity of the docking station module 1900. The processor 2220 provides synchronous serial data for communications with the portable 610 (FIG. 6) and sends watchdog messages to the portable processor 720 (FIG. 7) as part of the synchronous serial data to ensure the correct operation of the docking station processor 2220. The docking station processor 2220 accesses non-volatile, re-programmable memory 2206 over a high-speed bus to obtain program data for the processor 2220. In one embodiment, the status display 2240 is a set of LEDs on the front of the docking station module 1900 used to indicate various conditions including portable docked, portable battery charging and alarm. The portable interface 2210 interconnects with the docking station interface 760 (FIG. 7) of the portable 610 (FIG. 6). External power 1884 is provided to the docking station module 1900a from the MPMS 250. The docking station power supply 2230 charges the battery in the portable power supply 730 (FIG. 7). When the portable 610 (FIG. 6) is either removed or turned off, the docking station power 2232 is removed and the docking station 1900 is turned off, except for the battery charger portion of the power supply 2230. The docking station power 2232 and, hence, the docking station 1900 turns on whenever a docked portable 610 (FIG. 6) is turned on. Although the dual-mode physiological measuring apparatus and method of the present invention is described in detail with respect to pulse oximetry measurements, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a dual-mode MPMS plug-in module or a portable apparatus that docks to a MPMS plug-in docking station module could incorporate physiological measurement capabilities other than or in addition to pulse oximetry, such as blood pressure, respiration rate, EEG, ECG and EtCO2 (capnography) to name a few. The dual-mode pulse oximeter has been disclosed in detail in connection with various embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are disclosed by way of examples only and are not to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims that follow. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate many variations and modifications within the scope of this invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Oximetry is the measurement of the oxygen level status of blood. Early detection of low blood oxygen level is critical in the medical field, for example in critical care and surgical applications, because an insufficient supply of oxygen can result in brain damage and death in a matter of minutes. Pulse oximetry is a widely accepted noninvasive procedure for measuring the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood, an indicator of oxygen supply. A pulse oximetry system generally consists of a sensor applied to a patient, a pulse oximeter, and a patient cable connecting the sensor and the pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter may be a standalone device or may be incorporated as a module or built-in portion of a multiparameter patient monitoring system, which also provides measurements such as blood pressure, respiratory rate and EKG. A pulse oximeter typically provides a numerical readout of the patient's oxygen saturation, a numerical readout of pulse rate, and an audible indicator or “beep” that occurs in response to each pulse. In addition, the pulse oximeter may display the patient's plethysmograph, which provides a visual display of the patient's pulse contour and pulse rate. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art pulse oximeter 100 and associated sensor 110 . Conventionally, a pulse oximetry sensor 110 has LED emitters 112 , typically one at a red wavelength and one at an infrared wavelength, and a photodiode detector 114 . The sensor 110 is typically attached to an adult patient's finger or an infant patient's foot. For a finger, the sensor 110 is configured so that the emitters 112 project light through the fingernail and through the blood vessels and capillaries underneath. The LED emitters 112 are activated by drive signals 122 from the pulse oximeter 100 . The detector 114 is positioned at the fingertip opposite the fingernail so as to detect the LED emitted light as it emerges from the finger tissues. The photodiode generated signal 124 is relayed by a cable to the pulse oximeter 100 . The pulse oximeter 100 determines oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) by computing the differential absorption by arterial blood of the two wavelengths emitted by the sensor 110 . The pulse oximeter 100 contains a sensor interface 120 , an SpO 2 processor 130 , an instrument manager 140 , a display 150 , an audible indicator (tone generator) 160 and a keypad 170 . The sensor interface 120 provides LED drive current 122 which alternately activates the sensor red and IR LED emitters 112 . The sensor interface 120 also has input circuitry for amplification and filtering of the signal 124 generated by the photodiode detector 114 , which corresponds to the red and infrared light energy attenuated from transmission through the patient tissue site. The SpO 2 processor 130 calculates a ratio of detected red and infrared intensities, and an arterial oxygen saturation value is empirically determined based on that ratio. The instrument manager 140 provides hardware and software interfaces for managing the display 150 , audible indicator 160 and keypad 170 . The display 150 shows the computed oxygen status, as described above. The audible indicator 160 provides the pulse beep as well as alarms indicating desaturation events. The keypad 170 provides a user interface for such things as alarm thresholds, alarm enablement, and display options. Computation of SpO 2 relies on the differential light absorption of oxygenated hemoglobin, HbO 2 , and deoxygenated hemoglobin, Hb, to determine their respective concentrations in the arterial blood. Specifically, pulse oximetry measurements are made at red and IR wavelengths chosen such that deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more red light than oxygenated hemoglobin, and, conversely, oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light than deoxygenated hemoglobin, for example 660 nm (red) and 905 nm (IR). To distinguish between tissue absorption at the two wavelengths, the red and IR emitters 112 are provided drive current 122 so that only one is emitting light at a given time. For example, the emitters 112 may be cycled on and off alternately, in sequence, with each only active for a quarter cycle and with a quarter cycle separating the active times. This allows for separation of red and infrared signals and removal of ambient light levels by downstream signal processing. Because only a single detector 114 is used, it responds to both the red and infrared emitted light and generates a time-division-multiplexed (“modulated”) output signal 124 . This modulated signal 124 is coupled to the input of the sensor interface 120 . In addition to the differential absorption of hemoglobin derivatives, pulse oximetry relies on the pulsatile nature of arterial blood to differentiate hemoglobin absorption from absorption of other constituents in the surrounding tissues. Light absorption between systole and diastole varies due to the blood volume change from the inflow and outflow of arterial blood at a peripheral tissue site. This tissue site might also comprise skin, muscle, bone, venous blood, fat, pigment, etc., each of which absorbs light. It is generally assumed that the background absorption due to these surrounding tissues is relatively invariant over short time periods and can be easily removed. Thus, blood oxygen saturation measurements are based upon a ratio of the time-varying or AC portion of the detected red and infrared signals with respect to the time-invariant or DC portion: in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="lead"? RD/IR=(Red AC /Red DC )/(IR AC /IR DC ) in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="tail"? The desired SpO 2 measurement is then computed from this ratio. The relationship between RD/IR and SpO 2 is most accurately determined by statistical regression of experimental measurements obtained from human volunteers and calibrated measurements of oxygen saturation. In a pulse oximeter device, this empirical relationship can be stored as a “calibration curve” in a read-only memory (ROM) look-up table so that SpO 2 can be directly read-out of the memory in response to input RD/IR measurements. Pulse oximetry is the standard-of-care in various hospital and emergency treatment environments. Demand has lead to pulse oximeters and sensors produced by a variety of manufacturers. Unfortunately, there is no standard for either performance by, or compatibility between, pulse oximeters or sensors. As a result, sensors made by one manufacturer are unlikely to work with pulse oximeters made by another manufacturer. Further, while conventional pulse oximeters and sensors are incapable of taking measurements on patients with poor peripheral circulation and are partially or fully disabled by motion artifact, advanced pulse oximeters and sensors manufactured by the assignee of the present invention are functional under these conditions. This presents a dilemma to hospitals and other caregivers wishing to upgrade their patient oxygenation monitoring capabilities. They are faced with either replacing all of their conventional pulse oximeters, including multiparameter patient monitoring systems, or working with potentially incompatible sensors and inferior pulse oximeters manufactured by various vendors for the pulse oximetry equipment in use at the installation. Hospitals and other caregivers are also plagued by the difficulty of monitoring patients as they are transported from one setting to another. For example, a patient transported by ambulance to a hospital emergency room will likely be unmonitored during the transition from ambulance to the ER and require the removal and replacement of incompatible sensors in the ER. A similar problem is faced within a hospital as a patient is moved between surgery, ICU and recovery settings. Incompatibility and transport problems are exacerbated by the prevalence of expensive and non-portable multi-parameter patient monitoring systems having pulse oximetry modules as one measurement parameter. One aspect of the present invention is a dual-mode physiological measurement apparatus having a portable mode and an integrated mode. In the integrated mode, the measurement apparatus operates in conjunction with a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS). In the portable mode, the measurement apparatus operates separately from the MPMS. The measurement apparatus has a physiological measurement processor, a display, a MPMS interface and a management processor. The physiological measurement processor has a sensor input and provides a physiological measurement output. In the portable mode, the display indicates a physiological parameter according to the physiological measurement output. In the integrated mode, the MPMS interface provides a communications link between the measurement apparatus and the MPMS. The management processor has as an input the physiological measurement output. The management processor controls the display in the portable mode and communicates the measurement output to the MPMS via the MPMS interface in the integrated mode. In one embodiment, the measurement apparatus described in the previous paragraph further comprises a plug-in module. The plug-in module comprises the measurement processor and the MPMS interface and possibly the display and management processor and is configured to be removably retained by and electrically connected to the MPMS in the integrated mode. The plug-in module may further comprise a patient cable connector providing the sensor input, a keypad accepting user inputs in the portable mode, and a module connector mating with a corresponding MPMS backplane connector in the integrated mode. In another embodiment, the measurement apparatus further comprises a docking station and a portable portion. The docking station has a docking portion, a plug-in portion and the MPMS interface. The plug-in portion is configured to be removably retained by and electrically connected to the MPMS. The portable portion comprises the measurement processor, the display and the management processor. In the integrated mode, the portable portion is configured to be removably retained by and electrically connected to the docking portion. In the portable mode, the portable portion is separated from the docking station and operated as a standalone patient monitoring apparatus. The portable portion may further comprise a patient cable connector providing the sensor input, a keypad accepting user inputs in the portable mode, and a portable connector mating with a corresponding docking station connector in the integrated mode. Another aspect of the present invention is a patient monitoring method utilizing a standalone measurement apparatus and a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS) comprising the steps of performing a first physiological measurement with the standalone apparatus physically and electrically isolated from the MPMS and presenting information related to the first measurement on a display portion of the standalone apparatus. Further steps include performing a second physiological measurement with the standalone apparatus interfaced to the MPMS, communicating the second physiological measurement to the MPMS, and presenting information related to the second measurement on a monitor portion of the MPMS. One embodiment of the patient monitoring method described in the previous paragraph further comprises the step of plugging the measurement apparatus into a module slot portion of the MPMS so that the measurement apparatus is in electrical communications with the MPMS. Another embodiment further comprises the steps of plugging a docking station into a module slot portion of the MPMS so that the docking station is in electrical communications with the MPMS, and attaching the standalone apparatus to the docking station so that the standalone apparatus is in electrical communications with the docking station. Yet another aspect of the present invention is a physiological measurement apparatus comprising a sensor responsive to a physiological state, a measurement processor means for calculating a physiological parameter based upon the physiological state, which presents the physiological parameter to a person, a packaging means for housing the measurement processor and the display and for providing a connection between the sensor and the measurement processor means, and an interface means for electrically connecting the packaging means to a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS) in an integrated mode and for disconnecting the packaging means from the MPMS in a portable mode. In a particular embodiment, the packaging means comprises a module means for plugging into a slot portion of the MPMS. In another particular embodiment, the physiological measurement apparatus further comprises a docking station means for plugging into a slot portion of the MPMS. In the integrated mode, the packaging means is configured to attach to the docking station. | 20040803 | 20090512 | 20050324 | 91768.0 | 1 | BERHANU, ETSUB D | DUAL-MODE PULSE OXIMETER | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,911,655 | ACCEPTED | 2-Wire push button station control system for a traffic light controlled intersection | A 2-wire control system which communicates with a plurality of pole mounted push button stations of the kind that are found at a traffic light controlled intersection via existing pairs of underground wires over which power and data signals are transmitted so as to enable a visually impaired pedestrian to receive both audible and tactile signals regarding the flow of vehicular traffic through the intersection. The 2-wire control system includes a central control unit that is located at a traffic light control cabinet and is connected to a standard traffic signal light controller. The control unit includes a plurality of 2-wire output ports that are connected to respective pairs of the plurality of push button stations. The central control unit also includes a corresponding plurality of on/off controls and data interfaces by which each of the 2-wire output ports thereof is provided with the power and data signals to be transmitted to respective pairs of push button stations depending upon the entry of a pedestrian request and the illumination of a WALK or DON'T WALK message. | 1. A control system by which accessible signals are provided to pedestrians regarding the status of vehicular traffic at a traffic light controlled intersection, said control system comprising: at least one push button station located at the traffic light controlled intersection to be crossed by pedestrians, said push button station including a push button head that is depressed by the pedestrians and message generating means by which to provide at least one accessible message to advise a visually impaired pedestrian when vehicular traffic through the intersection has been halted; and a control unit that is responsive to the depression of the push button head of said push button station to transmit to the push button station both power and digital data signals over a single line by which to power and control the operation of said message generating means. 2. The control system recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one push button station also includes a microcontroller to receive the power and digital data signals from said control unit, said microcontroller providing output signals to control the operation of said message generating means. 3. The control system recited in claim 2, wherein said message generating means of said at least one push button station includes a vibration driver connected to said microcontroller to cause said push button head to vibrate and thereby provide a tactile indication to the visually impaired pedestrian when vehicular traffic through the intersection has been halted. 4. The control system recited in claim 2, wherein said message generating means of said at least one push button station includes a sound chip in which prerecorded messages are stored and from which an audible indication is provided to the visually impaired pedestrian whether to enter the intersection depending upon the flow of vehicular traffic therethrough. 5. The control system recited in claim 1, wherein said message generating means of said at least one push button station also includes: a microphone connected to the microcontroller and responsive to the ambient noise in the vicinity of the push button station; a speaker through which the prerecorded messages stored in said sound chip are emitted to pedestrians; and an attenuation chip connected to the microcontroller and adapted to vary the volume of the prerecorded messages that are stored in said sound chip and emitted by said speaker depending upon the ambient noise detected by said microphone. 6. The central control system recited in claim 1, wherein said control unit includes a 2-wire output port to which a pair of wires is connected from said at least one push button station, said power and digital data signals being transmitted from said control unit to said push button station over a first of said pair of wires, and the second of said pair of wires being connected to ground. 7. The control system recited in claim 6, wherein said control unit includes a power supply, an electronic switch that is closed to connect said power supply to said 2-wire output port to provide power signals to said at least one push button station over the first of said pair of wires connected to said 2-wire output port, and fault detection means by which to cause said electronic switch to open and said power supply to be disconnected from said 2-wire output port in the event said fault detecting means detects a fault condition in the operation of said control unit. 8. The control system recited in claim 7, wherein said fault detection means includes a microcontroller and current and voltage monitoring means connected to said microcontroller and responsive to the output of said power supply, said microcontroller causing said electronic switch to open in the event that the output voltage or current of said power supply exceeds predetermined limits. 9. The control system recited in claim 8, wherein said control unit also includes a data interface including a driver and a transformer connected between said driver and said 2-wire output port, said driver generating said digital data signals through said transformer to said 2-wire output port to be transmitted from said control unit to said at least one push button station over the first of said pair of wires connected to said 2-wire output port. 10. The control system recited in claim 9, wherein the data interface of said control unit also includes a receiver connected to said transformer to monitor the digital data signals generated by said driver, said receiver communicating to said microcontroller an indication of the magnitude of the digital data signals generated by said driver, and said microcontroller controlling the digital data signals generated by said driver to said transformer in response to the indication provided by said receiver. 11. A control system by which accessible signals are provided to pedestrians regarding the status of vehicular traffic at a traffic light controlled intersection, said system comprising: a source of power; at least one push button station located at the traffic light controlled intersection to be crossed by pedestrians, said push button station including a push button head that is depressed by the pedestrians and message generating means by which to provide at least one accessible message to advise a pedestrian when vehicular traffic through the intersection has been halted; and a control unit connected to said source of power to receive an input signal provided thereby, said control unit being responsive to the depression of the push button head of said push button station to control the operation of said message generating means, said control unit including an on/off control and a data interface, the on/off control of said control unit having means by which to monitor the input signal provided by said source of power, said on/off control connecting said push button station to said source of power to energize said message generating means provided that said input signal is above a predetermined level, and said on/off control disconnecting said push button station from said source of power to disable said message generating means provided that said input signal is below the predetermined level, the data interface of said control unit providing data signals to said push button station to initiate said message generating means. 12. The control system recited in claim 11, wherein each of the on/off control and the data interface of said control unit is connected to said push button station by way of the same electrical conductor. 13. The control system recited in claim 11, wherein said control unit includes a 2-wire output port, said control system further comprising a pair of wires connected between said 2-wire output port and said push button station, the on/off control and the data interface of said control unit connected from said 2-wire output port to said push button station via a first of said pair of wires, and the second of said pair of wires connected to ground. 14. The control system recited in claim 11, wherein the on/off control of said control unit includes an electronic switch connected between said source of power and said push button station, said control unit including a microcontroller adapted to generate control signals to cause said electronic switch to open and close depending upon the level of the input signal provided by said source of power and monitored by said on/off control. 15. The control system recited in claim 14, wherein the input signal monitoring means of said on/off control includes a current shunting resistor connected in electrical series with said electronic switch and a switch control responsive to the current flowing through said current shunting resistor, said switch control causing said electronic switch to open in the event that the current flowing through said current shunting resistor exceeds a predetermined current. 16. The control system recited in claim 15, wherein the input signal monitoring means of said on/off control also includes a voltage monitor connected to said microcontroller and responsive to the voltage of said input signal, said microprocessor generating one of the control signals for causing said electronic switch to open in the event that the voltage to which said voltage monitor is responsive is below a predetermined voltage. 17. The control system recited in claim 14, wherein the data interface of said control unit includes a driver and a transformer, said driver generating said data signals to be provided to said push button station through said transformer. 18. The control system recited in claim 17, wherein said data interface also includes a receiver connected to said transformer and responsive to the data signals generated by said driver through said transformer, said receiver communicating to said microcontroller an indication of the magnitude of said data signals, and said microcontroller controlling the data signals generated by said driver in response to the indication provided by said receiver. 19. The control system recited in claim 11, wherein said push button station includes a microcontroller coupled to each of said on/off control and said data interface of said control unit by which to power said message generating means and initiate said message generating means a certain time after the depression of said push button head. 20. The control system recited in claim 19, wherein the message generating means of said push button station includes a vibration driver connected to said microcontroller to cause said push button head to vibrate and thereby provide a tactile indication to a pedestrian when vehicular traffic through the intersection has been halted. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a 2-wire control system which communicates with pole mounted push button stations of the kind found at a traffic light controlled intersection via existing pairs of underground wires over which power and data signals are transmitted to enable a visually impaired pedestrian to receive both audible and tactile signals in response to depressing a push button head at a push button station when it is intended for the pedestrian to cross the intersection once vehicular traffic has been halted. 2. Background Art It has long been known to combine a visual display with a series of traffic lights that are located at an intersection to control vehicular traffic and thereby enable pedestrians to enter the intersection once vehicular traffic has been halted. That is to say, the usual visual display conveys both a written message (i.e., WALK or DON'T WALK) as well as a color sensitive message (i.e., red, green or white) to instruct pedestrians when to cross the intersection. However, such visual warnings are of little value to those pedestrians who are visually impaired. Consequently, a visually impaired pedestrian who activates the push button of a traffic signal will have no way to accurately know when the intersection has been cleared of traffic so that it is time to cross. In order to come into compliance with federal guidelines, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, cities are required to increase the number of accessible signals that are available to pedestrians at the pole mounted push button stations associated with a traffic light controlled intersection. In particular, to accommodate the needs of visually impaired pedestrians, audible and/or tactile signals are generated at each push button station by which an audible message, a vibration, or the like, is generated when a push button is depressed by one wishing to cross an intersection. In this way, not only will the usual visual message be displayed to sighted pedestrians, but other sensory messages will also become available to coincide with the aforementioned visual message so as to alert visually impaired pedestrians when it is time to cross the intersection after the signal light has changed to halt vehicular traffic. In the past, the pedestrian accessible signaling means has typically been powered at each corner of an intersection by the 115 VAC available at each existing pedestrian lighted sign. Although this approach does not require that additional wires be pulled from each push button station to the traffic control cabinet, the resulting disadvantage is that each push button station operates independently of the others so that sounds cannot be coordinated or synchronized for optimum audible and vibro-tactile presentation to visually impaired pedestrians. The labor costs and the interruption in both vehicular and pedestrian movement at each intersection can be significant as a result of having to install new underground wiring to the push button stations in order to enable the additional signal function to be generated and made accessible to visually impaired pedestrians following the depression of a push button. However, most intersections already contain previously installed pairs of wires that run underground from the existing push button stations to a remote traffic light control box. In this regard, cost sensitive cities would be able to avoid many of the expenditures and inconveniences of having to pull additional wires or even dig trenches and lay new field wires in order to install the new push button stations for each intersection if a control system were available that could incorporate the existing underground wire pairs to transmit power and data signals in order to generate the accessible signal functions for both sighted and visually impaired pedestrians. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,307 issued Aug. 31, 1993 for a microprocessor operated sound signaling and optical signaling generation device that is activated by means of a pedestrian depressing a push button at a traffic light controlled intersection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosed herein is a 2-wire push button station control system by which pole mounted push button stations that are located at a traffic light controlled intersection are provided with visual, audible and tactile accessible signals to enable both sighted and visually impaired pedestrians to receive information concerning the status of the intersection to be crossed once vehicular traffic has been halted. A pair of pole mounted push button stations located at opposite sides of a crosswalk are connected to a central control unit at a traffic light control cabinet via the same pair of wires. The central control unit is connected to a conventional traffic light controller so that the traffic lights which control access to the intersection can be cycled and the usual WALK or DON'T WALK visual messages displayed in response to pedestrian requests that are entered at the push buttons of the push button stations. The pairs of wires of the 2-wire push button station control system of this invention for connecting the push button stations to the central control unit are, in the preferred embodiment, the existing underground wires that were previously installed for the purpose of connecting the heretofore conventional push buttons to a traffic light control cabinet. In this manner, cities can advantageously minimize labor costs and interruptions in pedestrian and vehicular movements by not having to pull additional wires or dig trenches and lay new pairs of wires when the new push button stations are installed. The central control unit of the 2-wire push button control system includes a microcontroller that is responsive to pedestrian requests that are entered at the push button stations and controls the voltage at a plurality of 2-wire output ports of the control unit which are interconnected with respective ones of the push button stations. An on/off control and a data interface are connected between the microcontroller and respective ones of the 2-wire output ports of the control unit to enable both power and data signals to be transmitted between the control unit, at an output port thereof, and a corresponding push button station. Each on/off control of the central control unit includes a (e.g., transistor) switch which, during normal system operation, is closed to supply a 24 volt DC signal from a power supply to one of the push button stations from a corresponding one of the 2-wire output ports of the control unit. Each on/off control also includes current and voltage monitoring means by which to cause the switch to open and thereby disconnect the output port from the voltage supply in the event that the operating voltage or current of the 2-wire push button control system should exceed predetermined limits. Each data interface of the central control unit includes a driver H-bridge and a transformer that is located between the driver and a corresponding one of the 2-wire output ports of the central control unit so that a serial stream of data pulses (lying in a range of voltages between 0 and 48 volts DC) can be provided to a respective one of the push button stations depending upon the pedestrian requests that are entered at the push button station. A receiver is coupled to the primary winding of the transformer to detect the output voltage of the transformer. The driver H-bridge and the receiver cooperate with one another to enable the microcontroller to control the output voltage of the driver which is transmitted through the transformer as digital data at the corresponding 2-wire output port. Each pole mounted push button station includes a microcontroller which is responsive to a pedestrian request that is entered by depressing a push button head having a coil and a magnet. The microcontroller controls the operation of a vibration driver and a sound chip so that both tactile and audible pedestrian accessible signals are available at each push button head. That is, the sound chip stores prerecorded messages that are particularly useful to a visually impaired pedestrian to indicate the status of the intersection to be crossed. In this same regard, the vibration driver generates a magnetic field for causing the push button head to vibrate at the same time that the usual WALK signal is displayed to sighted pedestrians. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a 4-way traffic light controlled intersection and eight pedestrian activated, pole mounted push button stations connected to a traffic light control cabinet via pairs of underground wires over which power and data signals are transmitted; FIG. 2 illustrates the underground wire run between the eight pedestrian activated push button stations of FIG. 1 and the remote traffic light control cabinet; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a 2-wire central control unit of the traffic light control cabinet connected to the push button stations via the underground wire run of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 4 is a block diagram to detail the interconnection of an on/off control and a data interface of the central control unit of FIG. 3 to generate a voltage at an output port thereof to be supplied to a corresponding one or more of the push button stations of FIGS. 1 and 2; and FIG. 5 is a block diagram to detail one of the pedestrian activated push button stations of FIGS. 1 and 2 to receive both audible and tactile pedestrian accessible signals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings illustrate a 4-way traffic light controlled intersection having eight (e.g., pole mounted) push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8 located at opposite sides of four crosswalks, designated A, B, C and D, and traffic light control hardware located at a traffic light control cabinet 10 and interconnected to the push button stations via existing (i.e., previously laid) push button wiring that typically runs underground. Although the four pairs of push button stations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are installed for a standard 4-way traffic light controlled intersection, where one push button station is located at each end of a crosswalk for controlling the flow of vehicular traffic, it is to be understood that a different number of push button stations for complex intersections or intersections with pedestrian islands may also be used to provide audible and tactile information by which to enable both sighted and visually impaired pedestrians to cross an intersection once vehicular traffic has been halted. Each of the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended to replace a conventional push button of the kind having a pair of normally open electrical switch contacts that are closed in response to a pushing force that is manually applied to a pole mounted push button. However, to advantageously reduce the labor and cost of installing the push button stations of the present invention, the existing two wires that run underground from each of the conventional push buttons is preserved and reused for connecting each pair of push button stations 1-1 and 1-2 . . . 1-7 and 1-8 from crosswalks A-D in electrical parallel to traffic light control cabinet 10 for transmitting power and data signals therebetween. The remote traffic light control cabinet 10 to which a pair of wires is connected from each crosswalk A-D of the pole mounted push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8 includes a conventional traffic signal light controller 12. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the controller 12 is adapted to recognize the activation (i.e., depression) of one of the push button heads (designated 80 in FIG. 5) in response to a pedestrian request so as to operate the traffic light which controls traffic and pedestrian access to the intersection. The traffic light control cabinet 10 also includes a 2-wire central control unit 14 that is connected to the traffic signal light controller 12 by a bundle of control connections 16. Control unit 14 as well as the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8 are powered by a 115 volt AC line voltage. As will be explained in greater detail when referring to FIG. 3, the central control unit 14 applies pedestrian requests entered at the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8 on crosswalks A-D to the traffic signal light controller 12 so as to generate tactile, audible and visual signals which inform both sighted and visually impaired pedestrians when to WALK or DON'T WALK into the crosswalks of the traffic light controlled intersection. As will also be explained when referring to FIG. 3, the central control unit 14 is connected to the underground push button wiring at 2-wire output ports, designated A′, B′, C′ and D′. In this same regard, the control unit 14 includes a common (i.e., ground) port for connection to one line which is common to each of the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8. Turning now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, there is shown a block diagram that is illustrative of the 2-wire central control unit 14 within the traffic light control cabinet 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. As previously described, the central control unit 14 is powered by a 115 volt signal that is applied to a conventional power supply 20 via fuses 18. The power supply 20 converts the AC input signal to a 24 volt DC output signal. The 24 volt DC output signal is applied from the power supply 20 to one terminal of each of a plurality of electronic (e.g., MOSFET transistor) switches 24-1 . . . 24-4 that are associated with a respective plurality of on/off controls 22-1 . . . 22-4. The number (e.g., four) of on/off controls 22-1 . . . 22-4 of the central control unit 14 is equal to the number of crosswalks A-D in FIGS. 1 and 2 to be controlled and the corresponding number of pairs of push button stations 1-1 and 1-2 . . . 1-7 and 1-8 located at the opposite ends of each crosswalk. The 24 volt DC output signal from power supply 20 is also applied to a power interface 26 where the 24 volt DC signal is converted to a 5 volt DC output signal for powering the remaining circuitry of central control unit 14. As will be explained when referring to FIG. 4, the on/off controls 22-1 . . . 22-4 provide current and voltage monitoring means. When any of the transistor switches 24-1 . . . 24-4 of the on/off controls 22-1 . . . 22-4 is closed under normal operating conditions, a 24 volt DC signal will be applied by way of a respective data interface 28-1 . . . 28-4 to a corresponding one of the 2-wire output ports A′, B′, C′ or D′ of the central control unit 14 to which reference was previously made when referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. As will also be explained when referring to FIG. 4, the data interfaces 28-1 . . . 28-4 include transformers that are adapted to drive respective output ports A′-D′ to a voltage lying in a range of voltages between 0 to 48 volts DC corresponding to a set of information coded pulses. The 2-wire central control unit 14 at the traffic light control cabinet 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is controlled by a suitable microcontroller 30, such as that manufactured by Microchip Technology of Phoenix, Ariz. under Part No. PIC 18F452. A pair of pins (e.g., designated 32 and 34) of the microcontroller 30 is dedicated to each of the on/off controls 22-1 . . . 22-4. One of the pins 32 that is connected to a first on/off control 22-1 receives an indication of the voltage at a first of the output ports A′ associated with a first of the push button stations A of the traffic light controlled intersection. The first on/off control 22-1 checks for a system fault condition at output port A′ of central control circuit unit 14. That is, in any case where the voltage at output port A′ is not 24 volts DC (at a maximum of 5 amps), the microcontroller 30 generates a signal at pin 34, whereby to cause the transistor switch 24-1 to open and thereby interrupt the circuit connection between power supply 20 and the output port A′. The voltage at output port A′ in this case drops to 0. Additional pairs of pins of the microcontroller 30 are dedicated to similar fault monitoring functions with respect to output ports B′, C′ and D′ of central control unit 14 by opening the corresponding switches 24-2, 24-3 and 24-4 of respective on/off controls 22-2, 22-3 and 22-4 depending upon predetermined voltage and current monitoring conditions to be described while referring to FIG. 4. The central control unit 14 at the traffic control cabinet 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 also includes an LED status display 40 which is connected to the microcontroller 30. Display 40 has a bank of light emitting diodes to indicate to workmen in the field the status of each input and output to the microcontroller 30 so as to verify normal system operation as well as fault condition in need of repair. The central control unit 14 further includes a set of pedestrian output terminals 44 that are connected between the microcontroller 30 and the traffic signal light controller (designated 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2). The set of pedestrian output terminals 44 provides output signals that are responsive to the pedestrian requests entered at the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8 at the crosswalks A-D. The set of output terminals 44 may include a corresponding set of (e.g., four) relays which are operated by the microcontroller 30 to duplicate the push button functions performed by pedestrians at the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8. The central control unit 14 also includes four pairs of parallel connected DON'T WALK/WALK input terminals 42 (designated DW and W) for the four pairs of push button stations at crosswalks A-D that are interfaced with the traffic signal light controller 12 (also located at the traffic control cabinet 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2) via connections 16. Each time a pedestrian activates one of the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8 at a crosswalk A-D, the event is transmitted through one of the pedestrian output terminals 44 to the traffic signal light controller 12. The traffic signal light controller 12 initiates the timing sequence by which a WALK or DON'T WALK visual signal will be illuminated to pedestrians at crosswalks A-D. The voltage to illuminate the pedestrian visual signals is supplied to one of the input terminals 42 to be converted to 5 volts DC and then applied to the microcontroller 30. Thus, the central control unit 14 receives its timing from the WALK and DON'T WALK signals. To maximize the versatility of the central control unit 14 to accomplish a variety of applications now and in the future, a set of optional general purpose terminals 46 are connected to the microcontroller 30 to selectively control the functions relating to the audible, visual and tactile signals to be supplied to the push button stations 1-1 . . . 1-8. Such general purpose terminals may provide (e.g., 24 volt DC) input signals to the microcontroller 30 for such purposes as, for example, to vary the volume of the audible signal or the length of a tactile vibration that is accessible to a pedestrian following his activation of a push button station 1-1 . . . 1-8 in order to cross an intersection. In this same regard, and to further maximize the versatility of the control unit 14, a set of optional general purpose output terminals 48 are also connected to the microcontroller 30. In this case, the microcontroller 30 is programmed to provide output signals which, for example, may trigger a flashing device, or some other external event (e.g., a relay), for a predetermined length of time to maximize pedestrian awareness as to the status of vehicular traffic with respect to the intersection to be entered. Turning now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, there is shown a block diagram for an on/off control and a data interface (designated 22-1 and 28-1) that are connected between the microcontroller 30 and one output port (designated A′) of the central control unit 14 FIG. 3. The four on/off controls 22-1 . . . 22-4 and data interfaces 28-1 . . . 28-4 of control unit 14 are identical. Therefore, for purposes of convenience, only one on/off control 22-1 and data interface 28-1 will be described in detail while referring to FIG. 4. As previously described, each on/off control 22-1 of the central control unit 14 includes an electronic (e.g., MOSFET transistor) switch 24-1 that is connected to a power supply (designated 20 in FIG. 3) to receive a 24 volt DC input signal. As also described, the on/off control 22-1 has current and voltage monitoring means to ensure the normal operation of the 2-wire control system. More particularly, a current monitoring and limiting circuit 50 is responsive to the current flowing through a current shunting resistor 52 to control the gate voltage of transistor switch 24-1. Resistor 52 is connected in electrical series with switch 24-1 and a 24 VDC input terminal 54 of the on/off control 22-1. During normal operation, a 5 volt DC control signal is supplied from a pin (designated 34 in FIG. 3) of the microcontroller 30 to the current monitoring and limiting circuit 50 at a transistor ON/OFF control terminal 56 of the on/off control 22-1 of central control unit 14. Accordingly, the current monitoring and limiting circuit 50 causes the switch 24-1 to be closed (i.e., turned on), whereby the first output port A′ of control unit 14 is provided with an output signal of approximately 24 volts DC to be supplied to the first pair of push button stations 1-1 and 1-2 at a first crosswalk (designated A in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the event that the input current flowing through resistor 52 exceeds a predetermined maximum level (e.g., 5 amps), the current monitoring and limiting circuit 50 causes the resistance of transistor switch 24-1 to increase, whereby the output voltage of the central control unit 14 at the output port A′ thereof is correspondingly reduced, an indication of which is transmitted to the first pair of push button stations 1-1 and 1-2. A conventional voltage monitoring device 58 (e.g., a voltage divider network) is responsive to voltage changes at the output terminal A′ of data interface 28-1. That is, the voltage monitoring device 58 supplies an analog signal to a pin (designated 32 in FIG. 3) of the microcontroller 30 from a VOLTAGE MONITOR output terminal 60 of on/off control 22-1. In the event that the voltage at output terminal A′ falls below 24 volts DC, the control signal supplied to the transistor ON/OFF control terminal 56 from pin 34 will now be at 0 volts. Accordingly, the current monitoring and limiting circuit 50 will cause the switch 24-1 to be opened (i.e., turned off), with the result that the output voltage of central control unit 14 at output port A′ will drop to 0 volts by which to signify a malfunction. The data interface 28-1 includes a conventional transformer 64 that is coupled to the output port A′ of central control unit 14 in order to supply the first pair of push button stations 1-1 and 1-2 at the first crosswalk (designated A in FIGS. 1 and 2) with both data and 24 volt DC power signals. The primary winding of transformer 64 is connected to a driver H-bridge 66. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, driver 66 functions as a transmitter by which to enable the transformer 64 to produce a series of coded data pulses corresponding to output voltages which lie in a range of voltages between 0 and 48 volts DC depending upon whether a pedestrian has activated one of the corresponding pair of push button stations 1-1 or 1-2 at crosswalk A. The input to a receiver 68 is connected across the primary winding of transformer 64. In this case, the receiver 68 functions as an electronic comparator so as to compare the magnitude of the voltage at the two output terminals of the transformer 64 as the coded data pulses change. To this end, the output of receiver 68 is connected through a RECEIVE data terminal 70 of data interface 28-1 to provide a data signal (e.g., 5 volts DC or 0 volts) to a corresponding pin (designated 72 in FIG. 3) of the microcontroller 30. An additional pin (designated 74 in FIG. 3) of microcontroller 30 is connected through a TRANSMIT data terminal 76 of data interface 28-1 to provide a data signal to an input of the driver H-bridge 66 to control the operation thereof for driving the output port A′ of central control unit 14 above or below 24 volts DC to create a string of information coded pulses. Accordingly, it may be appreciated that the driver H-bridge 66 and the receiver 68 cooperate with one another to form a receiver-transmitter pair to control the output voltage of central control unit 14 at the output port A′ thereof to be supplied from control unit 14 to the first pair of push button stations 1-1 and 1-2 in response to the requests entered by a pedestrian wishing to cross an intersection that is controlled by the push button stations of crosswalk A. FIG. 5 is a block diagram to illustrate one of the pair of 2-wire push button stations (e.g., designated 1-1 in FIG. 2) from a first crosswalk A, whereby audible and tactile messages are accessible to visually impaired pedestrians following a depression of a vibrating push button head 80. Push button head 80 includes a magnet and a coil to generate a tactile feedback signal (e.g., a vibration) by which to inform a visually impaired pedestrian when to cross the intersection of FIG. 2 that is controlled by the push button station 1-1. Reference may be made to patent application Ser. No. 10/749,848 filed Jan. 2, 2004 for a detailed explanation of a vibrating push button head 80 that is suitable for use within the push button station 1-1 of FIG. 5. Push button head 80 is connected to a microcontroller 82 so as to provide a digital code thereto to indicate a pedestrian request when push button head 80 is depressed and released. By way of example, the microcontroller 82 that is used in push button station 1-1 is manufactured by Microchip Technology under Part No. PIC18F252. The microcontroller 82 is programmed to energize a vibration driver 84 a certain time after the request of a pedestrian at the push button head 80 to coincide with the usual illumination of a visual signal (e.g., WALK) that is provided to sighted pedestrians. The vibration driver 84 includes a coil through which a current will flow to create a magnetic field for the purpose of causing a corresponding vibration that can be felt by a pedestrian whose hand rests against the push button head 80. The microcontroller 82 of push button 1-1 is also programmed to cooperate with an indicator light 88, an infrared transmitter 90 and an infrared receiver 92. The indicator light (e.g., a red LED) is illuminated to provide a visual indication to sighted pedestrians that the push button head 80 has been depressed so as to initiate the traffic light sequence to halt vehicular traffic. The infrared transmitter and receiver 90 and 92 are optional devices to be used to communicate with a remote hand held configurator (not shown) by which to change the operational options of the microcontroller 82. That is, the remote configurator may be a wireless device that links to the infrared transmitter and receiver 90 and 92 so as to enable configuration changes to be implemented by remote control by workmen in the field during installation and maintenance procedures. The microcontroller 82 of push button 1-1 is coupled to each of a microphone amplifier 94, a sound chip 96, and an attenuation chip 98. The microphone amplifier 94 is interfaced with a microphone 100 which is capable of listening for ambient noise in the vicinity of push button station 1-1. Microcontroller 82 processes an analog signal from the microphone amplifier 94 which is indicative of the background noise generated by traffic and individuals at the intersection being controlled by push button station 1-1 at crosswalk A. Prerecorded information is stored in a digital format in the sound chip 96. In the present embodiment, the sound chip 96 functions as a digital tape recorder that emits an audible sound or a verbal message (e.g., WALK) to pedestrians following the activation of push button head 80. The microcontroller 82 causes an appropriate stored message to be played at the appropriate time depending upon vehicular traffic conditions and the pedestrian's request. The sound chip 96 is interfaced with the attenuation chip 98, an audio amplifier 102, and a speaker 104. The attenuation chip 98 provides digital volume control and is capable of adjusting the volume of the audible verbal message to be emitted by sound chip 96. The volume of the message is adjusted depending upon the analog signal that is transmitted to microcontroller 82 by the microphone amplifier 84 in response to the background ambient noise detected by microphone 100. A volume controlled audible signal is supplied to the audio amplifier 102 which drives the speaker 94 so that the prerecorded sound or message stored in the sound chip 96 will be accessible to a visually impaired pedestrian about to enter crosswalk A so as to verbally alert him to the status of vehicular traffic at the intersection controlled by push button station 1-1. The push button station 1-1 also includes a data interface 106. Data interface 106 is identical to the data interface (designated 28-1) of the 2-wire central control unit 14 that was previously described when referring to FIGS. 3 and 4. Therefore, the data interface 106 of push button 1-1 includes a transformer and a receiver/transmitter pair (like those designated 64, 66 and 68 in FIG. 4), as previously described. The data interface 106 receives both input digital data (i.e., the coded data pulses) from the data interface 28-1 of FIG. 4 and 24 volt DC power signals from the on/off control 22-1 of FIG. 4 via the corresponding 2-wire output port A′ of the central control unit 14 (best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The input data supplied to push button station 1-1 from central control unit 14 typically initiates the WALK, flashing DON'T WALK, and DON'T WALK visual messages to pedestrians. In this regard, the coded data pulses could be superimposed (i.e., multiplexed) over the power signals. Data interface 106 provides a 24 volt DC output signal to a power regulator 110. Power regulator 110 provides 5 volt DC and 3 volt DC output signals to power the microcontroller 82 as well as certain ones of the sound and vibration emitting devices shown in FIG. 5 as part of the 2-wire push button station 1-1. The data interface 106 is connected to a voltage monitor 112. Voltage monitor 112 monitors the power signals that are supplied to the 2-wire push button station 1-1 from the on/off control 22-1 (of FIG. 4) via the 2-wire output port A′ of central control unit 14 and the pair of underground wires illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the event a threshold voltage indicative of a fault condition is detected, the voltage monitor 112 notifies the microcontroller 82 at an analog pin thereof, whereby the push button station 1-1 is disabled and a record of the fault condition is recorded. Like the data interface 28-1 of FIG. 4, a pair of pins of the microcontroller 82 of push button station 1-1 are connected to the driver H-bridge and the receiver (not shown) of the data interface 106 over a pair of incoming and outgoing data lines 114 and 116. As previously indicated, a digital data signal (e.g., 0 volts or 5 volts DC) is provided over the incoming data line 114 from the receiver of data interface 106 to a first pin of microcontroller 82 depending upon the output voltage of the transformer like that designated 64 in FIG. 4. Another digital data signal is provided over outgoing data line 116 from a second pin of the microcontroller 82 to the driver H-bridge of data interface 106 to control the output voltage of the driver H-bridge. Accordingly, and as previously described, the driver H-bridge of the data interface 106 functions as a transmitter which communicates with the data interface 28-1 of the central control unit 14 of FIG. 3 to send digital data (e.g., by which to indicate that the push button head 80 of push button 1-1 has been depressed or released) back to control unit 14 at the 2-wire output port A′ thereof. It may, therefore, be appreciated that the 2-wire push button control system herein disclosed uses pairs of underground wires over which both power and data signals are transmitted between the central control unit 14 at the traffic light control cabinet 10 and pairs of pole mounted push button stations 1-1 and 1-2 . . . 1-7 and 1-8 at crosswalks A-D to enable visual (e.g., WALK), tactile (e.g., a vibration), and audible (e.g., a prerecorded message) accessible signals to be available to both sighted and visually impaired pedestrians at a traffic light controlled intersection. In this case, parallel connected inputs (i.e., the WALK/DON'T WALK terminals 42 of FIG. 3) are converted to a serial stream of digital output at the 2-wire output terminals A′-D′ of central control unit 14. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a 2-wire control system which communicates with pole mounted push button stations of the kind found at a traffic light controlled intersection via existing pairs of underground wires over which power and data signals are transmitted to enable a visually impaired pedestrian to receive both audible and tactile signals in response to depressing a push button head at a push button station when it is intended for the pedestrian to cross the intersection once vehicular traffic has been halted. 2. Background Art It has long been known to combine a visual display with a series of traffic lights that are located at an intersection to control vehicular traffic and thereby enable pedestrians to enter the intersection once vehicular traffic has been halted. That is to say, the usual visual display conveys both a written message (i.e., WALK or DON'T WALK) as well as a color sensitive message (i.e., red, green or white) to instruct pedestrians when to cross the intersection. However, such visual warnings are of little value to those pedestrians who are visually impaired. Consequently, a visually impaired pedestrian who activates the push button of a traffic signal will have no way to accurately know when the intersection has been cleared of traffic so that it is time to cross. In order to come into compliance with federal guidelines, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, cities are required to increase the number of accessible signals that are available to pedestrians at the pole mounted push button stations associated with a traffic light controlled intersection. In particular, to accommodate the needs of visually impaired pedestrians, audible and/or tactile signals are generated at each push button station by which an audible message, a vibration, or the like, is generated when a push button is depressed by one wishing to cross an intersection. In this way, not only will the usual visual message be displayed to sighted pedestrians, but other sensory messages will also become available to coincide with the aforementioned visual message so as to alert visually impaired pedestrians when it is time to cross the intersection after the signal light has changed to halt vehicular traffic. In the past, the pedestrian accessible signaling means has typically been powered at each corner of an intersection by the 115 VAC available at each existing pedestrian lighted sign. Although this approach does not require that additional wires be pulled from each push button station to the traffic control cabinet, the resulting disadvantage is that each push button station operates independently of the others so that sounds cannot be coordinated or synchronized for optimum audible and vibro-tactile presentation to visually impaired pedestrians. The labor costs and the interruption in both vehicular and pedestrian movement at each intersection can be significant as a result of having to install new underground wiring to the push button stations in order to enable the additional signal function to be generated and made accessible to visually impaired pedestrians following the depression of a push button. However, most intersections already contain previously installed pairs of wires that run underground from the existing push button stations to a remote traffic light control box. In this regard, cost sensitive cities would be able to avoid many of the expenditures and inconveniences of having to pull additional wires or even dig trenches and lay new field wires in order to install the new push button stations for each intersection if a control system were available that could incorporate the existing underground wire pairs to transmit power and data signals in order to generate the accessible signal functions for both sighted and visually impaired pedestrians. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,307 issued Aug. 31, 1993 for a microprocessor operated sound signaling and optical signaling generation device that is activated by means of a pedestrian depressing a push button at a traffic light controlled intersection. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Disclosed herein is a 2-wire push button station control system by which pole mounted push button stations that are located at a traffic light controlled intersection are provided with visual, audible and tactile accessible signals to enable both sighted and visually impaired pedestrians to receive information concerning the status of the intersection to be crossed once vehicular traffic has been halted. A pair of pole mounted push button stations located at opposite sides of a crosswalk are connected to a central control unit at a traffic light control cabinet via the same pair of wires. The central control unit is connected to a conventional traffic light controller so that the traffic lights which control access to the intersection can be cycled and the usual WALK or DON'T WALK visual messages displayed in response to pedestrian requests that are entered at the push buttons of the push button stations. The pairs of wires of the 2-wire push button station control system of this invention for connecting the push button stations to the central control unit are, in the preferred embodiment, the existing underground wires that were previously installed for the purpose of connecting the heretofore conventional push buttons to a traffic light control cabinet. In this manner, cities can advantageously minimize labor costs and interruptions in pedestrian and vehicular movements by not having to pull additional wires or dig trenches and lay new pairs of wires when the new push button stations are installed. The central control unit of the 2-wire push button control system includes a microcontroller that is responsive to pedestrian requests that are entered at the push button stations and controls the voltage at a plurality of 2-wire output ports of the control unit which are interconnected with respective ones of the push button stations. An on/off control and a data interface are connected between the microcontroller and respective ones of the 2-wire output ports of the control unit to enable both power and data signals to be transmitted between the control unit, at an output port thereof, and a corresponding push button station. Each on/off control of the central control unit includes a (e.g., transistor) switch which, during normal system operation, is closed to supply a 24 volt DC signal from a power supply to one of the push button stations from a corresponding one of the 2-wire output ports of the control unit. Each on/off control also includes current and voltage monitoring means by which to cause the switch to open and thereby disconnect the output port from the voltage supply in the event that the operating voltage or current of the 2-wire push button control system should exceed predetermined limits. Each data interface of the central control unit includes a driver H-bridge and a transformer that is located between the driver and a corresponding one of the 2-wire output ports of the central control unit so that a serial stream of data pulses (lying in a range of voltages between 0 and 48 volts DC) can be provided to a respective one of the push button stations depending upon the pedestrian requests that are entered at the push button station. A receiver is coupled to the primary winding of the transformer to detect the output voltage of the transformer. The driver H-bridge and the receiver cooperate with one another to enable the microcontroller to control the output voltage of the driver which is transmitted through the transformer as digital data at the corresponding 2-wire output port. Each pole mounted push button station includes a microcontroller which is responsive to a pedestrian request that is entered by depressing a push button head having a coil and a magnet. The microcontroller controls the operation of a vibration driver and a sound chip so that both tactile and audible pedestrian accessible signals are available at each push button head. That is, the sound chip stores prerecorded messages that are particularly useful to a visually impaired pedestrian to indicate the status of the intersection to be crossed. In this same regard, the vibration driver generates a magnetic field for causing the push button head to vibrate at the same time that the usual WALK signal is displayed to sighted pedestrians. | 20040805 | 20061205 | 20060209 | 69185.0 | G08G1095 | 1 | MEHMOOD, JENNIFER | 2-WIRE PUSH BUTTON STATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLED INTERSECTION | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | G08G | 2,004 |
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10,911,846 | ACCEPTED | Tools and techniques for directing packets over disparate networks | Methods, configured storage media, and systems are provided for communications using two or more disparate networks in parallel to provide load balancing across network connections, greater reliability, and/or increased security. A controller provides access to two or more disparate networks in parallel, through direct or indirect network interfaces. When one attached network fails, the failure is sensed by the controller and traffic is routed through one or more other disparate networks. When all attached disparate networks are operating, one controller preferably balances the load between them. | 1. A controller which controls access to multiple independent disparate networks in a parallel network configuration, the disparate networks comprising at least one private network and at least one network based on the internet, the controller comprising: a site interface connecting the controller to a site; at least two network interfaces which send packets toward the disparate networks; and a packet path selector which selects between network interfaces, using at least two known location address ranges which are respectively associated with disparate networks, according to at least: a destination of the packet, an optional presence of alternate paths to that destination, and at least one specified criterion for selecting between alternate paths when such alternate paths are present; wherein the controller receives a packet through the site interface and sends the packet through the network interface that was selected by the packet path selector. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller controls access to a frame relay private network through a first network interface of the controller, and the controller controls access to the Internet through a second network interface of the controller. 3. The controller of claim 1, wherein the packet path selector selects between network interfaces according to a load-balancing criterion, thereby promoting balanced loads on devices that carry packets on the selected path after the packets leave the selected network interfaces. 4. The controller of claim 1, wherein the packet path selector selects between network interfaces according to a reliability criterion, thereby promoting use of devices that will still carry packets on the selected path after the packets leave the selected network interfaces, when other devices on a path not selected are not functioning. 5-7. (canceled) 8. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller sends packets from a selected network interface to a VPN. 9. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller sends packets from a selected network interface to a point-to-point private network connection. 10. A controller which controls access to multiple networks in a parallel network configuration, suitable networks comprising Internet-based networks and private networks from at least one more provider, in combination, the controller comprising: a site interface connecting the controller to a site; at least two network interfaces which send packets toward the networks; and a packet path selector which selects between network interfaces on granularity which is at least as fine as session-by-session according to at least: a destination of the packet, an optional presence of alternate paths to that destination, and at least one specified criterion for selecting between alternate paths when such alternate paths are present; wherein the controller receives a packet through the site interface and sends the packet through the network interface that was selected by the packet path selector. 11-25. (canceled) 26. A method for combining connections for access to parallel networks, the method comprising the steps of: sending a packet to a site interface of a controller, the controller comprising the site interface which receives packets, at least two network interfaces to parallel networks, and a packet path selector which selects between the network interfaces on a per-session basis to promote load-balancing; and forwarding the packet through the network interface selected by the packet path selector. 27. (canceled) 28. A method for combining connections for access to parallel networks, the method comprising the steps of: sending a packet to a site interface of a controller, the controller comprising the site interface which receives packets, at least two network interfaces to parallel networks, and a packet path selector which selects between the network interfaces on a per-session basis to promote load-balancing; and forwarding the packet with a modified destination address, through the network interface selected by the packet path selector: wherein the step of sending a packet to the controller site interface is repeated as multiple packets are sent, the network interfaces include at least two VPN line interfaces and a private network interface, and the packet path selector selects between at least those three interfaces. 29. A method for combining connections for access to parallel networks, the method comprising the steps of: sending a packet to a site interface of a controller, the controller comprising the site interface which receives packets, at least two network interfaces to parallel networks, and a packet path selector which selects between the network interfaces on a per-session basis to promote load-balancing: forwarding the packet, with a modified destination address, through the network interface selected by the packet path selector; and sensing failure of one of parallel disparate networks and automatically sending traffic through at least one other parallel disparate network. 30-31. (canceled) 32. A method for combining connections for access to disparate parallel networks, the method comprising the steps of: receiving at a controller a packet which has a first site IP address as source address and a second site IP address as destination address; selecting, within the controller on a per-packet basis, between a path through an Internet-based network and a path through a private network that is not Internet-based; and forwarding the packet along the selected path toward the second site. 33-35. (canceled) | RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to commonly owned copending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/355,509 filed Feb. 8, 2002, which is also incorporated herein by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/034,197 filed Dec. 28, 2001, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/259,269 filed Dec. 29, 2000, each of which is also incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to computer network data transmission, and more particularly relates to tools and techniques for communications using disparate parallel networks, such as a virtual private network (“VPN”) or the Internet in parallel with a point-to-point, leased line, or frame relay network, in order to help provide benefits such as load balancing across network connections, greater reliability, and increased security. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Organizations have used frame relay networks and point-to-point leased line networks for interconnecting geographically dispersed offices or locations. These networks have been implemented in the past and are currently in use for interoffice communication, data exchange and file sharing. Such networks have advantages, some of which are noted below. But these networks also tend to be expensive, and there are relatively few options for reliability and redundancy. As networked data communication becomes critical to the day-to-day operation and functioning of an organization, the need for lower cost alternatives for redundant back-up for wide area networks becomes important. Frame relay networking technology offers relatively high throughput and reliability. Data is sent in variable length frames, which are a type of packet. Each frame has an address that the frame relay network uses to determine the frame's destination. The frames travel to their destination through a series of switches in the frame relay network, which is sometimes called a network “cloud”; frame relay is an example of packet-switched networking technology. The transmission lines in the frame relay cloud must be essentially error-free for frame relay to perform well, although error handling by other mechanisms at the data source and destination can compensate to some extent for lower line reliability. Frame relay and/or point-to-point network services are provided or have been provided by various carriers, such as AT&T, Qwest, XO, and MCI WorldCom. Frame relay networks are an example of a network that is “disparate” from the Internet and from Internet-based virtual private networks for purposes of the present invention. Another example of such a “disparate” network is a point-to-point network, such as a T1 or T3 connection. Although the underlying technologies differ somewhat, for purposes of the present invention frame relay networks and point-to-point networks are generally equivalent in important ways, such as the conventional reliance on manual switchovers when traffic must be redirected after a connection fails, and their implementation distinct from the Internet. A frame relay permanent virtual circuit is a virtual point-to-point connection. Frame relays are used as examples throughout this document, but the teachings will also be understood in the context of point-to-point networks. A frame relay or point-to-point network may become suddenly unavailable for use. For instance, both MCI WorldCom and AT&T users have lost access to their respective frame relay networks during major outages. During each outage, the entire network failed. Loss of a particular line or node in a network is relatively easy to work around. But loss of an entire network creates much larger problems. Tools and techniques to permit continued data transmission after loss of an entire frame relay network that would normally carry data are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/034,197 filed Dec. 28, 2001 and incorporated herein. The '197 application focuses on architectures involving two or more “private” networks in parallel, whereas the present application focuses on architectures involving disparate networks in parallel, such as a proprietary frame relay network and the Internet. Note that the term “private network” is used herein in a manner consistent with its use in the '197 application (which comprises frame relay and point-to-point networks), except that a “virtual private network” as discussed herein is not a “private network”. Virtual private networks are Internet-based, and hence disparate from private networks, i.e., from frame relay and point-to-point networks. To reduce the risk of confusion that might arise from misunderstanding “private network” to comprise “virtual private network” herein, virtual private networks will be henceforth referred to as VPNs. Other differences and similarities between the present application and the '197 application will also be apparent to those of skill in the art on reading the two applications. Various architectures involving multiple networks are known in the art. For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates prior art configurations involving two frame relay networks for increased reliability; similar configurations involve one or more point-to-point network connections. Two sites 102 transmit data to each other (alternately, one site might be only a data source, while the other is only a data destination). Each site has two border routers 105. Two frame relay networks 106, 108 are available to the sites 102 through the routers 105. The two frame relay networks 106, 108 have been given separate numbers in the figure, even though each is a frame relay network, to emphasize the incompatibility of frame relay networks provided by different carriers. An AT&T frame relay network, for instance, is incompatible—in details such as maximum frame size or switching capacity—with an MCI WorldCom frame relay network, even though they are similar when one takes the broader view that encompasses disparate networks like those discussed herein. The two frame relay providers have to agree upon information rates, switching capacities, frame sizes, etc. before the two networks can communicate directly with each other. A configuration like that shown in FIG. 1 may be actively and routinely using both frame relay networks A and B. For instance, a local area network (LAN) at site 1 may be set up to send all traffic from the accounting and sales departments to router A1 and send all traffic from the engineering department to router B1. This may provide a very rough balance of the traffic load between the routers, but it does not attempt to balance router loads dynamically in response to actual traffic and thus is not “load-balancing” as that term is used herein. Alternatively, one of the frame relay networks may be a backup which is used only when the other frame relay network becomes unavailable. In that case, it may take even skilled network administrators several hours to perform the steps needed to switch the traffic away from the failed network and onto the backup network, unless the invention of the '197 application is used. In general, the necessary Private Virtual Circuits (PVCs) must be established, routers at each site 102 must be reconfigured to use the correct serial links and PVCs, and LANs at each site 102 must be reconfigured to point at the correct router as the default gateway. Although two private networks are shown in FIG. 1, three or more such networks could be employed, with similar considerations coming into play as to increased reliability, limits on load-balancing, the efforts needed to switch traffic when a network fails, and so on. Likewise, for clarity of illustration FIG. 1 shows only two sites, but three or more sites could communicate through one or more private networks. FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art configuration in which data is normally sent between sites 102 over a private network 106. A failover box 202 at each site 102 can detect failure of the network 106 and, in response to such a failure, will send the data instead over an ISDN link 204 while the network 106 is down. Using an ISDN link 204 as a backup is relatively easier and less expensive than using another private network 106 as the backup, but generally provides lower throughput. The ISDN link is an example of a point-to-point or leased line network link. FIG. 3 illustrates prior art configurations involving two private networks for increased reliability, in the sense that some of the sites in a given government agency or other entity 302 can continue communicating even after one network goes down. For instance, if a frame relay network A goes down, sites 1, 2, and 3 will be unable to communicate with each other but sites 4, 5, and 6 will still be able to communicate amongst themselves through frame relay network B. Likewise, if network B goes down, sites 1, 2, and 3 will still be able to communicate through network A. Only if both networks go down at the same time would all sites be completely cut off. Like the FIG. 1 configurations, the FIG. 3 configuration uses two private networks. Unlike FIG. 1 however, there is no option for switching traffic to another private network when one network 106 goes down, although either or both of the networks in FIG. 3 could have an ISDN backup like that shown in FIG. 2. Note also that even when both private networks are up, sites 1, 2, and 3 communicate only among themselves; they are not connected to sites 4, 5, and 6. Networks A and B in FIG. 3 are therefore not in “parallel” as that term is used herein, because all the traffic between each pair of sites goes through at most one of the networks A, B. FIG. 4 illustrates a prior art response to the incompatibility of frame relay networks of different carriers. A special “network-to-network interface” (NNI) 402 is used to reliably transmit data between the two frame relay networks A and B. NNIs are generally implemented in software at carrier offices. Note that the configuration in FIG. 4 does not provide additional reliability by using two frame relay networks 106, because those networks are in series rather than in parallel. If either of the frame relay networks A, B in the FIG. 4 configuration fails, there is no path between site 1 and site 2; adding the second frame relay network has not increased reliability. By contrast, FIG. 1 increases reliability by placing the frame relay networks in parallel, so that an alternate path is available if either (but not both) of the frame relay networks fails. Someone of skill in the art who was looking for ways to improve reliability by putting networks in parallel would probably not consider NNIs pertinent, because they were used for serial configurations rather than parallel ones, and adding networks in a serial manner does not improve reliability. Internet-based communication solutions such as VPNs and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) offer alternatives to frame relay 106 and point-to-point leased line networks such as those using an ISDN link 204. These Internet-based solutions are advantageous in the flexibility and choice they offer in cost, in service providers, and in vendors. Accordingly, some organizations have a frame relay 106 or leased line connection (a.k.a. point-to-point) for intranet communication and also have a connection for accessing the Internet 500, using an architecture such as that shown in FIG. 5. But better tools and techniques are needed for use in architectures such as that shown in FIG. 5. In particular, prior approaches for selecting which network to use for which packet(s) are coarse. For instance, all packets from department X might be sent over the frame relay connection 106 while all packets from department Y are sent over the Internet 500. Or the architecture might send all traffic over the frame relay network unless that network fails, and then be manually reconfigured to send all traffic over a VPN 502. Organizations are still looking for better ways to use Internet-based redundant connections to backup the primary frame relay networks. Also, organizations wanting to change from frame relay and point-to-point solutions to Internet-based solutions have not had the option of transitioning in a staged manner. They have had to decide instead between the two solutions, and deploy the solution in their entire network communications system in one step. This is a barrier for deployment of Internet-based solutions 500/502, since an existing working network would be replaced by a yet-untested new network. Also, for organizations with several geographically distributed locations a single step conversion is very complex. Some organizations may want a redundant Internet-based backup between a few locations while maintaining the frame relay network for the entire organization. It would be an advancement in the art to provide new tools and techniques for configuring disparate networks (e.g., frame relay/point-to-point WANs and Internet-based VPNs) in parallel, to obtain benefits such as greater reliability, improved security, and/or load-balancing. Such improvements are disclosed and claimed herein. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides tools and techniques for directing packets over multiple parallel disparate networks, based on addresses and other criteria. This helps organizations make better use of frame relay networks and/or point-to-point (e.g., T1, T3, fiber, OCx, Gigabit, wireless, or satellite based) network connections in parallel with VPNs and/or other Internet-based networks. For instance, some embodiments of the invention allow frame relay and VPN wide area networks to co-exist for redundancy as well as for transitioning from frame relay/point-to-point solutions to Internet-based solutions in a staged manner. Some embodiments operate in configurations which communicate data packets over two or more disparate WAN connections, with the data traffic being dynamically load-balanced across the connections, while some embodiments treat one of the WANs as a backup for use mainly in case the primary connection through the other WAN fails. Other features and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To illustrate the manner in which the advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be given with reference to the attached drawings. These drawings only illustrate selected aspects of the invention and its context. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a prior art approach having frame relay networks configured in parallel for increased reliability for all networked sites, in configurations that employ manual switchover between the two frame relay networks in case of failure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a prior art approach having a frame relay network configured in parallel with an ISDN network link for increased reliability for all networked sites. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a prior art approach having independent and non-parallel frame relay networks, with each network connecting several sites but no routine or extensive communication between the networks. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a prior art approach having frame relay networks configured in series through a network-to-network interface, with no consequent increase in reliability because the networks are in series rather than in parallel. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a prior art approach having a frame relay network configured in parallel with a VPN or other Internet-based network that is disparate to the frame relay network, but without the fine-grained packet routing of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating one system configuration of the present invention, in which the Internet and a private network are placed in parallel for increased reliability for all networked sites, without requiring manual traffic switchover, and with the option in some embodiments of load balancing between the networks and/or increasing security by transmitting packets of a single logical connection over disparate networks. FIG. 7 is a diagram further illustrating a multiple disparate network access controller of the present invention, which comprises an interface component for each network to which the controller connects, and a path selector in the controller which uses one or more of the following as criteria: destination address, network status (up/down), network load, use of a particular network for previous packets in a given logical connection or session. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating methods of the present invention for sending packets using a controller such as the one shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating methods of the present invention for combining connections to send traffic over multiple parallel independent disparate networks for reasons such as enhanced reliability, load balancing, and/or security. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another system configuration of the present invention, in which the Internet and a frame relay network are placed in parallel, with a VPN tunnel originating after the source controller and terminating before the destination controller, and each known site that is accessible through one network is also accessible through the other network unless that other network fails. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration similar to FIG. 10, except the VPN tunnel originates before the source controller and terminates after the destination controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to methods, systems, and configured storage media for connecting sites over multiple independent parallel disparate networks, such as frame relay networks and/or point-to-point network connections, on the one hand, and VPNs or other Internet-based network connections, on the other hand. “Multiple” networks means two or more such networks. “Independent” means routing information need not be shared between the networks. “Parallel” does not rule out all use of NNIs and serial networks, but it does require that at least two of the networks in the configuration be in parallel at the location where the invention distributes traffic, so that alternate data paths through different networks are present. “Frame relay networks” or “private networks” does not rule out the use of an ISDN link or other backup for a particular frame relay or point-to-point private network, but it does require the presence of multiple such networks; FIG. 2, for instance, does not meet this requirement. A “frame relay network” is unavailable to the general public and thus disparate from the Internet and VPNs (which may be Internet-based), even though some traffic in the Internet may use public frame relay networks once the traffic leaves the location where the invention distributes traffic. FIG. 6 illustrates one of many possible configurations of the present invention. Comments made here also apply to similar configurations involving only one or more frame relay networks 106, those involving only one or more point-to-point networks 204, and those not involving a VPN 604. for example. Two or more disparate networks are placed in parallel between two or more sites 102. In the illustrated configuration, the Internet 500 and a VPN 604 are disparate from, and in parallel with, frame relay/point-to-point network 106/204, with respect to site A and site B. No networks are parallel disparate networks in FIG. 6 with regard to site C as a traffic source, since that site is not connected to the Internet 500. Access to the disparate networks at site A and and site B is through an inventive controller 602 at each site. Additional controllers 602 may be used at each location (i.e., controllers 602 may be placed in parallel to one another) in order to provide a switched connection system with no single point of failure. With continued attention to the illustrative network topology for one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6, in this topology the three locations A, B, and C are connected to each other via a frame relay 106 or leased line network 204. Assume, for example, that all three locations are connected via a single frame relay network 106. Locations A and B are also connected to each other via a VPN connection 604. VPN tunnels are established between locations A and B in the VPN, which pairs line 1 to line 3 and also pairs line 2 to line 3. There can be only one VPN tunnel between locations A and B. There is no VPN connection between location C and either location A or location B. Therefore, locations A, B, and C can communicate with each other over the frame relay network 106, and locations A and B (but not C) can also communicate with each other over the VPN connection 604. Communication between locations A and C, and communication between locations B and C, can take place over the frame relay network 106 only. Communication between locations A and B can take place over frame relay network 106. It can also take place over one of the lines 1-and-3 pair, or the lines 2-and-3 pair, but not both at the same time. Traffic can also travel over lines 2 and 4, but without a VPN tunnel. When the source and destination IP address pairs are the same between locations A and B but different types of networks connect those locations, as in FIG. 6 for instance, then a traffic routing decision that selects between network types cannot be made with an existing commercially available device. By contrast, the invention allows an organization to deploy an Internet-based solution between locations A and B while maintaining the frame relay network 106 between locations A, B, and C, and allows traffic routing that selects between the Internet and the frame relay network on a packet-by-packet basis. The invention may thus be configured to allow the organization to achieve the following goals, in the context of FIG. 6; similar goals are facilitated in other configurations. First, the organization can deploy an Internet-based second connection between only locations A and B, while maintaining frame relay connectivity between locations A, B, and C. Later the organization may deploy an Internet-based solution at location C as well. Second, the organization can use the Internet-based connection between locations A and B for full load-balancing or backup, or a combination of the two. Third, the organization can use the frame relay connection between locations A and B for full load-balancing or backup, or a combination of the two. Fourth, the organization can load-balance traffic in a multi-homing situation between two ISPs or two connections to the Internet at locations A and/or B. To better understand the invention, consider the operation of controller device 602 at location A. The controller 602 examines the IP data traffic meant to go through it and makes determinations and takes steps such as those discussed below. If the traffic is destined for the Internet 500, send the traffic over the Internet using lines 1 and/or 2. Load balancing decisions that guide the controller 602 in distributing packets between the lines can be based on criteria such as the load of a given network, router, or connection relative to other networks, routers, or connections, to be performed dynamically in response to actual traffic. Load-balancing may be done through a round-robin algorithm which places the next TCP or UDP session on the next available line, or it may involve more complex algorithms that attempt to measure and track the throughput, latency, and/or other performance characteristics of a given link or path element. Load-balancing is preferably done on a per-packet basis for site-to-site data traffic over the Internet or frame relay net, or done on a TCP or UDP session basis for Internet traffic, as opposed to prior approaches that use a per-department and/or per-router basis for dividing traffic. Load-balancing algorithms in general are well understood, although their application in the context of the present invention is believed to be new. If the traffic is destined for location B, then there are at least three paths from the current location (A) to location B: frame relay line 5, VPN line 1, or Internet line 2. In some embodiments, the invention determines whether the three connections are in load-balance mode or on-failure backup mode or a combination thereof. For a load-balance mode, the controller 602 chooses the communication line based on load-balancing criteria. For backup mode, it chooses the communication line that is either the preferred line or (if the preferred line is down) the currently functional (backup) line. By contrast with the preceding, if the traffic is destined for location C, then the controller 602 at site A sends the traffic on the frame relay line, line 5. Now let us look at the operation of the controller device 602 at location B. The device examines the IP data traffic sent to it and makes determinations like the following: 1. Is the traffic destined for the Internet, as opposed to one of the three “known” locations A, B, and C? If so, send the traffic over the Internet lines (line 3 and/or line 4). Load balancing decisions can be based on the criteria described above. 2. Is the traffic destined for location A? If so, then there are at least two paths to location A: the frame relay line 6, or VPN line 3. The controller 602 decides whether the two connections are in load-balance or on-failure backup mode, and chooses line(s) accordingly as discussed above. 3. Is the traffic destined for location C? If so, then send the traffic on the frame relay line, line 6. To operate as discussed herein, the invention uses information about the IP address ranges in the locations reside as input data. For instance, a packet destined for the Internet 500 is one whose destination address is not in any of the address ranges of the known locations (e.g., locations A, B, and C in the example of FIG. 6). In some configurations, this is the same as saying that a packet destined for the Internet is one whose address is not in the address range of any of the organization's locations. However, although all the known locations may belong to a single organization, that is not a necessary condition for using the invention. Known locations may also belong to multiple organizations or individuals. Likewise, other locations belonging to the organization may be unknown for purposes of a given embodiment of the invention. Address ranges can be specified and tested by the controller 602 using subnet masks. The subnet masks may be of different lengths (contain a different number of one bits) in different embodiments and/or in different address ranges in a given embodiment. For instance, class B and class C addresses may both be used in some embodiments. As another example, consider the illustrative network topology shown in FIG. 10. This configuration has two locations A and B which are connected by a frame relay network 106 and by the Internet 500, through a frame relay router 105 and an Internet router 104, at each location. For convenience, all routers are designated similarly in the Figures, but those of skill in the art will appreciate that different router models may be used, and in particular and without limitation, different routers may be used to connect to a private network than are used to connect to the Internet. Also, the controllers 602, routers (and in FIG. 6 the VPN interfaces 604) are shown separately in the Figures for convenience and clarity of illustration, but in various embodiments the software and/or hardware implementing these devices 602, 104, 105, 604 may be housed in a single device and/or reside on a single machine. Suppose that the address ranges used by the routers in the FIG. 10 configuration are the following: Location LAN IP Internet Frame Relay A 192.168.x.x 200.x.x.x 196.x.x.x B 10.0.x.x 210.x.x.x 198.x.x.x Without the invention, a topology like FIG. 10 (but without the controllers 602) requires some inflexible method of assigning packets to paths. Thus, consider a packet from location A that is meant for location B that has a destination address in the 10.0.x.x range. The network devices are pre-configured to such that all such packets with the 10.0.x.x destination address must be sent to the frame relay router (router Y), even though there is Internet connectivity between the two locations. Likewise, without the invention a packet from location A meant for location B which has a destination address not in the 10.0.x.x. range must be sent to the Internet router (router X) even though there is frame relay connectivity between the two locations. Traditionally, such necessary match-ups of packets with routers were done by inflexible approaches such as sending all traffic from a given department, building, or local area network to a specified router. Manual and/or tedious reconfiguration was needed to change the destination address used in packets from a given source LAN such as one at site A, so this approach allowed load-balancing only on a very broad granularity, and did not load-balance dynamically in response to actual traffic. In particular, difficult reconfiguration of network parameters was needed to redirect packets to another router when the specified router went down. By placing inventive modules 602 between locations and their routers as illustrated in FIG. 10, however, the invention allows load-balancing, redundancy, or other criteria to be used dynamically, on a granularity as fine as packet-by-packet, to direct packets to an Internet router and/or a frame relay/point-to-point router according to the criteria. For instance, with reference to the illustrative network topology of FIG. 10, if the inventive module 602 at location A receives a packet with a destination address in the 10.0.x.x range and the Internet router X is either down or over-loaded, then the inventive module 602 can change the destination address so that it is in the 198.x.x.x range (the rest of the address may be kept) and then send the modified packet to the frame relay router Y. Similarly, if the frame relay path is down, overloaded, or insecure, then the controller 602 can direct packets to the Internet after making the necessary destination address changes to let the Internet router 104 operate successfully on those packets. Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the inventive configurations in FIGS. 6 and 10 do not require manual intervention by network administrators to coordinate traffic flow over parallel networks. The disparate networks are independent of each other. When one attached network fails, the failure is sensed by the controller 602 and traffic is automatically routed through one or more other networks. Unlike the configuration in FIG. 2, the inventive configuration combines two or more disparate networks. Unlike the configuration in FIG. 4, the inventive configuration requires two or more disparate networks be placed in parallel (although additional networks may also be placed in series). Unlike the configuration in FIG. 3, the inventive configuration does not merely partition sites between unconnected networks—with the invention, most or all of the connected sites get the benefit of parallel networks, so they can continue transceiving even if one of the networks goes down. Another difference between the inventive approach and prior approaches is the narrow focus of some prior art on reliability. The present document takes a broader view, which considers load balancing and security as well as reliability. Configurations like those shown in FIG. 2 are directed to reliability (which is also referred to by terms such as “fault tolerance”, “redundancy”, “backup”, “disaster recovery”, “continuity”, and “failover”). That is, one of the network paths (in this case, the one through the frame relay network) is the primary path, in that it is normally used for most or all of the traffic, while the other path (in this case, the one through the ISDN link) is used only when that primary path fails. Although the inventive configurations can be used in a similar manner, with one network being on a primary path and the other network(s) being used only as a backup when that first network fails, the inventive configurations also permit concurrent use of two or more disparate networks. With concurrent use, elements such as load balancing between disparate networks, and increased security by means of splitting pieces of a given message between disparate networks, which are not considerations in the prior art of FIG. 2, become possibilities in some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, a network at a location T is connected to a controller 602 for a location R but is not necessarily connected to the controller 602 at another location S. In such cases, a packet from location T addressed to location S can be sent over the network to the controller at location S, which can then redirect the packet to location T by sending it over one or more parallel disparate networks. That is, controllers 602 are preferably, but not necessarily, provided at every location that can send packets over the parallel independent networks of the system. In some embodiments, the controller 602 at the receiving end of the network connection between two sites A and B has the ability to re-sequence the packets. This means that if the lines are of dissimilar speeds or if out-of-sequence transmission is required by security criteria, the system can send packets out of order and re-sequence them at the other end. Packets may be sent out of sequence to enhance security, to facilitate load-balancing, or both. The TCP/IP packet format includes space for a sequence number, which can be used to determine proper packet sequence at the receiving end (the embodiments are dual-ended, with a controller 602 at the sending end and another controller 602 at the receiving end). The sequence number (and possibly more of the packet as well) can be encrypted at the sending end and then decrypted at the receiving end, for enhanced security. Alternately, an unused field in the TCP/IP header can hold alternate sequence numbers to define the proper packet sequence. In the operation of some embodiments, the controller 602 on each location is provided with a configuration file or other data structure containing a list of all the LAN IP addresses of the controllers 602 at the locations, and their subnet masks. Each controller 602 keeps track of available and active connections to the remote sites 102. If any of the routes are unavailable, the controller 602 preferably detects and identifies them. When a controller 602 receives IP traffic to any of the distant networks, the data is sent on the active connection to that destination. If all connections are active and available, the data load is preferably balanced across all the routers. If any of the connections are unavailable, or any of the routers are down, the traffic is not forwarded to that router; when the routes become available again, the load balancing across all active routes preferably resumes. In some embodiments, load balancing is not the only factor considered (or is not a factor considered) when the controller 602 determines which router should receive a given packet. Security may be enhanced by sending packets of a given message over two or more disparate networks. Even if a packet sniffer or other eavesdropping tool is used to illicitly obtain data packets from a given network, the eavesdropper will thus obtain at most an incomplete copy of the message because the rest of the message traveled over a different network. Security can be further enhanced by sending packets out of sequence, particularly if the sequence numbers are encrypted. FIG. 7 is a diagram further illustrating a multiple disparate network access controller 602 of the present invention. A site interface 702 connects the controller 602 to the LAN at the site 102. This interface 702 can be implemented, for instance, as any local area network interface, like 10/100Base-T ethernet, gigabit ATM or any other legacy or new LAN technology. The controller 602 also includes a packet path selector 704, which may be implemented in custom hardware, or implemented as software configuring semi-custom or general-purpose hardware. The path selector 704 determines which path to send a given packet on. In the configuration of FIG. 6, for instance, the path selector in the controller at location A selects between a path through the router on line and a path through the router on line 2. In different embodiments and/or different situations, one or more of the following criteria may be used to select a path for a given packet, for a given set of packets, and/or for packets during a particular time period: Redundancy: do not send the packet(s) to a path through a network, a router, or a connection that is apparently down. Instead, use devices (routers, network switches, bridges, etc.) that will still carry packets after the packets leave the selected network interfaces, when other devices that could have been selected are not functioning. Techniques and tools for detecting network path failures are generally well understood, although their application in the context of the present invention is believed to be new. Load-balancing: send packets in distributions that balance the load of a given network, router, or connection relative to other networks, routers, or connections available to the controller 602. This promotes balanced loads on one or more of the devices (routers, frame relay switches, etc.) that carry packets after the packets leave the selected network interfaces. Load-balancing may be done through an algorithm as simple as a modified round-robin approach which places the next packet on the next available line, or it may involve more complex algorithms that attempt to measure and track the throughput, latency, and/or other performance characteristics of a given link or path element. Load-balancing is preferably done on a per-packet basis for site-to-site data traffic or on a TCP or UDP session basis for Internet traffic, as opposed to prior art approaches which use a per-department and/or per-router basis for dividing traffic. Load-balancing algorithms in general are well understood, although their application in the context of the present invention is believed to be new. Security: divide the packets of a given message (session, file, web page, etc.) so they travel over two or more disparate networks, so that unauthorized interception of packets on fewer than all of the networks used to carry the message will not provide the total content of the message. Dividing message packets between networks for better security may be done in conjunction with load balancing, and may in some cases be a side-effect of load-balancing. But load-balancing can be done on a larger granularity scale than security, e.g., by sending one entire message over a first network A and the next entire message over a second, disparate network. Security may thus involve finer granularity than load balancing, and may even be contrary to load balancing in the sense that dividing up a message to enhance security may increase the load on a heavily loaded path even though a more lightly loaded alternate path is available and would be used for the entire message if security was not sought by message-splitting between networks. Other security criteria may also be used, e.g., one network may be viewed as more secure than another, encryption may be enabled, or other security measures may be taken. The controller 602 also includes two or more disparate network interfaces 706, namely, there is at least one interface 706 per network to which the controller 602 controls access. Each interface 706 can be implemented as a direct interface 706 or as an indirect interface 706; a given embodiment may comprise only direct interfaces 706, may comprise only indirect interfaces 706, or may comprise at least one of each type of interface. An indirect interface 706 may be implemented, for instance, as a direct frame relay connection over land line or wireless or network interfaces to which the frame relay routers can connect, or as a point-to-point interface to a dedicated T1, T3, or wireless connection. One suitable implementation includes multiple standard Ethernet cards, in the controller 602 and in the router, which connect to each other. An external frame relay User-Network Interface (UNI) resides in a router 105 of a network 106; a similar Ethernet card resides in the Internet router 104. Each such Ethernet card will then have a specific IP address assigned to it. The controller can also have a single Ethernet card with multiple IP addresses associated with different routers and LANs. An indirect interface 706 may connect to the network over fiber optic, T1, wireless, or other links. A direct interface 706 comprises a standard connection to the Internet 500, while another direct interface 706 comprises a standard connection to a VPN. One direct interface 706 effectively makes part of the controller 602 into a UNI by including in the interface 706 the same kind of special purpose hardware and software that is found on the frame relay network side (as opposed to the UNI side) of a frame relay network router. Such a direct frame relay network interface 706 is tailored to the specific timing and other requirements of the frame relay network to which the direct interface 706 connects. For instance, one direct interface 706 may be tailored to a Qwest frame relay network 106, while another direct interface 706 in the same controller 602 is tailored to a UUNet network 106. Another direct interface 706 comprises standard VPN components. An indirect interface 706 relies on special purpose hardware and connectivity/driver software in a router or other device, to which the indirect interface 706 of the controller 602 connects. By contrast, a direct interface 706 includes such special purpose hardware and connectivity/driver software inside the controller 602 itself. In either case, the controller provides packet switching capabilities for at least redundancy without manual switchover, and preferably for dynamic load-balancing between lines as well. FIG. 7 shows three interfaces 706; other controllers may have a different number of interfaces. The three interfaces 706 (for instance) may be implemented using a single card with three IP addresses, or three cards, each with one IP address. The site interface 702 may or may not be on the same card as interface(s) 706. The controller 602 in each case also optionally includes memory buffers in the site interface 702, in the path selector 704, and/or in the network interfaces 706. An understanding of methods of the invention will follow from understanding the invention's devices, and vice versa. For instance, from FIGS. 6, 7, 10, and 11 one may ascertain methods of the invention for combining connections for access to multiple disparate networks, as well as systems and devices of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 8, methods of the invention use a device such as controller 602. The controller 602 comprises (a) a site network interface 702, (b) at least two WAN network interfaces 706 tailored as necessary to particular networks, and (c) a packet path selector 704 which selects between network interfaces 706 according to a specified criterion. Path selection criteria may be specified 800 by configuration files, hardware jacks or switches, ROM values, remote network management tools, or other means. Variations in topology are also possible, e.g., in a variation on FIG. 10 the VPNs could swap position with their respective routers. One then connects the site interface 702 to a site 102 to receive packets from a computer (possibly via a LAN) at the site 102. Likewise, one connects a first network interface 706 to a first router for routing packets to a first network, and a second network interface 706 to a second router for routing packets to a second network, with the networks being disparate to each other. A third, fourth, etc. network may be similarly connected to the controller 602 in some embodiments and/or situations. The connected disparate networks are parallel to one another (not serial, although additional networks not directly connected to the controller 602 may be serially connected to the parallel disparate networks). The connected disparate networks are independent of one another, in that no routing information need be shared between them, to make them parallel (NNIs can still be used to connect networks in serial to form a larger independent and parallel network). A mistake in the routing information for one network will thus not affect the other network. After the connections are made (which may be done in a different order than recited here), one sends 802 a packet to the site interface 702. The controller 602 then sends the packet through the one (or more—copies can be sent through multiple networks) network interface 706 that was selected by the packet path selector 704. The packet path selector 704 can maintain a table of active sessions, and use that table to select a path for packets in a given session. The packet path selector 704 does not need a session table to select paths for site-to-site traffic, because the controller 602 on the other site knows where to forward the site-to-site-packets. FIG. 9 is a flowchart further illustrating methods of the present invention, which send packets over multiple parallel independent disparate networks for enhanced reliability, load balancing and/or security; frame relay networks and the Internet are used as an example, but point-to-point networks and VPNs may be similarly employed according to the discussion herein. During an address range information obtaining step 900, address ranges for known locations are obtained. Address ranges may be specified as partial addresses, e.g., partial IP addresses in which some but not all of the address is specified. Thus, “198.x.x.x” indicates an IP address in which the first field is 198 and the other three address fields are not pinned down, corresponding to the range of addresses from 198.0.0.0 to 198.255.255.255. Each address range has an associated network; a network may have more than one associated contiguous range of addresses which collectively constitute the address range for that network. The locations reachable through the network have addresses in the address range associate with the network. Since part of the address specifies the network, a location reachable through two networks has two addresses, which differ in their network-identifying bits but are typically the same in their other bits. Address ranges may be obtained 900 by reading a configuration file, querying routers, receiving input from a network administrator, and/or other data gathering means. During a topology information obtaining step 902, topology information for the system of parallel disparate networks is obtained. The topology information specifies which one or more networks can be used (if functioning) to reach which known locations. With regard to FIG. 6, for instance, the topology information could be represented by a table, list, or other data structure which specifies that: the VPN connects sites A and B; the Internet connects sites A and B; and the private (frame relay/point-to-point) network connects sites A, B, and C. Topology information may be obtained 902 by reading a configuration file, querying routers, receiving input from a network administrator, and/or other data gathering means. If necessary, a connection forming step is performed, e.g., to obtain a virtual circuit between two sites 102. The controller 602 then checks the status of each connection and updates the information for available communication paths. The controller 602 at each location will go through the address range information obtaining step, topology information obtaining step and connection forming step. More generally, the steps illustrated and discussed in this document may be performed in various orders, including concurrently, except in those cases in which the results of one step are required as input to another step. Likewise, steps may be omitted unless required by the claims, regardless of whether they are expressly described as optional in this Detailed Description. Steps may also be repeated, or combined, or named differently. During a packet receiving step 904, the controller 602 at a given source location receives a packet to be sent from that location to the destination site 102. In some cases, multiple packets may be received in a burst. The packet comes into the controller 602 through the site interface 702. During a determining step 906, the controller 602 (or some other device used in implementing the method) looks at the packet destination address to determine whether the destination address lies within a known address range. That is, the destination address is compared to the known location address ranges that were obtained during step 900, in order to see whether the destination location is a known location. Only packets destined for known locations are potentially rerouted by the invention to balance loads, improve security, and/or improve reliability. Packets destined for unknown locations are simply sent to the network indicated in their respective destination addresses, which is the Internet 500 in the examples given herein but could also be some other “catch-all” network. Although they are not rerouted, such packets may nonetheless be counted as part of the load balancing calculation. During a path selecting step 908, the path selector 704 selects the path over which the packet will be sent; selection is made between at least two paths, each of which goes over a different network 106 than the other. The disparate networks are independent parallel networks. This path selecting step 908 may be performed once per packet, or a given selection may pertain to multiple packets. In some embodiments, selecting a network will also select a path, as in the system shown in FIG. 10. In other cases, there may be more than one path to a given network, as discussed in connection with the line pairs shown in FIG. 6. Packet path selection 908 is shown as following packet receipt 904, but in some embodiments and/or some situations, it may precede packet receipt 904. That is, in some cases the path for the next packet may be determined by the packet path selector before the packet arrives, e.g., in a round-robin manner, while in other cases the path is determined after the packet arrives, e.g., using per-packet dynamic load balancing. As indicated, the path selection may use 910 load balancing as a criterion for selecting a path, use 912 network status (up/down) and other connectivity criteria (e.g., router status, connectivity status) as a criterion for selecting a path, and/or use 914 division of packets between disparate networks for enhanced security as a criterion for selecting a path. These steps may be implemented in a manner consistent with the description above of the path selector 704 given in the discussion of FIG. 7. More generally, unless it is otherwise indicated, the description herein of systems of the present invention extends to corresponding methods, and vice versa. The description of systems and methods likewise extend to corresponding computer-readable media (e.g., RAM, ROM, other memory chips, disks, tape, Iomega ZIP or other removable media, and the like) which are configured by virtue of containing software to perform an inventive method, or software (including any data structure which is uniquely suited to facilitate performance of an inventive method. Articles of manufacture within the scope of the present invention thus include a computer-readable storage medium in combination with the specific physical configuration of a substrate of the computer-readable storage medium, when that substrate configuration represents data and/or instructions which cause one or more computers to operate in a specific and predefined manner as described and claimed herein. No change to packet source IP address or destination IP address need by done by the controller in a topology like that shown in FIG. 10. The controller 602 sends the packet to router X or router Y as determined by the packet path selector. This is illustrated in the following summary example: Packet Packet Packet location Source IP Address Destination IP Address Leaving site A Site A's IP address Site B's IP address Leaving controller A Site A's IP address Site B's IP address Leaving VPN/Router VPN/Router/Site A VPN/Router/Site B <packet travels over Internet/frame relay net/etc.> Arrival VPN/Router VPN/Router/Site A VPN/Router/Site B Arrival controller B Site A Site B <controller may need to resequence packets> Arrival at site B Site A Site B However, packet addresses are modified during operation of a configuration like that shown in FIG. 11. An example is provided in the following summary example: Packet Packet Packet location Source IP Address Destination IP Address Leaving site A Site A's IP address Site B's IP address Leaving VPN A VPN A's IP address VPN B's IP address Leaving controller A A controller A IP A controller B IP address address <packet travels over Internet/frame relay net/etc.> Arrival controller B The controller A IP The controller B IP address address <controller may need to resequence packets> Arrival at VPN B VPN A's IP address VPN B's IP address <note that the controllers are transparent to the VPNs> Arrival at site B Site A Site B <the VPNs are transparent to the sites> During an address modifying step 916, the packet destination address is modified as needed to make it lie within an address range (obtained during step 900) which is associated with the selected path to the selected network (selected during step 908). For instance, if a packet is received 904 with a destination address corresponding to travel through the Internet but the path selection 908 selects a path for the packet through a frame relay network 106 to the same destination, then the packet's destination IP address is modified 916 by replacing the IP address with the IP address of the appropriate interface of the controller at Site B. Also the packet's source IP address is replaced with the IP address of the appropriate interface of the source controller. This modifying step may be viewed as optional, in the sense that it need not be performed in every embodiment. But it is required in the sense that a system embodiment of the invention which is claimed with a limitation directed to destination address modification must be at least capable of performing the modifying step, and a method embodiment which is claimed with a limitation directed to the modifying step must perform the modifying step on at least one packet. With regard to both FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, during a packet transmission step 918, the packet is sent on the selected 908 path. This is done by sending the packet over the network interface 706 for the path selected. As indicated in FIG. 9, the method may then loop back to receive 904 the next packet, select 908 a network for that packet, send 918 it, and so on. As noted, other specific method instances are also possible. One example is the inventive method in which load balancing or reliability criteria cause an initial path selection to be made 908, and then a loop occurs in which multiple packets are received 904 and then sent 918 over the selected path without repeating the selecting step 908 for each receive 904-send 918 pair. Note that some embodiments of the invention permit packets of a given message to be sent over two or more disparate networks, thereby enhancing 914 security. An ending step may be performed as needed during an orderly shutdown for diagnostic or upgrade work, for instance. The controller 602 at the destination site goes through the steps described above in reverse order as needed. The controller 602 receives the packet from the source location through one of the network interfaces. Packet resequencing may be needed in either the FIG. 10 or the FIG. 1I configuration, while address changes are needed in the FIG. 11 configuration only. CONCLUSION The present invention provides methods and devices for placing frame relay and other private networks in parallel with VPNs and other Internet-based networks, thereby providing redundancy without requiring manual switchover in the event of a network failure. Load-balancing between lines and/or between networks may also be performed. For instance, the invention can be used to provide reliable, efficient, and secure point-to-point connections for private networks 106 in parallel with a VPN and an SSL Internet connection. Some prior art approaches require network reconfiguration each time a frame relay circuit fails, and some have complex router configurations to handle load balancing and network failures. This requires substantial effort by individual network customers to maintain connectivity, and they will often receive little or no help from the frame relay carriers, or not receive prompt service from a VPN provider. Instead, well-trained staff are needed at each location, as are expensive routers. By contrast, these requirements are not imposed by the present invention. As used herein, terms such as “a” and “the” and item designations such as “connection” or “network” are generally inclusive of one or more of the indicated item. In particular, in the claims a reference to an item normally means at least one such item is required. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Headings are for convenience only. The claims form part of the specification. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. | <SOH> TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Organizations have used frame relay networks and point-to-point leased line networks for interconnecting geographically dispersed offices or locations. These networks have been implemented in the past and are currently in use for interoffice communication, data exchange and file sharing. Such networks have advantages, some of which are noted below. But these networks also tend to be expensive, and there are relatively few options for reliability and redundancy. As networked data communication becomes critical to the day-to-day operation and functioning of an organization, the need for lower cost alternatives for redundant back-up for wide area networks becomes important. Frame relay networking technology offers relatively high throughput and reliability. Data is sent in variable length frames, which are a type of packet. Each frame has an address that the frame relay network uses to determine the frame's destination. The frames travel to their destination through a series of switches in the frame relay network, which is sometimes called a network “cloud”; frame relay is an example of packet-switched networking technology. The transmission lines in the frame relay cloud must be essentially error-free for frame relay to perform well, although error handling by other mechanisms at the data source and destination can compensate to some extent for lower line reliability. Frame relay and/or point-to-point network services are provided or have been provided by various carriers, such as AT&T, Qwest, XO, and MCI WorldCom. Frame relay networks are an example of a network that is “disparate” from the Internet and from Internet-based virtual private networks for purposes of the present invention. Another example of such a “disparate” network is a point-to-point network, such as a T1 or T3 connection. Although the underlying technologies differ somewhat, for purposes of the present invention frame relay networks and point-to-point networks are generally equivalent in important ways, such as the conventional reliance on manual switchovers when traffic must be redirected after a connection fails, and their implementation distinct from the Internet. A frame relay permanent virtual circuit is a virtual point-to-point connection. Frame relays are used as examples throughout this document, but the teachings will also be understood in the context of point-to-point networks. A frame relay or point-to-point network may become suddenly unavailable for use. For instance, both MCI WorldCom and AT&T users have lost access to their respective frame relay networks during major outages. During each outage, the entire network failed. Loss of a particular line or node in a network is relatively easy to work around. But loss of an entire network creates much larger problems. Tools and techniques to permit continued data transmission after loss of an entire frame relay network that would normally carry data are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/034,197 filed Dec. 28, 2001 and incorporated herein. The '197 application focuses on architectures involving two or more “private” networks in parallel, whereas the present application focuses on architectures involving disparate networks in parallel, such as a proprietary frame relay network and the Internet. Note that the term “private network” is used herein in a manner consistent with its use in the ' 197 application (which comprises frame relay and point-to-point networks), except that a “virtual private network” as discussed herein is not a “private network”. Virtual private networks are Internet-based, and hence disparate from private networks, i.e., from frame relay and point-to-point networks. To reduce the risk of confusion that might arise from misunderstanding “private network” to comprise “virtual private network” herein, virtual private networks will be henceforth referred to as VPNs. Other differences and similarities between the present application and the '197 application will also be apparent to those of skill in the art on reading the two applications. Various architectures involving multiple networks are known in the art. For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates prior art configurations involving two frame relay networks for increased reliability; similar configurations involve one or more point-to-point network connections. Two sites 102 transmit data to each other (alternately, one site might be only a data source, while the other is only a data destination). Each site has two border routers 105 . Two frame relay networks 106 , 108 are available to the sites 102 through the routers 105 . The two frame relay networks 106 , 108 have been given separate numbers in the figure, even though each is a frame relay network, to emphasize the incompatibility of frame relay networks provided by different carriers. An AT&T frame relay network, for instance, is incompatible—in details such as maximum frame size or switching capacity—with an MCI WorldCom frame relay network, even though they are similar when one takes the broader view that encompasses disparate networks like those discussed herein. The two frame relay providers have to agree upon information rates, switching capacities, frame sizes, etc. before the two networks can communicate directly with each other. A configuration like that shown in FIG. 1 may be actively and routinely using both frame relay networks A and B. For instance, a local area network (LAN) at site 1 may be set up to send all traffic from the accounting and sales departments to router A 1 and send all traffic from the engineering department to router B 1 . This may provide a very rough balance of the traffic load between the routers, but it does not attempt to balance router loads dynamically in response to actual traffic and thus is not “load-balancing” as that term is used herein. Alternatively, one of the frame relay networks may be a backup which is used only when the other frame relay network becomes unavailable. In that case, it may take even skilled network administrators several hours to perform the steps needed to switch the traffic away from the failed network and onto the backup network, unless the invention of the '197 application is used. In general, the necessary Private Virtual Circuits (PVCs) must be established, routers at each site 102 must be reconfigured to use the correct serial links and PVCs, and LANs at each site 102 must be reconfigured to point at the correct router as the default gateway. Although two private networks are shown in FIG. 1 , three or more such networks could be employed, with similar considerations coming into play as to increased reliability, limits on load-balancing, the efforts needed to switch traffic when a network fails, and so on. Likewise, for clarity of illustration FIG. 1 shows only two sites, but three or more sites could communicate through one or more private networks. FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art configuration in which data is normally sent between sites 102 over a private network 106 . A failover box 202 at each site 102 can detect failure of the network 106 and, in response to such a failure, will send the data instead over an ISDN link 204 while the network 106 is down. Using an ISDN link 204 as a backup is relatively easier and less expensive than using another private network 106 as the backup, but generally provides lower throughput. The ISDN link is an example of a point-to-point or leased line network link. FIG. 3 illustrates prior art configurations involving two private networks for increased reliability, in the sense that some of the sites in a given government agency or other entity 302 can continue communicating even after one network goes down. For instance, if a frame relay network A goes down, sites 1 , 2 , and 3 will be unable to communicate with each other but sites 4 , 5 , and 6 will still be able to communicate amongst themselves through frame relay network B. Likewise, if network B goes down, sites 1 , 2 , and 3 will still be able to communicate through network A. Only if both networks go down at the same time would all sites be completely cut off. Like the FIG. 1 configurations, the FIG. 3 configuration uses two private networks. Unlike FIG. 1 however, there is no option for switching traffic to another private network when one network 106 goes down, although either or both of the networks in FIG. 3 could have an ISDN backup like that shown in FIG. 2 . Note also that even when both private networks are up, sites 1 , 2 , and 3 communicate only among themselves; they are not connected to sites 4 , 5 , and 6 . Networks A and B in FIG. 3 are therefore not in “parallel” as that term is used herein, because all the traffic between each pair of sites goes through at most one of the networks A, B. FIG. 4 illustrates a prior art response to the incompatibility of frame relay networks of different carriers. A special “network-to-network interface” (NNI) 402 is used to reliably transmit data between the two frame relay networks A and B. NNIs are generally implemented in software at carrier offices. Note that the configuration in FIG. 4 does not provide additional reliability by using two frame relay networks 106 , because those networks are in series rather than in parallel. If either of the frame relay networks A, B in the FIG. 4 configuration fails, there is no path between site 1 and site 2 ; adding the second frame relay network has not increased reliability. By contrast, FIG. 1 increases reliability by placing the frame relay networks in parallel, so that an alternate path is available if either (but not both) of the frame relay networks fails. Someone of skill in the art who was looking for ways to improve reliability by putting networks in parallel would probably not consider NNIs pertinent, because they were used for serial configurations rather than parallel ones, and adding networks in a serial manner does not improve reliability. Internet-based communication solutions such as VPNs and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) offer alternatives to frame relay 106 and point-to-point leased line networks such as those using an ISDN link 204 . These Internet-based solutions are advantageous in the flexibility and choice they offer in cost, in service providers, and in vendors. Accordingly, some organizations have a frame relay 106 or leased line connection (a.k.a. point-to-point) for intranet communication and also have a connection for accessing the Internet 500 , using an architecture such as that shown in FIG. 5 . But better tools and techniques are needed for use in architectures such as that shown in FIG. 5 . In particular, prior approaches for selecting which network to use for which packet(s) are coarse. For instance, all packets from department X might be sent over the frame relay connection 106 while all packets from department Y are sent over the Internet 500 . Or the architecture might send all traffic over the frame relay network unless that network fails, and then be manually reconfigured to send all traffic over a VPN 502 . Organizations are still looking for better ways to use Internet-based redundant connections to backup the primary frame relay networks. Also, organizations wanting to change from frame relay and point-to-point solutions to Internet-based solutions have not had the option of transitioning in a staged manner. They have had to decide instead between the two solutions, and deploy the solution in their entire network communications system in one step. This is a barrier for deployment of Internet-based solutions 500 / 502 , since an existing working network would be replaced by a yet-untested new network. Also, for organizations with several geographically distributed locations a single step conversion is very complex. Some organizations may want a redundant Internet-based backup between a few locations while maintaining the frame relay network for the entire organization. It would be an advancement in the art to provide new tools and techniques for configuring disparate networks (e.g., frame relay/point-to-point WANs and Internet-based VPNs) in parallel, to obtain benefits such as greater reliability, improved security, and/or load-balancing. Such improvements are disclosed and claimed herein. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides tools and techniques for directing packets over multiple parallel disparate networks, based on addresses and other criteria. This helps organizations make better use of frame relay networks and/or point-to-point (e.g., T1, T3, fiber, OCx, Gigabit, wireless, or satellite based) network connections in parallel with VPNs and/or other Internet-based networks. For instance, some embodiments of the invention allow frame relay and VPN wide area networks to co-exist for redundancy as well as for transitioning from frame relay/point-to-point solutions to Internet-based solutions in a staged manner. Some embodiments operate in configurations which communicate data packets over two or more disparate WAN connections, with the data traffic being dynamically load-balanced across the connections, while some embodiments treat one of the WANs as a backup for use mainly in case the primary connection through the other WAN fails. Other features and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent through the following description. | 20040803 | 20080729 | 20050113 | 60851.0 | 3 | MARCELO, MELVIN C | TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR DIRECTING PACKETS OVER DISPARATE NETWORKS | SMALL | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,911,904 | ACCEPTED | Efficient accumulation of performance statistics in a multi-port network | Computer networks are provided with a resource efficient ability to generate link performance statistics. To calculate the average link utilization per I/O operation, a first counter accumulates the number of I/O operations processed by a link and a second counter accumulates the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation. The second value is then divided by the first value. The number of operations per second for a link may be computed by dividing the first number by a predetermined period of time and the average number of operations using the link may be computed by dividing the second number by the predetermined period of time. A third counter may be employed to accumulate the number of bytes transferred by a link during each I/O operation. Then, average size of an I/O operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the first number and the average bandwidth per link operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the predetermined period of time. Separate sets of counters are preferably associated with each of several link types associated with a single port, thereby allowing separate statistics to be generated for each link type. The generated statistics are useful for such activities as problem resolution, load balancing and capacity planning. | 1. A method for computing statistics in a multi-port data network, comprising: for each port in the network: accumulating a number A of I/O operations processed by a link coupled to the port; and accumulating a time B required by the link to complete each I/O operation; selecting a time period ΔT during which statistics are desired; and for each port in the network, calculating the average link utilization per operation ΔB/ΔA. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: for each port in the network, accumulating a number C of bytes transferred during each I/O operation; and for each port in the network: calculating operations per second ΔA/ΔT, where ΔA equals the number of I/O operations processed by the link during the time period ΔT; calculating average number of operations using the link ΔB/ΔT, where ΔB equals the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation during the time period ΔT; calculating MB/sec ΔC/ΔT, where ΔC equals the number of bytes transferred during each I/O operation processed by the link during the time period ΔT; and calculating the average bandwidth per operation ΔC/ΔA. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: a plurality of link types are associated with each of at least two ports in the network; and the steps of accumulating and calculating comprise accumulating and calculating for each link associated with each port. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the link types are selected from the group comprising ECKD links, PPRC links and SCSI links. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating is performed by a storage server attached to the network. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the time period ΔT comprises receiving input from a system administrator. 7. A storage server, comprising: an interface for interconnecting the storage server to a multi-port data network, whereby information pertaining to I/O operations through links associated with the ports is received by the storage server; for each port in the network: a first counter for accumulating a number A of 1/O operations processed by a link coupled to the port; and a second counter for accumulating a time B required by the link to complete each I/O operation; means for selecting a time period ΔT during which statistics are desired; and for each port in the network, means for calculating the average link utilization per operation ΔB/ΔA. 8. The storage server of claim 7, further comprising: for each port in the network, a third counter for accumulating a number C of bytes transferred during each I/O operation; and for each port in the network: means for calculating operations per second ΔAΔT, where ΔA equals the number of I/O operations processed by the link during the time period ΔT; means for calculating average number of operations using the link ΔB/ΔT, where ΔB equals the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation during the time period ΔT; means for calculating MB/sec ΔC/ΔT, where ΔC equals the number of bytes transferred during each I/O operation processed by the link during the time period ΔT; and means for calculating the average bandwidth per operation ΔC/ΔA. 9. The storage server of claim 7, wherein: a plurality of link types are associated with each of at least two ports in the network; and the means for accumulating and calculating comprise means for accumulating and calculating for each link associated with each port. 10. The storage server of claim 7, wherein the link types are selected from the group comprising ECKD links, PPRC links and SCSI links. 11. The storage server of claim 7, further comprising a host interface through which results generated by each means for calculating are transmitted to a host device coupled to the network. 12. A computer program product of a computer readable medium usable with a programmable computer, the computer program product having computer-readable code embodied therein for for computing statistics in a multi-port data network, the computer-readable code comprising instructions for: for each port in the network: accumulating a number A of I/O operations processed by a link coupled to the port; and accumulating a time B required by the link to complete each I/O operation; selecting a time period ΔT during which statistics are desired; and for each port in the network calculating the average link utilization per operation ΔB/ΔA. 13. The computer program product of claim 12, for each port in the network, accumulating a number C of bytes transferred during each I/O operation; and for each port in the network: calculating operations per second ΔA/ΔT, where 6A equals the number of I/O operations processed by the link during the time period ΔT; calculating average number of operations using the link ΔB/ΔT, where ΔB equals the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation during the time period ΔT; calculating MB/sec ΔC/ΔT, where ΔC equals the number of bytes transferred during each I/O operation processed by the link during the time period ΔT; and calculating the average bandwidth per operation ΔC/ΔA. 14. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein: a plurality of link types are associated with each of at least two ports in the network; and the instructions for accumulating and calculating comprise instructions for accumulating and calculating for each link associated with each port. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the link types are selected from the group comprising ECKD links, PPRC links and SCSI links. 16. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein the instructions for selecting the time period ΔT comprise instructions for receiving input from a system administrator. | TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to large computer networks and, in particular, to accumulating statistics related to the performance of links associated with ports connected to the network. BACKGROUND ART In large data network environments, it is important to be able to obtain statistics about the performance of input/output (I/O) operations on the physical network, such as the links which connected ports of different network devices. Statistics of interest can include the number of I/O operations a link can handle (in operations per second); the bandwidth of a link (in megabytes (MB) per second); the average number of concurrent operations using a link during a time period; the average transfer length (in MB/operation); and the average link utilization per operation (in micro-seconds/operation). Such statistics may be used in real time to trigger fault procedures if a large variance from a normal value indicates the existence of a possible problem. Statistics may also kept in a log to be referenced during normal maintenance or problem resolution. Typically, statistics may be calculated by a network server, such as an Enterprise Storage Server® (ESS) sold by IBM® and may be maintained by one or more attached host devices. However, due to the large number of links between components in a network, collecting data and sampling the collected data to compute statistics can consume a large amount of valuable network resources. Consequently, it is desirable to provide for more efficient data collection and statistic generation. Moreover, each device port may include more than one link type, such as ECKD™ (extended count key data), PPRC (peer-to-peer remote copy), and SCSI (small computer system interface). Consequently, it is desirable to generate statistics on a link type basis to provide a higher level of detail than generating statistics only by port. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides computer networks with an ability to efficiently generate link performance statistics. To calculate the average link utilization per I/O operation, a first counter accumulates the number of I/O operations processed by a link and a second counter accumulates the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation. The second value is then divided by the first value. The number of operations per second for a link may be computed by dividing the first number by a predetermined period of time and the average number of operations using the link may be computed by dividing the second number by the predetermined period of time. A third counter may be employed to accumulate the number of bytes transferred by a link during each I/O operation. Then, the average size of an I/O operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the first number and the average bandwidth per link operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the predetermined period of time. Separate sets of counters are preferably associated with each of several link types associated with a single port, thereby allowing separate statistics to be generated for each link type. The generated statistics are useful for such activities as problem resolution, load balancing and capacity planning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data network in which the present invention may be implemented; and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-port, multi-link storage server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data network 100 in which the present invention may be implemented. The network 100 includes one or more host devices 102 and 104, a controller or server 110 and other storage servers 120, 122, 200 with attached data storage devices 121, 123 and 125. Other devices 130 and 132 may also be attached to the network 100. The controller 110 may be an IBM Enterprise Storage Server and includes a processor 112, memory 114 and counters 116 as well as appropriate network interfaces 118. The processor 112 is programmed with instructions stored in the memory 114 for managing I/O operations requested by the host devices 102, 104 as well as for computing network I/O performance statistics. The storage devices 121, 123, 125 may be any type of removable or fixed physical storage including, without limitation, electronic memory (such as RAM or solid state memory), hard disks, RAID arrays, tape cartridges, optical discs and other media. Removable media may be (but need not be) contained with an automated data storage library. As will be appreciated, the counters 116 may be implemented in hardware or software. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the storage server 200. The storage server 200 includes one or more ports 210, 220, 230 and each port may accommodate one or more network links. For example, a port 210 may accommodate three link types such as ECKD 212, PPRC 214 and SCSI 216. Although shown separately in FIG. 2, data transmitted/received over different link types may actually travel over a single physical path to/from the network. Moreover, multiplexing permits all of the links of a port to be used essentially in a simultaneous manner. For each link of each port, there are preferably three corresponding counters in the controller 110. A first counter provides an accumulated count of the number of I/O operations processed through the link. A second counter provides the accumulated utilization time (in microseconds or other appropriate unit of time) associated with each I/O operation. And, a third counter provides an accumulated bandwidth comprising the number of bytes transferred by each I/O operation through the link. The utilization time indicates how long a port processor is active with a particular I/O operation and is useful in determining the port's contribution to any delay. Using only the three counters for each port reduces the processing resources required for obtaining performance statistics. From the three counters, a variety of statistics may be computed. Before statistics can be computed, the counters must be sampled. A time period AT is selected, such as by pre-programming the controller 110, by action of a host device, by a network administrator or by a maintenance technician. The time periods selected for each of the three counters are preferably the same. The time period selected should be long enough to provide meaningful values but not so long that a counter overflows and wraps around to 0 before the end of the period. The time period must also be selected according to the data rate of the link. For example, one user may wish to sample rapidly at the rate of approximately ΔT equals one second while another user may wish to sample more slowly at the rate of ΔT equals 30 minutes. Thus, the counters should be of sufficient size to allow for both one second sampling and 30 minute sampling without overflowing. A counter capacity of 128K allows for measurement of one second samples with link data rates as low as 128 KB/sec. while also allowing measurement of 30 minute samples with link data rates of 150 GB/sec. While larger counter capacities will accommodate longer sampling periods, larger counters require the use of more hardware. Four-byte counters have been found to accommodate a wide range of link data rates and sampling rates. In operation, each counter is sampled first at the beginning of the selected time period and then at the end of the period, thereby providing a delta value for each. Initial and final readings of the first counter provide a count ΔA of the number of I/O operations processed through the link during the period ΔT. Initial and final readings of the second counter provide third counter provide the utilization time ΔB associated with I/O operations during the period ΔT. And, initial and final readings of the bandwidth ΔC of the link during the period ΔT. The statistics may then be computed by the controller 110: Average link utilization per operation through the link equals ΔB/ΔA I/O operations per second equals ΔA/ΔT; Average number of concurrent operations using the link equals ΔB/ΔT; Bandwidth in MB/sec equals ΔC/ΔT; and Average bandwidth per operation through the link equals ΔC/ΔA. If desired, separate counters may be included in the controller 110 to track read operation data separate from write operation data for each link, such as: number of read operations and of write operations; number of bytes read and bytes written; and the response time for read operations and for write operations. The objects of the invention have been fully realized through the embodiments disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various aspects of the invention may be achieved through different embodiments without departing from the essential function of the invention. The particular embodiments are illustrative and not meant to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>In large data network environments, it is important to be able to obtain statistics about the performance of input/output (I/O) operations on the physical network, such as the links which connected ports of different network devices. Statistics of interest can include the number of I/O operations a link can handle (in operations per second); the bandwidth of a link (in megabytes (MB) per second); the average number of concurrent operations using a link during a time period; the average transfer length (in MB/operation); and the average link utilization per operation (in micro-seconds/operation). Such statistics may be used in real time to trigger fault procedures if a large variance from a normal value indicates the existence of a possible problem. Statistics may also kept in a log to be referenced during normal maintenance or problem resolution. Typically, statistics may be calculated by a network server, such as an Enterprise Storage Server® (ESS) sold by IBM® and may be maintained by one or more attached host devices. However, due to the large number of links between components in a network, collecting data and sampling the collected data to compute statistics can consume a large amount of valuable network resources. Consequently, it is desirable to provide for more efficient data collection and statistic generation. Moreover, each device port may include more than one link type, such as ECKD™ (extended count key data), PPRC (peer-to-peer remote copy), and SCSI (small computer system interface). Consequently, it is desirable to generate statistics on a link type basis to provide a higher level of detail than generating statistics only by port. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides computer networks with an ability to efficiently generate link performance statistics. To calculate the average link utilization per I/O operation, a first counter accumulates the number of I/O operations processed by a link and a second counter accumulates the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation. The second value is then divided by the first value. The number of operations per second for a link may be computed by dividing the first number by a predetermined period of time and the average number of operations using the link may be computed by dividing the second number by the predetermined period of time. A third counter may be employed to accumulate the number of bytes transferred by a link during each I/O operation. Then, the average size of an I/O operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the first number and the average bandwidth per link operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the predetermined period of time. Separate sets of counters are preferably associated with each of several link types associated with a single port, thereby allowing separate statistics to be generated for each link type. The generated statistics are useful for such activities as problem resolution, load balancing and capacity planning. | 20040804 | 20061003 | 20060223 | 74852.0 | G06F1516 | 0 | KUNDU, SUJOY K | EFFICIENT ACCUMULATION OF PERFORMANCE STATISTICS IN A MULTI-PORT NETWORK | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
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10,911,963 | ACCEPTED | Multi-caliber ambidextrously controllable firearm | A multi-caliber ambidextrously controlled firearm that includes an adjustable ejection system to facilitate the ejection of spent cartridge casings from a firearm. The adjustable ejection system includes an ejection port defined by an aperture in the firearm and a deflector. The deflector is attached to the firearm to adjust the size of the ejection port and may be attached at one of at least two attachment positions of the firearm. The adjustable ejector system includes an ejector selectively attached to the firearm at one of at least two ejector attachment positions. The improved firearm also includes an ambidextrous magazine catch system for selectively retaining a magazine within a firearm. The magazine catch system includes a first button opposite a second button such that either button may be actuated by a user to release the magazine retained with the firearm. | 1. An improved firearm comprising: a magazine well; a magazine catch system comprising a first button accessible from a side of the firearm and a second button accessible on an opposite side of the firearm, wherein the first button and the second button are disposed above the trigger guard; and a bolt hold open system comprising a bolt hold open control arm disposed adjacent the trigger guard. 2. The improved firearm of claim 1, wherein the first button comprises a first actuation surface and the second button comprises a second actuation surface, wherein the magazine catch system further comprises a catch arm having a first bevel, a second bevel, and a catch surface, wherein the catch surface selectively engages the magazine to retain the magazine in the magazine well of the firearm, wherein if the first button is depressed, the catch surface moves out of engagement with a magazine, wherein the bolt hold open system further comprises a bolt hold open body, wherein the bolt hold open body extends through a slot in the catch arm. 3. The improved firearm of claim 2, wherein the first and second actuation surfaces are rounded surfaces. 4. The improved firearm of claim 2, wherein the first and second actuation surfaces are angled surfaces. 5. The improved firearm of claim 1, wherein the bolt hold open control arm extends along both sides of a trigger guard. 6. A magazine catch system for the retention and removal of a magazine within a firearm having a magazine well, the magazine catch system comprising: a first button comprising a first angled slot extending at an angle to a lateral direction and a catch surface, wherein the catch surface selectively engages the magazine to retain the magazine in the magazine well of the firearm; a second button disposed opposite the first button, wherein the second button comprises a second angled slot extending at a different angle than the first angled slot; and a catch guide pin, wherein the catch guide pin is movable in the first and second angled slots of the first and second buttons. 7. The magazine catch system of claim 6, wherein if the first button is depressed, the second button moves toward the first button. 8. The magazine catch system of claim 6, wherein if the first button is depressed, the catch guide pin moves laterally. 9. An adjustable ejection system to facilitate the ejection of a case from a firearm, the adjustable ejection system comprising: an ejector attachable to at least two attachment positions in the firearm, wherein the ejector is attached to the firearm at one of the at least two attachment positions; and an ejection port in the firearm. 10. The adjustable ejection system of claim 9, wherein the attachment positions are defined by a slot in the firearm. 11. The adjustable ejection system of claim 9, wherein the attachment positions are defined by holes in the firearm. 12. An adjustable ejection system to facilitate the ejection of a case from a firearm, the adjustable ejection system comprising: an ejection port defined by an aperture in the firearm and a deflector wherein the deflector is attached to the firearm to adjust the size of the ejection port, wherein the firearm comprises at least two attachment positions, wherein the deflector is attached to the firearm at one of the at least two attachment positions; and an ejector attached to the firearm. 13. The adjustable ejection system of claim 12, wherein the attachment positions are defined by a slot in the firearm. 14. The adjustable ejection system of claim 12, wherein the attachment positions are defined by a hole in the firearm. 15. The adjustable ejection system of claim 12, wherein the deflector is attached to the firearm by a rail, the rail providing at least two attachment positions. 16. The adjustable ejection system of claim 12, wherein the ejector is attachable to at least two ejector attachment positions in the firearm. 17. An improved firearm comprising: a bolt comprising a bolt face, a bolt locking surface, and a cam surface; and a bolt carrier shaped to enclose the bolt on three sides, wherein the bolt carrier comprises a reciprocal cam surface, wherein the cam surface slidably abuts the reciprocal cam surface to position the bolt locking surface against a locking surface of the firearm, wherein the bolt face is positioned by the bolt carrier. 18. The improved firearm of claim 17, wherein the bolt further comprises a bolt guide ear, wherein the bolt carrier further comprises a groove, wherein the bolt guide ear is slidable in the groove to position the bolt face. 19. The improved firearm of claim 17, wherein the reciprocal cam surface of the bolt carrier is formed through a window on one side of the bolt carrier. | CROSS-REFERENCED RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/492,378, filed Aug. 4, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to firearms. More specifically, the present invention relates to firearms that can be configured to fire different calibers of ammunition with improved reliability in harsh environmental and firing conditions. In addition, the invention relates to improved modularity of firearm systems and ambidextrous control. The U.S. Government has been and will be involved in many conflicts and operations worldwide. Each of these conflicts and operations present their own individual circumstances and challenges that must be met by soldiers relying on firearms. To optimize the chances of success in each conflict and operation, a variety of firearms are needed to perform a variety of functions that change according to the specific circumstances of each operation and conflict. These functions range from long range sniping to close quarter battle. In addition, these functions include the use of different calibers and different configurations of firearms. Presently, armies around the world field a variety of different firearms to fulfill each of these functions. For instance, soldiers may use an H&K MP5 for close quarter combat, an M16 for general combat, or a Barrett Model 82A1 for support fire. These different firearms have differently positioned systems that require different training to effectively use and maintain each type of firearm. However, a soldier is unlikely to carry more than one firearm into combat, because of the weight and bulk of an additional firearm with accessories and ammunition. It is this inability to optimize and adapt a firearm to the circumstances and functions of the operational environment that is a great disadvantage of known firearms. It should be noted that there are some firearms known in the art that are capable of firing different calibers by changing the barrel, and other components without a gun-smith or tools. For example, the recoil operated H&K Model 21 and 23 series firearms are capable of firing several different cartridges, specifically 7.62 NATO, 5.56 NATO and 7.62×39 mm, by changing out the barrel, the feed attachment device (magazine well or belt feed device), and bolt. The Belgian FN Model “D” BAR Rifle is similarly capable of firing different calibers including 30.06 Springfield and 8 mm Mauser. Additionally, the M96 EXPEDITIONARY is also capable of firing 7.62×39 mm in addition to 5.56 NATO by changing the barrel, and other components. However, a significant disadvantage of known firearms is that the position of a selector switch, magazine release, and bolt hold open on a firearm are positioned differently in different configurations and on different firearms, which requires the user to take time to adapt to each configuration to smoothly handle a firearm without mistakes. In addition, the positioning of the safety mechanism, fire selector, magazine release, and bolt hold open may be designed for exclusive use by a right- or left-handed user, which may make it difficult for an opposite-handed user to smoothly use the firearm. Another disadvantage of known firearms is the inability to fully adapt to the use of different calibers. Specifically, the ejection system may eject the cartridge casing (“case”) of one caliber perfectly and another may have a tendency to “stove pipe” or double feed another. Stovepipe is a term describing a case that fails to completely eject and is pinned sticking out of the firearm. A double feed describes a case that is not ejected and remains held by the bolt. As the bolt moves forward to load the chamber with a round, the bolt picks up a second round from the feeding device and attempts to force both the case and the round into the chamber. Additionally, the ejection port may be properly sized for one caliber but too small for another caliber. On the other hand the ejection port may be too large and allow foreign debris to enter and collect in the receiver, which may cause the firearm to fail to function. An additional disadvantage of known firearms is a tendency to “blow up” when fired after being removed from an immersed state in water. “Blow up” is the term that describes pressures in a chamber and/or barrel exceeding the specified tolerances, causing stress fractures in or fragmentation of the barrel, chamber, and/or parts surrounding the chamber and/or barrel. Such a condition can lead to severe injury and even death to the firearm user. The ideal firearm could: 1) fire a variety of cartridges of existing and future designs required by varying missions without the substitution of many parts; 2) use existing and future feeding devices (magazines) for those calibers; 3) regardless of caliber, have the same controls for cycling the weapon, fire control, changing feeding devices (magazines), and holding open or releasing the bolt; 4) be able to fire reliably in the semi and fully automatic modes; and 5) be able to operate in any environment. The problem in creating the ideal firearm described above is that different cartridges have different lengths, shapes, and weights. These differences effect the way cartridges are fed, fired, extracted, and ejected. Each of these elements is critical and must be optimized for reliable operation. Therefore, a design, which may work reliably for one caliber, may not work well at all for another caliber. To further complicate things, existing feeding devices which hold the ammunition ready to be fed into the chamber, vary by: 1) size, 2) method of restraining the cartridges (e.g., different feed lips), 3) method of attachment to the firearm; 4) features (e.g., some have provisions for a bolt hold open device and some do not). Accordingly, a need exists for a modular firearm that can fire a wide variety of calibers of ammunition, utilize many types of currently existing magazines and have ambidextrous controls located in the same position in different configurations. A need exists for a firearm that is able to function long periods of time under harsh conditions without needing to be cleaned or serviced. A need also exists for a firearm configuration that is able to fire immediately after being fully immersed in water. In addition a need exists for a firearm to perform a variety functions with improved durability and that may be adapted to the specific circumstances of each operation and conflict. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available firearms. In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein in the embodiments, an improved firearm is provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, the firearm may take the form of a rifle with a main receiver to which can be attached a variety of barrels, bolts (including the extractor and firing pin), ejectors, and feeding device fixtures (magazine wells) that can reliably fire the desired calibers from existing and future feeding devices. The design of the breech mechanism (bolt and bolt carrier) and the housing that contains the breech mechanism are designed to accommodate the differences in the calibers and feeding devices. The bolt, bolt carrier, and rails of the receiver that support and guide the movement of the bolt and bolt carrier must have ample clearance to accept the differing feed attachment devices (magazine wells or magazine well inserts), and yet must leave a clear path to the ejection port. The bolt and bolt carrier must be designed to adequately engage the rear of the cartridge to push it into the chamber, yet the bolt and bolt carrier must adequately clear all features of the feeding devices (e.g., a magazine), such as the lips, which restrain the cartridges in a magazine. Some of the feed attachment devices may require feed ramps to help guide the cartridge smoothly in the transition from the feeding device into the chamber (e.g., feed device fixture for an AK47 magazine). Other feed attachment devices may require stops and catches to properly position the magazine and hence the cartridges for proper feed into the chamber (e.g., AK47 and M14 magazines). There are many types of ejectors used in automatic firearms. The most reliable and efficient ejector must be solid so that when the empty cartridge case hits the ejector, the ejector does not flex or break and the empty case is ejected forcefully and completely from the firearm. To handle the lengths, weights and shapes of the various cartridges, the ejector must be able to be attached at various positions between the back end of the feeding device and the chamber. In some configurations, the position of the ejector may be ahead of the rear end of the feeding device. If the ejector is placed behind the feeding device (e.g., the FN FAL), the cartridge case may not be ejected before the bolt picks up a new cartridge if the bolt is not carried sufficiently to the rear during cycling. Furthermore, the direction the empty cartridge is ejected is important. The rifle should be able to be shot from either the right or left hand with the cartridge being ejected forward and away from the shooter. Ejection should not be so high as to reveal the shooters position. Directing the ejection of empty cartridge cases of various dimensions may be assisted by a case deflector, which can be positioned at various points in relation to the position of the ejector. Different case deflectors may be necessary for different calibers because the angle of the deflector with respect to the receiver may need to be different as well as its position. Additionally, directing the ejection of an empty cartridge case may also be assisted by positioning the ejector for each type of cartridge in the firearm. One embodiment of the invention may have the deflector and/or the ejector as part of the feeding device fixture, such as a magazine well. Alternatively, an adjustable ejection port may be used that would act similarly to a deflector, by adjusting the length and width of the ejection port. Some feeding devices (such as M14, M16, and FAL magazines) have features that operate bolt hold open systems. When the magazine is empty, its follower pushes up a protrusion on the bolt hold open system, which stops the bolt behind the feeding device. The purpose of the bolt hold open system is to keep the bolt open while the operator ejects an empty magazine and inserts a full one. After the full magazine is inserted, the operator can simply depress part of the bolt hold open system and the bolt automatically closes and loads a cartridge into the chamber. Without a bolt hold open system, the operator must eject the old magazine, insert a new one and then manually cycle the action. Some feeding devices (such as the AK47 and G3 magazines) do not have features that can operate a bolt hold open system. Yet a bolt hold open system even if not automatically operated by the empty magazine, is useful. At times an operator may want to manually engage the bolt hold open system to load or inspect it. The firearm may have an ambidextrous magazine release that is roughly the same place and which is operated in the same way regardless of the caliber or feeding device used. The ideal solution may also have a bolt hold open system, which works with all types of feeding devices (though manually with some) and which is located in the same position regardless of caliber or feeding device used. The way that the invention works to solve the problem is described below: the bolt moves back and forth within the bolt carrier. As the bolt moves back and forth within the carrier, it can rotate at a fixed point on the bolt, which is near the front of the bolt. Because the point of rotation is closer to the front of the bolt than to the rear, the front of the bolt does not rotate much but is held in a certain position with respect to the feeding device and chamber. The rear of the bolt may rotate further so that it can lock into engagement with a locking surface. Because the front of the bolt is constrained by the bolt carrier rather than something adjacent to it (as is the case with the FAL and SKS rifles), there is more room to accommodate a wide variety of feed attachment devices and corresponding feeding devices. Additionally, all calibers can use the same bolt carrier. The bolts for all calibers begin as the same casting or forging and are machined slightly differently to fit the head of the appropriate caliber and accept the correct extractor. The magazine release buttons are the positioned in the same location on the firearm regardless of which caliber or feeding device is used. If the magazine release button is depressed from either side of the receiver, the feeding device (e.g., s magazine) may be removed from the firearm. The feeding device fixtures are different depending on feeding device used. For example, the fixture for the AK47 magazine works as follows: As the button on either the right or left side is depressed, rounded portions of the button engage angled portions of the slide, drawing the slide toward the rear and compressing the slide's springs. The slide's tip is pulled from under the tab on the back of the AK47 magazine and the magazine is released. The mechanism works very much the same for M14 and FN FAL magazines but the parts used are different. The M16 magazine release is different. M16 magazines are held in place by an arm with a tab, which engages a slot on the side of the magazine. The M16 magazine release of the invention is also ambidextrous. The magazine release button on the right side of the receiver is directly connected with the magazine release arm on the left side of the receiver. When the right magazine release button is depressed the magazine release arm is pushed out to the left releasing the magazine. When the left magazine release button is depressed, the magazine release arm is drawn via a cam to the left also, thereby releasing the magazine. The firearm according to the invention is generally more ergonomic than other automatic firearms. With firearms made for the military and police, it is very important that the operator can manipulate all controls while holding the rifle by the pistol grip with his strong hand and while looking at the intended target through the sights. The strong hand is the right hand if the person is right handed; or the left hand if the person is left handed. While holding the rifle by the pistol grip with the strong hand, the operator can manually cycle the firearm by drawing the charging handle to the rear with his other hand and then releasing it. The fire control selector which allows the operator to choose between the fire control positions of safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic can be easily manipulated with the thumb of the strong hand. The charging handle is positioned such that the charging handle can be actuated with one hand while the bolt hold open device is actuated with the tip of the index finger of the other hand that is holding the grip of the firearm. If the firearm is empty, the operator can use the index finger of his strong hand to push the magazine release button, which will drop the empty magazine. This may be done simultaneously while grabbing a loaded magazine with the operator's other hand and then inserting the magazine into the magazine well. If the magazine is of the type that has features that automatically operate the bolt-hold-open-device, the bolt can be closed and a round loaded into the chamber by simply depressing the bolt-hold-open-device with either the index finger of the strong hand or by the thumb of the other hand immediately after the loaded magazine is inserted. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a side elevation view illustrating an embodiment of a firearm according to the invention; FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d illustrate a bolt, bolt carrier, and extractor of the firearm of FIG. 1 in three perspective views and an elevated front view showing the bolt face 36, respectively; FIG. 3 is a side elevation section view illustrating the systems of the barrel of the invention shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3a is a bottom view of the barrel of FIG. 3 illustrating the angled slot; FIG. 3b is a perspective view of a head space adjustment device; FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the receiver of the firearm of FIG. 1; FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating an alternative variation of the receiver of FIG. 4; FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of area A of FIG. 1 of the receiver; FIG. 5a is an elevated side view of an alternative configuration of area A of the receiver shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5aa is a cross-section view of a pin and detent securing a deflector to the receiver; FIG. 5b is an elevated side view of another alternative configuration of area A of the receiver shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is an elevated side view of the bolt hold open system and the magazine catch system; FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a magazine catch system and bolt hold open system shown in FIG. 6; and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a magazine catch system designed for use with M16 type magazines. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 9, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention. The present invention utilizes a number of physical principles to enhance the motion of parts in a firearm. For example, a beveled surface or angled slot is used to convert force from one direction into a resulting force in another. The manner in which the present invention utilizes these principles to provide a modular ambidextrously controlled firearm will be shown and described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 through 9. For this application, the phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, and thermal interaction. The phrase “attached to” refers to a form of mechanical coupling that restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached objects. The phrases “pivotally attached to” and “slidably attached to” refer to forms of mechanical coupling that permit relative rotation or relative translation, respectively, while restricting other relative motion. The phrase “attached directly to” refers to a form of attachment by which the attached items are either in direct contact, or are only separated by a single fastener, adhesive, or other attachment mechanism. The term “abutting” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the items may not be attached together. Referring to FIG. 1, a side elevation view illustrates a firearm 10 according to the invention that can, by the substitution of a barrel 12, bolt (shown in FIG. 2), and feed attachment device 14 be adapted to fulfill a variety of functions using future and existing calibers and their associated feeding devices 16. In this configuration, the feeding device 16 is a magazine well. In addition, the fire selector 18, safety 20, magazine release 22, and bolt hold open control surface 24 may be ambidextrously controlled and disposed in the same position on the firearm 10 regardless of caliber or configuration. As shown the fire selector 18 and safety 20 are integrally formed and positioned in the lower receiver 26. The feed attachment device 14 is attached to the lower receiver 26, and the lower receiver 26 is attached to the receiver 28. Area A Will be described in detail in FIGS. 5, 5a, and 5b. As shown, the magazine release 22 is disposed above a front portion of a trigger guard 29 on a side of the firearm. In this configuration, the magazine release 22 includes a first button 23 (as shown) that is accessible from this side of a firearm. In addition, the magazine release 22 includes a second button (not shown) that is accessible on the opposite side of the firearm. The bolt hold open control 24 extends along both sides of the front portion of the trigger guard 29 and therefore, may accessed on both sides of the firearm 10. This positioning allows a user to easily actuate the magazine release 22 and the bolt hold open control 24 with a trigger finger of the user regardless of whether the user is right or left handed. Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, a bolt 30, bolt carrier 32, and extractor 34 of the firearm of FIG. 1 are illustrated in three perspective views and an elevated front view showing the bolt face 36, respectively. In order for the firearm to perform a variety of functions, the invention utilizes a number of improved systems. The first improved system is found in the bolt 30 and bolt carrier 32. The bolt carrier 32 is shaped to enclose the bolt 30 on three sides. The bolt carrier 32 is open at the back 42 so that the total length of the bolt 30 is minimized and the length of travel optimized. Length of travel is the movement of the bolt 30 relative to the bolt carrier 32. Length of travel is important as it affects the recoil properties of the firearm. Typically, a greater length of travel yields a slower cyclical rate of fire. In addition, in an adjustable operating system where gas may be vented to reduce pressure in a gas system, it may be easier to determine how much gas to vent when the length of travel is longer. Additionally, the bolt carrier 32 comprises two aligned grooves 38 positioned proximate the front 40 and the back 42 on each side of the bolt carrier 32. The grooves 38 engage and ride upon rails in the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). Each groove 38 is long enough to support the bolt carrier 32 but short enough to minimize contact between the bolt carrier 32 and the rails of the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). Between the two grooves 38 on each side is a large gap 44 that allows debris, worked loose by the movement of the bolt carrier 32, to fall away from the rail and grooves 38 of the bolt carrier 32. The coupled grooves 38 allow the bolt carrier 32 to function with foreign matter in the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1), such as sand and dirt. The minimum contact surface lessens the chance of foreign material being caught between the grooves 38 and the rails causing the bolt carrier 32 to become stuck within the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). Another feature of the bolt carrier 32 comprises a second set of grooves 46 within the bolt carrier 32 that the bolt 30 engages and rides on. This second set of grooves 46 are positioned proximate the front 40 of the bolt carrier 32. The bolt 30 comprises bolt guide ears 48 that ride within the second set of grooves 46 in the bolt carrier. The bolt guide ears 48 and the second set of grooves 46 help position the catch lip 50 of the bolt face 36 to pick up a new cartridge from the feeding device and move the cartridge into the chamber (shown in FIG. 3) of the firearm. The bolt guide ears 48 and the second set of grooves 46 also help to properly position the bolt face 36 to close the chamber (shown in FIG. 3) in preparation of firing the cartridge. The bolt 30 is securely fixed against the face of the chamber (shown in FIG. 3) when the back end of the bolt 30 drops and locks against a locking surface 90 (shown in FIG. 4) within the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). This motion is guided by cam surfaces 52 on the bolt 30 and reciprocal cam surfaces 54 on the bolt carrier 32. The reciprocal cam surfaces 54 may be formed in the bolt carrier 32 through the window 55. In other words, in forming the window 55 on a side of the bolt carrier 32, the reciprocal cam surfaces 54 on both sides of the bolt carrier 32 may also be formed. The window 55 and the reciprocal cam surfaces 54 may be formed through machining, casting, stamping, forging, or any other method known in the art. The cam surfaces 52 and the reciprocal cam surfaces 54 act to guide the bolt into and out of proper position of the bolt locking surface 56 against locking surface of the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). The surfaces 52 and the reciprocal cam surfaces 54 may be formed at any angle. Also shown is a piston engagement surface 58 on top of the bolt carrier 32. The piston engagement surface 58 is struck by a piston (not shown) to push the bolt 30 and bolt carrier 32 away from a barrel 12 of the firearm 10. It should also be noted that the guide ears 48 on the bolt in conjunction with the second set of grooves 46 allows the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1) to be designed such that the area between the bolt 30 and the feeding device is unobstructed by parts, such as the bolt carrier 32, etc. A wide variety of feed attachment devices allows the firearm to properly position the wide variety of known and existing feeding devices, such as magazines or belted ammunition, for trouble-free feeding of ammunition into the firearm. For instance, an M16 type magazine, an AK-74 magazine (converted to handle 5.56 NATO), or a belt of ammunition may be used in the same gun by merely changing the feed attachment device. A feed attachment device may be a magazine well or belt feed device. Referring to FIG. 3, a side elevation section view illustrates the improved systems of the barrel 60. The barrel 60 comprises a chamber 62, an extended area of free bore 64, the rifling 66, and the muzzle 68. The area of free bore 64 immediately following the chamber 62 that is tapered, not rifled, and is larger than the outer diameter of a bullet designed for the barrel 60. The rifling 66 begins after the area of free bore 64 continues to the muzzle 68 of the barrel 60. The area of free bore 64 is tapered to allow the expanded gases of the firing cartridge to pass around and in front of the bullet. These expanding gases force any collected water out of the barrel 60, in front of the bullet. Alternatively, the free bore 64 is kept short and deep grooves 70 are cut in the barrel 60 proximate the chamber 62. The depth of the grooves moves to a normal depth after an inch or two of deep groove depth. The deep grooves allow the gases to pass in front of the bullet to push water out of the barrel. By combining or using individually the elements of an extended free bore 64 and the deep grooves 70 of the rifling 66, the barrel 60 may be safely fired after being fully immersed in water without draining the barrel. The purpose of these changes to the barrel 60 is to prevent blowing up the firearm, which may kill or severely injure the user. Another feature of the barrel 60 is an angled slot 72 cut proximate the chamber 62 in the outer wall of the barrel 60. The angle slot 72 is mated with a head space adjustment device that sits in a barrel trunion 86 (shown in FIG. 4) of the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). As the head space adjustment device (shown in FIG. 3b) is moved from one side of the barrel trunion 86 (shown in FIG. 4) to the other, the barrel is moved forward and backward within the receiver. This allows for the proper head spacing of each barrel attached to the firearm. Head spacing is important because improper head spacing of a firearm can damage the firearm or injure or kill the user when the firearm is fired. Also note that the life of the barrel may be extended by nitriding or boron nitriding the bore of the barrel. FIG. 3a is a bottom view of the barrel 60, particularly the angled slot 72 cut into the outer wall 74. Movement of the headspace adjustment device (shown in FIG. 3b) with respect to the angled slot forces the barrel 60 to move in and out of the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). It should be noted that the barrel 60 may be changed by moving the headspace adjustment device (shown in FIG. 3b) to one side such that the angled slot 72 no longer engages the headspace adjustment device. The barrel 60 may then be easily removed from the barrel trunion (shown in FIG. 4). Also, the headspace adjustment device (shown in FIG. 3b) is only able to move laterally within the barrel trunion. Therefore, movement of the headspace adjustment device (not shown) with respect to the angled slot forces the barrel to move in and out of the receiver 28. Referring to FIG. 3b, a perspective view illustrates a headspace adjustment device 75. The headspace adjustment device 75 comprises an adjustment hole 76 and two parallel beveled surfaces 77. The interior of the adjustment hole is threaded so that as an adjustment pin (not shown) can be turned therein, the headspace adjustment device 75 moves back and forth within the barrel trunion (shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a) to secure the barrel 60 within the firearm and to move the barrel 60 to adjust the head spacing of the firearm. The two parallel beveled surfaces 77 slide within the slot 72 in the barrel 60 to move the barrel 60 in and out of the receiver. Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view illustrates a portion 78 of the receiver 28 of the firearm 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, the receiver 28 comprises rails 80 which are engaged by the grooves of the bolt carrier. The receiver 28 also comprises a cocking handle slide 82 and cocking handle slot 84. In addition, the receiver 28 comprises a barrel trunion 86 and a barrel attachment slot 88. Also shown is a locking pin 90, which comprises the locking surface 92 against which the bolt is set when the chamber 62 (shown in FIG. 3) is closed. The invention also includes the ejection system 93 that removes a fired cartridge from the receiver 28 and the firearm 10 (shown in FIG. 1). In this configuration, the ejector 94 is positioned forward of a rear end 95 near the middle of a feed device attachment point 96 positioning to prevent double feeding, because the case must be knocked away from the bolt face 36 (shown in FIGS. 2a through 2d), before the bolt is able to pick up another round from an attached feeding device. The ejector 94 is attachable to the receiver 28 and can be placed at different attachment positions 97, such as toward the rear end 95, the middle, or the front end of the feed device attachment point 96 located between the barrel trunion 86 and the locking shoulder 92. The invention provides for at least two different attachment positions 97 for the ejector 94. The ejector 94 may also be attached to a feed attachment device (not shown). The attachment positions 97 may be defined by feature in the receiver 28. In this embodiment, the attachment positions 97 are defined by a series of evenly spaced holes 97a in a wall of the receiver 28 for adjusting the position of the ejector 94. The ejector 94 may comprise a pin, screw or rivet that is pushed through the hole in the receiver 28 that corresponds to the desired position of the ejector 94 within the receiver 28. Additional pins may be used to more fixedly attach the ejector 94 to the receiver 28. The holes 97a may be square or some other shape to prevent rotation or movement of the ejector 94 with respect to the receiver. The ejector 94 may also be bolted to the receiver 28. Of course, any of the pins or screws discussed above may be integrally formed with the ejector 94. Alternatively, the ejector 94 may be integrally formed with a feed attachment device or attached to the feed attachment device by welding, riveting, or pinning the ejector in place. Referring to FIG. 4a, a perspective view illustrates an alternative configuration of the receiver 28. In this configuration, the attachment positions 97 are defined by an elongated slot 97b. The ejector 94 is attachable along the slot's 97b length, which provides a plurality of attachment positions 97. The ejector 94 may be bolted, clamped, pinned into a desired position along the length of the slot 97b. Referring to FIG. 5, an enlarged cut away elevation view of area A shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an outside portion 100 of the receiver 28. As shown, the outside portion 100 comprises a first access hole 102 and a second access hole 104. The first access hole 102 provides access to the barrel adjustment device 106, which allows the head spacing to be adjusted. The second access hole 104 provides access to the locking pin 90 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 4 and 4a. The receiver 28 includes an adjustable ejection system, which includes an adjustable ejection port 108. The ejection port 108 is defined by an aperture 110 formed in a wall of the receiver 28 that begins at a position proximate the barrel trunion 86 (outlined in phantom lines) and extends rearward. The length and width of the aperture 110 is determined by the largest caliber of ammunition to be used with the firearm. The ejection port 108 is further defined by a deflector 112 that covers part of the aperture 110 to adjust the size of the ejection port 108. Once the deflector 112 is properly positioned at one of several attachment positions to allow a caliber of ammunition to properly eject and protect the receiver against foreign matter from unnecessarily getting in the receiver, two pins 114 coupled with nuts 115 to secure the deflector 112 against the receiver 28. In this embodiment, the deflector 112 is attached to the receiver 28 by the two pins 114 disposed in attachment slots 116. In addition, the deflector 112 may be made of metal, plastic, composite or other suitable material. The adjustable ejection port 108 has the added advantage of being able to better control the ejection of a case. As the case is knocked from the bolt face 36 (shown in FIGS. 2a through 2d) by an ejector 94 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a), the case may not be deflected fully out of the receiver 28 of the firearm and the case may stove pipe. To prevent this problem, the back of the ejection port 117 may be positioned to deflect the case out of the firearm and to generally move in a direction desired by the user. Also, the deflector 112 may include a buffer 118, which acts to deflect the shell downward as it exits the firearm. The buffer 118 may be material that has been bent back to form a thicker surface than the ordinary thickness of the material used in the deflector 112. In addition, an adjustable ejection port is one more aspect of the firearm that the user to may adapt to a case of a specific caliber. For instance, a 50 BMG case will not eject through an ejection port 108 set for the ejection of 5.56 cases. Referring to FIG. 5a, an enlarged cut away elevation view of area A shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an alternative configuration for attaching the deflector 112 to the receiver 28 at one of at least two attachment positions. The attachment positions are defined by several holes 119. In this embodiment, the deflector is attached to the receiver 28 by two pins 119a. Each pin 119a comprises a detent 119b as illustrated in FIG. 5aa. As shown, the detent 119b is a ball and spring press fit into a hole in the pin 119a. Alternatively, the detent may be material extending from a surface of the pin. Additionally, the deflector 112 may include threaded holes (not shown) and thus may be secured to the receiver by using threaded pins and bolts extending through the holes 119 in the receiver 28. FIG. 5aa illustrates how the detents 119b secure the deflector 112 to the receiver 28 through holes 119. As shown, the pins 119a are integrally formed with the deflector 112. Referring to FIG. 5b, an enlarged cut away elevation view of area A shown in FIG. 1 illustrates another alternative configuration for the deflector 112 attachable on the receiver 28 at one of at least two attachment positions. In this configuration, the deflector 112 is attached to the firearm by a rail 120 and clamps 121. The rail 120 provides a plurality of attachment positions along the rail 120 to which clamps 121 can be used to secure the deflector 112 to the rail 120. Of course, the deflector 112 may be secured to the outside of the receiver 28 as well as the inside of the receiver 28 as shown in FIGS. 5, 5a, and 5b. FIG. 6 features the ambidextrous access and convenient positioning of a bolt hold open system 130 and a magazine catch system 141. The bolt hold open system 130 comprises a bolt hold open body 132 having a bolt catch surface 134, a bias pin 136, a biasing spring 138, and a bolt hold open control arm 140. In this embodiment, the bolt hold open body 132 extends up through the magazine catch system 141 with the bolt catch surface 134 positioned to catch a bolt 30 (shown in FIGS. 2a through 2d) before the bolt 30 is allowed to close a chamber (shown in FIG. 3). A bias pin 136 is pressed into a hole in the bolt hold open body 132 above the magazine catch system 141 to prevent the bolt hold open body 132 from being pulled from a firearm. A biasing spring 138 is positioned over the bottom of the bolt hold open body 132 to bias the bolt hold open body 132 downward as shown by the direction arrow 145 in the firearm. The biasing spring 138 extends between the magazine catch system 141 and the bolt hold open control arm 140, which is attached to the bottom of the bolt hold open body 132. As shown, the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 are isolated from the rest of a firearm except for a partially shown trigger guard 142 and a partially shown trigger 144. The trigger guard 142 and the trigger 144 provide perspective on the relative location of the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 when located within the firearm. In this configuration, the bolt hold open control arm 140 is disposed adjacent the trigger guard 142 (partially shown). More specifically, the bolt hold open control arm 140 extends from in front of the trigger guard 142 (partially shown) toward the trigger 144 (partially shown) horizontally along both sides of the trigger guard 142. The bolt hold open system 130 may be released by urging the bolt hold open control arm 140 downward as shown by the direction arrow 145. This action moves the bolt hold open body 132 down out of the way of the bolt face 36 (shown in FIG. 2a through 2d). Thus, allowing the bolt face 36 to move past the bolt hold open system 130. Having the bolt hold open control arm 140 adjacent the trigger guard and accessible on both sides of the firearm (not shown) allows the user to release the bolt 30 (shown in FIG. 2a through 2d) using their trigger finger or their other hand. It gives the user the ability to actuate the bolt hold open system 130 using either hand without regard to whether the user is right- or left-handed. In this configuration, the bolt hold open control arm 140 extends on both side of the trigger guard 142. Also, the bolt hold open control arm 140 may be integrally formed with the bolt hold open body 132. The bolt hold open system 130 may be manually operated and may be used with any configuration of the invention or feed attachment device. To hold the bolt open, the bolt face 36 (shown in FIG. 2a through 2d) is urged toward the trigger 144 and the bolt hold open control arm 140 is urged upward (opposite the direction arrow 145). The bolt face 36 is then allowed to move until the bolt face 36 contacts the bolt catch surface 134. Of course, the bolt hold open system 130 may operate automatically in conjunction with a magazine (not shown) as known in the art. A magazine positioning device 146 is also shown that helps position a magazine within a magazine well (not shown). The magazine positioning device 146 comprises a positioning pin 148 and a positioning spring 150. The positioning pin 148 is positioned above a part of a magazine (not shown) held in a magazine well (not shown). As the magazine is loaded in the firearm, the positioning pin 148 is displaced, which compresses the positioning spring 150. While the magazine (not shown) is held in the magazine well (not shown), the magazine positioning device 146 urges the magazine against the catch surface 180 of the magazine catch system 141. When the magazine catch system 141 is actuated, the catch surface 180 is moved toward the trigger 144 and disengages from the magazine (not shown). The positioning spring 150 then pushes the positioning pin 148, which in turn urges the magazine from the magazine well (not shown). Also shown in FIG. 6, are some of the components of the magazine catch system 141, which will be more fully described in FIG. 7. As shown in this side elevation view of FIG. 6, the magazine catch system 141 includes a second button 172 attached to a catch guide pin 176 and a catch arm 178 extending from the second button 172 past the bolt hold open body 132 to the catch surface 180. The catch arm 178 includes a slot 179 through which the catch guide pin 176 extends to the opposite side of the catch arm 178. The catch arm also is shown including a second beveled surface 185. As shown, the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 are integrated to support the other systems functionality. Specifically, the bolt hold open body 132 extends through the catch arm 178 to help position the catch arm. By integrating the two systems, the systems take up less space and may weigh less than nonintegrated systems. Furthermore, the integrated magazine catch and bolt hold system facilitates the placement of the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 within a removable magazine well. Referring to FIG. 7, a bottom view further illustrates the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 of FIG. 6. The magazine catch system comprises a first button 170 and the second button 172 positioned opposite each other on a catch guide pin 176. A catch arm 178 extends from the first and second buttons 170 and 172 past the bolt hold open body 132 to the catch surface 180. As shown, the first and second buttons 170 and 172 each include an actuation surface 182. The first and second buttons 170 and 172 may be , rigidly or slidably attached to the catch guide pin 176. The actuation surface 182 may be rounded, curved, angled, or beveled. The back of the catch arm 178 comprises an elongated slot 179 through which the catch guide pin 176 extends. The surfaces below and above the elongated slot 179 are a first and the second beveled surfaces 184 and 185. In this configuration, the first and second beveled surfaces 184 and 185 extend 45 degrees from the substantially linear motion of the first and second buttons 170 and 172. The actuation surfaces 182 of the first and second button 170 and 172 engage a respective first and second beveled surface 184 and 185. When the first and/or second button 170 and/or 172 is depressed by a user, the actuation surface 182 urges the first beveled surface 184 and/or the second beveled surface 185 and the catch arm 178 to move toward the trigger 144 (shown in FIG. 6). Thus, causing the catch surface 180 to move out of engagement with a magazine (not shown). The catch arm 178 is biased away from the trigger 144 (shown in FIG. 6) to retain a magazine by two catch biasing springs 174. As shown, the bolt hold open body 132 extends through a slot 181 in the catch arm 178 to limit the motion of the catch arm 178. Also shown, the positioning pin 148 may be seen partially through the slot 181. In this configuration, either the first and second buttons 170 and 172 may be urged toward the catch arm. When either the first and second buttons 170 and 172 are urged toward the catch arm 178, the actuation surface 182 engages the beveled surface 184 to move the catch arm 178. If the first and second buttons 170 and 172 are slidably attached, both the first and second buttons 170 and 172 may be urged toward the catch arm 178. The bolt hold open control arm 140 has a U shape. The arms of the U shape are shown in FIG. 6 as extending along both sides of the trigger guard 142. In other words, the bolt hold open control arm 140 wraps around the trigger guard 142 to provide access to the bolt hold control system 130 on both sides of the firearm. FIG. 8 details an alternative configuration of a magazine catch system 249, which comprises a first button 250, a second button 252, a catch biasing spring 254, a catch guide pin 256, and a catch arm 258 having a catch surface 260. The first button 250 is accessible from one side of a firearm and the second button 252 is accessible from the opposite side of the firearm. The first button 250 includes a catch arm 258 and an angled slot 261 extending at an angle to the lateral direction 264. The second button 252 is also formed with the angled slot 262 extending at a different angle than the angled slot 261 of the first button. The catch guide pin 156 extends through the angled slots 261 and 262 and is movable in each slot 261 and 262. The catch biasing spring 254 extends between the first and second buttons 250 and 252. The magazine catch system 249 works by depressing either the first button 250 or the second button 252 toward the other button, which forces the catch guide pin 256 to move in the angled slots 261 and 262 longitudinally 263. As the catch guide pin 256 moves in the angled slots 261 and 262, the first and second buttons 250 and 252 simultaneously moves laterally 264, toward each other. As both buttons 250 and 252 move toward each other, the catch arm 258 moves to disengage the catch surface 260 from a magazine (not shown). The invention may incorporate both the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 into a removable feed attachment device such as a magazine well. However, the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 may also be incorporated into the receiver of a firearm. The invention also comprises the use of heat conductive thermoplastics. Heat conductive plastics have recently been developed for use with electric motors, where heat can also be a serious problem. Heat conductive plastics may be used in the invention to form various parts of the firearm. A major problem with the current use of thermoplastics in firearms is that they begin melting over constant use in a short period of time. Especially in semi-automatic or fully automatic firearms, the barrel, chamber, bolt, gas system, and any associated parts can easily exceed the melting temperature or glass transition phase of any thermoplastics used in those parts. Typical thermoplastics are insulators. Therefore, typical thermoplastics trap heat next to the firearm. Thus, supporting the temperature of the firearm to rise as each round is fired. Heat conductive plastics have the distinct advantage over standard thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites because heat conductive plastics are able to conduct the heat generated away from the firearm and into the surrounding environment. Conducting heat away from the firearm has the added benefit of helping to prevent “cooking off” round. Cooking off a round is an extremely dangerous occurrence, where the chamber is so hot that the residual heat is able to ignite a round sitting in the chamber and fire the firearm when the user is not expecting. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. All of the parts discussed above may be made of metal, composite, or plastics. In addition, the parts may be stamped, cast, forged, or machined. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes and alternatives that would be known to one of skill in the art are embraced within the scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates to firearms. More specifically, the present invention relates to firearms that can be configured to fire different calibers of ammunition with improved reliability in harsh environmental and firing conditions. In addition, the invention relates to improved modularity of firearm systems and ambidextrous control. The U.S. Government has been and will be involved in many conflicts and operations worldwide. Each of these conflicts and operations present their own individual circumstances and challenges that must be met by soldiers relying on firearms. To optimize the chances of success in each conflict and operation, a variety of firearms are needed to perform a variety of functions that change according to the specific circumstances of each operation and conflict. These functions range from long range sniping to close quarter battle. In addition, these functions include the use of different calibers and different configurations of firearms. Presently, armies around the world field a variety of different firearms to fulfill each of these functions. For instance, soldiers may use an H&K MP5 for close quarter combat, an M16 for general combat, or a Barrett Model 82A1 for support fire. These different firearms have differently positioned systems that require different training to effectively use and maintain each type of firearm. However, a soldier is unlikely to carry more than one firearm into combat, because of the weight and bulk of an additional firearm with accessories and ammunition. It is this inability to optimize and adapt a firearm to the circumstances and functions of the operational environment that is a great disadvantage of known firearms. It should be noted that there are some firearms known in the art that are capable of firing different calibers by changing the barrel, and other components without a gun-smith or tools. For example, the recoil operated H&K Model 21 and 23 series firearms are capable of firing several different cartridges, specifically 7.62 NATO, 5.56 NATO and 7.62×39 mm, by changing out the barrel, the feed attachment device (magazine well or belt feed device), and bolt. The Belgian FN Model “D” BAR Rifle is similarly capable of firing different calibers including 30.06 Springfield and 8 mm Mauser. Additionally, the M96 EXPEDITIONARY is also capable of firing 7.62×39 mm in addition to 5.56 NATO by changing the barrel, and other components. However, a significant disadvantage of known firearms is that the position of a selector switch, magazine release, and bolt hold open on a firearm are positioned differently in different configurations and on different firearms, which requires the user to take time to adapt to each configuration to smoothly handle a firearm without mistakes. In addition, the positioning of the safety mechanism, fire selector, magazine release, and bolt hold open may be designed for exclusive use by a right- or left-handed user, which may make it difficult for an opposite-handed user to smoothly use the firearm. Another disadvantage of known firearms is the inability to fully adapt to the use of different calibers. Specifically, the ejection system may eject the cartridge casing (“case”) of one caliber perfectly and another may have a tendency to “stove pipe” or double feed another. Stovepipe is a term describing a case that fails to completely eject and is pinned sticking out of the firearm. A double feed describes a case that is not ejected and remains held by the bolt. As the bolt moves forward to load the chamber with a round, the bolt picks up a second round from the feeding device and attempts to force both the case and the round into the chamber. Additionally, the ejection port may be properly sized for one caliber but too small for another caliber. On the other hand the ejection port may be too large and allow foreign debris to enter and collect in the receiver, which may cause the firearm to fail to function. An additional disadvantage of known firearms is a tendency to “blow up” when fired after being removed from an immersed state in water. “Blow up” is the term that describes pressures in a chamber and/or barrel exceeding the specified tolerances, causing stress fractures in or fragmentation of the barrel, chamber, and/or parts surrounding the chamber and/or barrel. Such a condition can lead to severe injury and even death to the firearm user. The ideal firearm could: 1) fire a variety of cartridges of existing and future designs required by varying missions without the substitution of many parts; 2) use existing and future feeding devices (magazines) for those calibers; 3) regardless of caliber, have the same controls for cycling the weapon, fire control, changing feeding devices (magazines), and holding open or releasing the bolt; 4) be able to fire reliably in the semi and fully automatic modes; and 5) be able to operate in any environment. The problem in creating the ideal firearm described above is that different cartridges have different lengths, shapes, and weights. These differences effect the way cartridges are fed, fired, extracted, and ejected. Each of these elements is critical and must be optimized for reliable operation. Therefore, a design, which may work reliably for one caliber, may not work well at all for another caliber. To further complicate things, existing feeding devices which hold the ammunition ready to be fed into the chamber, vary by: 1) size, 2) method of restraining the cartridges (e.g., different feed lips), 3) method of attachment to the firearm; 4) features (e.g., some have provisions for a bolt hold open device and some do not). Accordingly, a need exists for a modular firearm that can fire a wide variety of calibers of ammunition, utilize many types of currently existing magazines and have ambidextrous controls located in the same position in different configurations. A need exists for a firearm that is able to function long periods of time under harsh conditions without needing to be cleaned or serviced. A need also exists for a firearm configuration that is able to fire immediately after being fully immersed in water. In addition a need exists for a firearm to perform a variety functions with improved durability and that may be adapted to the specific circumstances of each operation and conflict. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available firearms. In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein in the embodiments, an improved firearm is provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, the firearm may take the form of a rifle with a main receiver to which can be attached a variety of barrels, bolts (including the extractor and firing pin), ejectors, and feeding device fixtures (magazine wells) that can reliably fire the desired calibers from existing and future feeding devices. The design of the breech mechanism (bolt and bolt carrier) and the housing that contains the breech mechanism are designed to accommodate the differences in the calibers and feeding devices. The bolt, bolt carrier, and rails of the receiver that support and guide the movement of the bolt and bolt carrier must have ample clearance to accept the differing feed attachment devices (magazine wells or magazine well inserts), and yet must leave a clear path to the ejection port. The bolt and bolt carrier must be designed to adequately engage the rear of the cartridge to push it into the chamber, yet the bolt and bolt carrier must adequately clear all features of the feeding devices (e.g., a magazine), such as the lips, which restrain the cartridges in a magazine. Some of the feed attachment devices may require feed ramps to help guide the cartridge smoothly in the transition from the feeding device into the chamber (e.g., feed device fixture for an AK47 magazine). Other feed attachment devices may require stops and catches to properly position the magazine and hence the cartridges for proper feed into the chamber (e.g., AK47 and M14 magazines). There are many types of ejectors used in automatic firearms. The most reliable and efficient ejector must be solid so that when the empty cartridge case hits the ejector, the ejector does not flex or break and the empty case is ejected forcefully and completely from the firearm. To handle the lengths, weights and shapes of the various cartridges, the ejector must be able to be attached at various positions between the back end of the feeding device and the chamber. In some configurations, the position of the ejector may be ahead of the rear end of the feeding device. If the ejector is placed behind the feeding device (e.g., the FN FAL), the cartridge case may not be ejected before the bolt picks up a new cartridge if the bolt is not carried sufficiently to the rear during cycling. Furthermore, the direction the empty cartridge is ejected is important. The rifle should be able to be shot from either the right or left hand with the cartridge being ejected forward and away from the shooter. Ejection should not be so high as to reveal the shooters position. Directing the ejection of empty cartridge cases of various dimensions may be assisted by a case deflector, which can be positioned at various points in relation to the position of the ejector. Different case deflectors may be necessary for different calibers because the angle of the deflector with respect to the receiver may need to be different as well as its position. Additionally, directing the ejection of an empty cartridge case may also be assisted by positioning the ejector for each type of cartridge in the firearm. One embodiment of the invention may have the deflector and/or the ejector as part of the feeding device fixture, such as a magazine well. Alternatively, an adjustable ejection port may be used that would act similarly to a deflector, by adjusting the length and width of the ejection port. Some feeding devices (such as M14, M16, and FAL magazines) have features that operate bolt hold open systems. When the magazine is empty, its follower pushes up a protrusion on the bolt hold open system, which stops the bolt behind the feeding device. The purpose of the bolt hold open system is to keep the bolt open while the operator ejects an empty magazine and inserts a full one. After the full magazine is inserted, the operator can simply depress part of the bolt hold open system and the bolt automatically closes and loads a cartridge into the chamber. Without a bolt hold open system, the operator must eject the old magazine, insert a new one and then manually cycle the action. Some feeding devices (such as the AK47 and G3 magazines) do not have features that can operate a bolt hold open system. Yet a bolt hold open system even if not automatically operated by the empty magazine, is useful. At times an operator may want to manually engage the bolt hold open system to load or inspect it. The firearm may have an ambidextrous magazine release that is roughly the same place and which is operated in the same way regardless of the caliber or feeding device used. The ideal solution may also have a bolt hold open system, which works with all types of feeding devices (though manually with some) and which is located in the same position regardless of caliber or feeding device used. The way that the invention works to solve the problem is described below: the bolt moves back and forth within the bolt carrier. As the bolt moves back and forth within the carrier, it can rotate at a fixed point on the bolt, which is near the front of the bolt. Because the point of rotation is closer to the front of the bolt than to the rear, the front of the bolt does not rotate much but is held in a certain position with respect to the feeding device and chamber. The rear of the bolt may rotate further so that it can lock into engagement with a locking surface. Because the front of the bolt is constrained by the bolt carrier rather than something adjacent to it (as is the case with the FAL and SKS rifles), there is more room to accommodate a wide variety of feed attachment devices and corresponding feeding devices. Additionally, all calibers can use the same bolt carrier. The bolts for all calibers begin as the same casting or forging and are machined slightly differently to fit the head of the appropriate caliber and accept the correct extractor. The magazine release buttons are the positioned in the same location on the firearm regardless of which caliber or feeding device is used. If the magazine release button is depressed from either side of the receiver, the feeding device (e.g., s magazine) may be removed from the firearm. The feeding device fixtures are different depending on feeding device used. For example, the fixture for the AK47 magazine works as follows: As the button on either the right or left side is depressed, rounded portions of the button engage angled portions of the slide, drawing the slide toward the rear and compressing the slide's springs. The slide's tip is pulled from under the tab on the back of the AK47 magazine and the magazine is released. The mechanism works very much the same for M14 and FN FAL magazines but the parts used are different. The M16 magazine release is different. M16 magazines are held in place by an arm with a tab, which engages a slot on the side of the magazine. The M16 magazine release of the invention is also ambidextrous. The magazine release button on the right side of the receiver is directly connected with the magazine release arm on the left side of the receiver. When the right magazine release button is depressed the magazine release arm is pushed out to the left releasing the magazine. When the left magazine release button is depressed, the magazine release arm is drawn via a cam to the left also, thereby releasing the magazine. The firearm according to the invention is generally more ergonomic than other automatic firearms. With firearms made for the military and police, it is very important that the operator can manipulate all controls while holding the rifle by the pistol grip with his strong hand and while looking at the intended target through the sights. The strong hand is the right hand if the person is right handed; or the left hand if the person is left handed. While holding the rifle by the pistol grip with the strong hand, the operator can manually cycle the firearm by drawing the charging handle to the rear with his other hand and then releasing it. The fire control selector which allows the operator to choose between the fire control positions of safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic can be easily manipulated with the thumb of the strong hand. The charging handle is positioned such that the charging handle can be actuated with one hand while the bolt hold open device is actuated with the tip of the index finger of the other hand that is holding the grip of the firearm. If the firearm is empty, the operator can use the index finger of his strong hand to push the magazine release button, which will drop the empty magazine. This may be done simultaneously while grabbing a loaded magazine with the operator's other hand and then inserting the magazine into the magazine well. If the magazine is of the type that has features that automatically operate the bolt-hold-open-device, the bolt can be closed and a round loaded into the chamber by simply depressing the bolt-hold-open-device with either the index finger of the strong hand or by the thumb of the other hand immediately after the loaded magazine is inserted. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. | 20040804 | 20091006 | 20060720 | 60868.0 | F41A961 | 1 | CLEMENT, MICHELLE RENEE | MULTI-CALIBER AMBIDEXTROUSLY CONTROLLABLE FIREARM | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | F41A | 2,004 |
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10,912,208 | ACCEPTED | Feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine | A feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine comprising an adjusting device, a control device, and an ankle holder. The adjusting device is connected to the tilting inversion exercise machine. The control device includes a pivoting member pivotably connected to the adjusting device, a ratchet fixed to the adjusting device and having a frictional portion, a pawl pivotably connected to the pivoting member and having a claw portion at an end thereof, a control bar fixed to the pivoting member at an end thereof, and an actuating rod inserted inside the control bar and pivotably connected to the other end of the pawl to be driven by a force to drive the claw portion to engage with or disengage from the frictional portion. The ankle holder includes a first binding cushion assembly fixed to the adjusting device, and a second binding cushion assembly fixed to the pivoting member. | 1. A feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine, said feet-binding apparatus comprising: an adjusting device having a plurality of locating holes by which said adjusting device is connected to the tilting inversion exercise machine; a control device having a pivoting member, a ratchet, a pawl, a control bar, and an actuating rod, said pivoting member being pivotably connected to said adjusting device to pivot relative to said adjusting device, said ratchet being fastened to said adjusting device and having a frictional portion, said pawl being pivotably connected to said pivoting member and having a claw portion at an end thereof, said control bar having an end fastened to said pivoting member, said actuating rod being inserted into said control bar and pivotably connected to the other end of said pawl to be driven by a force to drive said claw portion and said frictional portion to be engaged with or disengaged from each other; whereby when said claw portion and said frictional portion are disengaged from each other, said pivoting member can be driven by said control bar to pivot relative to said adjusting device; and an ankle holder having a first binding cushion assembly and a second binding cushion assembly, said first binding cushion assembly being fixedly mounted on said adjusting device, said second binding cushion assembly being fixedly mounted on said pivoting member of said control device, said pivoting member pivoting to change the relative spacing between said first and second binding cushion assemblies, said claw portion and said frictional portion being engaged to fixedly secure the relative spacing between said first and second binding cushion assemblies. 2. The feet-binding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said tilting inversion exercise machine includes a sleeve, said adjusting device includes a non-circular adjusting bar having a predetermined length, said adjusting bar being inserted into said sleeve of said tilting inversion exercise machine; said locating holes are positioned at an external side of said adjusting bar for receiving a pin mounted on said sleeve, said pin being inserted into different ones of said locating holes to change the length of said adjusting bar extending out of said sleeve for accommodating different users of different heights. 3. The feet-binding apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said adjusting device further comprises a fixed mount, said fixed mount having two fixed plates, two pedals, and a cover plate, said two fixed plates being fixedly mounted respectively on two opposite sides of a distal end of said adjusting bar extending out of said sleeve, said two fixed plates being pivotably connected with said pivoting member, said two pedals being fixedly mounted respectively on said two fixed plates for the user's feet treading thereon, said cover plate having a slidable piece and a slidable cover, said slidable piece being fixedly mounted between said two fixed plates and having a chute, said slidable cover having an end inserted into said chute and the other end fixedly mounted on said pivoting member to enable the slidable cover to be driven by said pivoting member to slidably move along said chute. 4. The feet-binding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said control device further comprises a biasing member and a switch, said switch having a reception portion and a button, said reception portion being hollow and having an end fastened with the other end of said control bar, said biasing member being positioned inside said reception portion, said button contacting against the other end of said actuating rod to control the movement of said actuating rod, said biasing member generating a resilience against said button to keep said button holding said actuating rod to further enable said claw portion of said pawl and said frictional portion of said ratchet to be engaged with each other. 5. The feet-binding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said frictional portion comprises a plurality of tooth gaps arranged in seriation; and said claw portion is hooked. 6. The feet-binding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said pivoting member comprises two pivoting plates each having a predetermined design and fastened with each other, said two pivoting plates defining therebetween a spacing having a predetermined width, each of said two pivoting plates having an end pivotably connected to said adjusting device, said ratchet being positioned in said spacing and fastened to said adjusting device to enable said pivoting member to pivot relative to said ratchet. 7. The feet-binding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said ratchet further comprises two retaining lugs extending transversally outwards respectively from two sides of an end of said ratchet for keeping the movement of said pivoting member between said adjusting bar and said retaining lugs. 8. The feet-binding apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said biasing member comprises a spring. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to tilting inversion exercise machines and, more particularly, to a feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine. 2. Description of the Related Art A conventional tilting inversion exercise machine allows the user to pivot his/her body to be in an inverted position, thereby attaining exercise effect. To keep the user in an inverted position on the tilting inversion exercise machine, there must be a device to fixedly secure the user's feet so as to prevent the user from falling. A conventional feet-binding apparatus mounted on a conventional tilting inversion machine is composed of a height-adjusting bar, a control bar pivotably connected with the height-adjusting bar, and two cushions respectively mounted on the height-adjusting bar and the control bar for respectively clamping the front and rear portions of the user's feet. After the user's feet are clamped by the two cushions, a hook of the height-adjusting bar is put to engage a plurality of lugs of the control bar, such that the user's feet can be firmly secured between the two cushions to avoid the risk of falling. The aforedescribed feet-binding apparatus has to be operated to place the user's feet between the height-adjusting bar and the control bar, then move the control bar to tightly clamp the front and rear portions of the feet, and further enable the hook to be engaged with the lugs to complete the procedure of securing the feet. However, this procedure has been found to be very complex and inconvenient for the user. In addition, another conventional feet-binding apparatus has a pin inserted into holes of the two cushions for fixedly securing the two cushions. However, when operating such feet-binding apparatus, it is necessary to first clamp the user's feet by the two cushions, and then to insert the pin into the corresponding hole, such that the whole procedure of binding the feet is still very complex and thus causes much inconvenience for the user. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an improved feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine, which can easily be operated to clamp and fixedly secure the user's feet in position. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine, which can keep the user safe during operation. The foregoing objects of the present invention are attained by the inventive improved feet-binding apparatus that comprises an adjusting device, a control device, and an ankle holder. The adjusting device includes a plurality of locating holes for connecting to the tilting inversion exercise machine. The control device includes a pivoting member, a ratchet, a pawl, a control bar, and an actuating rod. The pivoting member is pivotably connected to the adjusting device so as to pivot with respect to the adjusting device. The ratchet is fixed to the adjusting device and is provided with a frictional portion. The pawl is pivotably connected to the pivoting member and is provided with a claw portion at an end thereof. The control bar is fixed to the pivoting member at an end thereof. The actuating rod is inserted inside the control bar and is pivotably connected to the other end of the pawl to be driven by a force to drive the claw portion of the pawl to engage with or disengage from the frictional portion of the ratchet, such that the pivoting member can be driven by the control bar to pivot with respect to the adjusting device. The ankle holder includes a first binding cushion assembly and a second binding cushion assembly. The first binding cushion assembly is fixedly mounted on the adjusting device. The second binding cushion assembly is fixed on the pivoting member of the control device to change the relative spacing between the first and second binding cushion assemblies by the pivoting of the pivoting member. Alternatively, the claw portion of the pawl engages the frictional portion of the ratchet to fixedly secure the relative spacing between the first and second binding cushion assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawings in which like elements in different figures thereof are identified by the same reference numeral and wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a sectional schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in operation; FIG. 4 is another sectional schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in operation; and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a tilting inversion exercise machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a feet-binding apparatus 100 for a tilting inversion exercise machine and constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is composed of an adjusting device 10, a control device 20, and an ankle holder 30. The adjusting device 10 includes a fixed mount 12 and a non-circular adjusting bar 11 having a predetermined length. The adjusting bar 11 has a top end inserted into a sleeve 40 of the tilting inversion exercise machine, as shown in FIG. 5. A plurality of locating holes 13 are formed at a midsection of the adjusting bar 11 and run through two opposite sides thereof along a straight line for insertion therein of a pin 41 mounted on the sleeve 40. When the pin 41 is inserted into the different locating holes 13, the length of the adjusting bar 11 extending out of the sleeve 40 is variable to accommodate different users of different heights. The adjusting bar 11 further has a through hole 14 (FIG. 2) running through the two opposite sides of a distal end thereof. The fixed mount 12 has two fixed plates 15, two pedals 16, and a cover plate 17. The two fixed plates 15 are fixed respectively to the two opposite sides of the distal end of the adjusting bar 11 by screws and are positioned under the through hole 14. The two pedals 16 are for supporting the user's feet and are fixedly mounted respectively on the two fixed plates 15 by screws. The cover plate 17 has a slidable piece 171, a slidable cover 172, and a chute (not shown). The slidable piece 171 is fixedly mounted between the two fixed plates 15. The slidable cover 172 can be placed into the chute of the slidable piece 171 at an end thereof to be slidably moved along the slidable piece 171 by a force. The control device 20 includes a pivoting member 21, a ratchet 22, a pawl 23, a control bar 24, an actuating rod 25, a biasing member 26, and a switch 27. The pivoting member 21 has two pivoting plates 211 fixed with each other and each having a predetermined design, and a spacing formed between the two pivoting plates 211 and having a predetermined width. The two pivoting plates 211 are positioned between the two fixed plates 15 and each has an end pivotably connected with the fixed plates 15 to enable the pivoting member 21 to pivot relatively to the fixed plates 15 or the adjusting bar 11. Each of the pivoting members 21 has a through hole 212 running through the other end thereof. The slidable cover 172 of the adjusting device 10 is fixedly mounted on the pivoting member 21 at the other end thereof to enable the pivoting member 21 to be obscured by the slidable cover 172 and the two fixed plates 15 and to be driven by the pivoting member 21 to slidably move. The ratchet 22 is positioned between, and pivotably connected to, the two pivoting plates 211, and is fixed with the two fixed plates 15 to enable the pivoting member 21 to pivot relatively to the ratchet 22. The ratchet 22 has two retaining lugs 221 extending transversally outwards respectively from two sides of an end thereof for restraining the pivoting angle of the pivoting member 21 to keep the movement of the pivoting member 21 between the adjusting bar 11 and the retaining lugs 221. The ratchet 22 has a frictional portion 222 formed on a lateral edge thereof and having a plurality of tooth gaps in serial arrangement. The pawl 23 has a hooked claw portion 231 formed at an end thereof and an elongated slot 232 formed at bilateral sides of the other end thereof, being positioned between the two pivoting plates 211 and pivotably connected with the pivoting member 21. The control bar 24 is a tubular member and has an end fixedly mounted between the two fixed plates 211. The actuating rod 25 is an elongated rod inserted inside the control bar 24 and is pivotably connected with the slot 232 at an end thereof. The biasing member 26 is a spring. The switch 27 has a reception portion 271 and a button 272. The reception portion 271 is hollow inside and has an end fixed with the other end of the control bar 24, and a chamber for receiving the biasing member 26. The biasing member 26 has an end contacting a bottom side of the chamber. The button 272 is inserted through the other end of the reception portion 271 and into the chamber of the reception portion 271 to enable the other end of the actuating rod 25 to run through the biasing member 26 to further contact the button 272. The ankle holder 30 includes a first binding cushion assembly 31 and a second binding cushion assembly 32. The first binding cushion assembly 31 has a first shaft 311, two first tongues 312, and two first cushions 313. The first shaft 311 is inserted into the through hole 14 of the adjusting bar 11 to be secured in position by screws. Each of the first tongues 312 is a U-shaped resilient sheet and has two circular holes running through two opposite sides thereof. Each of the first cushions 313 is a U-shaped flexible padding and has two circular holes running through two opposite sides thereof. When assembling the aforementioned components, the two first tongues 312 are fitted respectively into the two first cushions 313, the circular holes of the two first tongues 312 and the two first cushions 313 are respectively aligned with each other to be inserted therethrough by the first shaft 311, and two screws are threadedly secured to two ends of the first shaft 321 to stop the two tongues 312 and the two first cushions 313 from separating from the first shaft 311. The second binding cushion assembly 32 has a second shaft 321, two second tongues 322, and two second cushions 323. The second shaft 321 is inserted into the through hole 212 of the pivoting member 21 to be secured in position by screws. Each of the second tongues 322 is a U-shaped resilient sheet and has two circular holes running through two opposite sides thereof. Each of the second cushions 323 is a U-shaped flexible padding and has two circular holes running through two opposite sides thereof. When assembling the aforementioned components, the two second tongues 322 are fitted respectively into the two second cushions 323, the circular holes of the two second tongues 322 and the two second cushions 323 are respectively aligned with each other to be inserted therethrough by the second shaft 321, and two screws are threadedly secured to two ends of the second shaft 321 to stop the two tongues 322 and the two second cushions 323 from separating from the second shaft 321. When the user intends to have his/her feet tightly clamped into the feet-binding apparatus 100, the button 272 of the control device 20 is depressed by the user's hand to squeeze the biasing member 26 to enable the biasing member 26 to be squeezed and deformed, the button 272 driving the actuating rod 25 to move downwards to further drive the pawl 23 to pivot on a pivot defined by the pawl 23 and the pivoting member 21 and to further disengage the claw portion 231 of the pawl 23 from the frictional portion 222 of the ratchet 22. While the button 272 is depressed, the control bar 24 pivots towards a direction against the adjusting bar 11, i.e. the control bar 24 pivots counterclockwise in FIG. 4, to drive the pivoting member 21 to pivot towards the same direction to further enable the first binding cushion assembly 31 to be driven to separate from the second binding cushion assembly 32, such that a gap between the first and second binding cushion assemblies 31 and 32 is enlarged to accommodate the user's feet. The aforementioned operation is required only while the gap between the first and second binding cushion assemblies 31 and 32 is too small to accommodate the user's feet; If he gap is sufficient to accommodate the user' feet, it is not necessary to perform the aforementioned operation, but instead the following operation is performed. When the gap between the first and second binding cushion assemblies 31 and 32 is sufficient to accommodate the feet, the user can have the feet tread respectively on the pedals 16 and rear sides of the feet lie against the first cushions 313 of the first binding cushion assembly 31. In the meantime, the button 272 is depressed by the hand of the user to disengage the claw portion 231 of the pawl 23 from the frictional portion 222 of the ratchet 22, and the control bar 24 is pivoted toward the adjusting bar 11 (clockwise in FIG. 4) to enable the pivoting member 21 to move together with the control bar 24 to drive the second cushions 323 of the second binding cushion assembly 32 to tightly lie against the front sides of the user's feet. Next, the button 272 is released to enable the biasing member 26 to resiliently drive the button 272 to return to the position where the button 272 is not depressed and to simultaneously pull the actuating rod 25 to drive the pawl 23 to pivot. Meanwhile, the claw portion 231 and the frictional portion 222 are engaged to fixedly secure the relative position between the first and second binding cushion assemblies 31 and 32 to tightly clamp the user's feet, such that the user can safely operate the tilting inversion exercise machine 100 to do the exercise of tilting and inverting the body. In addition, the claw portion and the frictional portion are adjustably engaged with one-way adjustability. In other words, while the user intends to push the control bar to drive the pivoting member or the second binding cushion assembly to pivot towards the adjusting bar, the claw portion can be driven to move to engage the next tooth gap of the frictional portion by directly pushing the control bar to pivot rather than pushing the button to disengage the pawl and the ratchet. When the user intends to push the control bar to pivot against the adjusting bar, it is required to push the button to disengage the pawl and the ratchet before the pivoting member pivots to enable the claw portion to engage the previous tooth gap of the frictional portion. Hence, it is required to push the button and the control bar at the same time to enlarge the gap between the first and second binding cushion assemblies, thereby rendering safer operation of the present invention than the prior art; it is easy to reduce the gap by pushing the control bar, thereby rendering more convenient operation for the present invention. In conclusion, the present invention includes advantages as follows. 1. When the feet-binding apparatus 100 of the present invention is operated to clamp the user's feet, it is easy to reduce the gap between the first and second binding cushion assemblies by moving the control bar or moving the control bar together with pushing the button at the same time to tightly clamp the user's feet, thereby facilitating the operation of the present invention for the user. 2. The claw portion and the frictional portion are adjustably engaged by one-way stopping. In other words, it is required to push the button to enlarge the gap, such that the gap will not be enlarged to ensure that the user's feet can still keep clamped tight even if the user carelessly touches the control bar while the user is in tilted and inverted position, thereby enhancing safe operation of the present invention. Accordingly, there has been disclosed an improved feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine. While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed, it will be appreciated that various modifications to the disclosed embodiment are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that this invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to tilting inversion exercise machines and, more particularly, to a feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine. 2. Description of the Related Art A conventional tilting inversion exercise machine allows the user to pivot his/her body to be in an inverted position, thereby attaining exercise effect. To keep the user in an inverted position on the tilting inversion exercise machine, there must be a device to fixedly secure the user's feet so as to prevent the user from falling. A conventional feet-binding apparatus mounted on a conventional tilting inversion machine is composed of a height-adjusting bar, a control bar pivotably connected with the height-adjusting bar, and two cushions respectively mounted on the height-adjusting bar and the control bar for respectively clamping the front and rear portions of the user's feet. After the user's feet are clamped by the two cushions, a hook of the height-adjusting bar is put to engage a plurality of lugs of the control bar, such that the user's feet can be firmly secured between the two cushions to avoid the risk of falling. The aforedescribed feet-binding apparatus has to be operated to place the user's feet between the height-adjusting bar and the control bar, then move the control bar to tightly clamp the front and rear portions of the feet, and further enable the hook to be engaged with the lugs to complete the procedure of securing the feet. However, this procedure has been found to be very complex and inconvenient for the user. In addition, another conventional feet-binding apparatus has a pin inserted into holes of the two cushions for fixedly securing the two cushions. However, when operating such feet-binding apparatus, it is necessary to first clamp the user's feet by the two cushions, and then to insert the pin into the corresponding hole, such that the whole procedure of binding the feet is still very complex and thus causes much inconvenience for the user. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An object of the present invention is to provide an improved feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine, which can easily be operated to clamp and fixedly secure the user's feet in position. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine, which can keep the user safe during operation. The foregoing objects of the present invention are attained by the inventive improved feet-binding apparatus that comprises an adjusting device, a control device, and an ankle holder. The adjusting device includes a plurality of locating holes for connecting to the tilting inversion exercise machine. The control device includes a pivoting member, a ratchet, a pawl, a control bar, and an actuating rod. The pivoting member is pivotably connected to the adjusting device so as to pivot with respect to the adjusting device. The ratchet is fixed to the adjusting device and is provided with a frictional portion. The pawl is pivotably connected to the pivoting member and is provided with a claw portion at an end thereof. The control bar is fixed to the pivoting member at an end thereof. The actuating rod is inserted inside the control bar and is pivotably connected to the other end of the pawl to be driven by a force to drive the claw portion of the pawl to engage with or disengage from the frictional portion of the ratchet, such that the pivoting member can be driven by the control bar to pivot with respect to the adjusting device. The ankle holder includes a first binding cushion assembly and a second binding cushion assembly. The first binding cushion assembly is fixedly mounted on the adjusting device. The second binding cushion assembly is fixed on the pivoting member of the control device to change the relative spacing between the first and second binding cushion assemblies by the pivoting of the pivoting member. Alternatively, the claw portion of the pawl engages the frictional portion of the ratchet to fixedly secure the relative spacing between the first and second binding cushion assemblies. | 20040805 | 20060718 | 20060209 | 97478.0 | A63B2600 | 1 | BAKER, LORI LYNN | FEET-BINDING APPARATUS FOR A TILTING INVERSION EXERCISE MACHINE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | A63B | 2,004 |
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10,912,324 | ACCEPTED | Hybrid remote control lawn mower | The present invention has two electric DC motors with gear boxes for forward/reverse/turning speed control, a gyro for fast straight line cuts, a brain comprising of microprocessors, a gas engine (typical rating being about 4.5 to 7.5 HP) to cut the grass, and an alternator to generate electricity. All heavy components such as batteries, gas engine should be engineered for optimum balanced in all its proportions. The battery power allows the unit to drive to a designated area then as soon as the engine starts the system generates its own electricity becoming a hybrid. The gas engine provides the mechanical energy for the alternator, and the alternator generates electricity. It is a fast, safe, energy efficient, effortless remote control lawn mover that does not compromise speed or power to cut the lawn. | 1. A hybrid remote control lawn mower with two rear dc motors mounted on a frame; an alternator mounted on a lawnmower deck, and a radio frequency remote control and a brain to control the speed and direction of the unit. 2. An alternator mounted on a lawnmower deck comprising of an alternator mount with a belt tensioning mechanism. The mounting of the alternator on the lawnmower deck allows for the alternator and the deck to travel up or down once mounted on the frame as recited in claim 1. 3. Two rear DC motors mounted on a frame comprising of two free to move angle front wheels; elevation plate to control the height of the alternator-lawnmower deck as recited in claim 2. 4. A brain comprising of a micro controllers to calculate the speed and direction for the DC motors, and a gyro to correct direction due to terrain | The invention relates to remote control lawn mowers using a hand held transmitter and a remote control lawn mower unit. The present invention is intended to minimize the physical labor effort in cutting the lawn by eliminating the need to follow behind the mower. This would be helpful to elderly people who maintain their lawns or to those with disabilities where physical exertion is not recommended. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has two electric DC motors with gear boxes for forward/reverse/turning speed control, a gyro for fast straight line cuts, a brain comprising of microprocessors, a gas engine (typical rating being about 4.5 to 7.5 HP) to cut the grass, and an alternator to generate electricity. All heavy components such as batteries, gas engine should be engineered for optimum balanced in all its proportions. The battery power allows the unit to drive to a designated area then as soon as the engine starts the system generates its own electricity becoming a hybrid. The gas engine provides the mechanical energy for the alternator, and the alternator generates electricity. It is a fast, safe, energy efficient, effortless remote control lawn mover that does not compromise speed or power to cut the lawn. All these unique features make the present invention a lawn mover that one controls and enjoys. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 is a drawing depicting a 3-D model of the hand held transmitter portion of the invention; FIG. 2 is a representational 3-D Model depicting the typical mechanical and electrical components of the present invention using a perspective view of the present invention; FIG. 3 illustrates the functional components of the controller box portion; FIG. 4 illustrates the frame of the unit with elevation plate and battery holder; FIG. 5 illustrates the alternator mount on a lawn mower deck; FIG. 6 illustrates the complete frame with the lawn mower deck; FIG. 7 illustrates the schematics showing the electrical and mechanical components for the hybrid system; FIG. 8 illustrates the typical design for the alternator, gas engine pulley, belt configuration; FIG. 9 illustrate the electronic circuit schematics for the brain. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawings, the drawings disclose a typical application or example of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a representation of the Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter. It comprises a hand held AM transmitter (typically 2-channel), which sends two radio signals for steering and speed control. A third channel can be used for a wireless starter. The receiver is mounted on the mower portion of the present invention, which receives the radio frequency signals and convert them into 1.0 mSec to 2.0 mSec pulses. The width of the pulse is proportional to the position of the steering and speed transmitter knobs. When the steering or speed knobs are released, the internal spring would force it to go to a center position sending a 1.5 mSec pulse. FIG. 2 is a representational 3-D Model depicting the typical mechanical and electrical components of the present invention. On the mower portion of the present invention, one would find the RF receiver inside the brain, the controller box designed with novel characteristics, voltage regulator, rechargeable 12-Volt Battery, two DC motors, an alternator to generate electricity, and a power lawn mover engine with blade Operation The RF Portion: The RF Transmitter sends two RF signals which are proportional to the position of the steering and speed control knobs. The RF receiver picks up the signals and converts the RF signal into electrical pulses. Table-1 illustrates the electrical pulses. TABLE-1 The Controller Box Portion: The electrical pulses are connected to a micro controller (e.g., PIC16C57 shown on FIG. 3) which converts the electrical pulses into two 8-bit byte binary values one for the steering control and speed control. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of an example of its functional components. In the depiction, the microcontroller receives the electrical pulses from the receiver and converts them into 8-bit binary values 0 to 100 in decimal. The zero value refers to a 1 mSec pulse and the 100 value to 2 mSec. The microprocessor uses these values to calculate the correct speed and direction. The microprocessor converts the binary values into a 10 KHz PWM (pulse width modulation) and controls two H-Bridge power MOSFET driver. A decimal value of 50 corresponds to a zero PWM (a low signal), a value of 75 corresponds to a 50% PWM, a value of 100 corresponds to 100% PWM (high signal), a value of 25 corresponds to a 50% PWM going on reverse, and a zero value corresponds to a 100% PWM going on reverse. The microcontroller has connections to a gyro where its function is to maintain a straight course whenever the steering command sends a 1.5 mSec pulse and the speed command is greater than 0 mile/hr. whenever these conditions are met, the microcontroller would remember the initial direction. If the unit deviates from its course due to terrain, the gyro would measure the deviation and the microcontroller would try to correct its course. The invention has two independent motors on the rear. The unit turns to the right when there is more current flowing through the motor on the left. The mover turns to the left when there is more current flowing through the motor on the right. This configuration delivers zero turning radios and better terrain adaptation. FIG. 4 illustrates the frame of the hybrid remote control lawn mower which accommodates the alternator with the gas engine. The elevation plate raises the gas engine with the alternator. FIG. 5 illustrates the attachment of the alternator to the lawn mower deck. FIG. 6 illustrates the complete frame alternator system. FIG. 7 illustrates the hybrid charging systems comprising of an alternator attached to the lawn mover metal body, a voltage regulator, the gas engine, and a 12-volt battery. The battery supplies the initial field current through the voltage regulator, the gas engine delivers the mechanical energy for the alternator, and the voltage regulator regulates the output voltage of the alternator by controlling the field current to the alternator. This hybrid system generates enough electricity to power the DC motors, electronic components, and charge the battery. FIG. 8 illustrates a typical design configuration for the pulley, shaft and belt design for the hybrid system. FIG. 9 illustrates the circuit schematics. It should be understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of one or more embodiments of this invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention has two electric DC motors with gear boxes for forward/reverse/turning speed control, a gyro for fast straight line cuts, a brain comprising of microprocessors, a gas engine (typical rating being about 4.5 to 7.5 HP) to cut the grass, and an alternator to generate electricity. All heavy components such as batteries, gas engine should be engineered for optimum balanced in all its proportions. The battery power allows the unit to drive to a designated area then as soon as the engine starts the system generates its own electricity becoming a hybrid. The gas engine provides the mechanical energy for the alternator, and the alternator generates electricity. It is a fast, safe, energy efficient, effortless remote control lawn mover that does not compromise speed or power to cut the lawn. All these unique features make the present invention a lawn mover that one controls and enjoys. | 20040805 | 20080115 | 20050210 | 98398.0 | 1 | PHAN, HAU VAN | HYBRID REMOTE CONTROL LAWN MOWER | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,912,481 | ACCEPTED | Hierarchical management for multiprocessor system with real-time attributes | The present invention provides for controlling the power consumption of an element. A first power control command is issued by software for the element. It is determined if the power control command corresponds to an allowable power control state for that element as defined by the hardware. If the power control command is not an allowable power control state for that element, the hardware sets the power control at a higher level than the power control state issued by the software. The software is real time software, and the software also sets minimally acceptable activity control states. A hierarchy of power consumption is defined for different elements of a chip by software, which provides the minimum level of power consumption by any element or sub-element on a chip. | 1. A method of controlling the activity of an element, comprising: issuing an activity control command by software for an element of the system; determining if the activity control command corresponds to an allowable activity control state for that element as defined by the hardware, and if it is, setting the activity level to the level defined by software; if the activity control command is not an allowable activity control state for that element, setting by the hardware the activity control at a next allowable higher level than the activity control state issued by the software, wherein the software is real time software, and the software also sets minimally acceptable activity control states. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of setting the activity control at a higher level than the activity control command issued by the software is performed by hardware. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of issuing a first activity control command further comprises setting an activity level. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein setting the activity control at a higher level than the activity control command issued by the software further comprises setting the activity control at the next highest level. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising defining an element within an activity hierarchy. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising selecting a activity state for the element within the activity hierarchy. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising inheriting a activity state from one element in a hierarchy to a second element of a hierarchy. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing an activity control command of an element of a multiprocessor system to individually control each element of the multiprocessor system. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the activity control command comprises an active state activity command. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the activity control command comprises a slow state activity command. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the activity control command comprises a paused state activity command. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the activity control command comprises a state retained and isolated activity command. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the activity control command comprises a state lost and isolated activity command. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the issuing an activity control command by software further comprises issuing an activity control command by a real time operating system. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the issuing an activity control command by software further comprises issuing an activity control command by a real time hypervisor. 16. A system, comprising: a first element; and a register, coupled to the first element, the register is configured to receive indicia, generated by software, of one of o plurality of the activity states, and wherein each element is configured to operate at a more active activity state if the element is not configured to operate at the activity level indicated by the indicia of the activity state, wherein the elements are further configured to be set at a minimum activity state by a real time software. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the real time software further comprises a real time operating system. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the real time software further comprises a hypervisor. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the first element comprises a memory flow controller. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the first element comprises a local store. 21. The system of claim 16, wherein the first element is hierarchically associated with a second element. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the second element inherits the activity state of the first element. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the second element is set at a lower activity state than the first activity state by software. 24. A computer program product for of controlling the activity of an element, the computer program product having a medium with a computer program embodied thereon, the computer program comprising: computer code for issuing an activity control command by software for an element of the system; computer code for determining if the activity control command corresponds to an allowable activity control state for that element as defined by the hardware, and if it is, setting the activity level to the level defined by software; if the activity control command is not an allowable activity control state for that element, computer code for setting by the hardware the activity control at a higher level than the activity control state issued by the software, wherein the software is real time software, and the software also sets minimally acceptable activity control states. 25. A processor for controlling the activity of an element, the processor including a computer program comprising: computer code for issuing an activity control command by software for an element of the system; computer code for determining if the activity control command corresponds to an allowable activity control state for that element as defined by the hardware, and if it is, setting the activity level to the level defined by software; if the activity control command is not an allowable activity control state for that element, computer code for setting by the hardware the activity control at a higher level than the activity control state issued by the software, wherein the software is real time software, and the software also sets minimally acceptable activity control states. | CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATION This application relates to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “Hierarchical Management for Multiprocessor System” (Docket No. AUS920030578US1), filed concurrently herewith. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to power consumption and, more particularly, to the individualized control of power consumption by processors and subsystems in a multiprocessor system in relation to their real-time power consumption. BACKGROUND In conventional technologies, there are ways of controlling power dissipation by a processing chip. For instance, states are introduced, such as on full, on slower, clock off and chip off. Examples are the “nap, doze, sleep and suspend” states in implementations of the PowerPC architecture, and the “sleep” and “deeper sleep” states in enhanced Intel SpeedStep® power management for processors. However, there are a number of problems with the conventional technologies when applied to multiprocessor systems. First, in prior systems power management modes are not software accessible. In typical implementations the system controller is responsible for using the power management capabilities of the chip to effect power management. This is disadvantageous because though the system controller can respond to such system aspects as chip or module temperature, a system controller has limited information about the tasks the processors perform. In some microprocessors that perform emulation this problem has been partially overcome by providing a power management interface to the hardware emulation layer. This has been done in processors by Transmeta® corporation. Because the emulation layer can observe a level of software activity, power management can be done in response to both external measures such as chip temperature and software activity as monitored by the emulation software. This enables such processors to save additional power when only light tasks, such as DVD playback, are performed. However, because the power management states are not available to the operating system or a hypervisor, additional opportunities for power management, such as managing power by scheduling tasks and levels of activity of multiple tasks is not performed. This capability is especially important in multiprocessor systems where an operating system or hypervisor has the freedom to rebalance tasks (threads) across multiple processors in order to improve overall power or power and heat distribution throughout the chip or system. In symmetric multiprocessor systems, even greater opportunities for task placement or migration and hence power balancing exist. Furthermore, conventional technologies, have not successfully implemented a control system that is individually directed to individual processors for a multiprocessor system. Although “system wide” implementations have been created that allow of external control of the entire system with the microprocessing chips in lock-step, there is no control shown for individual processors in a multi-processor system. Furthermore, system-on-chip designs that combine the processor with such units as memory controllers and bus controllers require extending power management techniques beyond the processors themselves. Also, modern microprocessors may allow for more detailed power management of units within a single processor core. Hence a more hierarchical approach, where power management states can apply to collections of units, including processors, and subunits of processors, is desirable. Therefore, there is a need for an architected power control interface that can be used by a hypervisor or operating system in a multiprocessing environment that addresses at least some of the concerns associated with conventional power management control in multiprocessor and system-on-chip environments. There is a further need for a real-time operating or hypervisor that sets minimum activity levels for various devices within the multiprocessor system in a manner that addresses at least some of the problems associated with conventional multiprocessor systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides for controlling the power consumption of an element in a multiprocessor or system-on chip environment. A first power control command is issued by software for the element. It is determined if the power control command corresponds to an allowable power control state for that element as defined by the hardware. If the power control command is not an allowable power control state for that element, the hardware sets the power control at a higher level than the power control state issued by the software. The software is real time software, and the software also sets minimally acceptable activity control states. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 schematically depicts a multiprocessing environment in which power control occurs; FIG. 2A schematically depicts the transitions of the power states for individual element control; FIG. 2B schematically depicts the relationship between power consumption and the various states of the controlled element; FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a power hierarchy for the multiprocessing environment associated with FIG. 1; and FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a method for employing a real time operating system or real time hypervisor for setting minimal power consumption for devices within a multiprocessor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning network communications, electro-magnetic signaling techniques, and the like, have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In the remainder of this description, a processing unit (PU) may be a sole processor of computations in a device. In such a situation, the PU is typically referred to as an MPU (main processing unit). The processing unit may also be one of many processing units that share the computational load according to some methodology or algorithm developed for a given computational device. For the remainder of this description, all references to processors shall use the term MPU whether the MPU is the sole computational element in the device or whether the MPU is sharing the computational load with other MPUs, unless otherwise indicated. It is further noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions described herein may be performed in either hardware or software, or some combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, however, the functions are performed by a processor, such as a computer or an electronic data processor, in accordance with code, such as computer program code, software, and/or integrated circuits that are coded to perform such functions, unless indicated otherwise. Turning to FIG. 1, disclosed is an environment 100 in which power control of individual elements in a processor can operate. There is a memory flow controller (MFC) 105 coupled to a processor unit 120, an SPU 125 coupled to a local store 130, and a SMF 140. The MFC 105 and the PU 120 comprise a PPC 101. Typically, each element has its own sub-element, and every sub-element has its own indicia of an associated power state in the power state register 150. If there is not a sub-element, the element, such as SPU 125, has its own power state within the power state register 150. Within the power state register 150, software values exists for ensuring that the given element runs at a minimum power level necessary to support the system function requested by software. For instance, the MFC 105 has a L2 cache 106, a memory management unit (MMU) 107, a non-cacheable unit (NCU) 108 a bus interface unit 109, and a microprocessor interface unit (CIU) 110. The PU 120 has a PPC core 121 and a L1 cache 122, also coupled to its own power state register 150. The SPU 125 and the local store 130 are also coupled to the power state register 150. Each of these elements or sub-elements is coupled to the power state register 150. Likewise, the SMF 140 has a direct memory access controller (DMAC) 141, a memory management unit (MMU) 142, an atomic memory unit (ATO) 143 and a bus interface unit (BIU) 144. Each of these elements 141-144 are also coupled to the power state registers 150. The MFC 105, and the cache 140 are coupled to a broad-band engine bus 160. The BEB 160 is also coupled to a I/O bus 180, a broad-band interface (BEI) 170, and a memory interface controller (MIC) 190. The activity or power consumption levels of both of these are controlled by a power control register 185, which is programmed by the power state register 150. The sub-elements of 105, 120, 140, and so on, read the values in the registers 150 and determine whether to be in a fully active state, a slowed state, a paused state, a state retained and isolated state, or a state lost and isolated state, or another power consumption state, as a function of a value written by software. Each of these individual software-specified states correspond to increasing or decreasing power consumption for individual units 106-110, and so on. However, the power state that is specified and stored within each register 150 for use with each element, sub-element, or unit within the system 100, in some implementations, may not specifically be implemented for the requested hardware state. In other words, only a subset of power states are implemented. For instance, the “paused” state for the L2 cache 106 could be undefined, although this is the power state that was requested by the software, but not directly implemented. Therefore, each element, such as the L2 cache 106, L1 cache 122, the local store 130, and so on, therefore will configure itself to operate at the next higher power state implemented for that element in order to support the functionality and responsiveness requested by the software. Therefore, the element is operating at the power level requested by the software or at the next higher power level implemented, thereby ensuring the software required functionality is available. Each sub-element 106-110, 121-122, element 125, 130 and so on, is therefore programmed by the software to perform at a minimum power level necessary to support the system function. However, if the element can not or does not support that level of power state, the next higher level of activity (such as paused requested versus slowed-implemented), is then chosen. However, the software is dependent on the established power hierarchy that the element will operate at the capability level specified by the requested power level or if that level is not available, at the next greater functional capability that is available. That way, the functional characteristics of individual element is at minimum what has been requested by the software. In a further embodiment, the operating system or hypervisor that is used in conjunction with the system 100 is a real time operating system (RTOS). Generally, in a RTOS, the RTOS system determines a schedule for various tasks according to information concerning their deadlines, that is, time by which the tasks should be completed, and anticipated run times. In a multiprocessor system of the system 100, the operating system or hypervisor has control over the hierarchical power settings. Furthermore, a real-time OS devise a schedule for the various tasks, including a minimum level of activity for the various elements of the hierarchy needed to perform each task, that meets the deadlines. Furthermore, the operating system associated with the system 100 further optimizes power dissipation through the mechanisms of setting the power level at the lowest level of power consumption that meets that requirement as a function of the power state or states for each device that is supported by hardware. Thus, for example, in a particular system, “slowed” modes are implemented, perhaps on SPUs 125, in such a way that, at half speed, the SPU 125 would dissipate ¼ full power. Then, if two tasks that each take half a second at full speed, are to be executed in a one-second window, the task would, from a power consumption standard, be more advantageously scheduled on two SPUs 125, each running at half speed. In contrast, if the slow mode is not implemented within the particular SPU 125, it can be more advantageous to run both tasks in sequence on one SPU 125 and to shut down the second SPU 125. This would be the state lost and isolated state. Turning now to FIG. 2A, disclosed is a state transition map of activity states for the various units of system 100. Each sub-element 106-110 has within its own register 150 a value written by the software that denotes the minimum activity level requested of that element, sub-element, or unit. The highest activity/highest power state is an active state 240. In this state, the performance of the processor or other sub-element is not limited by power management. In the active state 240, the element, sub-element, or unit consumes the maximum amount of power or is otherwise in the most active state. From the active state 240, the element, sub-element, or unit can transition (by software request) to any other states in FIG. 2A that have been implemented. The next lower activity state in FIG. 2A is the slowed state 250. In the slowed state 250, performance is reduced to reduce power consumption. Other than the fact that the processing speed as a function of received cycles is reduced, the element, sub-element, or unit functions similar to the active state. The next lowest activity state is the paused state 210. In the paused state, the element, sub-element, or unit is not guaranteed to make forward progress in providing its function. However, the currently processed information state is maintained. The unit also remains responsive to other unit requests to retrieve or update data in its current state. This state is typically transitioned back to a slowed or active, by a request from another unit The next lowest state is the state retained and isolated state 220. In the state retained and isolated state 220, access to the element, sub-element, or unit is prohibited from any other unit. However, information internally stored in the element, sub-element, or unit is retained. There is no forward functional progress made during the state retained and isolated state 220 and internal data can not be accessed or updated by other units. Finally, there is the state lost and isolated state 230. In the state lost and isolated state 230, the element, sub-element, or unit is logically removed from a multiprocessor system. In other words, the element, sub-element, or unit does not retain any internal information as to its state, and the element, sub-element, or unit is not accessible by other units and therefore by the operating system, the hypervisor, or application. In the state lost and isolated 230, the element, sub-element, or unit is at the lowest level of activity and therefore power consumption. Generally, there can be a correlation between a lower activity level and a lower level of power consumption by a given element, unit or subunit. In FIG. 2A, the states 210 through 250 are applied to each element 106-110, and other elements or sub-elements of the system 100, individually under software direction, and supported by hardware action. This gives a much greater flexibility to the control of individual processors or sub-elements. Furthermore, at least because of the hardware override of the individual component software settings when the software-selected power level is undefined, this helps to ensure that the processing of any data or executions of any instructions are performed at least to the level of function selected by the hypervisor, operating system, application, or so on. In the FIG. 2A, in a further embodiment, the states are set by a real-time operating system as a minimum power level, and then the power hierarchy associated with the system 100. Turning now to FIG. 2B, illustrated is a power arrow illustrating relative power consumption, starting from the highest, “active” state, to the “isolated and state lost” state. These states may or may not be defined for any individual element. If the state is not defined for an element that is selected by the software, then the power state for that element is advanced to the next highest available power state by the hardware. In other words, in FIG. 2B, the power states, as registered in the power state registers 150 and the power control registers 185, are implemented by each element, sub-element, or unit at least to the level of function commanded by the software, or the next higher implemented available power state, depicted by moving left on the power hierarchy diagram of FIG. 2B. One aspect of accepting the specified software power management states, and then support setting the next higher implemented power state when the software requested state is not available is that it allows the software to be used with differing hardware power implementations. For instance, one version of hardware might not support a given level of activity of a unit, but another version of the hardware does support the level of activity for the unit. However, these different levels of enablement as proposed in the above hierarchy will allow for the same software to hierarchically use distinct usage enablements for elements of hardware. In the FIG. 2B, in a further embodiment, the states are set by a real-time operating system as a minimum power level, and then the power hierarchy associated with the system 100. Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an exemplary power hierarchy 300 for managing the system 100. At the highest level is a Broadband Engine (“BE”) 310, corresponding to the BE 160 of FIG. 1. The BE 310 sets the highest physical power requirements of a system. In other words, no unit below the BE in the hierarchy will have a higher hardware power state than the BE, unless required to do so due to the specified power state being undefined for a particular unit, element or sub-element. For instance, if the BE 310 is in a “sleep” state, the power PC (PPC) 315, which corresponds to the PPC 101, the synergistic processor (SPC) 350, which corresponds to the SMF 140, the BE bus (BEB) 360, the bus interface logic (BEI) 370, and the input output port (IO) 380 will all have, as their physical power states, a power state that is no higher than the element from which that element depends. This is the default condition. For instance, the BEI 370 will be no higher (no more active) than the BE 310. These elements and sub-elements can correspond to I/O 180, the BEI 170, the SPU 125, respectively. However, in FIG. 3, a physical element can be set by software for a lower power consumption state than the element above it. For instance, both a memory flow controller (MFC) 320 and a processor unit (PU) 335 would share the same physical power state as the PPC 315 in a default position. In one illustrative example, a bus interface unit (BIU) 322 and the L2 cache 326 could be set at a lower state, such as isolated and state retained. However, a cache interface unit (CIU) 324, and a non-cacheable unit (NCU) 330 could be set at the same power consumption state as the MFC 320. Alternatively, if the BE 310 is set at the active state by the software, this power consumption state would ordinarily be inherited by a SPU 352, a Local Store 354, and a SMF 355. However, an atomic cache 356, a bus interface unit (BIU) 357, direct memory access controller (DMAC) 358, and the memory management unit (MMU) 359 could be set at a lower state, such as paused, isolated and state retained, or isolated and state lost. In other words, in the system 100, software control (that is, the “architected state” of the system), is used to control the power system. The software control is used to set different power consumption levels to different states of the hierarchy. For instance, software could be used to set the BE at the highest “active” level of power consumption, the PPC at the second “paused” level of power consumption, and the L2 cache at the third “paused” level of power consumption. However, a given unit in the hierarchy may not support a power level selected by the software. For instance, if a L1 cache 337 or a PPC core 338 is set at an “isolated and state retained” power state, the hardware of a particular implementation of the system 100 may not support this particular power state for this particular element, as the power states supported can be implementation specific. Therefore, the hardware of the system 100 takes the selected element, such as the L1 cache, and places it in the next highest defined energy consumption state. In an exemplary, this would be either the “paused” state, the “slowed” state, or the “active” state, in that order, depending upon whether or not these other states are defined. In other words, in the system 100, the software is not to assume a level of activity for any unit that is higher than what the architectural state guarantees, and the hardware delivers at least the level of activity the architecture specifies. In other words, the software designates a certain power consumption state for a specific element, such as the BIU 322, the SMF 355, a DMAC 358, and so on. In the absence of contrary software instructions, each element beneath another element in the hierarchy shares the same power status as the element immediately above it in the hierarchy. However, if a level of activity state is defined for an element, perhaps the MMU 328, that is not supported by the physical layout of the system 100, the hardware sets the MMU at the next highest power consumption level. However, the software itself runs on the assumption that the physical device, such as the MMU 328, does not perform power consumption, in other words, is not faster, than the power consumption specified by the software. By so doing this, the software ensures that the various components of the hierarchy function at a minimum level, which can be relied upon by other components of the software and hardware. In the FIG. 3, in a further embodiment, the hierarchys are set by a real-time operating system as a minimum power level, and then sets the power hierarchy associated with the system 100. Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a method 400 for setting minimum power levels by a real time operating system or hypervisor. In step 410, an application running on an operating system and/or hypervisor running on the system 100 informs the operating system or hypervisor about the various scheduling constraints. In a step 420, the real time operating system or real time hypervisor determines the level of the necessary activity level to meet scheduling constraints. In a step 430, the real time operating system or hypervisor sets the level of activity for various devices in the multiprocessor system. It is understood that the present invention can take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. The capabilities outlined herein allow for the possibility of a variety of programming models. This disclosure should not be read as preferring any particular programming model, but is instead directed to the underlying mechanisms on which these programming models can be built. Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>In conventional technologies, there are ways of controlling power dissipation by a processing chip. For instance, states are introduced, such as on full, on slower, clock off and chip off. Examples are the “nap, doze, sleep and suspend” states in implementations of the PowerPC architecture, and the “sleep” and “deeper sleep” states in enhanced Intel SpeedStep® power management for processors. However, there are a number of problems with the conventional technologies when applied to multiprocessor systems. First, in prior systems power management modes are not software accessible. In typical implementations the system controller is responsible for using the power management capabilities of the chip to effect power management. This is disadvantageous because though the system controller can respond to such system aspects as chip or module temperature, a system controller has limited information about the tasks the processors perform. In some microprocessors that perform emulation this problem has been partially overcome by providing a power management interface to the hardware emulation layer. This has been done in processors by Transmeta® corporation. Because the emulation layer can observe a level of software activity, power management can be done in response to both external measures such as chip temperature and software activity as monitored by the emulation software. This enables such processors to save additional power when only light tasks, such as DVD playback, are performed. However, because the power management states are not available to the operating system or a hypervisor, additional opportunities for power management, such as managing power by scheduling tasks and levels of activity of multiple tasks is not performed. This capability is especially important in multiprocessor systems where an operating system or hypervisor has the freedom to rebalance tasks (threads) across multiple processors in order to improve overall power or power and heat distribution throughout the chip or system. In symmetric multiprocessor systems, even greater opportunities for task placement or migration and hence power balancing exist. Furthermore, conventional technologies, have not successfully implemented a control system that is individually directed to individual processors for a multiprocessor system. Although “system wide” implementations have been created that allow of external control of the entire system with the microprocessing chips in lock-step, there is no control shown for individual processors in a multi-processor system. Furthermore, system-on-chip designs that combine the processor with such units as memory controllers and bus controllers require extending power management techniques beyond the processors themselves. Also, modern microprocessors may allow for more detailed power management of units within a single processor core. Hence a more hierarchical approach, where power management states can apply to collections of units, including processors, and subunits of processors, is desirable. Therefore, there is a need for an architected power control interface that can be used by a hypervisor or operating system in a multiprocessing environment that addresses at least some of the concerns associated with conventional power management control in multiprocessor and system-on-chip environments. There is a further need for a real-time operating or hypervisor that sets minimum activity levels for various devices within the multiprocessor system in a manner that addresses at least some of the problems associated with conventional multiprocessor systems. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides for controlling the power consumption of an element in a multiprocessor or system-on chip environment. A first power control command is issued by software for the element. It is determined if the power control command corresponds to an allowable power control state for that element as defined by the hardware. If the power control command is not an allowable power control state for that element, the hardware sets the power control at a higher level than the power control state issued by the software. The software is real time software, and the software also sets minimally acceptable activity control states. | 20040805 | 20071120 | 20060209 | 97040.0 | G06F946 | 0 | DU, THUAN N | HIERARCHICAL MANAGEMENT FOR MULTIPROCESSOR SYSTEM WITH REAL-TIME ATTRIBUTES | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
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10,912,549 | ACCEPTED | Printer | A printer unit comprises a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism for positioning a platen with respect to a print head when a cover frame is closed. The first positioning mechanism is constituted to restrict a change in the position of the platen to a rotation around a first positioning fulcrum, such as a lock pin. The second positioning mechanism is constituted to restrict the rotation of the platen around a first positioning fulcrum by abutment on a second positioning fulcrum, such as a lock lever spindle. | 1-8. (Canceled) 9. A printer comprising: a body frame; a print head provided on the body frame; a cover frame provided on the body frame movable between an open position and a closed position; a platen provided on the cover frame and opposed to the print head with a predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed; a first positioning mechanism for positioning the platen with respect to the print head when the cover frame is closed and for restricting a change in a position of the platen to a rotation around a first positioning fulcrum; a paper feed roller provided on one of the body frame and the cover frame; a paper press roller provided on the other of the body frame and the cover frame; and a spring urging the paper press roller against the paper feed roller and keeping the cover frame in the closed position. 10. A printer as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a second positioning mechanism positioning the platen with respect to the print head when the cover frame is closed and restricting the rotation of the platen around the first positioning fulcrum by abutment on a second positioning fulcrum. 11. The printer according to claim 10, wherein the second positioning mechanism includes: a lock lever spindle provided on one of the platen and the cover frame and acts as the second positioning fulcrum; and a second positioning groove provided on the body frame and serving to restrict a rotation of the platen around the lock pin by abutment of the lock lever spindle on a groove inner edge portion when the cover frame is closed. 12. The printer according to claim 9, wherein the first positioning fulcrum is provided on a first virtual line which passes through a printing position of the print head and is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the platen opposed to the print head. 13. The printer according to claim 9, further comprising a lock lever rotatably provided to lock an operation for opening and closing the cover frame when the cover frame is closed. 14. A printer comprising: a body frame; a print head provided on the body frame; a cover frame provided on the body frame movable between an open position and a closed position; a platen provided on the cover frame and opposed to the print head with a predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed; a first positioning mechanism for positioning the platen with respect to the print head when the cover frame is closed and for restricting a change in a position of the platen to a rotation around a first positioning fulcrum; a lock lever rotatably provided to lock an engagement between the body frame and the cover frame and to unlock the engagement; a paper feed roller provided on one of the body frame and the cover frame; a paper press roller provided on the other of the body frame and the cover frame; and a spring urging the paper press roller against the paper feed roller, the spring keeping the cover frame in the closed position and urging the lock lever to lock the engagement. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer for positioning a platen provided on a cover frame with respect to a print head provided on a body frame when the cover frame is closed. 2. Related Art In the related art, there is known a printer for storing a continuous paper such as a rolled paper therein and carrying out printing while pulling out the continuous paper. In a printer of this type, to change the continuous paper, it is necessary to manually pull out the continuous paper and take the continuous paper along a predetermined paper path. For this reason, a platen to be disposed in an opposite position to the print head is provided on the cover side of the printer for opening and closing a continuous paper exchange port such that the paper path is opened with an operation for opening a cover. In the case in which the print head is of a dot impact type or an ink jet type, moreover, a predetermined gap (a platen gap) is to be maintained between the print head and the platen and the platen is to be provided in parallel with the printing line of the print head in order to assure printing quality. However, the related art printer is positioned by the engagement of a lock lever provided rotatably on the cover frame and a lock pin provided on the body frame. Therefore, there is a possibility that positioning precision in the platen might be deteriorated by the influence of the attachment looseness of the cover frame to the body frame. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a printer in which a platen provided on a cover frame can be positioned with high precision with respect to a print head provided on a body frame when the cover frame is closed. This high precision can be achieved by print head eliminating the influence of the attachment looseness of the cover frame to the body frame so that a predetermined gap can be maintained between the print head and the platen, and the platen can be provided in parallel with the printing line of the print head so that printing quality can be enhanced. In order to attain the above object, the invention provides a printer comprising a print head provided on a body frame, a cover frame provided on the body frame to freely carry out an opening and closing operation, a platen provided on the cover frame and opposed to the print head with a predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed, a first positioning mechanism for positioning the platen with respect to the print head when the cover frame is closed to restrict a change in a position of the platen to a rotation around a first positioning fulcrum, and a second positioning mechanism for positioning the platen with respect to the print head when the cover frame is closed to restrict the rotation of the platen around the first positioning fulcrum by abutment on a second positioning fulcrum. Moreover, it is preferable that the first positioning fulcrum should be provided on a first virtual line which passes through a printing position of the print head and is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the platen which is opposed to the print head with the predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed. In short, a plain defined by the a printing line and the first positioning fulcrum is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the platen which is opposed to the print head with the predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed. In this case, the amount of a change in the platen gap caused by the rotation of the platen is minimized. Consequently, precision in the platen gap can be enhanced to improve printing quality. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first positioning mechanism should include a lock pin provided on the body frame and acting as the first positioning fulcrum, a lock lever provided rotatably on the platen or the cover frame through a lock lever spindle and engaged with the lock pin to lock an operation for opening and closing the cover frame when the cover frame is closed, the lock lever is spindle provided on the platen or the cover frame and acting as the second positioning fulcrum, and a first positioning groove provided on the platen or the cover frame and serving to restrict a change in a position of the platen to only a rotation around the lock pin along an outer periphery of the lock pin when the cover frame is closed. In this case, it is possible to constitute the first positioning mechanism by such a change as to add the first positioning groove to a related art lock lever mechanism. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced and the structure of the printer can be simplified. Moreover, it is preferable that the second positioning mechanism should include a second positioning groove provided on the body frame and serving to restrict a rotation of the platen around the lock pin by abutment of the lock lever spindle on a groove inner edge portion when the cover frame is closed. In this case, the second positioning mechanism is constituted by utilizing a lock lever spindle. Consequently, the number of components can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. In addition, a distance between the first positioning fulcrum and the second positioning fulcrum is maintained to be constant by the lock lever. Consequently, positioning precision in the platen can further be enhanced. Furthermore, it is preferable that the printer should further comprise a paper feed roller provided on one of the body frame and the cover frame, and a paper press roller provided on the other of the body frame and the cover frame and abutting on the paper feed roller when the cover frame is closed, the first positioning fulcrum being provided in a position offset from a second virtual line passing through centers of the paper feed roller and the paper press roller as seen from a side. In other words, the first positioning fulcrum is provided on an outside of a plane defined by an axis of the paper feed roller and that of the paper press roller. In this case, a moment in a constant direction around the first positioning fulcrum is applied to the platen by a reaction force acting on the paper press roller. Therefore, the abutment position of the second positioning fulcrum and the second positioning groove can be specified to further enhance the positioning precision in the platen. Moreover, it is preferable that the printer should comprise a spring for urging the paper press roller toward the paper feed roller side. In this case, a constant reaction force (spring force) acts on the paper press roller. Therefore, a moment in a constant direction can be reliably applied to the platen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover frame of a printer unit is closed according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover frame is opened (a half-open state) in the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover frame is opened (a full-open state) in the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is closed in the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main part, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is opened in the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the cover frame of the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main part, illustrating a process for closing the cover frame in the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main part, illustrating a state obtained immediately before the cover frame is closed in the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main part, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is closed in the printer unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the platen of the printer unit of FIG. 1 seen from the back side; and FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part, illustrating a state in which the cover frame of a printer unit according to another embodiment of the invention is closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printer unit, illustrating a state in which a cover frame is closed, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the printer unit, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is opened (a half-open state), and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the printer unit, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is opened (a full-open state). A printer unit 10 shown in these drawings is incorporated in a predetermined housing to constitute a printer. The printer unit 10 comprises a housing 11 for storing a roll-shaped continuous paper P therein, and one end side of the continuous paper P held rotatably in the housing 11 is pulled out of the upper part of the printer unit 10 through a paper path 12. The paper path 12 is provided with a paper feed roller 13 for delivering the continuous paper P, a paper press roller 14 for pushing the continuous paper P against the paper feed roller 13, a dot impact type print head 15 for carrying out printing on the continuous paper P, and a platen 16 for holding the back face of the continuous paper P in the opposite position of the print head 15. The print head 15 is provided on a carriage 17 for reciprocating in a transverse direction (a direction of the width of the paper path 12) An ink ribbon is supplied from an ink ribbon cassette 18 to the moving area of the print head 15. The impact pin of the print head 15 is protruded in a state in which the ink ribbon is provided between the print head 15 and the continuous paper P. Thus, dot matrix printing is carried out on the continuous paper P. An opening 19 is formed above the housing 11 in order to exchange the continuous paper P. A side frame 20a constituting a part of a body frame 20 is erected on the left and right sides of the housing 11, and the opening 19 is opened and closed by a cover frame 21 which is rotatably supported on the rear part of the side frame 20a. The cover frame 21 includes or houses the platen 16 and the paper press roller 14 in a tip portion thereof. When the cover frame 21 is opened, the platen 16 and the paper press roller 14 retreat so that the paper path 12 is opened. In other words, when the continuous paper P is to be exchanged, the cover frame 21 is opened to store the continuous paper P in the housing 11 and one end side of the continuous paper P is then pulled up to the outside of the housing. Thereafter, the cover frame 21 is closed so that the continuous paper P is set along the paper path 12. A motor 30 for driving the paper feed roller 13 is fixed to the outside of one of the side frames 20a. Moreover, a gear train 31 for transmitting the power of the motor 30 to the paper feed roller 13 is provided on the outside of the same side frame 20a. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the main part of the printer unit, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is closed, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main part of the printer unit, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is opened, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the cover frame. As shown in these drawings, the platen 16 comprises an attachment surface 16a to be attached integrally with a lower surface on the tip side of the cover frame 21, a downstream side guide surface 16b for guiding the continuous paper P on the downstream side of the print head 15, a print head opposed surface 16c (a platen acting surface) opposed to the print head 15 with a predetermined gap, and an upstream side guide surface 16d for guiding the continuous paper P on the upstream side of the print head 15. The paper press roller 14 is rotatably held on the backside of the platen 16 The paper press roller 14 protruded from a roller protrusion hole 16e formed on the upstream side guide surface 16d abuts on the paper feed roller 13. When the cover frame 21 is closed, the print head opposed surface 16c is to maintain a predetermined gap together with the print head 15 and is to hold a parallel state with the printing line of the print head 15. Description will now be given to a first positioning mechanism 22 and a second positioning mechanism 23 that serve to position the platen 16 with respect to the print head 15. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main part of the printer unit, illustrating a process in which the cover frame is closed, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main part of the printer unit, illustrating a state obtained immediately before the cover frame is closed, and FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main part of the printer unit, illustrating a state in which the cover frame is closed. As shown in these drawings, the first positioning mechanism 22 comprises a pair of left and right lock pins (first positioning fulcrums) 24 protruded from the inside surface of the side frame 20a, a lock lever spindle 25 rotatably supported on left and right side plate portions 16f of the platen 16, a pair of left and right lock levers 26 rotatably supported on the lock lever spindle 25, and a pair of left and right first positioning grooves 16g formed on the left and right side plate portions 16e of the platen 16. As shown in FIG. 6, the left and right lock levers 26 are coupled integrally through a coupling portion 26a and are urged rearward by a spring 27 provided between the coupling portion 26a and the shaft portion of the paper press roller 14 in a compression state. An engagement hook groove 26b and a taper portion 26c are formed in the tip portion of the lock lever 26. When the cover frame 21 is closed, the taper portion 26c comes in contact with the lock pin 24 before the cover frame 21 reaches a closing position The lock pin 24 guides the taper portion 26c so that the lock lever 26 is rotated forward as the cover frame 21 is closed (FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, when the cover frame 21 reaches the closing position, the taper portion 26c gets over the lock pin 24 so that the lock lever 26 is rotated rearward (in a direction of an arrow A in FIG. 9) by the urging force of the spring 27. At this time, the engagement hook groove 26b is engaged with the lock pin 24 so that the operation for opening and closing the cover frame 21 is locked. An unlocking lever 28 is rotatably supported on one of the ends of the lock lever spindle 25. The lock lever 26 is rotated forward (in a direction of an arrow B in FIG. 9) when an operator rotates the unlocking lever 28 rearward so that the opening and closing lock of the cover frame 21 is released. The first positioning groove 16g is formed on the lower end of the side plate portion 16f such that the lower side is opened to be fan-shaped. As shown in FIG. 8, when the cover frame 21 is closed, one of the groove inside edges of the first positioning groove 16g comes in contact with the lock pin 24 so that the platen 16 is positioned and guided. Moreover, when the cover frame 21 reaches the closing position as shown in FIG. 9, a groove upper end 16h of the first positioning groove 16g is engaged with the lock pin 24 so that the platen 16 is positioned. This state is held by the engagement of the lock pin 24 with the lock lever 26. Both the groove upper end 16h of the first positioning groove 16g and the engagement hook groove 26b of the lock lever 26 are formed arcuately along the outer periphery of the lock pin 24. In a full-closing state in which the groove upper end 16h of the first positioning groove 16g and the engagement hook groove 26b of the lock lever 26 are engaged with the lock pin 24, a change in the position of the platen 16 is restricted to only a rotation to be carried out around the lock pin 24. As shown in FIG. 9, the lock pin 24 to be the positioning fulcrum of the first positioning mechanism 22 is provided on a first virtual line L1 as seen from the side. The first virtual line L1 passes through a printing position 15a of the print head 15 and is almost perpendicular to the print head opposed surface 16c of the platen 16 as seen from the side. The lock pin 24 is provided on the first virtual line L1 so that the amount of a change in a platen gap with the rotation of the platen 16 can be minimized. The printing head 15 as described in this embodiment is used for the dot impact type printer such that nine wires are arranged on a paper transporting direction. In order to define the first virtual line L1, the printing position 15a is assumed to be the center between upper and lower wires, in this embodiment. The second positioning mechanism 23 comprises the lock lever spindle (second positioning fulcrum) 25 and a pair of left and right second positioning grooves 20b formed on the left and right side frames 20a. The second positioning groove 20b is formed on the upper end of the side frame 20a such that the upper side is opened to be fan-shaped. When the cover frame 21 is closed as shown in FIG. 8, both of the left and right ends of the lock lever spindle 25 come in contact with one of the groove inside edges of the second positioning groove 20b so that the platen 16 is positioned and guided. Moreover, when the cover frame 21 reaches a closing position as shown in FIG. 9, both ends of the lock lever spindle 25 enter a narrow portion 20c of the second positioning groove 20b. The narrow portion 20c is set to have a slightly larger size than the diameter of the lock lever spindle 25. In a state in which the lock lever spindle 25 is positioned therein, it abuts on the groove inside edge of the second positioning groove 20b so that the rotation of the platen 16 around the lock pin 24 is restricted. As shown in FIG. 10, a roller holder 29 for supporting the paper press roller 14 and the spring 27 is provided on the backside of the platen 16. The roller holder 29 is engaged with the lock lever spindle 25 and the roller protrusion hole 16e and is thus fixed integrally with the platen 16. The roller holder 29 is provided with a roller support groove 29a for rotatably supporting a paper press roller shaft 14a and a protrusion 29b for supporting the spring 27. The roller support groove 29a is slot-shaped and not only supports the paper press roller shaft 14a rotatably but also supports the paper press roller shaft 14a slidably in the direction of a second virtual line L2 passing through the centers of the paper feed roller 13 and the paper press roller 14. The protrusion 29b is a bent piece turned in a transverse direction, and the spring 27 is attached from one of the sides thereof. The spring 27 urges the lock lever 26 rearward as described above, and furthermore, urges the paper press roller shaft 14a downward and the paper press roller 14 is protruded from the roller protrusion hole 16e by the urging force of the spring 27. In a state in which the paper press roller 14 is positioned away from the paper feed roller 13, that is, a state in which the cover frame 21 is opened, both ends of the paper press roller shaft 14a urged by the spring 27 abut on the back face of the platen 16 so that further protrusion of the paper press roller 14 is restricted. On the other hand, in a state in which the cover frame 21 is closed, the paper press roller 14 abuts on the paper feed roller 13 and retreats to the backside of the platen 16. At this time, the paper feed roller 13 is pressed by the paper press roller 14 by constant force (the urging force of the spring 27). Consequently, a constant reaction force (corresponding to the urging force of the spring 27) is applied from the paper feed roller 13 to the paper press roller 14. As shown in FIG. 9, the lock pin 24 to be the first positioning fulcrum is provided in a position offset from the second virtual line L2 by a predetermined amount as seen from the side. For this reason, a moment in a constant direction around the lock pin 24 is applied to the platen 16 by the reaction force acting on the paper press roller 14. In other words, the moment acts upon the platen 16 so that the platen 16 is rotated in the constant direction around the lock pin 24 to be a fulcrum. Therefore, it is possible to specify the position of the abutment of the lock lever fulcrum 25 and the second positioning groove 20b, thereby enhancing positioning precision in the second positioning mechanism 23. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part, illustrating a state in which the cover frame of a printer unit according to another embodiment of the invention is closed. The same reference numerals in FIG. 11 as those in FIGS. 1 to 10 denote the same elements and detailed description thereof will be omitted. While the paper feed roller 13 and the paper press roller 14 are provided on the upstream side of the print head 15 in the paper path 12 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, these items are provided on the downstream side of the print head 15 in the embodiment. More specifically, the roller protrusion hole 16e is provided on the downstream side guide face 16b of the platen 16 and the paper feed roller 13 is protruded therefrom. The paper press roller 14 is supported in a rotatable condition in a part on the upper side of the side frame 20a and comes in contact with the paper feed roller 13 protruded from the roller protrusion hole 16e by pressure when the cover frame 21 is closed. More specifically, while the continuous paper P is pushed and delivered from the upstream side toward the printing position 15a in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the continuous paper P is pulled and delivered from the downstream side of the printing position 15a in the embodiment. Moreover, while the paper feed roller 13 is provided on the body frame 20 side and the paper press roller 14 is provided on the cover frame 21 side in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the paper feed roller 13 is provided on the cover frame 21 side and the paper press roller 14 is provided on the body frame 20 side in the embodiment. For this reason, a gear (not shown) is provided on one of the ends of the spindle of the paper feed roller 13 and is mated with a gear train 31 in a state in which the cover frame 21 is closed so that the power of the motor 30 is transmitted to the paper feed roller 13. Furthermore, while the spring 27 urges the lock lever 26 rearward and the paper press roller 14 is urged toward the paper feed roller 13 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the paper press roller 14 is urged toward the paper feed roller 13 by a leaf spring 271 and the lock lever 26 is urged rearward by a coiled spring 272 in the embodiment. In the same manner as in FIG. 9, also in an example shown in FIG. 11, a lock pin 24 to be a first positioning fulcrum is provided in a position offset by a predetermined amount from a second virtual line L2 passing through the centers of the paper press roller 14 and the paper feed roller 13 as seen from the side. Therefore, a moment in a constant direction around the lock pin 24 is applied to the platen 16 by a reaction force acting on the paper press roller 14. Consequently, it is possible to enhance positioning precision in a second positioning mechanism 23. As described above, according to these embodiments, a printer unit 10 comprises the print head 15 provided on the body frame 20, the cover frame 21 provided on the body frame 20 to freely carry out an opening and closing operation, the platen 16 provided on the cover frame 21 and opposed to the print head 15 with a predetermined gap when the cover frame 21 is closed, a first positioning mechanism 22 for positioning the platen 16 with respect to the print head 15 when the cover frame 21 is closed and for restricting a change in the position of the platen 16 to (only) a rotation around a first positioning fulcrum (the lock pin 24), and the second positioning mechanism 23 for positioning the platen 16 with respect to the print head 15 when the cover frame 21 is closed and for restricting the rotation of the platen 16 around the first positioning fulcrum by abutment on a second positioning fulcrum (a lock lever spindle 25). In other words, the change in the position of the platen 16 is restricted to only the rotation by the first positioning mechanism 22 and the rotation is restricted by the second positioning mechanism 23. Therefore, it is possible to position the platen 16 with respect to the print head 15 with high precision without the influence of the attachment looseness of the cover frame 21 to the body frame 20. As a result, it is possible to maintain a predetermined gap between the print head 15 and the platen 16 and to provide the platen 16 in parallel with the printing line of the print head 15, thereby enhancing printing quality. As seen from the side, moreover, the first positioning fulcrum (the lock pin 24) is provided on a first virtual line L1 which passes through the printing position 15a of the print head 15 and is almost perpendicular to a print head opposed surface 16c of the platen 16. Therefore, the amount of a change in the platen gap with the rotation of the platen 16 can be minimized. As a result, it is possible to enhance precision in the platen gap, thereby improving printing quality. Moreover, the first positioning mechanism 22 comprises the lock pin 24 provided on the body frame 20 and acting as the first positioning fulcrum, the lock lever 26 rotatably supported on the platen 16 through the lock lever spindle 25 and engaged with the lock pin 24 to lock an operation for opening the cover frame 21 when the cover frame 21 is closed, and a first positioning groove 16g provided on the platen 16 and serving to restrict a change in the position of the platen 16 to a rotation around the lock pin 24 along the outer periphery of the lock pin 24 when the cover frame 21 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to constitute the first positioning mechanism 22 with such a simple change as to add the first positioning groove 16g to a related art lock lever mechanism. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of components and to simplify the structure of the printer. Furthermore, the second positioning mechanism 23 comprises the lock lever spindle 25 provided on the platen 16 and acting as the second positioning fulcrum, and a second positioning groove 20b provided on the body frame 20 and serving to restrict the rotation of the platen 16 around the lock pin 24 by the abutment of the lock lever spindle 25 on a groove inside edge when the cover frame 21 is closed. Therefore, the second positioning mechanism 23 can be constituted by utilizing the lock lever spindle 25. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of components and to simplify the structure. In addition, a distance between the first positioning fulcrum and the second positioning fulcrum can be maintained to be constant by the lock lever 26. Consequently, it is possible to further enhance the positioning precision of the platen 16. In addition, there are provided the paper feed roller 13 disposed on the body frame 20 and the paper press roller 14 disposed on the cover frame 21 and abutting on the paper feed roller 13 when the cover frame 21 is closed. The lock pin 24 (the first positioning fulcrum) is provided in the position offset from a second virtual line L2 passing through the centers of the paper feed roller 13 and the paper press roller 14 as seen from the side. Therefore, a moment in a constant direction around the lock pin 24 is applied to the platen 16 by a reaction force acting on the paper press roller 14. As a result, it is possible to specify the abutment position of the lock lever spindle 25 (the second positioning fulcrum) and the second positioning groove 20b. Thus, the positioning precision of the platen 16 can further be enhanced. Moreover, there are provided urging or biasing means, for example, the springs 27 and 271 for urging the paper press roller 14 toward the paper feed roller 13 side. Therefore, a constant reaction force (spring force) can be applied to the paper press roller 14. As a result, a moment in a constant direction can be reliably applied to the platen 16 so that the positioning precision in the second positioning mechanism 23 can be enhanced. While the embodiment of the invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the invention is not restricted to the matters described in the embodiment but can be changed and applied by the skilled in the art based on the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention and well-known techniques. As described above, according to the invention, the platen provided on the cover frame is positioned with respect to the print head provided on the body frame when the cover frame is closed, and can be positioned with respect to the print head with high precision without the influence of the attachment looseness of the cover frame to the body frame. As a result, a predetermined gap can be maintained between the print head and the platen, and furthermore, the platen is provided in parallel with the printing line of the print head so that printing quality can be enhanced. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer for positioning a platen provided on a cover frame with respect to a print head provided on a body frame when the cover frame is closed. 2. Related Art In the related art, there is known a printer for storing a continuous paper such as a rolled paper therein and carrying out printing while pulling out the continuous paper. In a printer of this type, to change the continuous paper, it is necessary to manually pull out the continuous paper and take the continuous paper along a predetermined paper path. For this reason, a platen to be disposed in an opposite position to the print head is provided on the cover side of the printer for opening and closing a continuous paper exchange port such that the paper path is opened with an operation for opening a cover. In the case in which the print head is of a dot impact type or an ink jet type, moreover, a predetermined gap (a platen gap) is to be maintained between the print head and the platen and the platen is to be provided in parallel with the printing line of the print head in order to assure printing quality. However, the related art printer is positioned by the engagement of a lock lever provided rotatably on the cover frame and a lock pin provided on the body frame. Therefore, there is a possibility that positioning precision in the platen might be deteriorated by the influence of the attachment looseness of the cover frame to the body frame. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is an object of the invention to provide a printer in which a platen provided on a cover frame can be positioned with high precision with respect to a print head provided on a body frame when the cover frame is closed. This high precision can be achieved by print head eliminating the influence of the attachment looseness of the cover frame to the body frame so that a predetermined gap can be maintained between the print head and the platen, and the platen can be provided in parallel with the printing line of the print head so that printing quality can be enhanced. In order to attain the above object, the invention provides a printer comprising a print head provided on a body frame, a cover frame provided on the body frame to freely carry out an opening and closing operation, a platen provided on the cover frame and opposed to the print head with a predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed, a first positioning mechanism for positioning the platen with respect to the print head when the cover frame is closed to restrict a change in a position of the platen to a rotation around a first positioning fulcrum, and a second positioning mechanism for positioning the platen with respect to the print head when the cover frame is closed to restrict the rotation of the platen around the first positioning fulcrum by abutment on a second positioning fulcrum. Moreover, it is preferable that the first positioning fulcrum should be provided on a first virtual line which passes through a printing position of the print head and is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the platen which is opposed to the print head with the predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed. In short, a plain defined by the a printing line and the first positioning fulcrum is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the platen which is opposed to the print head with the predetermined gap when the cover frame is closed. In this case, the amount of a change in the platen gap caused by the rotation of the platen is minimized. Consequently, precision in the platen gap can be enhanced to improve printing quality. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first positioning mechanism should include a lock pin provided on the body frame and acting as the first positioning fulcrum, a lock lever provided rotatably on the platen or the cover frame through a lock lever spindle and engaged with the lock pin to lock an operation for opening and closing the cover frame when the cover frame is closed, the lock lever is spindle provided on the platen or the cover frame and acting as the second positioning fulcrum, and a first positioning groove provided on the platen or the cover frame and serving to restrict a change in a position of the platen to only a rotation around the lock pin along an outer periphery of the lock pin when the cover frame is closed. In this case, it is possible to constitute the first positioning mechanism by such a change as to add the first positioning groove to a related art lock lever mechanism. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced and the structure of the printer can be simplified. Moreover, it is preferable that the second positioning mechanism should include a second positioning groove provided on the body frame and serving to restrict a rotation of the platen around the lock pin by abutment of the lock lever spindle on a groove inner edge portion when the cover frame is closed. In this case, the second positioning mechanism is constituted by utilizing a lock lever spindle. Consequently, the number of components can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. In addition, a distance between the first positioning fulcrum and the second positioning fulcrum is maintained to be constant by the lock lever. Consequently, positioning precision in the platen can further be enhanced. Furthermore, it is preferable that the printer should further comprise a paper feed roller provided on one of the body frame and the cover frame, and a paper press roller provided on the other of the body frame and the cover frame and abutting on the paper feed roller when the cover frame is closed, the first positioning fulcrum being provided in a position offset from a second virtual line passing through centers of the paper feed roller and the paper press roller as seen from a side. In other words, the first positioning fulcrum is provided on an outside of a plane defined by an axis of the paper feed roller and that of the paper press roller. In this case, a moment in a constant direction around the first positioning fulcrum is applied to the platen by a reaction force acting on the paper press roller. Therefore, the abutment position of the second positioning fulcrum and the second positioning groove can be specified to further enhance the positioning precision in the platen. Moreover, it is preferable that the printer should comprise a spring for urging the paper press roller toward the paper feed roller side. In this case, a constant reaction force (spring force) acts on the paper press roller. Therefore, a moment in a constant direction can be reliably applied to the platen. | 20040806 | 20060214 | 20050324 | 92789.0 | 1 | FERGUSON SAMRETH, MARISSA LIANA | PRINTER | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,912,601 | ACCEPTED | Non-entangling vena cava filter | An implantable vessel filter device having a plurality of radially expandable legs with hooks, and a center-post configured to prevent entanglement of the radially expandable legs when they are compressed against the center-post. In one variation, the filter device comprises a first set of legs, forming a first filter basket in the expanded position, and a second set of legs, forming a second filter basket distal to the first filter in the expanded position. Hooks may be provided on the second set of legs to prevent migration of the filter along the vessel after the filter is deployed. Grooves may be provided along the shaft of the center-post to receive the hooks and prevent the hooks from interlocking when the legs of the filter are compressed along the center-post. | 1. An implantable vessel filter comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; a plurality of elongated appendages configured to extend radially from a proximal portion of said elongated body in a distal direction and away from said elongated body, the distal ends of at least some of said plurality of elongated appendages being configured with hooks such that when said appendages are expanded in a body vessel, the distal end of said appendages engages an inner wall of the vessel, wherein said plurality of elongated appendages is collapsible toward said elongated body, and a distal section of said longitudinal body is configured to prevent said elongated appendages from entangling with each other when collapsed. 2. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 1, wherein said elongated body is configured with grooves for receiving said hooks and preventing said hooks from interlocking with each other when said filter is in a collapsed position. 3. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of elongated appendages comprise a first set of legs forming a first filter basket and a second set of legs forming a second filter basket distal to said first filter basket, each of said second set of legs further comprising a hook attached to the proximal end of each of said legs, said elongated body being configured with grooves for separating said hooks from each other while the filter is in the collapsed position. 4. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 3, wherein the material of each of said elongated appendages comprises a compressible spring metal. 5. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 3, wherein the material of each of said elongated appendages comprises a shape memory metal. 6. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 5, wherein said shape memory metal comprises Nitinol. 7. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 3, wherein said hooks are configured to engage and penetrate said inner wall of the vessel in an expanded position of said filter, each of said hooks being formed with a maximum migration resistance force such that a proximal withdrawal force applied to said hooks that is in excess of said filter migration resistance force will cause said hooks to straighten and bend toward the filter longitudinal axis. 8. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 1 wherein said elongated body extends proximally beyond an interconnection between said elongated body and said plurality of elongated appendages. 9. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 8 further comprising an interlocking mechanism connected to the proximal end of said elongated body. 10. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 8 further comprising a hook positioned at the proximal end of said elongated body. 11. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 1 wherein the distal end of said elongated body extends beyond the distal ends of said plurality of elongated appendages when said elongated appendages are collapsed. 12. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 11 further comprising an interlocking mechanism connected to the distal end of said elongated body. 13. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 11 further comprising a hook positioned at the distal end of said elongated body. 14. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 1, wherein said elongated body further comprises a plurality of flanges positioned at the distal portion of said elongated body, said flanges being configured to separate said hooks when said elongated appendages are compressed toward the elongated body. 15. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 14, wherein said flanges are evenly spaced around a circumferential surface of said elongated body. 16. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 3, wherein said second set of legs comprises six legs, and said elongated body further comprises six flanges evenly spaced and positioned at the distal portion of said elongated body, said flanges being configured to separate said hooks when said elongated appendages are compressed toward the elongated body. 17. The implantable vessel filter according to claim 1, wherein said elongated body comprises a plurality of grooves for interfacing with said plurality of elongated appendages when said elongated appendages are collapsed onto said elongated body. 18. In a removable blood clot filter having a plurality of appendages with hooks for engaging an inner wall of a blood vessel, the improvement comprising: a center-post configured to prevent said appendages from entangling with each other when said plurality of appendages are compressed toward a longitudinal axis of said filter. 19. The improvement according to claim 18, wherein said center-post further comprises grooves for receiving said hooks when said plurality of appendages are compressed onto said center-post. 20. The improvement according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of appendages form at least two filter baskets when said appendages are in an expanded position. 21. The improvement according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of appendages are made from a material comprising compressible spring metal. 22. The improvement according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of appendages are made from a material comprising shape memory metal. 23. The improvement according to claim 18, further comprising a disk positioned on said center-post, wherein said disk comprises slots on the circumference of said disk for receiving said appendages. 24. The improvement according to claim 19, wherein said plurality of appendages comprises appendages of varying lengths, and said grooves are configured with varying lengths corresponding to the length of said appendages. 25. The improvement according to claim 19, wherein said grooves are configured in a staggered pattern around the circumference of said center-post. 26. The improvement according to claim 19, wherein said grooves are configured in a step-wise fashion along the circumferential direction around the center-post. 27. The improvement according to claim 18, further comprising an attachment positioned on said center-post, wherein said attachment having a plurality of cavities for receiving said appendages. 28. The improvement according to claim 18, further comprising a plurality of attachments positioned on said center-post, wherein each of said plurality of attachments is configured with cavities for receiving at least one of said appendages. 29. A method of utilizing an implantable vessel filter having a plurality of legs with a hook at the distal end of each of said legs, comprising the step of: compressing said plurality of legs toward a center-post and placing each of said hooks within a corresponding groove on said center-post. 30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising the steps of: inserting said implantable vessel filter into a body vessel of a patient; and deploying said implantable vessel filter in said body vessel. 31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising the steps of: collapsing said legs toward said center-post and placing each of said hooks within a corresponding groove on said center-post; and retrieving said implantable vessel filter from said vessel. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A COMPACT DISK APPENDIX Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A vena cava filter is a device inserted into a blood vessel to capture particles in the blood flow. Typically the device is inserted into a major vein to prevent a blood clot from reaching the lungs. Patients who have recently suffered from trauma, heart attack (myocardial infarction), or underwent major surgical procedure (e.g., surgical repair of a fractured hip, etc.) may have thrombosis in a deep vein. When the thrombus clot loosens from the site of formation and travels to the lung it may cause pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition. A vena cava filter may be placed in the circulatory system to intercept the thrombi and prevent them from entering the lungs. Examples of various blood vessel filters are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2001/0000799 A1, titled “BODY VESSEL FILTER” by Wessman et al., published May 3, 2001; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2002/0038097 A1, titled “ATRAUMATIC ANCHORING AND DISENGAGEMENT MECHANISM FOR PERMANENT IMPLANT DEVICE” by Ostrovsky et al., published Sep. 26, 2002; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2002/0193828 A1, titled “ENDOVASCULAR FILTER” by Griffin et al., published Dec. 19, 2002; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2003/0199918 A1, titled “CONVERTIBLE BLOOD CLOT FILTER” by Patel et al., published Oct. 23, 2003; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2003/0208227 A1, titled “TEMPORARY VASCULAR FILTERS AND METHODS” by Thomas, published Nov. 6, 2003; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2003/0208253 A1, titled “BLOOD CLOT FILTER” by Beyer et al., published Nov. 6, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,908, titled “BLOOD CLOT FILTER” issued to Simon, dated Jan. 17, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,184, titled “EMBOLUS TRAP” issued to Mobin-Uddin, dated Feb. 17, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,600, titled “IMPLANTABLE FILTER” issued to Herms et al., dated Apr. 4, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,205, titled “PERCUTANEOUS ANTI-MIGRATION VENA CAVA FILTER” issued to El-Nounou et al., dated Oct. 22, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,605, entitled “THROMBOSIS FILTER” issued to Irie et al., dated May 6, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,790, titled “INTRALUMINAL MEDICAL DEVICE” issued to Chevillon et al., dated May 26, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,026 B1, titled “REMOVABLE EMBOLUS BLOOD CLOT FILTER AND FILTER DELIVERY UNIT” issued to Ravenscroft et al., dated Jul. 10, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,709 B1, titled “METAL MEDICAL DEVICE” issued to Heath, dated Dec. 24, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,205 B2, titled “BLOOD CLOT FILTERING SYSTEM issued to Goldberg et al., dated Jan. 14, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,559 B1, titled “BLOOD FILTER AND METHOD FOR TREATING VASCULAR DISEASE” issued to O'Connell, dated Feb. 11, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,767 B1, titled “RECOILABLE THROMBOSIS FILTERING DEVICE AND METHOD” issued to Walak et al., dated Apr. 1, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,183 B2, titled “THROMBUS FILTER WITH BREAK-AWAY ANCHOR MEMBERS” issued to DiMatteo, dated Sep. 16, 2003; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Typically the filter comprises a plurality of radially expandable legs that supports one or more filter baskets which are conical in configuration. The device is adapted for compression into a small size to facilitate delivery into a vascular passageway and is subsequently expandable into contact with the inner wall of the vessel. The device may later be retrieved from the deployed site by compressing the radially expanded legs and the associated baskets back into a small size for retrieval. The radially expandable leg may further comprise engagements for anchoring the filter in position within a blood vessel (e.g., vena cava). For example, the expandable legs may have hooks that can penetrate into the vessel wall and positively prevent migration of the filter in either direction along the length of the vessel. The body of the filter may comprise various biocompatible materials including compressible spring metals and shape memory materials to allow easy expansion and compression of the filter within the vessel. The hooks on the radially expandable legs may further comprise materials more elastic than the legs to permit the hooks to straighten in response to withdrawal forces to facilitate withdrawal from the endothelium layer without risk of significant injury to the vessel wall. In one variation, the hooks are formed on the ends of a portion of the radially expandable legs, but not on others. Many of the existing vena cava filters routinely encounter problems during deployment due to entanglements of the radially expandable legs. This is especially problematic in designs with hooks implemented on the radially expandable legs. In the compressed/collapsed condition, the various hooks on the legs may interlock with other legs or hooks and render the device useless. Thus, an improved filter design that can prevent entanglement and/or interlocking of the radially expandable legs may be desirable. Such a design may improve the reliability of the vena cava filter and improve the surgical success rate of filter implantation. Such an improved design may also prevent the entanglement of the radially expandable legs when the device is collapsed into the compressed position during the retrieval of the filter from its deployed location within the vessel. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, described herein is an implantable vessel filter with a center-post configured to prevent entanglement of the filter's radially expandable legs. This improved vessel filter may prevent the radially expandable legs from entanglement and may further prevent the hooks on the radially expandable legs from interlocking. In one variation, the implantable vessel filter comprises a plurality of radially expandable elongated legs forming at least one conical-shaped filter when placed in the expanded position. A center-post is provided along the longitudinal axis of the filter to prevent the legs from entangling when the legs are collapsed inward toward the longitudinal axis of the filter. The center-post is configured to separate the legs and/or the associated hooks in the collapsed position. Surface profiles such as grooves or ledges may be provided on the center-post to separate the legs and/or hooks from each other. In one particular design, the distal portion of the center-post is configured with a plurality of cavities on the circumferential surface for receiving the hooks located at the proximal end of the radially expandable legs. In another variation, the implantable vessel filter comprises a sleeve at the proximal end of the device and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the sleeve towards the distal direction. The legs are radially expandable. In the expanded position, a first set of the legs forms a first conical-shaped filter basket, and a second set of the legs forms a second conical-shaped filter basket distal to the first basket. As least three of the legs from the second set of the legs have hooks on them for anchoring into the vessel wall. Preferably, the hooks are located at the distal end of the legs. The implantable vessel filter further comprises a center-post connected to the sleeve and positioned along the longitudinal axis of the filter. The center-post is configured to prevent the legs from crossing the longitudinal axis so that the various legs do not entangle with each other and the hooks do not interlock. Preferably, grooves are provided on the circumferential surface of the center-post to further maintain the separation of the hooks when the legs are placed in the compressed position. The improved implantable vessel filter may provide one or more of the various advantages listed below: improved loading into the delivery system; improved deployability due to easier release of the radially expandable legs; improved retrievability due to prevention of leg entanglement when the legs are collapsed inward for removal from the deployed site; trapping of significant emboli; good vessel patency and limited thrombogenic response at the implantation site; minimal migration along the length of the vessel after implantation; no perforation of the vessel wall; low profile for easy insertion; high durability, fatigue resistance and biocompatibility. These and other embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are first briefly described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A illustrates one variation of an implantable vessel filter with a center-post for preventing entanglements of the radially expandable legs. FIG. 1B shows the top view of the center-post of the implantable vessel filter of FIG. 1A. Flanges are provided at the distal end of the center-post, protruding in the radial direction, for separating the hooks at the distal end of the radially expandable legs. FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating the placement of the hooks in between the flanges at the distal end of the center-post. In this particular variation, the height of the hooks is less than the height of the flanges in the radial direction from the center of the post, such that the flanges may prevent the hooks for tearing the inner walls of the vessel in the compressed position. FIG. 2 illustrates another variation of the device where the wirings extending from the center-post provide the medium for separating the legs of the implantable vessel filter. FIG. 3 illustrates yet another variation where the center-post has embedded grooves for receiving the radially expandable legs of the implantable vessel filter. In this variation, two sets of grooves are provided, with one set of grooves for receiving a first set of legs which forms the proximal filter basket, and a second set of grooves for receiving a second set of legs which forms the distal filter basket. The corresponding radially expandable legs are omitted in this particular figure. FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of another variation of an implantable vessel filter. FIG. 5 illustrates another variation where two attachments are provided on the center-post for receiving the legs. In this particular variation, a first attachment is provided at the distal end to receive the hooks from the distal legs, and a second attachment is provided along mid-shaft of the center-post for receiving the proximal legs. FIG. 6A illustrates another variation where the receiving slots are provided on the center-post for receiving the legs and/or hooks when the device is compressed. In this variation, the slots are configured in a step-wise manner and in a helical pattern around the circumferential surface of the center-post. The corresponding legs are also configured with varying lengths that decrease in a step-wise manner in the circumferential direction. FIG. 6B illustrates yet another variation where the receiving slots are provided on the center-post for receiving the legs and/or hooks when the device is compressed. In this variation, the slots are configured in a staggered fashion and the corresponding legs comprise of legs of two different lengths forming a staggered pattern around the center-post. FIG. 7A illustrate another variation where the attachment for receiving the legs and/or hooks comprises a disk positioned on the center-post. The disk has slots/grooves for receiving the legs and separating the hooks from each other. The disk is shown without the corresponding legs. FIG. 7B shows a top view of the center-post with the disk from FIG. 7A. In this figure the disk is shown with the corresponding legs positioned within the grooves on the disk. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identically numbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Before describing the present invention, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated this invention need not be limited to applications in humans. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, variations of the invention may be applied to other mammals as well. Moreover, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be applied in combination with various catheters, tubing introducers or other filter deployment devices for implantation and/or retrieval of the filter in a vessel within a patient's body. A vena cava filter is used herein as an example application of the filter device to illustrate the various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. In light of the disclosure herein, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that variations of the filter device may be applicable for placement in various blood vessels, hollow body organs or elongated cavities in a human body for capturing particles in a fluid stream. It is also contemplated that the filter device described herein may be implemented for capturing particles other than blood clots. It must also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a hook” is intended to mean a single hook or a combination of hooks, “a fluid” is intended to mean one or more fluids, or a mixture thereof. In one aspect of the invention, the implantable vessel filter 1 comprises an elongated body acting as the center-post 2 of the device, as shown in FIG. 1A. A sleeve 4 is connected to the proximal end of the center-post. The proximal end 6 of the sleeve 4 may be tapered to provide a bullet-shaped profile to facilitate the insertion and/or retrieval of the device in a vessel. A plurality of legs 8, 10 (e.g., flexible or semi-flexible wiring, etc.) extending from the sleeve 4 in the radial direction towards the distal end 12 of the device. The legs 8, 10 are configured with materials such that they may be collapsed toward the center-post 2 and positioned along the length of the center-post 2 for insertion and/or retrieval from a patient's vascular system. The plurality of legs comprises two sets of legs 8, 10. A first set of six legs 8, when expanded, forms a first conical-shaped filter basket centered around the center-post 2, which is on the longitudinal axis of the device 1. A second set of six legs 10, when expanded, forms a second conical-shaped filter basket positioned distal to the first basket, which is also centered around the center-post 2. Hooks 14, 16, 18, 20 are provided at the distal ends of the second set of legs 10 for anchoring the distal end of the second set of legs 10 into the walls of the vessel. An attachment 32 is provided at the distal end of the device for separating the hooks and preventing the hooks from interlocking with each other. Optionally, the attachment 32 comprises a plurality of flanges protruding in the radial direction from the center-post. In one design variation, the flanges 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 are spaced equally around the circumferential surface of the attachment with spacing approximately 60 degrees apart, as shown in FIG. 1B. Each of the slots 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 between the flanges 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 may be configured to receive one hook. The height of the flanges 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 may be configured to be greater than the height of the hooks 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 in the radial direction, such that the tip of the hooks does not extend beyond the flanges when placed in the compressed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. This may prevent the tip of the hooks from accidentally tearing the wall of the vessel and allow smoother deployment and/or retrieval of the implantable vessel filter device. In addition, the distal end of the center-post may be configured for attachment to a deployment device (e.g., introducer). For example, interlocking mechanisms matching the adaptor at an end of a deployment device may be provided to secure the implantable vessel filter to the tip of the deployment device for delivery and/or deployment. In another variation, the attachment positioned at the distal end of the center-post may be configure to serve dual functions such that the circumferential surface along the length of the attachment is configured with grooves for receiving and separating the hooks, while the distal end of the attachment is configured for interfacing with a deployment device. The grooves may be configured as indentations, cavities, raised surface profiles such as flanges, and other changes in surface profile. Alternatively, the proximal end of the attachment may be configured with an interface (e.g., hook, loop, etc.) for interconnecting with a deployment device to facilitate deployment and/or retrieval of the implantable vessel filter. In another variation, the device is configured such that in the compressed position the center-post extends distally beyond the length of the legs. At the distal end of the extended center-post, one may provide an interface or interlocking mechanism (e.g., hook, loop, etc.) for interconnecting with a deployment/retrieval device. In yet another design variation, the center-post extends beyond proximal end of the sleeve and protrudes at the proximal end of the filter. The proximal end of the center-post may be configured with an interface or interlocking mechanism (e.g. hook, loop, etc.) for interconnecting with a filter deployment/retrieval device to facilitate deployment and/or retrieval of the implantable vessel filter. Although in the example discuss above, the plurality of legs forms two filter baskets along the longitudinal length of the device. One may configure the device with only one filter basket, or alternatively with three or more filter baskets. In addition, the device may be configured with three or more legs forming each basket and is not limited to the six-legged basket as shown above. Also discussed earlier, barb feet (e.g., hooks) may be provided on the distal end of each leg. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, the precise length and angle of the barb feet may be designed to provide secure attachment to the vessel wall without causing perforation or tearing. Moreover, hooks may be provided on all the distal legs or only on some of the distal legs. Hooks may also be provided on the proximal legs if desired. Furthermore, secondary struts may be provided for interconnecting two or more of the radially expandable legs. The secondary struts may increase wiring density for each filter basket, which may in turn increase the filters capability to capture smaller particles. The sleeve may be comprised of biocompatible metal, metal alloyed, or polymeric materials. The legs may be comprised of metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, etc.), metal alloyed (e.g., titanium alloy, elgiloy, an alloy comprises Cobalt-Nickel-Chromium, etc.), shape memory material (e.g., Nitinol), or polymeric materials (e.g., biocompatible plastics, etc.). The center-post may be comprised of metal, metal alloyed, polymeric materials or a combination thereof. For example, the center-post may be comprised of a metal alloyed core with polymeric coating on the outside. The grooves on the center-post for receiving the legs and/or the hooks may be an integral part of the shaft of the center-post, or they may be provided through an attachment connected to the center-post. The attachment may be comprised of metal, metal alloyed, polymeric material or a combination thereof. In another variation, as shown in FIG. 2, the flanges 62, 64, 66, 68 at the distal portion of the center-post comprise wirings extending from the shaft 70 of the center-post. The looped wiring provides the medium to separate the hooks, while allowing fluid to flow through the center of the loops to minimize disruption of blood flow along the length of the device. In yet another variation, grooves or cavities are provided along the shaft of the center-post 2 for receiving the legs and/or the hooks. In one design, grooves are provided at the distal portion 72 of the shaft to receive the distal legs, with a hook at the distal end of each distal leg. In another design, the grooves are provided to receive all the legs of the device. In one variation, shown in FIG. 3, a first set of grooves 76 positioned along a proximal portion 74 of the shaft of the center-post 2 is provided to receive a first set of legs which forms a proximal filter basket, and a second set of grooves 78 positioned along the length of the shaft is provided to receive a second set of legs which form the distal filter basket. In FIG. 3, the filter device is shown without its corresponding radially expandable legs. Referring now to FIG. 4, an expanded implantable vessel filter 82 is illustrated which is made from sets of elongate metal wires. In this variation, the wires are held together at the filter's proximal end by a hub 84 where they are plasma welded together to the hub or otherwise joined. In the low temperature martensite phase of wires made of thermal shape memory material (e.g., Nitinol alloy), the sets of wires can be straightened and held in a straight form that can pass through a length of fine plastic tubing with an internal diameter of approximately 2 mm (e.g., 8 French catheter). In its high temperature austenitic form, the vessel filter 82 recovers a preformed filtering shape as illustrated by FIG. 4. Similarly, wires of spring metal can be straightened and compressed within a catheter or tube and will diverge into the filter shape of FIG. 4 when the tube is removed. In its normal expanded configuration or preformed filtering shape, the vessel filter 82 comprises a double filter, having a first proximally positioned basket section 86 and a second distally disposed filter basket section 88. The two filter basket sections provide peripheral portions which can both engage the inner wall of a body vessel at two longitudinally spaced locations, and the two filter basket sections are generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis passing through the hub 84. On the other hand, the first filter basket section 86, which may act as a centering unit, may not always touch the vessel wall on all sides. The first filter basket section 86 is formed from short lengths of wire, which form legs 90 that extend angularly, outwardly and then downwardly away from the hub 84 and towards the distal end of the vessel filter 82. Each leg 90 has a first leg section 92 which extends angularly outwardly from the hub 84 to a transition section 94, and an outer leg section 92 extends angularly from the transition section 94 toward the distal direction of the filter. The outer leg sections 96 are substantially straight lengths with ends which lie on a circle at their maximum divergence and engage the wall of a vessel at a slight angle (preferably within a range of from ten to forty-five degrees) to center the hub 84 within the vessel. For a filter which is to be removed by grasping the hub 84, it may be important for the hub to be centered. The filter may be configured with six wires 90 of equal length extending radially outward from the hub 84 and circumferentially spaced, such as, for example, by sixty degrees of arc. The second filter basket section 88 is the primary filter and can include up to twelve circumferentially spaced straight wires 102 forming downwardly extending legs which tilt outwardly of the longitudinal axis of the filter 82 from the hub 84. A filter with a six wire configuration is discussed in this example, and the wires are of equal length. Alternatively, the length of the wiring may be staggered. The wires 102 are preferably much longer than the wires 90, and have distal tip sections which are uniquely formed, outwardly oriented hooks 104 which lie on a circle at the maximum divergence of the wires 102. There may be from three to twelve wires 102 formed with hooks 104, and in some instances, the wire legs 90 may include similarly formed hooks at the free ends thereof. The wires 102, in their expanded configuration of FIG. 4, are at a slight angle to the vessel wall, preferably within a range of from ten to forty-five degrees, while the hooks 104 penetrate the vessel wall to anchor the filter against movement. The wires 102 are radially offset relative to the wires 90 and may be positioned halfway between the wires 90 and also may be circumferentially spaced by sixty degrees of arc. Thus, the combined filter basket sections 86 and 88 can provide a wire positioned at every thirty degrees of arc at the maximum divergence of the filter sections. The filter section 88 forms a concave filter basket opening toward the distal end of the filter 82 while the filter section 86 forms a concave filter proximal of the filter section 88. The vessel filter further comprises a center-post 112 positioned along the longitudinal axis of the filter with the proximal end of the center-post 112 connected to the hub 84. At the distal portion of the center-post, a raised surface profile 114 provides grooves for receiving the hooks 104 on the distal end of the distal legs 102. Preferably, each of the hooks 104 is provided with a corresponding groove on the shaft of the center-post 112. Alternatively, the grooves may be proved on the shaft to receive a portion of the distal leg 102 instead of the hook 104, thereby keeping the distal legs 102 from entangling with each other. In addition, the center-post 112 may have distal section 116 extending beyond the hook interface region 118. The extended distal section 116 may be configured to facilitate the handling of the vessel filter for pre-deployment preparation, deployment or extraction. Furthermore, the hooks 114 on the distal legs may be further configured such that withdrawal force to which the hook is subjected will cause flexure in the juncture sections 120 so that the hook extends in the distal direction of the filter to a position parallel or semi-parallel with the axis of the leg 102. For example, the juncture section 120 may have considerably reduced cross-section relative to the cross-section of the leg 102 and the remainder of the hook 104 so that the stress exerted by the withdrawal tension may force it to bend outward. With the hook so straightened, it can be withdrawn without tearing the vessel wall, leaving only a small puncture. In an alternative design, the entire hook 104 can be formed with a cross-section throughout its length which is less than that of the leg 102. This may result in straightening of the hook over its entire length in response to a withdrawal force. This elasticity in the hook structure may prevent the hook from tearing the vessel wall during withdrawal. In another design, the vessel filter comprises two or more sets of grooves positioned along the length of the center-post for receiving the legs and/or hooks. The different sets of grooves may be provided on two or more attachments, with each attachment supporting one set of grooves. In one example, shown in FIG. 5, two attachments 32, 130 are provided along the length of the center-post 2 for receiving the legs 8, 10. A first attachment 32 is positioned at the distal end 12 of the center-post 2 for receiving the hooks 14, 16, 18, 20 from the distal legs 10. The hooks 14, 16, 18, 20 may be in a curved configuration when they are placed into the grooves on the attachment. Alternatively, the hooks 14, 16, 18, 20 may be straightened before they are placed within the grooves. A second attachment 130 is positioned along the mid-section of the center-post 2 and configured to receive the proximal legs 8. In this variation, each of the legs has a corresponding groove for receiving that leg. Although it is preferable that each groove is designed for receiving a corresponding leg, one may also design an attachment or surface profile on the center-post with a plurality of grooves that are not pre-assigned to specific legs, such that when the legs are compressed, the legs would naturally fall into one of the convenient grooves. Preferably, each of the groove is design to receive one leg/hook, so that once a groove is filled by a leg, it would prevent a second leg from entering the same groove and forcing the second leg to go into an nearby groove. In yet another design, the legs of the vessel filter may have varying lengths and corresponding groves are provided on the center-post to receive the legs. In one variation, the legs 142, 144, 146, 148 with hooks are provided in a step-wise configuration forming a helical pattern along the circumferential direction around the center-post 2, as shown in FIG. 6A. Slots/grooves 152, 154, 156, 158 are provided on the center-post 2 where each of the slots has a length that matches the extension of the corresponding leg. The slots may be configured to receive the legs with their hooks in the curved position. Alternatively, the slots may be configured to receive the legs with their hooks straightened out. It is also contemplated that the slots/grooves may be configured to receive the legs with the hooks in either curved or straightened position. In another variation, the length of the distal legs 162, 164, 166, 168 are staggered with one set of legs 162, 166 longer than the other set of legs 164, 168, as shown in FIG. 6B. In this particular configuration each of the short legs are place in between two long legs. Slots 172, 174, 176, 178 corresponding to the staggered legs are provided on the shaft of the center-post 2 for receiving the distal portion of each of the legs 162, 164, 1666, 168. As discussed earlier, depending on the particular design of the hook mechanism, the hook on each of the legs may be in a curved position or a straight position when compressed onto the center-post. In another design, a disk 180 is provided on the center-post 2 for receiving the legs and/or hooks when the legs are compressed. FIG. 7A illustrates one variation where a disk 180 is positioned at the distal portion of the center-post 2. The periphery of the disk is configured with grooves/slots 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192 for receiving the legs of the vessel filter when the legs are compressed toward the center-post 2. In the variation shown in FIG. 7A, one disk 180 is provided at the distal portion of the center-post 2, and the center-post 2 protrude from the disk 180 and extends distally, as shown in FIG. 7A. Alternatively, the disk may be placed at the distal end of the center-post. FIG. 7B illustrates the position of the corresponding legs 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204 when they are placed within the grooves 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192 on the disk 180. The center-post may be configured with one, two or more disk. In another variation, two disks are provided along the length of the center-post. A disk is provided at the distal portion of the center-post for receiving the distal legs by capturing each of the legs at its distal portion or distal end. A second disk is provided at the mid-shaft, and it is configured with one set of grooves for receiving the distal legs (capturing each leg at its mid-section), and a second set of grooves for receiving the proximal legs. The implantable vessel filter disclosed herein may be inserted in various vessels throughout the human body. Two common applications are (1) insertion through the right or left femoral artery for placement within the inferior vena cava, and (2) insertion into the jugular vein at the neck, also for placement at the inferior vena cava. In one example, the implantable vessel filter is prepared by collapsing the legs of the filter onto the center-post and making sure that the each of the hooks are aligned with its corresponding grooves/cavities on the center-post. The compressed vessel filter is then placed into a delivery assembly with the filter hooks close to the distal opening of the delivery assembly (i.e., the distal end of the vessel filter aligned towards distal end of the delivery assembly). The surgeon first locates a suitable jugular or subclavian vein. An incision is made to access the vein. A guide-wire is inserted into the vein and advanced towards the inferior vena cava. An introducer sheath together with its tapered dilator is advanced over the guide-wire, and the distal portion of the introducer sheath is advanced into the inferior vena cava. The guide-wire and the dilator are then removed leaving the introducer sheath with its tip in the inferior vena cava. Venacavavogram or other imaging techniques may be used to position the introducer sheath for optimal placement of the vessel filter. The delivery assembly loaded with the vessel filter is then inserted into the introducer sheath and advanced towards the inferior vena cava. Once the delivery assembly in positioned for desired placement of the vessel filter, the surgeon may then pull back on the introducer hub to retract both the introducer sheath and the delivery assembly. The pusher pad inside of the delivery assembly will force the vessel filter to exit the delivery assembly and release the filter's legs. The delivery assembly and the introducer sheath may then be removed. In another example, the vessel filter is inserted through the femoral artery. A guide-wire is inserted through the femoral artery and advanced toward the inferior vena cava. Once the guide-wire is in place, an introducer catheter together with its tapered dilator is inserted over the guide-wire. The introducer catheter is advanced toward the inferior vena cava and positioned just below the renal veins. The guide-wire and the dilator are then removed, leaving the introducer catheter with its distal tip in the inferior vena cava. A filter storage tube, which holds the vessel filter with its legs compressed on the center-post grooves, is then attached directly to the proximal end of the introducer catheter. A pusher wire is then used to push the vessel filter into the introducer catheter with the proximal end of the vessel filter in the forward advancing direction and the pusher wire pushing on the distal end of the vessel filter. The surgeon may then continuously advance the filter toward the distal end of the introducer catheter by pushing and forwarding the pusher wire. Once the proximal end of the filter reaches the distal end of the introducer catheter, the surgeon may stop the advancement of the filter. Holding the pusher wire stationary, the surgeon may then withdraw the introducer catheter and release the vessel filter allowing the legs of the filter to expand radially. The introducer catheter and the pusher wire are then withdrawn from the patient's body. To remove the deployed filter, one may insert an introducer catheter, with the assistance of a guide-wire and a tapered dilator, into the jugular vein and advance the introducer catheter down to the position of the deployed vessel filter. A recovery cone is inserted into the introducer catheter and advanced towards the distal end of the introducer catheter by moving a pusher shaft forward into the introducer catheter. Once the recover cone reaches the distal end of the introducer catheter, the introducer catheter is unsheathed to open the recovery cone. The recovery cone is then advanced forward and over the filter tip by advancing the pusher shaft. One may then close the recovery cone over the filter tip by advancing the introducer catheter over the cone while holding the pusher shaft stationary. The closing of the recovery cone forces the legs of the vessel filter to collapsed onto the shaft of the center-post while forcing the hooks on each of the legs into their corresponding grooves on the shaft of the center-post. The vessel filter is then drawn into the lumen of the introducer catheter, and the introducer catheter along with the vessel filter is then withdrawn from the body of the patient. This invention has been described and specific examples of the invention have been portrayed. While the invention has been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. Therefore, to the extent there are variations of the invention, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Finally, all publications and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually put forth herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A vena cava filter is a device inserted into a blood vessel to capture particles in the blood flow. Typically the device is inserted into a major vein to prevent a blood clot from reaching the lungs. Patients who have recently suffered from trauma, heart attack (myocardial infarction), or underwent major surgical procedure (e.g., surgical repair of a fractured hip, etc.) may have thrombosis in a deep vein. When the thrombus clot loosens from the site of formation and travels to the lung it may cause pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition. A vena cava filter may be placed in the circulatory system to intercept the thrombi and prevent them from entering the lungs. Examples of various blood vessel filters are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2001/0000799 A1, titled “BODY VESSEL FILTER” by Wessman et al., published May 3, 2001; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2002/0038097 A1, titled “ATRAUMATIC ANCHORING AND DISENGAGEMENT MECHANISM FOR PERMANENT IMPLANT DEVICE” by Ostrovsky et al., published Sep. 26, 2002; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2002/0193828 A1, titled “ENDOVASCULAR FILTER” by Griffin et al., published Dec. 19, 2002; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2003/0199918 A1, titled “CONVERTIBLE BLOOD CLOT FILTER” by Patel et al., published Oct. 23, 2003; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2003/0208227 A1, titled “TEMPORARY VASCULAR FILTERS AND METHODS” by Thomas, published Nov. 6, 2003; U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. 2003/0208253 A1, titled “BLOOD CLOT FILTER” by Beyer et al., published Nov. 6, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,908, titled “BLOOD CLOT FILTER” issued to Simon, dated Jan. 17, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,184, titled “EMBOLUS TRAP” issued to Mobin-Uddin, dated Feb. 17, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,600, titled “IMPLANTABLE FILTER” issued to Herms et al., dated Apr. 4, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,205, titled “PERCUTANEOUS ANTI-MIGRATION VENA CAVA FILTER” issued to El-Nounou et al., dated Oct. 22, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,605, entitled “THROMBOSIS FILTER” issued to Irie et al., dated May 6, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,790, titled “INTRALUMINAL MEDICAL DEVICE” issued to Chevillon et al., dated May 26, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,026 B1, titled “REMOVABLE EMBOLUS BLOOD CLOT FILTER AND FILTER DELIVERY UNIT” issued to Ravenscroft et al., dated Jul. 10, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,709 B1, titled “METAL MEDICAL DEVICE” issued to Heath, dated Dec. 24, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,205 B2, titled “BLOOD CLOT FILTERING SYSTEM issued to Goldberg et al., dated Jan. 14, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,559 B1, titled “BLOOD FILTER AND METHOD FOR TREATING VASCULAR DISEASE” issued to O'Connell, dated Feb. 11, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,767 B1, titled “RECOILABLE THROMBOSIS FILTERING DEVICE AND METHOD” issued to Walak et al., dated Apr. 1, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,183 B2, titled “THROMBUS FILTER WITH BREAK-AWAY ANCHOR MEMBERS” issued to DiMatteo, dated Sep. 16, 2003; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Typically the filter comprises a plurality of radially expandable legs that supports one or more filter baskets which are conical in configuration. The device is adapted for compression into a small size to facilitate delivery into a vascular passageway and is subsequently expandable into contact with the inner wall of the vessel. The device may later be retrieved from the deployed site by compressing the radially expanded legs and the associated baskets back into a small size for retrieval. The radially expandable leg may further comprise engagements for anchoring the filter in position within a blood vessel (e.g., vena cava). For example, the expandable legs may have hooks that can penetrate into the vessel wall and positively prevent migration of the filter in either direction along the length of the vessel. The body of the filter may comprise various biocompatible materials including compressible spring metals and shape memory materials to allow easy expansion and compression of the filter within the vessel. The hooks on the radially expandable legs may further comprise materials more elastic than the legs to permit the hooks to straighten in response to withdrawal forces to facilitate withdrawal from the endothelium layer without risk of significant injury to the vessel wall. In one variation, the hooks are formed on the ends of a portion of the radially expandable legs, but not on others. Many of the existing vena cava filters routinely encounter problems during deployment due to entanglements of the radially expandable legs. This is especially problematic in designs with hooks implemented on the radially expandable legs. In the compressed/collapsed condition, the various hooks on the legs may interlock with other legs or hooks and render the device useless. Thus, an improved filter design that can prevent entanglement and/or interlocking of the radially expandable legs may be desirable. Such a design may improve the reliability of the vena cava filter and improve the surgical success rate of filter implantation. Such an improved design may also prevent the entanglement of the radially expandable legs when the device is collapsed into the compressed position during the retrieval of the filter from its deployed location within the vessel. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, described herein is an implantable vessel filter with a center-post configured to prevent entanglement of the filter's radially expandable legs. This improved vessel filter may prevent the radially expandable legs from entanglement and may further prevent the hooks on the radially expandable legs from interlocking. In one variation, the implantable vessel filter comprises a plurality of radially expandable elongated legs forming at least one conical-shaped filter when placed in the expanded position. A center-post is provided along the longitudinal axis of the filter to prevent the legs from entangling when the legs are collapsed inward toward the longitudinal axis of the filter. The center-post is configured to separate the legs and/or the associated hooks in the collapsed position. Surface profiles such as grooves or ledges may be provided on the center-post to separate the legs and/or hooks from each other. In one particular design, the distal portion of the center-post is configured with a plurality of cavities on the circumferential surface for receiving the hooks located at the proximal end of the radially expandable legs. In another variation, the implantable vessel filter comprises a sleeve at the proximal end of the device and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the sleeve towards the distal direction. The legs are radially expandable. In the expanded position, a first set of the legs forms a first conical-shaped filter basket, and a second set of the legs forms a second conical-shaped filter basket distal to the first basket. As least three of the legs from the second set of the legs have hooks on them for anchoring into the vessel wall. Preferably, the hooks are located at the distal end of the legs. The implantable vessel filter further comprises a center-post connected to the sleeve and positioned along the longitudinal axis of the filter. The center-post is configured to prevent the legs from crossing the longitudinal axis so that the various legs do not entangle with each other and the hooks do not interlock. Preferably, grooves are provided on the circumferential surface of the center-post to further maintain the separation of the hooks when the legs are placed in the compressed position. The improved implantable vessel filter may provide one or more of the various advantages listed below: improved loading into the delivery system; improved deployability due to easier release of the radially expandable legs; improved retrievability due to prevention of leg entanglement when the legs are collapsed inward for removal from the deployed site; trapping of significant emboli; good vessel patency and limited thrombogenic response at the implantation site; minimal migration along the length of the vessel after implantation; no perforation of the vessel wall; low profile for easy insertion; high durability, fatigue resistance and biocompatibility. These and other embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are first briefly described. | 20040804 | 20100427 | 20060209 | 99161.0 | A61M2900 | 0 | TYSON, MELANIE RUANO | NON-ENTANGLING VENA CAVA FILTER | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | A61M | 2,004 |
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10,912,608 | ACCEPTED | MEHTOD FOR SUBAQUEOUS ULTRASONIC CATASTROPHIC IRRADIATION OF LIVING TISSUE | A fish killing and fish tissue sanitizing apparatus includes a tank, a water feed pipe extending to the tank, and an electromechanical transducer in pressure-wave transmitting relationship to the tank for generating ultrasonic pressure waves in water contained in the tank. An electrical signal generator is operatively connected to the transducer for energizing same with an alternating electrical signal. A sensor is in operative contact with water contained in the tank for detecting transient and inertial cavitation occurring within the water in the tank. | 1-9. (canceled) 10. An ultrasonic treatment method comprising: feeding sub-micron filtered and degassed water to a tank; disposing a living organism in the water; and thereafter generating ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations in said water of a frequency range and an intensity and duration to kill the living organism and to sanitize organic tissues of the organism. 11-13. (canceled) 14. The method defined in claim 10, further comprising automatically monitoring the water in said tank to detect inertial, transient, or stable cavitation. 15. (canceled) 16. The method defined in claim 10 wherein the generating of ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations includes sweeping a frequency of the ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations. 17. The method defined in claim 10, further comprising monitoring the water in said tank to detect transient, inertial, and stable cavitation occurring within the water in said tank during the generating of said ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations; and terminating the generating of said ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations in response to the detecting of cavitation occurring within the water in said tank. 18. The method defined in claim 10, further comprising: removing the killed organism from said tank; thereafter delivering disinfectant and water to said tank; and thereafter inducing ultrasonic cavitation in the water and disinfectant in said tank. 19. The method defined in claim 18 wherein the inducing of said ultrasonic transient cavitation includes generating full-wave compression and rarefaction cycles at an ultrasonic frequency in the water and disinfectant in said tank. 20. The method defined in claim 19 wherein the inducing of said ultrasonic transient 21. The method defined in claim 10, wherein the living organism is a fish. 22. The method defined in claim 14, wherein the living organism is a fish. 23. The method defined in claim 16, wherein the living organism is a fish. 24. The method defined in claim 17, wherein the living organism is a fish. 25. The method defined in claim 18, wherein the living organism is a fish. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a method and an associated device or apparatus for treating living tissue with ultrasonic wave energy. More specifically, this invention relates to a method and to an associated device or apparatus for catastrophic low-frequency, medium intensity ultrasonic irradiation of living fish tissue disposed in submicron filtered/degassed water. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and an associated apparatus for achieving instantaneous unconsciousness and insensibility of fish while concomitantly sanitizing its tissue until death supervenes BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With specific reference to fish-farms, existing regulatory authorities recommend no specific method for slaughtering fish and as a result, some or all of the following techniques may be employed: 1) Asphyxiation—suffocating the fish by removal from water. Farmed trout are commonly “harvested” by removal from water into bins in which they suffocate. Fish farmers have started to put live fish into bins containing ice according to Bristol University's Department of Meat Animal Science. The researchers also found when fish were removed from water they can often still feel what is happening to them for almost 15 minutes at low temperatures. The researchers concluded that the practice of suffocating fish on ice could unnecessarily prolong the time to unconsciousness. (Kestin, Wotten & Gregory, 1991.) 2) Bleeding—cutting the fish gills causing death by blood loss. This method may be preceded by stunning the fish in a tank containing carbon-dioxide saturated water. Welfare concerns arise with this stunning method as the “fish try to escape violently” when put into the tank, (Kestin, 4.2.92). The fish are usually unable to move within one minute and do not lose sensibility for 4-5-minutes. Fish could therefore have their gills cut whilst still conscious if lack of movement was mistaken for unconsciousness. If gill-slitting was carried out unsatisfactorily, it is possible that fish could recover consciousness whilst bleeding. For salmon, bleeding is recommended if the fish are intended to be smoked. This ensures the blood vessels are not readily apparent in the finished product. (Shepherd & Bromage, 1988.) Norwegian fish farmers slaughter salmon by cutting the main blood vessels located in the head. The fish are then returned to the water where they subsequently weaken and die from blood loss. (Sedgewick, 1988.) 3) Concussion—killing by a blow to the head with a small, hand-held club. This slaughter method can cause instantaneous unconsciousness in the fish if done properly. However, the potential for improper stunning and injury to the fish is considerable. (Kestin, 4.2.92.) 4) Electrocution—killing by placing fish in a large tank through which electricity is allowed to flow for a few seconds. The electrical current and its frequency has to be at just the right level to stun the fish without burning the tissue. In early trials the system used too much electricity and stunned too few fish to be commercially practical. (Anthony Browne, The Times, 5.3.2003) The Bristol University research team concluded that currently practiced slaughter methods for farmed fish fall far short of the requirement for instantaneous unconsciousness. Concussion and electrocution methods have been suggested as having the most potential for achieving instantaneous unconsciousness in fish, (Kestin, Wotten & Gregory, 1991). Currently, following their slaughter, fish are cleaned externally then prepared for market. In its slaughtered state, fish tissue will contain whatever toxic pollutants, parasites, bacterial and viral pathogens it is contaminated with. It is widely recognized that intensive and stressful conditions, associated with fish farming, can predispose fish to attack from disease and parasitic infection and where diseases such as bacterial septicaemia and gill infections, and bacterial gill disease prevail. Bacterial diseases are currently treated by the use of antibiotics mixed in with fish feed. Potential human health hazards can arise from the high incidence of farmed-fish disease and its subsequent treatment. Prolonged use of antibiotics in fish can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria. It is feared that such drug resistance could then be transferred from fish bacteria to human bacteria in the digestive tract with potentially disastrous results. Many antibiotics that treat fish diseases, such as tetracycline and chloramphenicol, are also used in human medicine. (Shepherd & Bromage, 1998.) Drug resistance may be unknowingly picked up by a human via the above route. If that person were to fall ill and be treated by a doctor using similar antibiotic, the drug may have been rendered less efficient or ineffective. Another example, with regard to toxic PCB infestation, farmed salmon are fed from a global supply of fish-meal and fish-oil from small open sea fish which studies show are the source of PCB's (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) in most farmed salmon. In three independent studies scientists tested 37 fish-meal samples from six countries and found PCB contamination in nearly every sample. (Jacobs 2002, Easton 2002, and CIFA 1999.) Humans can ingest PCB's from eating contaminated fish and there is broad multiple governmental agreement from multiple governmental agencies that consumption of PCB's are expected to cause cancer and alter brain development in humans. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for killing fish. A related general object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for killing fish and sanitizing the fish tissue. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for inducing instantaneous fish unconsciousness and concomitantly sanitizing fish tissue. An even more specific object of the present invention is to provide a method wherein ultrasonic irradiation is generated that has sufficient acoustic pressure to effect instantaneous unconsciousness in fish thereby maintaining insensibility of the fish to pain until death supervenes. A parallel object of the present invention is to provide such a method that also effect a rapid safe transformation of toxic pollutants, such as DDTs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) and killing of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites that reside in slaughtered fish tissue. These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. Although every object of the invention is attained in at least one embodiment of the invention, there is not necessarily any single embodiment of the invention in which all objects are attained. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An ultrasonic sound pressure level of 32 Pa is not harmful to fish while a pressure level of 1,000 Pa is harmful to many fish, (Hastings, 1990) and an ultrasonic pressure of 266,000 Pa is fatal to most fish. (Norris & Mohl, 1983.) Pressure sensitivity varies with fish-species and to avoid “overkill” during the “slaughtering phase”, the lowest ultrasonic pressure necessary to effect a particular species' instantaneous unconsciousness and continuing insensibility until death supervenes must be determined experimentally by applying a subaqeuous low frequency, adjustable peak amplitude ultrasonic pressure wave having equal compressional and rarefactional cycles in the approximate pressure range 75 Pa to 300 kPa. For each particular fish species to experience immediate, predictable massive, irreparable internal organ and vascular damage, this invention utilizes submicron filtered degassed tap water whose properties permit propagation of a sinusoidal ultrasonic pressure wave without significant amplitude attenuation throughout the water mass contained by the fish-holding tank. While the slaughtering peak pressure amplitude selected for each particular fish species is being applied, the following concomitant fish-tissue sanitization process ensues. All fish exhibit a high-water tissue content. For example, Atlantic Salmon comprises 32% dry matter and 68% water. Tank water of different salinity, temperature and pressure holds differing amounts of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases called air. Given time, the gas pressure in the tank will equalize and become the same pressure as the air over it. Subsequently the gas pressure in fish tissue and bloodstream will become the same as in the water. The air pressure is the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases, (primarily nitrogen, 78% and oxygen, 21%) that constitute air. Oxygen moderately above saturation in water is not typically a problem because fish use oxygen to breathe. However, since nitrogen is the most common of the inert gases in fresh or salt water systems and is not metabolized by fish it is the gas most commonly associated with bubble formation in fish. Nitrogen is an inert gas normally stored throughout fish tissues and fluids in a physical solution. When a fish is exposed to decreased hydrostatic and/or barometric pressures, the nitrogen gas dissolved in the fish tissues and fluids becomes supersaturated and comes out of solution. If the nitrogen is forced to leave the solution too rapidly, bubbles form in different parts of the fish, causing a variety of signs and symptoms. Fish sense high gas pressures. Like a diver, fish will go deeper in the tank to compress the gases and thereby prevent nitrogen bubble formation in their blood and tissue. Nitrogen enters a fish through its gills, just like oxygen. It is then carried to the tissue by the blood. Once distributed, nitrogen remains in the tissue while oxygen is consumed. When low frequency medium intensity ultrasonic pressure waves are propagated through fish undergoing slaughter, the negative pressure wave will cause the nitrogen in the fish tissue and blood to leave solution very rapidly, forming bubbles which under the influence of the alternating negative and positive pressure portions of the low frequency medium intensity ultrasound will culminate in transient cavitation bubble imploding events. The associated chemical effects of ultrasound transient cavitation implosions are explained in terms of reactions occurring inside, at the interface, or at some distance away from the cavitating bubbles. In the interior of an imploding cavitation bubble, extreme but transient conditions are known to exist. Temperatures approaching 5,000K have been estimated, and pressures of several hundred atmospheres have been calculated. Temperatures of the order of 2,000K have been estimated for the interfacial region surrounding an imploding bubble based on observed reactivity. During bubble implosion, which occurs within 100 nsec, H2O undergoes thermal dissociation to yield hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen atoms. Sonochemical reactions are characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of supercritical water reactions, direct pyrolyses, and radical reactions, especially with solute concentrations. The sonochemical degradation of a variety of chemical contaminants in aqueous solution has been previously reported. (Kotrounarou et al., 1991, 1992a,b.) Substrates such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, (PCB s & DDT s), pesticides, phenols and esters are transformed into short-chain organic acids, CO2 and inorganic ions as the final products. Ultrasonic transient cavitation appears to be an effective method for destruction of organic contaminants in water because of localized high concentrations of oxidizing species such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in solution, high localized temperatures and pressures and the formation of transient supercritical water. (Hua et al. 1995.) With a non-submicron filtered, non-degassed water mass surrounding a fish exterior, the water's occluded micron-sized and larger particles may contain sufficient trapped gas to evolve into transient cavitation prone bubbles when irradiated with low frequency medium intensity ultrasound. To ensure consistent and repeatable fish slaughtering/sanitization settings, the water medium through which the low frequency ultrasonic pressure wave is propagated must remain sufficiently filtrated and degassed during subsequent fish slaughtering/sanitization processes. Precautionary sensing for the presence of transient cavitation bubbles in the water surrounding the fish is detected by the inventions microphone PZT transducers, (previously referred to in patent application Ser. No. 10/676,061), which provide a microcomputer with the signal necessary for it to shut down ultrasonic transmission until the necessary degassification and particulate size reduction exchange in the tank has been effected. These precautions are necessary because transient bubble cavitation occurring in close proximity to the fish exterior will bombard its flesh with imploding high velocity bubble jets possibly causing an unsightly outward appearance of the affected fish making it an undesirable product for market. Also, millions of transitioning vibrating bubbles in the water surrounding the fish provide a protective bubble-screen around the fish exterior which serves to attenuate the amplitude of the external pressure wave entering the fish by approximately 33 dB (greater than 1 micropascal). Such external ultrasonic pressure wave amplitude attenuation will stop transient bubble cavitation formation within the fish thereby preventing its sanitization, and will sustain consciousness and continuing sensibility to pain and suffering resulting from its exterior flesh being subjected to the forces and temperatures associated with transient bubble cavitation implosion events. An economic water supply origin for the above slaughtering/sanitization process is from a municipal supply source which is subsequently passed through an activated charcoal filter to remove its chlorine content and then through a submicron reverse osmosis filter to remove all larger particulate matter. The submicron filtered water output from the reverse osmosis device is pumped into an injector nozzle whose discharge is fed via a custom-designed combined right-angled elbow and on/off discharge faucet. The low pressure zone on the exit side of the internally Venturi-shaped nozzle serves to remove gas from the reverse osmosis processed water which is discharged to atmosphere as it leaves the faucet and before the water enters the fish-holding tank. After several slaughtering/sanitization processes and fish removals have been completed, either the detection of transient cavitation or presence of shed fish scales will require the fish-holding tank containing reverse osmosis filtered and degassed water to be drained and then refilled with untreated municipal tap water and irradiated with low frequency, medium intensity subaqueous applied ultrasound for the time-period necessary to fully sanitize the tank. Accordingly, a fish killing and fish tissue sanitizing apparatus comprises, pursuant to the present invention, a tank, a water feed pipe extending to the tank, an electromechanical transducer in pressure-wave transmitting relationship to the tank for generating ultrasonic pressure waves in water contained in the tank, an electrical signal generator operatively connected to the transducer for energizing same with an alternating electrical signal, and a sensor in operative contact with water contained in the tank for detecting transient and inertial cavitation occurring within the water in the tank. Pursuant to further features of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises an injector disposed along the feed pipe proximate to a barrier thereof, the injector preferably taking the form of a Venturi injector, the feed pipe being coupled to a disinfectant reservoir and a valve being provided for introducing a disinfectant into a water stream flowing along the feed pipe, and the barrier being a wall of the pipe, the pipe having at least one elbow-type bend. Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, the sensor is a PZT probe. According to another feature of the present invention, the apparatus further comprising means operatively coupled to the signal generator for sweeping a frequency of an electrical excitation signal produced by the signal generator. A microprocessor may be operatively connected to the sensor, a display being operatively connected to the microprocessor for communicating to an operator a status of cavitation in the tank. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the tank is one of two tanks communicating with one another via a barrier. An ultrasonic treatment method comprises, in accordance with the present invention, feeding water to a tank, disposing a living organism in the water, and thereafter generating ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations in the water of a frequency range and an intensity and duration to kill the living organism and to sanitize organic tissues of the organism. Preferably, the water fed to the tank is substantially free of dissolved gases and particulate matter. Accordingly, pursuant to an additional feature of the present invention, the method further comprises filtering and degassing the water prior to the feeding of the water to the tank. The degassing of the water may include accelerating the water flow to create micro-sized gas bubbles and bursting the bubbles. The accelerating of the water flow may more particularly include directing the water through a Venturi injector. The bursting of the bubbles may more particularly include impacting the water against a barrier. The method preferably also comprises automatically monitoring the water in the tank to detect inertial or transient cavitation. The status of inertial of transient cavitation in the water in the tank may be displayed for inspection by an operator. The generating of the ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations is terminated in the event that cavitation is detected occurring within the water in the tank. This termination may be automatic or initiated by an operator in response to the display alert as to the existence of cavitation in the tank water. The generating of ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations may include sweeping a frequency of the ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations. Pursuant to additional features of the present invention, the further comprises removing the killed organism from the tank, thereafter delivering disinfectant and water to the tank, and thereafter inducing ultrasonic cavitation in the water and disinfectant in the tank. The inducing of the ultrasonic transient cavitation may include generating full-wave compression and rarefaction cycles at an ultrasonic frequency in the water and disinfectant in the tank. The inducing of the ultrasonic transient cavitation may further include sweeping the frequency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall system block diagram outlining functional interrelationships among three major elements of a human and land-animal debridement and wound-therapy supine treatment apparatus, which may incorporate a device for killing fish and sanitizing fish tissue in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2A is a graph of a pulsed waveform used for iterative stable cavitation control in a method and apparatus for treating fish with ultrasonic pressure wave energy, showing a fully rectified wave portion. FIG. 2B is a graph of another pulsed waveform used for iterative stable cavitation control in a method and apparatus for treating fish with ultrasonic pressure wave energy, showing a half-wave rectified wave portion. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a two-tank fish farm with an ultrasonic therapy installation. FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the two-tank fish farm with ultrasonic therapy installation shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic front elevational view of a louvered barrier shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the louvered barrier of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an overall system block diagram outlining functional interrelationships of an ultrasonic apparatus for rendering fish instantaneously unconscious and inducing continued insensibility until death supervenes and for concomitantly sanitizing fish tissue, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 8A is a graph of a continuous peak amplitude adjustable ultrasonic waveform which, when used in conjunction with submicron filtered and degassed water, will apply repeatable subaqeuous ultrasonic compressional and rarefactional pressures sufficient in amplitude to render fish instantaneously unconscious, to continue fish insensibility and concomitantly sanitize fish tissue until death supervenes. FIG. 8B is a graph of a continuous ultrasonic waveform which when used in conjunction with municipal tap water will, following fish slaughtering and sanitization, effect fish tank decontamination. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the two-tank fish farm of FIG. 3, configured to be a stand-alone device or apparatus for fish slaughtering and tissue sanitization in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an apparatus for treating fish with ultrasonic pressure waves for wound treatment purposes. The apparatus of FIGS. 1-6 may incorporate a fish killing and sanitizing functionality described hereinafter with reference principally to FIGS. 7-9. The following operational description of a wound treatment apparatus applies to human and animal configurations of the apparatus. A configuration of the apparatus for the treatment of fish need not include provision for handling disinfectant in a therapy tank but will include all other operational features plus some additional features necessary to address the needs of fish farming. FIG. 1 illustrates a control microcomputer or microprocessor 24 by which means an operator can cause the three processes associated with open-wound ultrasonic therapy to function, as needed. Microcomputer 24 has a control panel (not separately designated) includes an illuminated touchpad 12 for activating the wound treatment apparatus. Another illuminated touchpad 14 initiates a “one time” on-site calibration cycle. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 16 displays all relevant information and operator instructions. A further touchpad 18 is used to initiate a “start selected sequence” routine. Yet another touchpad 20 initiates a “stop selected sequence” routine. A sequencer touchpad 22 is accessed by microcomputer or microprocessor 24 to assist the operator in initiating the required operation. The wound treatment apparatus described herein operates in either a manual or an automatic operational mode and either mode is selectable at the operator's choice. Sequencer touchpad 22 runs the LCD 16 through a menu so the operator can make selections as required. The menu is set forth in the normal sequence of operation, i.e., therapy tank fill, wound debridement/cleaning, wound healing, decontamination/auto therapy tank drain, therapy tank drain, fish conditioning and fish excrement removal. Each of these operations, other than therapy tank fill, may be taken in the operator preferred order, e.g., if for humans and animals the operator wanted to disinfect the therapy tank before wound therapy, this is possible but the microcomputer 24 will instruct the operator not to install the patient and will empty the therapy tank at the completion of the automatic decontamination cycle time. Before the wound treatment apparatus can be used for routine therapy treatment it must first be calibrated onsite. When a therapy tank 26 (FIG. 1) is filled the first time, the operator activates the system by depressing the illuminated “ON” touchpad 12. This activates all electronic circuits but stops ultrasound transmission to the therapy tank 26 by opening a switch K7 to disable an amplifier A3. The operator, by means of the sequencer touchpad 22 and LCD 16 selects from the menu option “THERAPY TANK FILL.” Microcomputer 24 then asks the operator via LCD 16 to select “AUTO, (FILL).” After making the required selections the operator is instructed by microcomputer 24 via LCD 16 to depress the “START” touchpad 18. Microcomputer 24 closes a switch K4, which energizes a solenoid S3 and closes a drain 28. Then a switch K6 is closed, which energizes a solenoid S2 and commences aerated tub fill. The therapy tank fill components are turned off when a preset level is reached as determined by a sensor D2. Calibration Until microcomputer 24 has conducted its first on-site calibration, it will only respond to an instruction to fill the therapy tank 26. Microcomputer 24 will tell the operator via LCD 16 why and ask the operator to depress calibration (CAL) touchpad 14. The calibration cycle is fully automatic and operates as follows. An initial step in an iterative control technique is to test the number of full sinusoidal cycles of equal amplitude ultrasonic compressional and rarefactional pressure waves needed to stimulate inertial or transient cavitation in water. This is accomplished by running ten discrete sets of tests of which the longest and the shortest number of cycles are discarded and the average number of cycles is calculated from the remaining eight tests. This average number of cycles is the pulse repetition period, i.e., the time from the beginning of one pulse to the beginning of the next. There is no ultrasound “off” time in this pulse repetition period since it is made up of two different pulse types, one immediately following the other. The pulse duration (PD) is the length of time required for the first type pulse to occur and is equal to the period times the number of sinusoidal cycles in the pulse. The duty factor is the fraction of time that the first type pulse is on and consists of full sinusoidal compressional and rarefaction pressure waves. The balance of the pulse repetition period is occupied by the second pulse type, which consists of half sinusoidal (rectified) compressional pressure waves The iterative stable cavitation control technique consists essentially of decreasing the above-defined duty factor from 0.8 in increments of 0.1, for example, until the setting is reached where it takes transient cavitation 15 minutes or more to manifest itself, whereupon, the duty factor is reduced, for example, by an increment of 0.1 to provide a safety margin. The above iterative control technique is conducted with the average time to transient cavitation calculated from the above ten discrete sets of tests corresponding to the duty factor 1.0 and using the precision microcomputer clock as the determinant for setting the trial duty factors where it takes transient cavitation 15 minutes or more and whose value and increments are adjusted from tank to tank location to suit water quality. Upon completion of the above calibration cycle the microcomputer 24 through its LCD 16 confirms that stable cavitation is in effect. Thereafter, the calibrated ultrasound wave configuration is transmitted continuously while the 15-minute “patient” cleaning, wound debridement or wound healing therapy is in progress. In an example of a wave configuration arrived at via the above-described iterative calibration technique, the duty factor is 0.4, with full-wave rectification, the applied frequency is 60 kHz, and the pulse repetition period (PRP) is 15 seconds. Then the number of alternate compressional and rarefaction cycles is (15×60,000×0.4)/2 or 180,000. For a duty factor of 0.6, the number of alternate compressional and rarefaction cycles is 270,000. The number of follow-on compressional half-cycles is 15×60,000×0.6 or 540,000 and, for a duty factor of 0.6, the number of alternate compressional and rarefaction cycles is 360,000. After the 15-minute therapy period is completed, or transient cavitation is detected, the microcomputer 24 shuts down the ultrasound for a time period sufficient for cavitation to dissipate, whereafter therapy can be resumed for another 15-minute time period, and so on. This calibration cycle is more likely a one-time event necessary upon device site installation because water quality varies widely depending on geographical location. The final waveform resulting from this calibration at a particular location is placed into the memory of microcomputer 24 and is applied for all subsequent device activations at this particular site location. The presence or absence of inertial or transient cavitation is determined by a signal from a PZT probe X1 (FIG. 1) situated in close proximity to a transducer T1 and in combination with an appropriately configured detection circuit 30. PZT probe X1 generates a signal fed to microcomputer 24, which manages all associated signals, system components and processes. Operator control over microcomputer 24 is provided by a control unit 10 including LCD component 16, which are situated on or near wound treatment therapy tank 26. Microcomputer 24 induces the energization of transducer T1 with a full-wave ultrasonic waveform alternating with a rectified alternating waveform, defined by parameters selected during the calibration process as discussed above. This ultrasound generation method suppresses inertial and transient cavitation. The system generates bubbles at the applied frequency and compresses the bubbles so that they are smaller than their resonant size at the applied frequency, thereby prolonging stable cavitation. Because vibrating bubble-to-bubble interaction causes bubbles to assume a non-spherical shape, their vibratory response is non-sinusoidal and therefore contains harmonics and sub-harmonics of the applied frequency. A limitation of the above-discussed prior-art human patient cleaning device was the 30 kHz applied frequency because its third sub-harmonic 10 kHz, proved detectable by all immersed human patients through conduction of the 10 kHz subharmonic by their bony prominences to their inner-ear, some patients finding the noise either irritating or intolerable. For the prior human patient cleaning device, lowering the applied intensity served to decrease the amplitude of the third sub-harmonic which lowered the noise to an acceptable level in most but not all cases. This necessary lowering of intensity proved to be at the expense of cleaning process effectiveness for the patient. The present apparatus has removed this limitation by increasing the applied frequency to 60 kHz for human and animal exposure and therefore its third sub-harmionic to 20 kHz, which is above the threshold of human hearing. The detection circuit 30 may also employ harmonics for detection of stable cavitation. For fish treatment, the applied ultrasonic frequency is lowered to 30-kHz, because the frequency detection capability of farm-raised fish is, at the highest, in the low hundreds of Hz. The present apparatus provides four levels of intensity, one for decontamination at more than 5 W/cm2 SPTP, the second for cleaning and open-wound debridement at 3 W/cm2 SPTP (maximum), the third for wound healing at 1.5 W/cm2 SPTP (maximum), and the fourth for fish conditioning at 0.5 W/cm2 SPTP. The 30 or 60 kHz applied frequency is swept up to +/−5 kHz at 120 Hz to provide the likelihood of increased microorganism kill. The limitation exhibited by 1-mHz- and -above hand-held therapy device is its inability at 0.1-0.5 W/cm2 intensity to stimulate any form of cavitation in the water thus enabling ultrasonic pressure waves to penetrate a human patient's body without attenuation, thereby exposing nucleation sites within the patient to cell damage and free radicals from inertial or transient cavitation. This limitation of these hand-held devices can only be removed by lowering their applied frequency and increasing the acoustic intensity of the devices. There's no better example than the 1 mHz hand-held therapy device for demonstrating that water's reaction to ultrasonic pressure waves may have unanticipated major harmful effects on the desired therapeutic clinical result and that reliance on first-order, open-ended controls to effect stable cavitation may only serve to increase the risk of cell damage due to the non-visible presence of inertial or transient cavitation within the human patient's body. An advantageous element of the present apparatus is an ability to differentiate between occurrences of stable and inertial or transient cavitation within contained tap water within a wound-therapy tank 26. An inertial or transient cavitation detection signal always overrides the stable cavitation detection signal so that microcomputer 24 can suppress or maintain inertial or transient cavitation depending on the required mode of operation. The location of PZT probe X1 of detector circuit 30 is in-line with a face 32 of transducer T1 at the highest intensity within the wound-therapy tank 26. In response to a signal from PZT probe X1, microcomputer 24 displays on LCD 16 the cavitation status within the water contained within the wound-therapy tank 26 at all times during operation. PZT probe X1 and detection circuitry 30, inter alia, overcome the limitation of prior human patient cleaning devices in their inability to detect inertial or transient cavitation and to thereby maintain stable cavitation suitable for wound-therapy. Decontamination The need is recognized for disinfection of a tank 26 used for ultrasound wound treatment. After completion of a wound-therapy procedure in therapy tank 26, the tank must be decontaminated from pathogens shed by the patient or subject. A number of microorganisms have been found to withstand hot-water temperatures and chemical disinfectants, which suggests that chemical means alone are not 100% effective. Also, experimental data suggests that ultrasound in the low-kilohertz frequency range is capable to some measure of inactivating certain human disease agents that may reside in water. This experimental ultrasound data states that the human pathogens tested were selected on their normal routes of infection, for example, skin or intestinal tract, or their structural similarities to such agents, which would make them likely candidates of whirlpool or hot tubs. In an experiment, ultrasound killed within 1 hour a variable percentage of the following microorganisms: bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis Escherichia coli), fungus (Trichophyton mentagrophytes) and viruses (feline herpes virus type 1; this sub-family also includes the human herpes viruses, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2). This experiment concluded that 100% microorganism killing was a dose-effect dependent on time of exposure and level of ultrasound intensity but the mechanism of microorganism “kill” appeared to be inertial or transient cavitation. This microorganism “kill” principle appeared to be the high forces and high temperatures associated with inertial or transient implosions which can disintegrate cell walls and membranes of bacteria and certain enveloped virus but only in the immediate vicinity of these micro-sized implosions. Because an apparent defense mechanism of pathogens is to gather at the antinodes of a constant frequency ultrasonic wave where the amplitude of the ultrasound pressure wave is at a minimum, the present apparatus employs a rapid frequency-sweep modality which serves to oscillate the location of the antinodes in space thereby exposing the microorganisms to an increased number of cavitation implosion events. Experimental data reveals that ultrasonic cavitation enhances the effect of different antibiotics and disinfectants. Clearly, disinfectant plays no part in the deactivating of pathogens exposed to the high forces and temperatures created by cavitation implosion events. Reasons for the synergism of water, ultrasound and disinfectant having an apparently enhancing germicidal effect over water and disinfectant alone are largely unknown. Since experiments have demonstrated acoustic pressure waves used in conjunction with disinfectant does exhibit an increased germicidal effect, the synergism hypothesis is that like vibrating bubbles the pathogens are subjected to alternating compression and rarefaction ultrasonic pressure waves. Since the pathogen's internal contents are normally equalized in pressure corresponding to ambient pressure, in the presence of a rarefaction pressure wave an enveloped pathogen expands in size from internal pressure because of the absence of balancing external pressure. On the following ultrasonic compressional pressure wave the enveloped pathogen is squeezed to a size smaller than normal, further increasing the pressure on the inner contents. The oscillatory stress pattern on a pathogen's envelope could be repeated up to 30,000 to 60,000 times each second. It is hypothesized that these many positive to negative stress inversions may cause cell-wall fatigue which in turn creates fissures or even fractures in a cell-wall or membrane which open upon rarefaction pressure cycles, thereby exposing the microorganism's inner contents and then close shut on the compression pressure cycle. It is also hypothesized that if the medium surrounding the pathogen was water these stress inversions on the pathogen might be survivable for longer time-periods, but when the medium is disinfectant, as the fissures or fractures open on the rarefaction pressure cycle exposing the pathogen's inner contents to disinfectant, the following compressional pressure cycle forces the disinfectant into the cell's interior, thereby killing the cell. The present apparatus exhibits a decontamination cycle employing a combination of water, ultrasonic pressure waves, and disinfectant in order to secure disinfection within a shorter time period than is possible with ultrasound and water alone or disinfectant alone, with the goal of taking less time to effect disinfection than current hospital procedures, which range typically from 12-30-minutes. The required disinfectant should exhibit a surface tension approaching that of water (72 dyne/cm) and a viscosity approaching that of water (0.01 poise) and exhibit germicidal action against the microorganisms listed above and those microorganisms appropriate to animals, and be non-flammable. In fish farming applications, there is a difficulty with containing disinfectant in the ultrasonic therapy tank. Therefore disinfectant is not used to kill fish microorganisms. Instead, the necessary full ultrasonic dose effect (time and ultrasonic intensity) applicable to transient cavitation 100% microorganism kill is used. In order to increase the spectrum of microorganism kill, it is intended that all patient germicidal cycles employ the wound therapy pulsed waveform with its duty factor set to low values (less than 0.4), sufficient to induce transient cavitation and the collapsing of very small bubbles. Because decontamination is accomplished by the use of transient cavitation and not stable cavitation, the apparatus includes a number of patient precautionary or protection measures. The decontamination cycle is under microcomputer control, which dictates the following operational sequence. By means of touchpads 12, 18, 22, etc., therapy tank 26 is automatically filled to preset levels and also emptied automatically (except in the case of fish). Ultrasonic decontamination cannot be accessed until wound treatment has been conducted and operator confirmation of patient or subject removal from the therapy tank 26. Microcomputer 24 determines readiness for wound treatment by noting that the wound treatment preset tank fill level and automatic water shut off is completed. After termination of the preset 15-minute wound treatment time, microcomputer 24 informs the operator via LCD 16 that therapy tank decontamination can take place and provides the necessary touchpad instructions via the LCD. The instructions include the appropriate decontamination information and an instruction requiring mandatory patient removal from the therapy tank 26 before decontamination can be initiated and requires touchpad confirmation of patient removal to be confirmed to microcomputer memory. After confirmation of patient removal, microcomputer 24 adds a specific volume and dilution of tap water and disinfectant to the therapy tank 26 then activates ultrasonic full-wave, equal-amplitude compressional and rarefaction and half-cycle compressional pressure waves sufficient to cause transient cavitation for the preset decontamination time period after which the microcomputer automatically switches off the ultrasound. For a fish decontamination cycle, disinfectant may not be employed due to the difficulty of containing disinfectant in the ultrasonic therapy tank. During the decontamination time period, audible and visual annunciators including a flashing LCD display are active, signifying an “operator precautionary” condition. After decontamination is completed, microcomputer 24 automatically drains tank 26 and requests via LCD 16 that the tank be rinsed with tap water and then dried with germ-free cloths or a thermal blow drier. Microcomputer 24 disconnects the system from electrical power after a preset time period. Microcomputer 24, using its internal precision clock, synchronizes with a 30 or 60 kHz oscillator O1 to time an interval from a closing of switches K1 and K7 and an activating of amplifier A3 to a signaling of an adjustable-gain amplifier A2 by PZT detector X1 that transient or inertial cavitation has taken place, at which time the microcomputer places the resulting time into temporary memory then repeats the process for a total of ten times before calculating the average pulse repetition period. Using the average pulse repetition period, the calibration cycle (or program) next requires microcomputer 24, using its internal precision clock, to synchronize the 30 or 60 kHz oscillator O1 with a full-wave rectifier R1 to form a 0.8 duty factor pulse-train (see FIG. 2A) and then to close switches K1 and K7 which activates amplifier A3 until PZT detector XI signals the adjustable-gain amplifier A2 that transient or inertial cavitation has taken place, at which time the microcomputer compares the elapsed time from the activation of amplifier A3 until to the signaling by amplifier A2 that transient cavitation has occurred for the required time of 15 minutes. Microcomputer 24 automatically resets the duty factor to a lower value and continues as described above until a duty factor value is attained that results in the required time of 15 minutes. The duty factor may be reset in increments of less than 0.1. PZT detector X1 feeds both a 10 or 20 kHz acceptor circuit A4 and a 10 or 20 kHz rejector circuit R2 which feed an adjustable gain narrow-band sub or harmonic amplifier A1 and the adjustable-gain broadband amplifier A2 whose outputs are fed to the microprocessor. Acceptor circuit A4 and rejector circuit R2 may employ harmonics or sub-harmonics. From the amplifiers A1 and A2 outputs the microprocessor 24 determines the required pulsed waveform needed to arrest inertial or transient cavitation for a minimum time period of 15 minutes (or other suitable time selectable by the operator). After the required pulsed waveform has been determined, microcomputer 24 places the defining parameters of the determined pulse waveform into an internal memory. Those parameters are used thereafter for all open-wound therapy purposes at the particular installation site. The operator can empty the therapy tank 26 either by following instructions displayed on LCD 16 or by depressing illuminated “ON” touchpad 12. Either action opens switch K4, thereby de-energizing solenoid S3 to open drain 28. Subsequently depressing the “illuminated” ON touchpad 12 removes all electrical power from the apparatus including touchpad illumination. Upon completion of the onsite calibration cycle, the apparatus is ready for routine open-wound therapy treatment or, if required, intact tissue “patient” cleaning (see FIG. 2A) for the cleaning and therapy pulsed waveforms. There are four intensity levels of ultrasonic transmission: (1) decontamination triggered or activated by switch K1, (2) wound debridement/cleaning, triggered or controlled by operation of a switch K2, (3) wound healing, which is triggered or activated by operation of a switch K3, and (3) fish conditioning, which is initiated by operation of a switch K8. There are three modes of ultrasonic transmission: (1) continuous, which is reserved for the decontamination cycle, (22) pulsed at a duty factor greater than 0.4 for the decontamination cycle, and (3) pulsed for the absence of inertial or transient cavitation which is reserved for the wound debridement, wound healing and fish conditioning cycles. Microcomputer 24 alternately enables and disables rectifier R1 using either a duty factor of less than 0.4 (enable), or 1.0 (disable) for the decontamination mode, and only enables rectifier R1 for wound debridement, wound healing and fish conditioning (see FIG. 2). The duty factor (less than 0.4) is determined by microcomputer 24 in a fashion similar to that described above, with the criteria being the lowest duty factor that stimulates continuous transient cavitation due to a majority of compressive pressure waves that collapse very small bubbles. During a decontamination process preferably used in connection with the treatment of humans and animals but probably not fish, microcomputer 24 holds off amplifier A3 by keeping switch K7 open until it has completed the following actions: (i) the therapy tank is filled to the preset control level detected by sensor D2, (ii) the ambient-air input normally fed through the Venturi for therapy tank filling is replaced by disinfectant by closing switch K5 which energises solenoid S1, and (iii) the microcomputer clock is set to deliver the preset dilution of disinfectant necessary to effect the required sonic germicidal action based on the volume of water contained by therapy tank 26 up to its overflow port and beyond, if necessary (experiment). Microcomputer 24 then closes switch K6, which energizes solenoid S2 so that the velocity of the water supply causes a Venturi I1 to suck in disinfectant until the microcomputer shuts down the water supply and disinfectant by de-energising solenoids S1 and S2. Venturi I1 is an injector posed along a feed pipe 34 proximate to a barrier formed by a wall of the pipe, for instance, at a 90-degree elbow-type bend 36 in the feed pipe. Venturi injector I1 is operatively connected to solenoid valve S1 on an upstream side for introducing air into a water stream flowing along feed pipe 34. Venturi injector I1 is alternately coupled to a disinfectant reservoir 38 via solenoid valve S1, whereby the injector introduces a disinfectant into a water stream flowing along feed pipe 34. Microcomputer 24 then delivers 30 or 60 kHz ultrasound at an intensity in excess of 5 W/cm2 SPTP for the pre-set decontamination time period as monitored and controlled by the microcomputer clock. Upon completion of the decontamination cycle, and in the auto mode, the microcomputer opens the drain 28 by opening switch K4 which de-energizes solenoid S3. Microcomputer 24 then follows its shut down procedures prior to disconnecting from electrical power. The present apparatus as used for treating fish utilizes existing technology for general water-quality maintenance in fish holding tanks 40 and 42 (FIGS. 3 and 4) such as the requisite number of sequential rotating water jets (not shown) situated on a tank's bottom surface 44, 46 necessary to sweep all fish excrement from the tank bottom surfaces into a drain return 78 situated at the lowest point on the tank bottom 44, 46. The fish excrement particulate is then sucked into and is retained by filters (which are removable and cleanable) by means of a bi-directional pump/motor assembly 58 including a motor 100, a pump 102, and pair of filters 104 and 106 Additionally, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate several methods for providing results beneficial for fish raised in fish-farming facilities, for example, the water in which the fish swim can be recirculated continuously and irradiated with high intensity ultrasound for decontamination purposes. In this way water-borne fungi, parasites (e.g., lice) and microorganisms can be destroyed through transient or inertial cavitation without the intervention of disinfectants (without a decontamination cycle). At selected time periods, daily or two or three times weekly, fish farmed in a system having two or more holding tanks 40, 42 can be recirculated from one tank 40, 42 to another 42, 40 and while passing through an ultrasound section or therapy tank 48 can be irradiated with low intensity ultrasound to effect improvement in blood circulation and fat reduction (wound healing cycle). When used in this manner, ultrasound treatment can be viewed as equivalent to preventative medicine because fish reared in holding tanks are denied vigorous normal “outside activity” which helps to keep them healthy. As depicted in FIG. 3, tank 48 includes a plurality of transducers 66 provided in a bottom surface 68. A tap 72 is provided at an upper end of the tank 48, while a protective mesh or screen 70 may be provided in tank 48 above transducers 66. A walkway 74 is provided about tanks 40, 42, and 48. Fish in a distressed or contaminated condition can be isolated from healthy fish and treated separately and collectively in the integral ultrasonic therapy tank 48 for removal and destruction of pathogen, fungal and ectoparasitic infection (wound debridement/cleaning cycle). After treatment these fish are isolated by moving them to a separate quarantine tank 76 from which they are periodically ultrasonically treated and not returned until fully cured to the general fish population. When a two or more holding tank system is in need of maintenance or removal of solid waste excrement from a given tank, then fish can be transferred from one tank 40, 42 to another 42, 40 while this is accomplished. Upon completion, the tank 40, 42 that received maintenance is refilled and the fish transfer accomplished as needed (tank cleaning cycle). Louvered barriers 50 and 52 are provided to limit the fish movement between tanks 40, 42 and the ultrasonic therapy tank 48. As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, louvered barriers 50 and 52 each include a welded frame 60 and a movable water-sealing louver or door 62 that have a width sufficient to allow free passage of fish. Door 62 is made of a light-weight sound-absorbing material. These louvered barriers 50, 52 can be alternately opened and closed manually via a lever or knob 64 that turns a worm 63 meshing with a wheel 65. Alternatively and preferably, louvered barriers 50, 52 are operated by automatic means controlled by a microcomputer controller 56. The following description assumes microcomputer automatic control. As required, a bi-directional circulating motor, pump and filter 58 provide a slow-moving water flow from one tank 40, 42 to another 42, 40. In the decontamination cycle, the louvered barriers 50 and 52 are adjusted sufficiently not to interrupt water-flow but closed sufficiently to prevent fish entry before the high-intensity ultrasound can be activated. The microcomputer 56 through its LCD requires the operator to remove all fish from the ultrasonic therapy tank 48, which the operator must confirm through appropriate keypad entry. High-intensity ultrasound is then activated to generate transient or inertial cavitation. This operational mode can be sustained 24 hours daily, 7 days weekly or until a different operational cycle is selected using the keypad. However, before such action is undertaken, the microcomputer 56 switches off the high-intensity ultrasound. As required, the bi-directional motor, pump and filter 58 provide a slow-moving water flow from one tank 40, 42 to another 42, 40. With the wound healing cycle selection, the ultrasonic-tank water tap is activated to provide aerated water into the ultrasonic tank area and remains activated until the fish “conditioning cycle” is completed. When sufficient aeration has been provided, the low-intensity ultrasound is activated and the louvered barriers 50 and 52 are opened fully to permit free fish entry and exit from one tank 40, 42 to another 42, 40. Manual participation of the operator is required to move all fish from one tank to another to ensure that all fish are sonicated. This fish condition cycle is completed by the operator depressing the stop cycle touchpad. This shuts down the generation of ultrasonic pressure waves in therapy tank 48. The microcomputer 56 through its LCD asks the operator whether all the fish have been removed from the ultrasonic therapy tank, which the operator confirms through appropriate keypad entry. The microcomputer 56 then adjusts louvered barriers 50 and 52 sufficiently not to interrupt water flow but closed sufficiently to prevent fish entry. An adjustable automatic timer (part of the microcomputer 56) is provided to automatically shut down this cycle in the event of operator absence. As required, the bi-directional motor, pump and filter 58 must be switched off and the louvered barriers 50 and 52 tightly closed by a pneumatic pump 80 that inflates a tubular sealing member 81. The operator depresses the microcomputer stop cycle touchpad to accomplish this. The LCD will ask the operator “what's next.” The operator uses the sequencer touchpad 22 (FIG. 1) to select and then start the wound debridement/cleaning cycle. This cycle is almost identical to that used for humans, except that the microcomputer 56 simultaneously fills and drains the ultrasonic therapy tank 48 until the necessary aerated water exchange is effectuated after which a drain 54 is closed and the ultrasonics switched on. The distressed or contaminated fish are placed in the therapy tank 48 for the automatically prescribed treatment time period. Thereafter the microcomputer LCD instructs the operator to remove the fish to quarantine tank 76 and requires confirmation from the operator. This treatment cycle is to be repeated periodically every few days until the fish(es) in question is judged healed and free from infection. Following the current fish decontamination cycle, the operator uses the touchpad to initiate a high ultrasound intensity decontamination cycle in therapy tank 48, after which the microcomputer 56 switches off the ultrasound and drains the tank. After tank draining, the microcomputer asks the operator if the debridement/cleaning cycle is to be repeated. If the answer is in the affirmative, the microcomputer 56 refills the tank, etc., and proceeds as before. If not, the microcomputer 56 adjusts louvered barriers 50 and 52 sufficiently not to interrupt water flow but closed sufficiently to prevent fish entry. In debridement/cleaning cycle, it is to be noted that with every therapy tank emptying the opening of louvered barriers 50 and 52 will lower the water level in the fish holding tanks 40 and 42. This level depletion will be automatically made up by automatic water level sensing floats (not shown). At the next operator cycle selection, other than debridement/cleaning cycle, the microcomputer 56 will switch the water circulating motor, pump and filter 58 back on. In the event that solid excrement waste from the fish tank needs to be removed from a holding tank, the following procedure is performed. The operator, using the touchpad sequencer, selects “excrement removal, Tank B” (referring to tank 42), for example, and starts the process. The microcomputer 56 fully opens louvered barriers 50 and 52 to allow free passage of the fish and subsequently reverses the flow of the recirculating pump to assist in fish transfer from tank 42 to tank 40. After all the fish have been transferred then the operator, using the touchpad, alerts the microcomputer 56 which then fully closes barrier 50 while barrier 52 is left open and the circulating pump is again reversed which empties tank 42 to “drain” after which the circulating pump is switched off. After excrement removal, tank 42 is refilled, barrier 50 is opened and the microcomputer 56 switches the circulating pump back on, allowing the fish to return with assistance from tank 40 to tank 42, for example. As part of the water high intensity ultrasound decontamination cycle the microcomputer 56 automatically reverses the water flow commensurate with time necessary to drain the holding tank in question. Fish Killing and Tissue Sanitization Apparatus The following operational description is of a stand-alone ultrasonic fish slaughtering and tissue sanitization apparatus applicable to all fish species that experience accelerated mortification when subjected to subaqueous ultrasonic pressure waves having frequencies in the range 20-60 kHz and peak amplitude acoustic pressure waves in the range 75 Pa-300 kPa. The apparatus may be used with a dedicated tank 26′ shown in FIG. 9 or in conjunction with the wound treatment tank 26 of FIGS. 3 and 4. Although the discussion below is directed mainly to tank 26′, it should be understood that the same procedure could be used using tank 26 of FIGS. 3 and 4. In the latter case, the functionality described herein with reference to FIG. 7 may be added to the functions described above with reference to FIG. 1. Thus, the apparatus of FIG. 1 may be modified to incorporate the functionality of the apparatus of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates a control microcomputer 24′ by which an operator can initiate, control, modify, and terminate processes for fish slaughtering and tissue sanitization. Microcomputer 24′ has a control panel 10′ and includes an illuminated “on” touchpad 12′ for activating the invention's fish slaughtering and tissue sanitizing apparatus. An illuminated calibration touchpad 14′ initiates the factory/onsite calibration cycle for particular fish species slaughter/sanitization calibration. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 16′ displays all relevant information and operator instructions. A further start touchpad 18′ is used to initiate a “start selected sequence” routine. An abort touchpad 20′ initiates a “stop/abort selected sequence” routine. A sequencer touchpad 22′ is accessed by microcomputer 24′ to assist the operator to locate the required process. The fish slaughtering and tissue sanitization apparatus described herein operates in either a manual or in an automatic operational mode. Either mode is selectable by the operator. Sequencer touchpad 22′ runs the LCD 16′ through a menu so the operator can identify and initiate selections as required. The menu displayable via LCD 16′ is set forth in the normal sequence of processing, that is: fish slaughtering/sanitization tank fill fish slaughtering/sanitization calibration—supporting initiating LCD instructions fish slaughtering/sanitization—supporting initiating LCD instructions fish slaughtering/sanitization tank empty tank decontamination, empty/fill tank decontamination—supporting LCD initiating instructions tank decontamination, empty. It is to be noted that the three decontamination cycles are included as one automatic process. Before the fish slaughtering/sanitization apparatus can be used in the “automatic” mode of operation it must first have been calibrated for the fish species in question. This should be accomplished at an approved factory and/or a properly equipped and approved onsite fish-farm location. Calibration In order to effect the calibration process, tank 26′ must first be filled with submicron filtered/degassed water. At the end of the calibration cycle, tank 26′ must be emptied and refilled with tap water in preparation for the follow-on ultrasonic decontamination cycle. An imperative for the fish slaughtering/sanitization calibration process is production of an end product exhibiting the highest market quality as characterized by exemplary external and internal appearance of the slaughtered fish, longer shelf life than available by current methods of slaughter and satisfactory taste. Another imperative is that regardless of species, the fish slaughtering/sanitization calibration process must result in all fish of a given species experiencing rapid unconsciousness and continuing insensibility until death supervenes. Prior to conducting the following ultrasonic calibration process, the calibrator must be instructed to employ the lowest peak pressure amplitude and the longest possible exposure time that result in accomplishment of the aforementioned marketing and environmental imperatives. The rapidity of fish unconsciousness is proportional to the maximum applied peak pressure amplitude while the effectiveness of tissue sanitization is proportional to the length of the exposure time. However, the end values for both criteria should not deviate from the above marketing and environmental imperatives. Fish “harvest” weight for all species is a second order effect and should be kept consistent from batch to batch. In preparation for slaughter/sanitization calibration by fish species, the apparatus is activated by depressing the ON/OFF touchpad 12′ which accesses the microcomputer 24′, which by means of LCD 16′ assists the calibrator to locate and subsequently complete the required operations. The calibrator, using the sequencer touchpad 22′, runs the LCD 16′, through the menu until reaching the heading “Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization” then through a listing of all fish species for which the apparatus has already been factory calibrated. For each of the listed species, relevant “codes” for the lowest peak pressure amplitude and longest exposure time to effect slaughter/sanitization in the approved manner are displayed by LCD 16′. In the absence of a desired species' slaughtering/sanitization information, the apparatus is calibrated as follows. The calibrator depresses the calibration touchpad 14′, which accesses and displays the “codes” for associated peak pressure amplitudes in the range 75 Pa-300 kPa and then, by means of the sequencer touchpad 22′, scrolls up or down the “codes” to locate and select a trial peak pressure amplitude and associated trial time of exposure. Both the peak pressure and exposure time codes will “flash” upon reaching the LCD display 16′. To lock in the “flashing” trial peak pressure amplitude selected, the calibrator depresses the start touchpad 18′, which causes the stepper motor M1′ to drive the auto transformer T2′ voltage selector to the encoder E1′ position which corresponds to the calibrator's peak pressure amplitude selection. To lock-in the “flashing” associated trial time of exposure selected, the calibrator depresses the start touch pad 18′ for a second time which causes microcomputer 24′ to correlate the two trial requirements. After correlation has been completed, microcomputer 24′, by means of LCD 16′, will instruct the calibrator to depress the start touchpad 18′ for a third time in order to initiate the trial slaughtering/sanitization process. Following an unsuccessful trial slaughtering/sanitization calibration, the calibrator can, by depressing the abort touchpad 20′, abort, (delete) all data-entries associated with an unsuccessful trial. However, upon successful completion of a repeated trial, microcomputer 24′ by means of LCD 16′ instructs the calibrator to depress the calibration touchpad 14′ to enter the selected trial peak pressure amplitude and associated trial time of exposure data into microcomputer 24′ for which entry it assigns a “code” then places it into the memory (not separately shown) of microcomputer 24′ to end the calibration process. Thereafter the calibrator must keep either a separate fish species identification “Code” listing for such field trial slaughtering/sanitization calibration processes or arrange for field or factory reprogramming of microcomputer 24′ by means of appropriate programming apparatus (not shown) utilizing the programming input connector C1′ located on control unit 10′. The final selected peak pressure amplitude and associated time of exposure data, entries from the above trial calibrations for a previously un-calibrated fish species, as implied, are placed into the memory of microcomputer 24′ and are applied for all subsequent device activations at the appropriate “Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization” data-entry site location. The slaughtering/sanitization calibration process must be carried out using commercially available laboratory quality filtered and degassed water or, water from a municipal supply after its treatment for ozone removal followed by submicron reverse osmosis filtering and degassing techniques equivalent to or superior to those employed by this invention, as illustrated by FIG. 7. The presence or absence of inertial or transient cavitation in tank 26′ will be detected by a signal from a PZT probe X1′ situated in close proximity to a transducer T1′ and in combination with an appropriately configured detection circuit 30′. PZT probe X1′ generates a signal fed to microcomputer 24′, which manages all associated signals, system components and processes. Operator control over microcomputer 24′ is provided by a control unit 10′ including LCD 16′ that is situated on or near the slaughtering/sanitization tank 26′. Microcomputer 24′ induces energization of transducer T1′ with a full-wave subaqueous 30 kHz ultrasonic waveform. The utilization of submicron filtered and degassed water with this ultrasound generation method serves to suppress inertial and transient cavitation permitting virtually the full amplitude of the compressional and rarefaction pressure waves propagated by transducer T1′ to travel the full volume of the slaughtering tank 26′ with minimal attenuation which causes the fish-body's interior tissue to experience the required transient bubble imploding cavitation events. Fish will avoid and try to escape from unfamiliar acoustic noise in their vicinity. Because the frequency detection capability of most farm-raised fish is in the low hundreds of cycles of vibration, the chosen “slaughtering/sanitization” frequency of 30 kHz is undetectable by such fish, which serves to overcome their escape reflex. With previously calibrated fish species, the present apparatus provides operator selectable ultrasonic slaughtering peak pressure amplitudes and associated times of ultrasonic exposure applicable to the fish species slated to undergo the slaughter/sanitization process. For selection of existing fish species controls, the operator first depresses the On/Off touchpad 12′, to activate the control unit 10′ and microprocessor 24′, then, by depressing the sequencer touchpad 22′ the operator runs the LCD 16′ through the menu until reaching the headline “Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization” and then down to the fish species required whose data, when in the LCD display 16′, will start “flashing”. To effect automatic fish slaughtering/sanitization the operator first closes the transparent, vented tank lid L1′, then depresses the start touchpad 18′ causing microcomputer 24′, by means of LCD 16′, to advise the operator when the automatic fish laughtering/sanitization process is finished. The operator then raises transparent tank lid L1′ and removes the slaughtered fish for completion of other activities such as fish inspection, packing and shipping. During the slaughtering process the 30 kHz applied frequency is swept +/−5 kHz to increase water-borne microorganism infestation kill. An advantageous element of the present fish killing and sanitization apparatus is its ability to detect transient and inertial cavitation occurring within the filtered/degassed water in tank 26′. A transient or inertial cavitation detection signal from the PZT detector X1′ brings the fish slaughtering/sanitization process to a halt until the water contained by tank 26′, has been drained then refilled with fresh submicron filtered degassed water. LCD 16′ displays the cavitation status within the water contained within the tank 26′ at all times during the slaughtering/sanitization processing cycle. PZT probe X1′ and detection circuitry 30′, inter alia, overcomes the limitation of current ultrasonic irradiation tanks because of its ability to detect inertial or transient cavitation which phenomenon is counter-productive to the effectiveness of the invention's fish slaughtering and sanitization process. Decontamination The need is recognized for disinfection of tank 26′ following fish slaughtering. After completion of the slaughtering process and removal of fish from tank 26′, tank 26′ must be decontaminated from pathogens shed by the fish. A number of microorganisms have been found to withstand hot-water temperatures and chemical disinfectants, which suggests that chemical means alone are not 100% effective. Also, experimental data has shown that ultrasound in the low kilohertz range is capable, to some measure, of inactivating certain pathogens that may reside in water. For the tank decontamination cycle, unfiltered municipal water is substituted for filtered/degassed and or reverse osmosis processed water in order to promote the formation of both ultrasonic transient and inertial cavitation which is a necessary part of the decontamination process used for inactivating and killing shed pathogens and parasites. The ultrasonic decontamination microorganism “kill” principle depends on the high forces and high temperatures associated with inertial or transient implosions which can disintegrate microorganism cell walls and membranes of bacteria and certain enveloped virus but only in the immediate vicinity of these micro-sized implosions. Because an apparent defense mechanism of pathogens is to gather at the antinodes of a constant frequency ultrasonic wave where the amplitude of the ultrasonic pressure wave is at a minimum, the present apparatus employs a rapid frequency-sweep modality which serves to oscillate the location of the antinodes in space thereby exposing the microorganisms to an increased number of cavitation implosion events. Experimental data has revealed that ultrasonic cavitation enhances the effect of different antibiotics and disinfectants. Clearly, disinfectant plays no part in the deactivating of pathogens exposed to the high forces and temperatures created by cavitation implosion events. Reasons for the synergism of water, ultrasound and disinfectant are largely unknown. The present fish killing and sanitization apparatus exhibits a decontamination cycle employing a combination of water, ultrasonic pressure waves, and disinfectant in order to secure disinfection within a shorter time period than is possible with ultrasound and water alone or disinfectant alone, with the goal of taking less time to effect disinfection than current procedures, which range typically from 12-30 minutes. The required disinfectant should exhibit a surface tension approaching that of water (72 dyne/cm) and a viscosity approaching that of water (0.01 poise) and exhibit germicidal action against microorganisms appropriate to fish-farming. The decontamination cycle is under the control of microcomputer 24′ by means of LCD 16′ and touchpads 12′, 18′, 20′, 22′. Operator intervention, requested via microcomputer 24′, dictates the automatic filling of tank 26′ to a preset level and then its emptying. Tank Filling for Fish Killing and Tissue Sanization To fill tank 26′ for fish slaughtering and sanitization, the operator depresses the On/Off touchpad which electrically activates microcomputer 24′, then depresses the sequencer touchpad 22′ and by its use scrolls LCD 16′ up or down until the headline “Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization Tank Fill” is flashing in the LCD display 16′. To commence automatic filling of tank 26′, the operator depresses the start touchpad 18′ which causes microcomputer 24′ to initiate the following actions. Microcomputer 24′ closes relay contact K3 which energizes solenoid S3′ closing the drain in readiness for tank 26′ filling. Microcomputer 24′ then closes relay contact K4′, energizing solenoid S4′ to open the flow of water from the municipal water supply. The municipal water supply flows through the activated carbon filter (ACF), removing the chlorine content from the water before routing the water to and through the submicron reverse osmosis filter RO. When the level of water in the RO reservoir (not shown) reaches the preset level detected by sensor D3′, microcomputer 24′ closes relay contact K2′, energizing pump P1′ to direct the water flow through backflow preventer BP1′ into tee connection T3′ and injector I1′ (or equivalent) posed along a feed pipe 34′ proximate to a barrier formed by a wall of the pipe, for instance, at a 90-degree elbow-type bend 36′ in the water feed pipe. The drop in water pressure that occurs on the exit side of injector I1′ accelerates the water flow and creates microsized gas-bubbles that burst upon reaching the barrier formed by a wall of the pipe, for instance, at a 90-degree elbow-bend 36′ in the water feed pipe, where from the occluded gas is released to atmosphere. The resulting flow into tank 26′ is water from which all particles above submicron size and occluded gases have been removed. Tank 26′ continues filling until reaching the preset control level detected by sensor D2′ whereupon microcomputer 24′ de-energizes relay K2′ causing the pump P1′ to shut down terminating the submicron filtered and degassed water flow. Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization This description assumes the operator has filled tank 26′ with submicron filtered and degassed water, as discussed above, and, in accordance with microcomputer 24′ instructions communicated by means of LCD 16′, has loaded tank 26′ with the prerequisite number of fish while observing the precaution (communicated via LCD 16′) not to mix fish species unless they have very similar peak pressure amplitudes and times of exposure before closing the transparent vented lid L1′. The operator then uses sequencer touchpad 22′ to scroll LCD 16′ up or down until reaching the headline “Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization” and then to the code and data for the fish species selected for slaughter. In the case of mixed fish species the operator must have first verified that close correspondence of peak pressure amplitudes and exposure times exists. In case of significant mismatch one or another of the species must be removed from tank 26′ before slaughter is initiated. The operator then depresses start touchpad 18′ which initiates the automatic slaughtering/sanitizing process as follows. Microcomputer 24′ closes relay K1′ causing stepper motor M1′ to drive the voltage of autotransformer T2′ to the required position of encoder E2′ then closes relay contact K7′ which, by means of oscillator 01′ and amplifier A3′, drives the transducer T1′ for the programmed exposure time whereafter relay contacts K1′ and K7′ open to complete the process. Microcomputer 24′, by means of LCD 16′, indicates that slaughtering/sanitization process is complete and instructs the operator to raise the transparent lid L1′ and remove the slaughtered fish for inspection and additional processing as required. The action of raising and storing the transparent lid L1′ causes microcomputer 24′, by means of LCD 16′, to instruct the operator to initiate the decontamination process, as follows. Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization Tank Empty Tank 26′ should be emptied following completion of a fish slaughtering/sanitization process or when the PZT detector X1′ detects the presence of water transient cavitation, whereupon microcomputer 24′ opens relay contact K7′, thereby ceasing the propagation of ultrasonic irradiation, and by means of LCD 16′ instructs the operator to remove all remaining fish then empty tank 26′. PZT detector X1′ feeds a 10 kHz acceptor circuit A4 and a 10 kHz rejector circuit R2′ which feed an adjustable gain narrow-band sub or harmonic amplifier A1′ and the adjustable-gain broadband amplifier A2′ whose outputs are fed to microcomputer 24′. Acceptor circuit A4′ and rejector circuit R2′ may employ harmonics or sub-harmonics. From amplifiers A1′ and A2′ outputs microcomputer 24′ determines the presence or absence of transient cavitation. To initiate automatic tank 26′ emptying the operator uses the sequencer touchpad 22′ to scroll LCD 16′ up or down until the headline “Fish Slaughtering/Sanitization Tank Empty” is flashing in the LCD display 16′. To commence automatic emptying or tank 26′ the operator depresses the start touchpad 18′, causing microcomputer 24′ to initiate the following actions. Microcomputer 24′ opens relay contact K3′ de-energising solenoid S3′, thereby opening the drain in readiness for emptying tank 26′. After a preset time, sufficient for tank 26′ to be emptied, microcomputer 24′, by means of LCD 16′, requires the operator to proceed to the decontamination process. Tank Decontamination Tank decontamination consists of three automatic procedures: 1) filling tank 26′ with water and a preset volume of disinfectant, 2) ultrasonically agitating the water and disinfectant mixture for a preset time period, and 3) emptying tank 26′. During the period of decontamination, audible and visual annunciators including a “flashing” LCD 16′ display are active signifying an “Operator Precautionary” condition is in progress. To initiate automatic decontamination of tank 26′, the operator selectively depresses the sequencer touchpad 22′ to scroll LCD 16′ up or down until the headline “Tank Automatic Decontamination” is flashing in the LCD display 16′. To commence automatic filling of tank 26′, the operator depresses the start touchpad 18′, causing microcomputer 24′ to initiate the following actions. Relay contact K3′ is closed, causing solenoid S3′ to activate and close the drain. Microcomputer 24′ then closes relay contacts K5′ and K6′ which activate solenoids S1′ and S2′. Solenoid S2′ causes the municipal water to flow through backflow preventer BP2′ through Venturi injector I1′ and 90-degree elbow 34′ and faucet 35′. Concomitantly, as the municipal water passes through injector I1′, the drop in water pressure created on the exit side of injector I1′ sucks out disinfectant 38′ from its container in a metered flow which, in combination with the municipal water flow, creates the required dilution for the required germicidal solution. When the water level in tank 26′ reaches level sensor D2′, microprocessor 24′ opens relay contacts K5′ and K6′, closing off the supply of municipal water and disinfectant 38′. To commence ultrasonic agitation microcomputer 24′ closes relay contact K1′ causing the stepper motor M1′ to rotate autotransformer T2′ until its encoder E1′ matches the decontamination code stored in the memory of microcomputer 24 whereafter microcomputer 24′ closes relay K7′ which causes oscillator O1′ and Amplifier A3′ to drive ultrasonic transducer T1′ for the programmed decontamination time period. To bring the decontamination process to an end microcomputer 24′ opens relay contacts K1′ and K7′, shutting down ultrasonic transmission from transducer T1′ then opens relay contact K3′ which deactivates solenoid S3′ opening the drain and emptying tank 26′. Microcomputer 24′ by means of LCD 16′ instructs the operator to depress the start touchpad 18′ then manually rinse and dry tank 26′. After completion of rinsing and drying of tank 26′, microcomputer 24′, by means of LCD 16′, requests the operator to depress the abort touchpad 20′ whereupon microcomputer 24′ places its request for manual rinsing and drying into its long-term memory. After a preset time period microcomputer 24′ shuts down all electric power ending the automatic decontamination process. Tank 26′ may be incorporated into the wound treatment apparatus of FIGS. 1-6 as tank 48 (FIG. 3). The function of transducers T1′ (FIG. 9) may be performed by transducers 66 provided in bottom surface 68 of tank 48. Injector 11′, elbow 34′ and faucet 36′ are provided at an upper end of tank 48. Two fixed side panels 25′ and 27′ (FIG. 9) of tank 26′ (in the stand alone version of the fish killing and tissue sanitization apparatus) are replaced by louvered barriers 50 and 52 which limit fish movement between tanks 40, 42 and the ultrasonic tank 48, as discussed hereinabove with reference to the wound healing apparatus of FIGS. 1-6. Because of residual disinfectant leakage potential between tanks 40, 42 and 48, the tank decontamination process should not include disinfectant. Microcomputer 24 is programmed to include the slaughtering and sanitization functionality discussed above with reference to microcomputer 24′ as well as the wound healing functionality discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>With specific reference to fish-farms, existing regulatory authorities recommend no specific method for slaughtering fish and as a result, some or all of the following techniques may be employed: 1) Asphyxiation—suffocating the fish by removal from water. Farmed trout are commonly “harvested” by removal from water into bins in which they suffocate. Fish farmers have started to put live fish into bins containing ice according to Bristol University's Department of Meat Animal Science. The researchers also found when fish were removed from water they can often still feel what is happening to them for almost 15 minutes at low temperatures. The researchers concluded that the practice of suffocating fish on ice could unnecessarily prolong the time to unconsciousness. (Kestin, Wotten & Gregory, 1991.) 2) Bleeding—cutting the fish gills causing death by blood loss. This method may be preceded by stunning the fish in a tank containing carbon-dioxide saturated water. Welfare concerns arise with this stunning method as the “fish try to escape violently” when put into the tank, (Kestin, 4.2.92). The fish are usually unable to move within one minute and do not lose sensibility for 4-5-minutes. Fish could therefore have their gills cut whilst still conscious if lack of movement was mistaken for unconsciousness. If gill-slitting was carried out unsatisfactorily, it is possible that fish could recover consciousness whilst bleeding. For salmon, bleeding is recommended if the fish are intended to be smoked. This ensures the blood vessels are not readily apparent in the finished product. (Shepherd & Bromage, 1988.) Norwegian fish farmers slaughter salmon by cutting the main blood vessels located in the head. The fish are then returned to the water where they subsequently weaken and die from blood loss. (Sedgewick, 1988.) 3) Concussion—killing by a blow to the head with a small, hand-held club. This slaughter method can cause instantaneous unconsciousness in the fish if done properly. However, the potential for improper stunning and injury to the fish is considerable. (Kestin, 4.2.92.) 4) Electrocution—killing by placing fish in a large tank through which electricity is allowed to flow for a few seconds. The electrical current and its frequency has to be at just the right level to stun the fish without burning the tissue. In early trials the system used too much electricity and stunned too few fish to be commercially practical. (Anthony Browne, The Times, 5.3.2003) The Bristol University research team concluded that currently practiced slaughter methods for farmed fish fall far short of the requirement for instantaneous unconsciousness. Concussion and electrocution methods have been suggested as having the most potential for achieving instantaneous unconsciousness in fish, (Kestin, Wotten & Gregory, 1991). Currently, following their slaughter, fish are cleaned externally then prepared for market. In its slaughtered state, fish tissue will contain whatever toxic pollutants, parasites, bacterial and viral pathogens it is contaminated with. It is widely recognized that intensive and stressful conditions, associated with fish farming, can predispose fish to attack from disease and parasitic infection and where diseases such as bacterial septicaemia and gill infections, and bacterial gill disease prevail. Bacterial diseases are currently treated by the use of antibiotics mixed in with fish feed. Potential human health hazards can arise from the high incidence of farmed-fish disease and its subsequent treatment. Prolonged use of antibiotics in fish can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria. It is feared that such drug resistance could then be transferred from fish bacteria to human bacteria in the digestive tract with potentially disastrous results. Many antibiotics that treat fish diseases, such as tetracycline and chloramphenicol, are also used in human medicine. (Shepherd & Bromage, 1998.) Drug resistance may be unknowingly picked up by a human via the above route. If that person were to fall ill and be treated by a doctor using similar antibiotic, the drug may have been rendered less efficient or ineffective. Another example, with regard to toxic PCB infestation, farmed salmon are fed from a global supply of fish-meal and fish-oil from small open sea fish which studies show are the source of PCB's (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) in most farmed salmon. In three independent studies scientists tested 37 fish-meal samples from six countries and found PCB contamination in nearly every sample. (Jacobs 2002, Easton 2002, and CIFA 1999.) Humans can ingest PCB's from eating contaminated fish and there is broad multiple governmental agreement from multiple governmental agencies that consumption of PCB's are expected to cause cancer and alter brain development in humans. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An ultrasonic sound pressure level of 32 Pa is not harmful to fish while a pressure level of 1,000 Pa is harmful to many fish, (Hastings, 1990) and an ultrasonic pressure of 266,000 Pa is fatal to most fish. (Norris & Mohl, 1983.) Pressure sensitivity varies with fish-species and to avoid “overkill” during the “slaughtering phase”, the lowest ultrasonic pressure necessary to effect a particular species' instantaneous unconsciousness and continuing insensibility until death supervenes must be determined experimentally by applying a subaqeuous low frequency, adjustable peak amplitude ultrasonic pressure wave having equal compressional and rarefactional cycles in the approximate pressure range 75 Pa to 300 kPa. For each particular fish species to experience immediate, predictable massive, irreparable internal organ and vascular damage, this invention utilizes submicron filtered degassed tap water whose properties permit propagation of a sinusoidal ultrasonic pressure wave without significant amplitude attenuation throughout the water mass contained by the fish-holding tank. While the slaughtering peak pressure amplitude selected for each particular fish species is being applied, the following concomitant fish-tissue sanitization process ensues. All fish exhibit a high-water tissue content. For example, Atlantic Salmon comprises 32% dry matter and 68% water. Tank water of different salinity, temperature and pressure holds differing amounts of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases called air. Given time, the gas pressure in the tank will equalize and become the same pressure as the air over it. Subsequently the gas pressure in fish tissue and bloodstream will become the same as in the water. The air pressure is the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases, (primarily nitrogen, 78% and oxygen, 21%) that constitute air. Oxygen moderately above saturation in water is not typically a problem because fish use oxygen to breathe. However, since nitrogen is the most common of the inert gases in fresh or salt water systems and is not metabolized by fish it is the gas most commonly associated with bubble formation in fish. Nitrogen is an inert gas normally stored throughout fish tissues and fluids in a physical solution. When a fish is exposed to decreased hydrostatic and/or barometric pressures, the nitrogen gas dissolved in the fish tissues and fluids becomes supersaturated and comes out of solution. If the nitrogen is forced to leave the solution too rapidly, bubbles form in different parts of the fish, causing a variety of signs and symptoms. Fish sense high gas pressures. Like a diver, fish will go deeper in the tank to compress the gases and thereby prevent nitrogen bubble formation in their blood and tissue. Nitrogen enters a fish through its gills, just like oxygen. It is then carried to the tissue by the blood. Once distributed, nitrogen remains in the tissue while oxygen is consumed. When low frequency medium intensity ultrasonic pressure waves are propagated through fish undergoing slaughter, the negative pressure wave will cause the nitrogen in the fish tissue and blood to leave solution very rapidly, forming bubbles which under the influence of the alternating negative and positive pressure portions of the low frequency medium intensity ultrasound will culminate in transient cavitation bubble imploding events. The associated chemical effects of ultrasound transient cavitation implosions are explained in terms of reactions occurring inside, at the interface, or at some distance away from the cavitating bubbles. In the interior of an imploding cavitation bubble, extreme but transient conditions are known to exist. Temperatures approaching 5,000K have been estimated, and pressures of several hundred atmospheres have been calculated. Temperatures of the order of 2,000K have been estimated for the interfacial region surrounding an imploding bubble based on observed reactivity. During bubble implosion, which occurs within 100 nsec, H 2 O undergoes thermal dissociation to yield hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen atoms. Sonochemical reactions are characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of supercritical water reactions, direct pyrolyses, and radical reactions, especially with solute concentrations. The sonochemical degradation of a variety of chemical contaminants in aqueous solution has been previously reported. (Kotrounarou et al., 1991, 1992a,b.) Substrates such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, (PCB s & DDT s), pesticides, phenols and esters are transformed into short-chain organic acids, CO2 and inorganic ions as the final products. Ultrasonic transient cavitation appears to be an effective method for destruction of organic contaminants in water because of localized high concentrations of oxidizing species such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in solution, high localized temperatures and pressures and the formation of transient supercritical water. (Hua et al. 1995.) With a non-submicron filtered, non-degassed water mass surrounding a fish exterior, the water's occluded micron-sized and larger particles may contain sufficient trapped gas to evolve into transient cavitation prone bubbles when irradiated with low frequency medium intensity ultrasound. To ensure consistent and repeatable fish slaughtering/sanitization settings, the water medium through which the low frequency ultrasonic pressure wave is propagated must remain sufficiently filtrated and degassed during subsequent fish slaughtering/sanitization processes. Precautionary sensing for the presence of transient cavitation bubbles in the water surrounding the fish is detected by the inventions microphone PZT transducers, (previously referred to in patent application Ser. No. 10/676,061), which provide a microcomputer with the signal necessary for it to shut down ultrasonic transmission until the necessary degassification and particulate size reduction exchange in the tank has been effected. These precautions are necessary because transient bubble cavitation occurring in close proximity to the fish exterior will bombard its flesh with imploding high velocity bubble jets possibly causing an unsightly outward appearance of the affected fish making it an undesirable product for market. Also, millions of transitioning vibrating bubbles in the water surrounding the fish provide a protective bubble-screen around the fish exterior which serves to attenuate the amplitude of the external pressure wave entering the fish by approximately 33 dB (greater than 1 micropascal). Such external ultrasonic pressure wave amplitude attenuation will stop transient bubble cavitation formation within the fish thereby preventing its sanitization, and will sustain consciousness and continuing sensibility to pain and suffering resulting from its exterior flesh being subjected to the forces and temperatures associated with transient bubble cavitation implosion events. An economic water supply origin for the above slaughtering/sanitization process is from a municipal supply source which is subsequently passed through an activated charcoal filter to remove its chlorine content and then through a submicron reverse osmosis filter to remove all larger particulate matter. The submicron filtered water output from the reverse osmosis device is pumped into an injector nozzle whose discharge is fed via a custom-designed combined right-angled elbow and on/off discharge faucet. The low pressure zone on the exit side of the internally Venturi-shaped nozzle serves to remove gas from the reverse osmosis processed water which is discharged to atmosphere as it leaves the faucet and before the water enters the fish-holding tank. After several slaughtering/sanitization processes and fish removals have been completed, either the detection of transient cavitation or presence of shed fish scales will require the fish-holding tank containing reverse osmosis filtered and degassed water to be drained and then refilled with untreated municipal tap water and irradiated with low frequency, medium intensity subaqueous applied ultrasound for the time-period necessary to fully sanitize the tank. Accordingly, a fish killing and fish tissue sanitizing apparatus comprises, pursuant to the present invention, a tank, a water feed pipe extending to the tank, an electromechanical transducer in pressure-wave transmitting relationship to the tank for generating ultrasonic pressure waves in water contained in the tank, an electrical signal generator operatively connected to the transducer for energizing same with an alternating electrical signal, and a sensor in operative contact with water contained in the tank for detecting transient and inertial cavitation occurring within the water in the tank. Pursuant to further features of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises an injector disposed along the feed pipe proximate to a barrier thereof, the injector preferably taking the form of a Venturi injector, the feed pipe being coupled to a disinfectant reservoir and a valve being provided for introducing a disinfectant into a water stream flowing along the feed pipe, and the barrier being a wall of the pipe, the pipe having at least one elbow-type bend. Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, the sensor is a PZT probe. According to another feature of the present invention, the apparatus further comprising means operatively coupled to the signal generator for sweeping a frequency of an electrical excitation signal produced by the signal generator. A microprocessor may be operatively connected to the sensor, a display being operatively connected to the microprocessor for communicating to an operator a status of cavitation in the tank. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the tank is one of two tanks communicating with one another via a barrier. An ultrasonic treatment method comprises, in accordance with the present invention, feeding water to a tank, disposing a living organism in the water, and thereafter generating ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations in the water of a frequency range and an intensity and duration to kill the living organism and to sanitize organic tissues of the organism. Preferably, the water fed to the tank is substantially free of dissolved gases and particulate matter. Accordingly, pursuant to an additional feature of the present invention, the method further comprises filtering and degassing the water prior to the feeding of the water to the tank. The degassing of the water may include accelerating the water flow to create micro-sized gas bubbles and bursting the bubbles. The accelerating of the water flow may more particularly include directing the water through a Venturi injector. The bursting of the bubbles may more particularly include impacting the water against a barrier. The method preferably also comprises automatically monitoring the water in the tank to detect inertial or transient cavitation. The status of inertial of transient cavitation in the water in the tank may be displayed for inspection by an operator. The generating of the ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations is terminated in the event that cavitation is detected occurring within the water in the tank. This termination may be automatic or initiated by an operator in response to the display alert as to the existence of cavitation in the tank water. The generating of ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations may include sweeping a frequency of the ultrasonic pressure wave vibrations. Pursuant to additional features of the present invention, the further comprises removing the killed organism from the tank, thereafter delivering disinfectant and water to the tank, and thereafter inducing ultrasonic cavitation in the water and disinfectant in the tank. The inducing of the ultrasonic transient cavitation may include generating full-wave compression and rarefaction cycles at an ultrasonic frequency in the water and disinfectant in the tank. The inducing of the ultrasonic transient cavitation may further include sweeping the frequency. | 20040805 | 20080819 | 20070719 | 98796.0 | A61H100 | 0 | ROY, BAISAKHI | MEHTOD FOR SUBAQUEOUS ULTRASONIC CATASTROPHIC IRRADIATION OF LIVING TISSUE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | A61H | 2,004 |
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10,912,753 | ACCEPTED | Two door electronic safe | A two door electronic safe is described wherein a bill acceptor, as well as other electronic control circuitry, and a banknote canister are partitioned in first and second compartments with access by first and second access doors, respectively, so that a service call can be made to service the bill acceptor or other electronics without having to allow access to the banknote canister thereby facilitating service calls and allowing the separation of the service call function from the cash collection function. | 1. An electronic safe comprising: a bill acceptor for accepting bills; and a bill canister for storing bills contained within a security housing, whereby: the bill acceptor is accessible from a first access door; and the bill canister is accessible from a second access door. 2. The electronic safe of claim 1 wherein said first access door and said second access door have independent locks. 3. The electronic safe of claim 2 wherein said independent locks can be mechanical or electronic. 4. The electronic safe of claim 1 whereby the majority of serviceable components are located with access through the first access door. 5. The electronic safe of claim 1 whereby the serviceable components are mounted so that they are easy to remove, service and replace without the use of tools. 6. An electronic safe comprising: a bill acceptor for accepting bills; a bill canister for storing bills; wherein internal electronics for control or interfacing to internal or external components; and harnessing to at least interconnect said internal electronics for control to said bill acceptor, whereby said internal electronics and said harnessing are housed along with the bill acceptor within a compartment accessible through a first access door which is isolated from the bill canister for storing bills. 7. The electronic safe of claim 6 whereby the majority of serviceable components are located with access through the first access door. 8. The electronic safe of claim 6 whereby the serviceable components are mounted so that they are easy to remove, service and replace without the use of tools. 9. An electronic safe comprising: a bill acceptor for accepting bills; and a bill canister for storing bills wherein: said bill acceptor is located within said first access door; and said bill canister is located within a second access door, whereby said bill canister is easy to remove and replace without the use of tools. 10. An electronic safe comprising: a bill acceptor for accepting bills; and a bill canister for storing bills wherein: said bill canister is located within an access door, whereby said access door has no external openings other than the key access. | The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/496,515 filed Aug. 20, 2003 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to advantageous aspects of an improved electronic drop safe. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a safe with separate access to a serviceable electronics area and a stored currency area of the safe. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of electronic drop safes in applications in which cash is a significant payment media results in increased security for cashiers and store managers, as well as, reducing the risk of robbery or theft of the cash stored in such safes. There are a number of products on the market, such as the Ellenby Technologies, Inc. CashTrak Electronic Safe™. Although this class of safe is not considered a security safe since there are openings in the unit to allow access to currency or bills, it is effective in securing both the currency and the employees handling currency in attended locations. Such an electronic safe typically uses an electronic bill acceptor which accepts currency and stacks the currency inside the safe. The safe's electronic controller keeps track of the amount of currency deposited, who deposited the currency, and when it was deposited. In addition to the security provided by these products, the cost is also justified by the management time saved, as money does not have to be sorted and counted by the manager. The electronic safe provides the reporting required to give the manager all the information required. Many of these safes are tied to a back room system or point of sale (POS) system and the information is directly transferred to the counting room, bank, or company headquarters as required by the particular application. A more detailed understanding of the operation of one such electronic safe can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/960,595 filed Sep. 21, 2001 and assigned to the assignee of the current invention which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One of the advantages of this class of electronic drop safe is its small size. Their small size allows them to be distributed or placed so that each cashier or POS system in a facility has one nearby. It is likely therefore for several of these safes to be located in a facility. A significant disadvantage of these safes is that in the event of a failure or bill jam, the electronic safe is out of service and cashiers either have to use another safe thus slowing down the time to complete a transaction or worse, a cashier may be forced to leave excess cash in the cash drawer. Of course, such a nonsecure buildup of cash, defeats the purpose of the electronic safe. Adding to the problem is that unless the facility has the technical expertise to service the safe, an outside service provider has to be contacted to repair or replace the defective component. In many cases, the problem is centered on the bill acceptor as it has the only moving parts and suffers from wear. The high volume of bills many of these electronic safes receive will result in expected wear and tear issues, and preventive maintenance may typically be expected in six months to a year. Even if repair or replacement can be done by the staff on premises, the current generation of electronic safes requires the safe to be opened to provide access to the bill acceptor and other electronic components that may be internal to the safe. This present arrangement has several problems. First, opening the safe door allows access to the cash. At the very least, the service person will have to wait to have a manager present to insure the money remains secure. Second, in many cases, just opening the door signals the electronic controller of the safe that a “collection” is being made. That is, that the money is being collected. In order to maintain the integrity of the system, the money will have to be collected in actuality at this time even if it is not a scheduled collection time. Such unscheduled collections result in cash sitting in the manager's office, or being put in another safe on the premises. If an armored carrier service is used and is responsible for collecting and counting all the cash, that service may have to be called to make an unscheduled and expensive pickup. Alternatively, the service person will have to schedule his or her service visit to coincide with availability of the appropriate manager, to coincide with a pickup of an armored carrier service, or the like, to have access to the safe for cash collection. There are also other disadvantages of the current typical approach. These include the typical requirement that the keeper of the safe key be present when a service person arrives. The control of keys of course is critical to the security and accountability of the system. Even if an electronic lock is used and a code is used to access the safe, the keeper of the code is required to be present. Usually, this person is a manager or the collection service. Many retail operations require service to their equipment in a timely manner. Equipment going out of service impacts their business. It is not uncommon for a service company to have to respond within a day and in as little time as four hours. The current service issues as described above makes such rapid response difficult or even impossible. If the manager or collection service must also be present for a service person to have access to the safe, the available time for service is usually limited to the working or available hours of the manager or collection service. Typically, this period is during normal daytime working hours. Unfortunately, this period is also when these retail outlets are busiest. Such daytime access to the electronic safes by service persons disrupts normal business operation. In addition to forcing access to the currency and the resulting complications as discussed above, most of the electronic safes manufactured today require tools to disassemble the bill acceptor from the safe and therefore it takes some time to complete a service call at the safe. As discussed above, the security of current electronic safes is limited by the requirement that the bills are fed through an opening in the safe. In the event a thief wants access, this opening is the obvious place to attempt to gain access. Even if not successful, destroying the bill acceptor in an attempt to gain access results in a costly repair. The bill acceptor is the most costly component in the electronic safe. Peripheral damage to the safe box and other components adds to the cost of the repair. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among its several and varied aspects, one objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe with separate access to the electronic components of the safe including the bill acceptor, on the one hand, and to the cassette housing the collected currency, on the other. Another objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe in which service personnel's access to serviceable components is isolated or separated from access to collected currency stored in the electronic drop safe. Yet, another objective of the current invention is to provide different electronic or mechanical keying for service personnel access from the keying for cash collection. Another objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe with easy access and removal of serviceable components. Yet, another objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe with easy access and quick removal of the cash canister. It is also an objective of the current invention to allow access to the bill acceptor without access to collected cash for clearing of bill jams often without the use of tools. Another objective of the current invention is to provide increased security against theft of the cash canister by eliminating the bill entry holes from the cash canister access door. A further objective of the current invention is to provide access to the cash canister without allowing access to the electronics. Other features and advantages of the present invention are described further below and will be readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It being recognized that the claims define the invention, and a given embodiment according to the claims may accomplish none, one, or several of the above discussed objectives more or less successfully, and that such objectives should not be seen as critical or essential absent their embodiment in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of an electronic drop safe in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2A shows the electronic drop safe with its access doors open; FIG. 2B shows another view of the electronic drop safe with its access doors open; FIG. 3 shows the electronic drop safe with only the service access door open; and FIG. 4 shows the electronic drop safe with only the cash access door open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic drop safe 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown in a perspective view. The safe 100 is typically made from ⅛″ to ¼″ steel with the doors constructed from ¼″ to ½″ steel. The size of the safe is designed so that it will conveniently fit under a counter near a cash register or POS terminal, although any convenient location is suitable. In a presently preferred embodiment, the safe height will be less than 20″, its width about 6″, and its depth about 15″. The electronic drop safe 100 is designed to be bolted in place with the bolts extending up into the safe from the flooring or base cabinetry. For this purpose, the safe base has multiple bolt clearance slots 190 and 191 best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It will be recognized that other methods of mounting the safe can be used, and the particular approach to mounting does not serve as a limitation of this patent. The electronic drop safe 100 is equipped with at least two doors 101 and 102 as shown in FIG. 1. Doors 101 and 102 provide independent access to each of the two major regions requiring access. Upper door 101 provides access to the bill acceptor module and safe electronics. Access thereto is controlled by a lock 110. The lock 110 can suitably be either a mechanical lock requiring a key or an electronic lock requiring a code, key or other access mechanism. Bill acceptor intake 181 extends through the access door 101 and is the inlet for inserting bills to be stored in a secure cassette as described further below. The bill acceptor intake 181 will typically include indicator lights 182 and 183 to both draw attention to the bill intake region, and to provide some feedback to the user that the bill acceptor is powered and operational. The internal operation of the bill acceptor is outside the scope of this invention and several manufacturers provide suitable bill acceptor products. One such product is the MEI Cashflow SC Series Bill Acceptor™ product. The second lower door 102 provides access to the cash canister. The operation and use of the cash canister will be discussed in further detail below. The cash access door 102 has its own lock 120 which can be mechanical or electronic which is generally keyed or coded differently than the lock 110 in door 101. Door 102 is preferably designed to have minimal or no openings to make forced entry difficult. In many cases, it is desirable to allow the deposit of cash, checks, food stamps and the like without using the bill acceptor entry 181. To such ends, an envelope drop slot 140 can be provided for this purpose as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, envelopes or items deposited through the envelope drop slot 140 will also presently be accessible through the cash access door 102. Of course, a separate door can be provided for access to the manually dropped items if so desired. The bill acceptor and other electronic components housed inside the safe 100 require power and control signals to operate. A cable access panel 150 is used to interface the internal components to power and other external components. Several types of interfaces can be provided and representative examples of these are shown in FIG. 1. Power for safe operation such as 120 VAC can be provided through an appropriate power connector that would be provided through an opening 163. In many cases, users of the electronic safe will enter their identification code through a separate control box located conveniently to the user. For example, the control box may sit on a checkout counter next to where the store employee stands. The electronic interface to such a separate control box can be through a connector such as an RJ11 phone style jack mounted in hole 160 or through a connector such as a DB9 computer style connector mounted in hole 161 or hole 162. Additional connections to peripheral devices such as a printer, a POS terminal or a backroom computer can also be made through connectors mounted in one of several openings such as the holes 160, 161, or 162. It should be clear that the number of openings provided for connectors can vary by application and need not be limited to those shown. It should also be clear that the external control box could include sophisticated electronics or be limited to a keypad and display or both. Also, the display and keypad can be mounted atop the safe and interconnected to an internal controller through openings not shown. Additional techniques for providing control signals to allow user access and peripheral interfaces are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/960,595 assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The access doors 101 and 102 are secured to the safe 100 with the use of hinges 130 and 131, respectively. Care must be taken to insure the integrity of these hinges so that they do not allow easy forced entry into the safe. The hinges used in a presently preferred embodiment are designed into the case of safe 100 so that the hinge pins are not accessible from outside the safe. Referring now to FIG. 2A, the safe 100 of the current invention is shown with both doors 101 and 102 open. Mounted inside the safe is a bill acceptor unit 200 which consists of three major sections. These major sections are a bill acceptor module 201, a mounting frame 202 and a cash canister 203. The mounting frame 202 is securely fastened into the safe body. Depending on the manufacturer of the bill acceptor, the mounting may vary, but is not critical to the current invention. Bill acceptor units most suitable to the current invention will have a mounting frame, a bill acceptor module which includes the bill inlet, and a cash canister or cassette module each separately accessible as described herein. Several manufacturers provide such products. Referring again to the bill acceptor mounting frame 202, the mounting of this module in safe 100 is arranged such that the bill acceptor module is separated from the cash canister module along a dividing plate which is part of the mounting frame 202. This dividing plate is positioned by the safe design to be aligned with the bottom of the top door 101 and the top of the bottom door 102. Further, the cash access door 102 is provided with a reinforcement shelf 270 which is designed to minimize the opening between the bill acceptor module 201 and the cash canister module 203 when the door 102 is closed. The bill acceptor module 201 can be removed form its frame 202 by lifting a rod 240 which in its downward position locks the bill acceptor module 201 in place inside slots 221. Once the rod 240 is lifted, the bill acceptor module can be removed by pulling outward on the assembly. Once removed, the bill acceptor module 201 preferably allows complete access to the bill path for the purpose of cleaning or clearing jams without the use of tools. Hence, once the bill acceptor module 201 is removed, it can easily be cleaned, cleared or replaced without tools very quickly. The cash canister 203 is removable from the frame module 202 by pulling outwardly on the cash canister module 203 using its handle 204. It is replaceable by aligning the cash canister module 203 to guide rails, not shown, on the frame module 202 and pushing inward until it snaps in place. The removal and replacement of the cash canister module 203 is fast and simple and requires no additional tools or skills. Referring now to open door 101 in FIG. 2A, a preferred embodiment of the construction is described. The door 101 is made from a first metal component 203 which is typically ⅛″ steel. A second metal component 206 is also made typically of ⅛″ steel. Thus the total door thickness is ¼″ in the current example. Of course, other thicknesses and material can be used to achieve thicker or thinner total door material. The current two part design approach allows the various mounting studs shown typically as lock 210 mounting studs 207 and hinge 230 mounting studs 208 to be mounted into the second metal component 206 without having access from the outside of the safe as these studs are covered by the first metal component 205. Thus, whether PEM studs, bolted standoffs or welded standoffs are used to achieve the studs shown, these potential access points are not discernable by a vandal from the outside of the safe. The first metal component 205 and the second metal component 206 can be welded together at the openings in the second metal component 206 as shown at multiple positions 209. An opening 280 in the access door 101 aligns with the bill inlet slot of the bill acceptor module 201 when the door is closed. The hinges 230 and 231 are shown in their mounted positions on each of access doors 101 and 102 in FIG. 2A. The half of each of these hinges connecting to the safe box is preferably welded inside the safe box. The door halves of these hinges are shown mounted to their respective doors on the studs 208 discussed previously. This approach allows for manufacturing tolerances for each assembly by using nuts on the studs as shown. Additionally, doors can easily be replaced to allow for other options, locks, or the like without having to unbolt the entire safe. The assembly and mounting of the cash access door 102 is similar to that described above for bill acceptor access door 101. Each of the access doors 101 and 102 have locks mounted to them on the studs 207 described above. As mentioned earlier, the type of lock used is not restricted by the current invention and any suitable lock can be used. In a presently preferred embodiment, the locks used are manufactured by LaGard Locks with mechanical key barrels manufactured by Medeco Locks. Referring now to FIG. 2B, another perspective view of the safe 100 of the current invention is shown. Each of doors 101 and 102 will close resting on rail or stop 290. Mounted to rail 290 are lock protectors 291 and 292. These lock protectors shield the locking tongues of each of locks 210 and 220 respectively. When locked, the shields prevent the use of tools from the top or front of the safe from retracting the locking tongues and opening the safe. The electronic components required to operate the electronic safe are shown mounted behind the bill acceptor access door 101. A housing 260 for the electronic components is shown mounted behind the bill acceptor module 201 and may be suitably mounted on the inside wall using Velcro, not shown. Any easy disconnect mounting mechanism can be used to allow easy removal of the electronic control module. The interface between the module 201, the bill acceptor unit 200 and the external components including the power input will be connected through connection plate 250. Wiring cables and specific connectors are not shown and are not specific to the current invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the bill acceptor access door 101 is shown in its open position and the cash canister access door 102 is shown in its closed position. The bill acceptor mounting frame 202 can be seen as separating access to the bill acceptor module 201 from access to the cash canister module, which is locked behind the closed cash canister access door 102. Additionally, the reinforcement shelf 270 effectively blocks access to the cash canister by eliminating regions wherein tools may be used to gain access when the bill acceptor access door 101 is open. The bill acceptor module 201 can be readily removed for service or replacement by pulling out this module once the release rod 240 is lifted. Replacing the bill acceptor module 201 is achieved by simply pushing the unit back in on guide rails provided for that purpose. Control electronics, power supplies, and harnessing are all also housed in this upper region of the electronic safe. No currency is stored in this region of the electronic safe. Unlike conventional electronic safes, this unique configuration allows servicing of the electronic safe through the bill acceptor access door 101 by service personnel or anyone authorized to service the equipment. The key used to gain access to the upper region of the electronic crop safe 100, whether it is mechanical or electronic is different from the key used to gain access to the cash canister door 102, insuring the security of cash in the safe. Authorized service personnel with access to the cash acceptor access door 201 can be allowed to service the electronic safe without having to first secure or retrieve the collected money. This advantageous arrangement eliminates the requirement that the store manager or an armored collection service be called and their presence arranged before a service call on the equipment can be made. This arrangement also allows service personnel to service equipment at their convenience, whenever the facility is accessible, which can be up to 24 hours a day. FIG. 4 illustrates the safe 100 of the current invention with the cash canister access door 102 open and the bill acceptor access door 101 closed. The cash canister 203 is now accessible and a collection can be made. The cash canister 203 is removed by pulling on the handle 204. A replacement cash canister can then be inserted by pushing the replacement cash canister 203 into the safe 100, so the canister 203 slides along the provided guide rails. The cash canister 203 snaps into place when fully inserted. The key used to gain access to the cash canister access door 102 will be available only to those with authorization to collect the money. The authorized person is usually the manager, an armored collection service, or the like. Of course, a lock can suitably be utilized as the lock 220 which can require two keys, a code and a key or two codes so that both a manager and an authorized person from the armored carrier service be present to gain access. Once the cash canister access door 102 is opened, not only is the cash canister 203 accessible, but also any envelops or funds deposited through the envelope drop opening 140 are accessible. These envelopes or other deposited items will be resting below the cash canister 203 for easy retrieval. The envelope slot can of course be a more sophisticated mechanism for accepting envelopes and the like, such as a motorized acceptor which requires the cashier to enter their identification before depositing the envelope. While the foregoing description includes details which will enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be recognized that the description is illustrative in nature and that many modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of these teachings. It is accordingly intended that the invention herein be defined solely by the claims appended hereto and that the claims be interpreted as broadly as permitted by the prior art. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The use of electronic drop safes in applications in which cash is a significant payment media results in increased security for cashiers and store managers, as well as, reducing the risk of robbery or theft of the cash stored in such safes. There are a number of products on the market, such as the Ellenby Technologies, Inc. CashTrak Electronic Safe™. Although this class of safe is not considered a security safe since there are openings in the unit to allow access to currency or bills, it is effective in securing both the currency and the employees handling currency in attended locations. Such an electronic safe typically uses an electronic bill acceptor which accepts currency and stacks the currency inside the safe. The safe's electronic controller keeps track of the amount of currency deposited, who deposited the currency, and when it was deposited. In addition to the security provided by these products, the cost is also justified by the management time saved, as money does not have to be sorted and counted by the manager. The electronic safe provides the reporting required to give the manager all the information required. Many of these safes are tied to a back room system or point of sale (POS) system and the information is directly transferred to the counting room, bank, or company headquarters as required by the particular application. A more detailed understanding of the operation of one such electronic safe can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/960,595 filed Sep. 21, 2001 and assigned to the assignee of the current invention which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One of the advantages of this class of electronic drop safe is its small size. Their small size allows them to be distributed or placed so that each cashier or POS system in a facility has one nearby. It is likely therefore for several of these safes to be located in a facility. A significant disadvantage of these safes is that in the event of a failure or bill jam, the electronic safe is out of service and cashiers either have to use another safe thus slowing down the time to complete a transaction or worse, a cashier may be forced to leave excess cash in the cash drawer. Of course, such a nonsecure buildup of cash, defeats the purpose of the electronic safe. Adding to the problem is that unless the facility has the technical expertise to service the safe, an outside service provider has to be contacted to repair or replace the defective component. In many cases, the problem is centered on the bill acceptor as it has the only moving parts and suffers from wear. The high volume of bills many of these electronic safes receive will result in expected wear and tear issues, and preventive maintenance may typically be expected in six months to a year. Even if repair or replacement can be done by the staff on premises, the current generation of electronic safes requires the safe to be opened to provide access to the bill acceptor and other electronic components that may be internal to the safe. This present arrangement has several problems. First, opening the safe door allows access to the cash. At the very least, the service person will have to wait to have a manager present to insure the money remains secure. Second, in many cases, just opening the door signals the electronic controller of the safe that a “collection” is being made. That is, that the money is being collected. In order to maintain the integrity of the system, the money will have to be collected in actuality at this time even if it is not a scheduled collection time. Such unscheduled collections result in cash sitting in the manager's office, or being put in another safe on the premises. If an armored carrier service is used and is responsible for collecting and counting all the cash, that service may have to be called to make an unscheduled and expensive pickup. Alternatively, the service person will have to schedule his or her service visit to coincide with availability of the appropriate manager, to coincide with a pickup of an armored carrier service, or the like, to have access to the safe for cash collection. There are also other disadvantages of the current typical approach. These include the typical requirement that the keeper of the safe key be present when a service person arrives. The control of keys of course is critical to the security and accountability of the system. Even if an electronic lock is used and a code is used to access the safe, the keeper of the code is required to be present. Usually, this person is a manager or the collection service. Many retail operations require service to their equipment in a timely manner. Equipment going out of service impacts their business. It is not uncommon for a service company to have to respond within a day and in as little time as four hours. The current service issues as described above makes such rapid response difficult or even impossible. If the manager or collection service must also be present for a service person to have access to the safe, the available time for service is usually limited to the working or available hours of the manager or collection service. Typically, this period is during normal daytime working hours. Unfortunately, this period is also when these retail outlets are busiest. Such daytime access to the electronic safes by service persons disrupts normal business operation. In addition to forcing access to the currency and the resulting complications as discussed above, most of the electronic safes manufactured today require tools to disassemble the bill acceptor from the safe and therefore it takes some time to complete a service call at the safe. As discussed above, the security of current electronic safes is limited by the requirement that the bills are fed through an opening in the safe. In the event a thief wants access, this opening is the obvious place to attempt to gain access. Even if not successful, destroying the bill acceptor in an attempt to gain access results in a costly repair. The bill acceptor is the most costly component in the electronic safe. Peripheral damage to the safe box and other components adds to the cost of the repair. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Among its several and varied aspects, one objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe with separate access to the electronic components of the safe including the bill acceptor, on the one hand, and to the cassette housing the collected currency, on the other. Another objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe in which service personnel's access to serviceable components is isolated or separated from access to collected currency stored in the electronic drop safe. Yet, another objective of the current invention is to provide different electronic or mechanical keying for service personnel access from the keying for cash collection. Another objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe with easy access and removal of serviceable components. Yet, another objective of the current invention is to provide an electronic drop safe with easy access and quick removal of the cash canister. It is also an objective of the current invention to allow access to the bill acceptor without access to collected cash for clearing of bill jams often without the use of tools. Another objective of the current invention is to provide increased security against theft of the cash canister by eliminating the bill entry holes from the cash canister access door. A further objective of the current invention is to provide access to the cash canister without allowing access to the electronics. Other features and advantages of the present invention are described further below and will be readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It being recognized that the claims define the invention, and a given embodiment according to the claims may accomplish none, one, or several of the above discussed objectives more or less successfully, and that such objectives should not be seen as critical or essential absent their embodiment in the claims. | 20040805 | 20090414 | 20050224 | 59194.0 | 1 | BEAUCHAINE, MARK J | TWO DOOR ELECTRONIC SAFE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,005 | ACCEPTED | Personal mobility vehicle with tiltable seat | The vehicle comprises a base and a seat moveable along a curve having a focal point. The vehicle is adjustable to position an occupant in the seat to achieve a desired position for the center of gravity of the occupant relative to the focal point of the curve. A method for minimizing effort required to tilt the seat of a personal mobility vehicle comprises the steps of providing a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is adapted to move along an arc having a center of curvature, positioning the seat substantially horizontally, providing an occupant in the seat, and adjusting the position of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity so that the center of gravity is substantially equal to or below the center of curvature of the arc. | 1. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a base; and a seat moveable along a curve having a focal point, the vehicle being adjustable to position an occupant in the seat to achieve a desired position for the center of gravity of the occupant relative to the focal point of the curve. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is adapted to be adjusted to allow the center of gravity of the occupant to be substantially coincident with the center of rotation of the seat. 3. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is supported for movement relative to a radial or quasi radial curve having a center of curvature that is preferably substantially fixed in space, the seat being adjustable with respect to the curve so that the center of gravity of a vehicle occupant is sufficiently coincident with the focal point of the curve so that force required to tilt the seat is minimized. 4. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a base; and a seat for support a vehicle occupant, the seat being supported for movement along a curve having a center of curvature, the seat being adapted to support a vehicle occupant having a center of gravity that is adapted to be positioned relative to the center of curvature sufficient to minimize effort required to move the seat with the vehicle occupant therein along the curve. 5. The vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising at least one bearing for supporting the seat for movement relative to the base. 6. The vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising a lock for locking the seat a substantially fixed position. 7. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the seat is adapted to move in fore and aft directions relative to the base. 8. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle occupant's center of gravity can be located within a radius of the center of curvature, the radius being about one inch or less. 9. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle occupant's center of gravity can be located within a radius of the center of curvature, the radius being about two inches or less. 10. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the seat has a fore to aft length and the vehicle occupant's center of gravity can be located at a point fore or aft of the center of curvature a distance equivalent to some percentage of the fore to aft length of the seat. 11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the percentage is about four to about seven percent. 12. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the percentage is about 11 to about 16 percent. 13. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a base; a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface; and a seat for supporting an occupant, the seat being supported relative to the base for movement along an arcuate path with a fixed center of rotation, the seat being adjustable such that the center of gravity of the occupant is adapted to be substantially coincident with the center of rotation. 14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the seat is supported by one or more arcuate tracks serving as a rolling or sliding surface that allows the seat to rotate about said center of rotation with respect to the base. 15. The vehicle according to claim 14, further comprising a low friction support assembly supporting the seat relative to the base, the low friction support assembly that is adjustable to change an overall range of seat tilt by fixing the low friction support assembly to the base at different angular orientations. 16. The vehicle according to claim 14, further comprising one or more protrusions that are adapted to be engaged with one or more recesses in the one or more tracks so that when the protrusions enter the recesses to lock the tracks into an angular position and are adapted to be retracted from the recesses so that the seat can be rotated to a different tilt angle relative to the base. 17. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the one or more tracks comprise one or more curved members. 18. The vehicle according to claim 17, further comprising pivoting plates with holes therein situated about each of the one or more curved members, the holes being slightly larger than the diameter of the member so that the member can pass freely through the plates when the plates are pivoted so that axes of the holes are aligned with the arc of the member and so that the member is prevented from passing through the plates when the plates are pivoted so that the axes of the holes are not aligned with the arc of the member. 19. The vehicle according to claim 14, further comprising a low-friction support assembly comprising one or more rollers that support each of the one or more tracks so that the one or more tracks are free to rotate in a direction of rotation upon the one or more rollers but are otherwise constrained by the rollers from moving traverse to the direction of rotation. 20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the one or more tracks and the corresponding one or more rollers each has at least a portion thereof that has a mating cross-sectional contour that prevent transverse movement of the rollers. 21. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the arcuate path is adjustable fore and aft with respect to the base and the front and rear wheels so that the position of the center of rotation relative to the front and rear wheels may be selectively changed. 22. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein both the front and rear wheels are adjustable fore and aft relative to the center of rotation so that the distance between the front and rear wheels can be shortened or lengthened. 23. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the seat is an element of an adjustable seating system that allows the center of gravity of a vehicle occupant to be moved fore or aft in order to locate the center of gravity substantially close to the center of rotation of the constant-radius arc. 24. The vehicle according to claim 23, wherein the adjustable seating system comprises a seat frame that, in addition to the seat, includes a backrest and a footrest assembly, all of which are adapted to be adjusted fore and aft with respect to the center of rotation. 25. The vehicle according to claim 24, wherein the seat frame further comprises laterally spaced side members and the backrest comprises laterally spaced canes supported relative to the side frame by couplings, the couplings including an assembly of plates having upper ends operatively attached to one another and lower ends attached to the side members so that the lower ends of the plates can move relative to the side members while remaining operatively connected to the side members. 26. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the seat is an element of an adjustable seating system that allows the center of gravity of a vehicle occupant to be moved up or down in order to locate the center of gravity is substantial vertical alignment with the center of rotation of the constant-radius arc when the seat is substantially horizontal. 27. The vehicle according to claim 13, further comprising a motor that is operatively connected between the base and the seat so that the seat can be rotated about the center of gravity of a vehicle occupant. 28. The vehicle according to claim 13, further comprising motors operatively connected to one or more of the plurality of wheels for driving the wheels operatively connected thereto. 29. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle is a wheelchair. 30. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a base; a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface; a seat; one or more tracks having a constant radius arc supporting the seat for movement relative to the base; and a low friction support assembly supported by either the base or the seat or any combination thereof. 31. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a base; a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface; a seat for supporting an occupant; and one or more tracks supporting the seat, the one or more tracks serving as a rolling or sliding surface that allows the seat to rotate with respect to the base, the one or more tracks having a constant or substantially constant radius arc with a focal point that is substantially fixed in space, whereby the location of the center of gravity of the occupant can be adjusted to be coincident or near coincident with the focal point. 32. The vehicle according to claim 31, wherein near coincident is defined as a circular zone having about a four inch radius about the focal point and which lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the tracks. 33. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a base; a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface; a seat for supporting an occupant; and one or more tracks supporting the seat, the one or more tracks serving as a rolling or sliding surface that allows the seat to rotate with respect to the base, the one or more tracks having a constant-radius arc with a center of rotation, such that the occupant's center of gravity may be adapted to be sufficiently coincident with the center of rotation, and further such that the occupant may be rotationally repositioned without requiring excessive force to rotate the occupant, significantly changing overall weight distribution over the wheels, or significantly disturbing the occupant's center of gravity. 34. A method for minimizing effort required to tilt the seat of a personal mobility vehicle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is adapted to move along an arc having a center of curvature; b) positioning the seat substantially horizontally; c) providing an occupant in the seat; and d) adjusting the position of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity so that the center of gravity is substantially equal to or below the center of curvature of the arc. 35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the center of gravity is within about one inch from the center of curvature. 36. The method according to claim 34, wherein the center of gravity is within about two inches from the center of curvature. 37. The vehicle according to claim 30, wherein the low-friction support comprises low friction elements that mate with the one or more tracks to provide support for the one or more tracks. 38. The vehicle according to claim 30, wherein the support permitting an overall tilt angle range of the one or more tracks to be adjusted. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/403,998, filed Mar. 31, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates generally to land vehicles and more particularly to personal mobility vehicles. Most particularly, the invention relates to a personal mobility vehicle having a tiltable seat assembly. Personal mobility vehicles with tilting seats are well known. Such vehicles are typically used in highly dependent or geriatric care, wherein the ability to reposition a vehicle occupant in various angular positions is beneficial to the occupant's health and daily routine. Tilting a vehicle occupant relieves pressure to the vehicle occupant's ischial tuberosities (i.e., the bony prominence of the buttocks). Continuous pressure to the vehicle occupant's ischial tuberosities, which is applied when the vehicle occupant remains in a single seated position, can cause the development of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores). For vehicle occupants with severe kyphosis (i.e., curvature of the spine), seated tilting may allow the occupant to look forward and interact with their surroundings. Tilting may also be beneficial to assist with proper respiration and digestion. Some personal motor vehicle occupants require attendant care, wherein an attendant is responsible for positioning the vehicle seat angle, often changing the angle on a prescribed schedule. The ability to tilt the vehicle occupant offers the occupant a variety of positions that accommodate their daily schedule, including, for example, an anterior tilt for eating at a table and posterior tilt for resting. Conventional tilting personal mobility vehicles consist of a seat frame that is pivotally mounted to a base frame so that the seat frame tilts to reposition the vehicle occupant. The pivot axis is typically mounted between the base frame and seat frame, towards the rear of the seat and away from the occupant's center of gravity. Tilting the occupant involves lifting or lowering his or her center of gravity and therefore requires effort on the part of the attendant. Mechanisms, such as springs or gas cylinders, are often employed to assist in tilting the occupant. Typically, levers are attached to handles on a seat-tilting vehicle. The levers allow an attendant to release a locking mechanism, change the tilt angle by pushing or pulling on the handles, and engage the locking mechanism, which fixes the tilt angle. Tilting the seat in conventional tilt personal motor vehicles may invoke a reaction on the part of the occupant who experiences the sensation of being tipped over. The occupant experiences a sensation of being pitched off balance during tilting. Conventional tilt seat designs involve translation of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity during tilting. Significant effort on the part of the attendant may be required to tilt the vehicle occupant when the occupant's mass translates during tilting. Moreover, conventional vehicles with tilt seats require large base frames and anti-tip devices because tilting the chair displaces the occupant's center of gravity fore and aft over the wheelbase, potentially placing the vehicle off balance. What is needed is a personal mobility vehicle that does not evoke the sensation of being tipped over; that requires minimal effort on the part of the attendant to tilt (i.e., no lifting or lowering of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity should be required to tilt the vehicle seat assembly); does not affect weight distribution between the front and rear wheels; and that is limited to pure rotation (i.e., the only effort required is to overcome friction within the system), thus eliminating the need for springs or gas cylinders to assist tilting. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention is directed towards a personal mobility vehicle that overcomes the foregoing deficiencies. The vehicle comprises a base and a seat moveable along a curve having a focal point. The vehicle is adjustable to position an occupant in the seat to achieve a desired position for the center of gravity of the occupant relative to the focal point of the curve. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is supported for movement relative to a radial or quasi radial curve having a center of curvature that is preferably substantially fixed in space. The seat is adjustable with respect to the curve so that the center of gravity of a vehicle occupant is sufficiently coincident with the focal point of the curve so that force required to tilt the seat is minimized. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base and a seat for support a vehicle occupant. The seat is supported for movement along a curve having a center of curvature. The seat is adapted to support a vehicle occupant having a center of gravity that is adapted to be positioned relative to the center of curvature sufficient to minimize effort required to move the seat with the vehicle occupant therein along the curve. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base, a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface, and a seat for supporting an occupant. The seat is supported relative to the base for movement along an arcuate path with a fixed center of rotation. The seat is adjustable such that the center of gravity of the occupant is adapted to be substantially coincident with the center of rotation. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base, a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface, a seat, one or more tracks having a constant radius arc supporting the seat for movement relative to the base, and a low friction support assembly supported by either the base or the seat or any combination thereof. The support permits an overall tilt angle range of the one or more tracks to be adjusted. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base, a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface, a seat for supporting an occupant, and one or more tracks supporting the seat. The tracks serve as a rolling or sliding surface that allows the seat to rotate with respect to the base. The tracks have a constant or substantially constant radius arc with a focal point that is substantially fixed in space, whereby the location of the center of gravity of the occupant can be adjusted to be coincident or near coincident with the focal point. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for minimizing effort required to tilt the seat of a personal mobility vehicle. The method comprises the steps of providing a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is adapted to move along an arc having a center of curvature, positioning the seat substantially horizontally, providing an occupant in the seat, and adjusting the position of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity so that the center of gravity is substantially equal to or below the center of curvature of the arc. Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a personal mobility vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a base frame and a seat frame of the vehicle with an alternative backrest. FIG. 4 is a bottom rear perspective view of the base frame and the seat frame shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a base frame and a seat frame with graphic designations indicating directional movement of a rocker support and axle mounting plate. FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view of the vehicle with graphic designations indicating the focal point of the arc of a rocker, which is substantially coincident with the center of gravity of a vehicle occupant, and the weight distribution of the occupant to a supporting surface. FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view of the vehicle with graphic designations indicating directional movement of a footrest assembly and seat back canes. FIG. 8 is an enlarged front perspective view of a coupling for attaching the seat back to the seat frame. FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view of the vehicle with graphic designations indicating an adjustment in the angle of the rocker support. FIG. 10 is an enlarged-scale sectional view in elevation of a lock assembly for locking the rocker in relation to the rocker support. FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view in elevation of an alternative lock assembly. FIG. 12 is a reduced-scale front perspective view of a vehicle according to an alternative embodiment of the invention with handle assemblies that permit control and displacement of the seat frame by the vehicle occupant. FIG. 13 is an enlarged-scale sectional view in elevation of the base frame, rocker support, and rocker. FIGS. 14A and 14B are reduced-scale partial front and side elevational views of the vehicle with a drop seat configuration. FIGS. 15A and 15B are reduced-scale partial front and side elevational views of the vehicle with a standard seat configuration. FIGS. 16A and 16B are reduced-scale partial front and side elevational views of the vehicle with a standard seat configuration with spacers elevating the seat. FIGS. 17A and 17B are reduced-scale partial front and side elevational views of the vehicle with a standard seat configuration with spacers elevating the seat and a cushion supported by the seat. FIGS. 18A and 18B are reduced-scale partial side elevational views of the vehicle with the base frame in “up” and “down” positions. FIGS. 19A and 19B are reduced-scale partial side elevational views of alternative means for removing the seat. FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrammatic representational views of the vehicle with the seat frame positioned so that the vehicle occupant's center of gravity is above the focal point of the arc of a rocker. FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrammatic representational view of the vehicle with the seat frame positioned so that the vehicle occupant's center of gravity is below the focal point of the arc of a rocker. FIG. 22 is diagrammatic representational view of the vehicle with the seat frame positioned so that the vehicle occupant's center of gravity is substantially coincident with the focal point of the arc of a rocker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 a personal mobility vehicle, as generally indicated at 10. The vehicle 10 has a base 12 and a seat assembly 14 supported by the base 12. The base 12 is supported on a supporting surface by wheels, such as the front casters 16 and the rear wheels 18 shown. The front wheels 16 are preferably casters and the rear wheels 18 are preferably driven wheels, which may be manually driven or power driven. It is noted that the personal motorized vehicle shown is in the form of a wheelchair but the invention is intended to be practiced with other personal mobility vehicles, including but not limited to scooters. Although the wheelchair illustrated is a rear wheel-drive wheelchair, the invention may be practiced with front mid-wheel drive vehicles. The seat assembly 14 has a seat frame 20 and a seat back 22. The seat frame 20 includes longitudinally extending frame members, such as tubes, for supporting a seat 24, which can be in the form of a semi-rigid or rigid pan, as shown, or a resilient or pliable sling (not shown). The seat 24 may include adjustable parts, such as the telescopic parts shown, that are longitudinally adjustable relative to one another to permit the length of the seat 24 to be adjusted. The seat back 22 preferably includes laterally spaced canes 26 for supporting a backrest (not shown). The canes 26 are preferably formed of adjustable parts, such as the telescopic tubes shown, that permit the length of the canes 26, and the seat back 22, to be adjusted. A handle 28 may be supported by the canes 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 28 is pivotally coupled to the canes 26, preferably by couplings 30 that are adapted to releasably hold the handle 28 in a fixed relation to the canes 26. The seat frame 20 is preferably adapted to support armrests 32 and footrest assemblies 34. The armrests 32 are preferably releasably attached to the seat frame 20 and movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the seat frame 20. The armrests 32 are preferably held in fixed relation to the seat frame 20 in any conventional manner, such as by the tube clamps 36 shown. The footrest assemblies 34 are also releasably and movably attached to the seat frame 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 12 includes a base frame (shown but not referenced), which is comprised of opposing side frame members, such as the tubes 40, joined by a pair of longitudinally spaced, laterally extending frame members, such as the tubes 42 shown. It should be noted that the laterally extending tubes 42 are preferably of telescopic tubes that are adjustable relative to one another to permit the vehicle 10 to grow in width. It should further be noted that the position of the laterally extending tubes 42 is preferably adjusted relative to the side tubes 40, for example, via the longitudinally spaced holes and fasteners (not shown). The seat frame 20 is similarly comprised of opposing side frame members, such as the tubes 44 shown, and curved or substantially curved members, such as the tracks or rockers 46 shown, or a curved rack (not shown), joined by a plurality of longitudinally spaced, laterally extending members such as the tubes 48 shown. It should be noted that the laterally extending tubes 48 are preferably in the form of telescopic tubes that are adjustable relative to one another to permit the vehicle 10 to grow in width. The seat frame 20 is supported relative to the side tubes 40 by the rockers 46 via one or more support assemblies 50. As shown in plain view, the side tubes 40 can support caster housings 52, which in turn are suitable for supporting the caster stems. The rear wheels 18 can be supported in a fixed relation to the side tubes 40 by any conventional means, including the axle mounting plate 54 shown. The footrest assemblies 34 can include a member, such as the tube 56, that is telescopically received by, or otherwise adjustably related to, the side tubes 44. The tube 56 is preferably adjustable relative to the side tubes 44 to permit the longitudinal position of the tube 56 to be located in various fixed positions relative to the side tubes 44. This accommodates growth in the vehicle 10 in a longitudinal direction. It should be noted that an alternative seat back 58 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein opposing handles 60 are provided on opposing canes 62. The handles 60 can be telescopically received in or otherwise adjustably related to the canes 62. An additional assist handle 64 can optionally extend rearward from the canes 62. As depicted in FIG. 5, the support assemblies 50 and axle mounting plates 54 preferably adjustable in a longitudinal direction. This can be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the side tubes 40 can be provided with a series of longitudinally spaced holes 66. The support assemblies 50 and axle mounting plates 54 can each be provided with holes 116, 117, and 72 that are spaced to align with the holes 66 in the side tubes 40. Fasteners (not shown) can be adapted to be secured in the aligned holes to hold the support assemblies 50 and axle mounting plates 54 in a substantially fixed relation to the side tubes 40. To move the support assemblies 50 and axle mounting plates 54, simply remove the fasteners. The support assemblies 50 and axle mounting plates 54 can be moved longitudinally (i.e., in directions to the left and right when viewing FIG. 5). This permits the weight, as depicted at W in FIG. 6, of the vehicle occupant to be adjusted longitudinally with respect to the wheelbase, for example, to optimize steering performance and stability. A preferred weight distribution is about 40 percent to the front casters 16 and 60 percent to the rear wheels 18. Such adjustment also permits the wheelbase to grow longitudinally, for example, to accommodate occupants of varying size. Continuing with FIG. 6, the arc A preferably has a radius R that is constant or substantially constant. The center of curvature or focal point P of the arc A is preferably coincident with the center of gravity CG of the vehicle occupant. The constant radius arc A and the coincident focal point P and center of gravity CG are preferred so that the center of gravity CG remains fixed or substantially fixed as the seat assembly 14 is tilted (i.e., as the seat assembly 14 is displaced in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions when viewing FIG. 6). In FIG. 7, there are directional arrows (i.e., pointing to the left and right when viewing the drawing) that depict movement of the footrest assemblies 34 and the seat back canes 62, for example, to permit the seating system to be adjusted for different size occupants. The growth capability of these two components in two directions further enable adjustment such that the vehicle occupant's center of gravity is maintained at the center of rotation or focal point P. This can be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, the tubes 56 of the footrest assemblies 34 can be telescopically received by or otherwise adjustable related to the side tubes 44 and the canes 62 can have couplings 74 or other suitable members that are attachable for movement relative to the side tubes 44. The tubes 56 and the couplings 74 can have holes, which are adapted to align with holes in the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20, and fasteners (not shown) can be adapted to and secured in the holes. The couplings 74 are preferably structured to be adjustable with minimal disassembly. As shown in FIG. 8, the couplings 74 can include an assembly of plates 80 and saddles 82, 84. Upper ends of the plates 80 can be attached to the bottom of the canes 62 by cane saddles 82. Holes 86, 88 in the plates 80 and saddles 82 can align with holes (not shown) in the canes 62 to receive a fastener 90. This fastener 90 can form a pivot for the canes 62 to fold downward in the direction D relative to the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20. Each plate 80 can have another hole 92 just below the bottom of the canes 62. These plate holes 92 can align with one another to receive another fastener 94. This fastener 94 can be selectively engaged and disengaged by a piston 96 that is biased downward by a spring 98. A lever 100 or other suitable control member extending rearward from the piston 96 can be displaceable to raise the piston 96 out of engagement with the fastener 94 to permit the canes 62 to be folded downward. Lower ends of the plates 80 can be attached to the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20 by opposing elongate saddles 84. The lower ends of the plates 80 and the elongate saddles 84 can have aligning holes 102, 103 and 104, 105 for receiving fasteners 106, 108 for securing the plates 80 and elongate saddles 84 to the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20. It should be noted that the elongate saddles 84 have bosses 110 extending laterally therefrom. The bosses 110 are coincident with the rear holes 103 in the saddles 84. The rear holes 105 of the plates 80 are preferably sized to receive the bosses 110. The upper fasteners 90, 94 hold the plates 80 together with the bosses 110 in the holes 105. The bosses 110 function as a pivot for adjusting the angle (e.g., the angle of recline) of the canes 62 relative to the side tubes 44 of the base frame 20. The lower fasteners 106, 108 are preferably removable to permit the plates 80 and elongate saddles 84, together with the canes 62, to move longitudinally relative to the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20. As clearly illustrated, the holes 102, 103 in the elongate saddles 84 are adapted to align with holes 111 in the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20. The fasteners 106, 108 can be received in any of the aligned holes, for example, to accommodate growth in the vehicle 10 in a longitudinal direction and permit a wide range or variation in the positions of the footrest assemblies 34 and the support assemblies 50 to permit the vehicle occupant to be positioned with his or her center of gravity CG substantially coincident with the arc A of the focal point P. In FIG. 8, there are also illustrated tabs 112 extending downward from the elongate saddles 84. The tabs 112 have holes 114 extending laterally therethrough. The front holes 102 in the elongate saddles 84 and the holes 114 in the tabs 112 align with the holes 104, which are preferably an arcuate arrangement of scalloped holes, in the plates 80. The rear hole 105 in each plate 80 is preferably the focal point of the arcuate arrangement. The front lower fastener 106 is adapted to be received through the front holes 102 in the elongate saddles 80 or the holes 114 in the tabs 112 and through any one of the scalloped holes 104. Alternatively, the front lower fastener 106 is adapted to be received through the front hole 102 in the elongate saddles 80, and an optional additional fastener (not shown) is adapted to be received through the holes 119 in the tabs 112 and through another one of the scalloped holes 104. This permits the angle of the canes 62 to be adjusted relative to the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20 to recline the canes 62. The functionality of coupling 74 results from the use of elongate saddles 84. These saddles 84 permit angular and longitudinal adjustment of the canes 62 and plates 80 with greater ease than conventional coupling systems that perform a similar function. For both angular and longitudinal adjustment, the upper fasteners 90, 94 remain intact with plates 80 and saddles 82. Angular adjustment of the cane 62 and plates 80 relative to the seat tube 44 of the illustrated coupling 74 can be accomplished by removing the front lower fastener 106 and loosening the back lower fastener 108 to reduce the clamping pressure of the plates 80 on the saddles 84 and the side tubes 44. The canes 62 and plates 80 can then freely rotate coincidentally about the rear plate holes 105 and rear saddle holes 103. Longitudinal adjustment of the canes 62 and plates 80 of the illustrated coupling 74 can be accomplished by removing only the front and back lower fasteners 106, 108. No other parts require removal or are free to loosen or drop out during this adjustment because the back lower holes 105 in the plates 80 are coincidentally engaged about the bosses 110 of the saddles 84 and the plates 80 maintain a pre-load against the saddles 84 and side tube 44 due to the installed clamping force of upper fasteners 90, 94 so that the plates 80 remain engaged with the saddles 84. When the desired longitudinal location of the canes 62 along side tube 44 is established, the front and back lower fasteners 106,108 can be re-installed and secured in place. It should be noted, that during longitudinal adjustments, pre-established angular settings of the canes 62 and plates 80 can be preserved by first removing the back rear fastener 108 from the holes 103, 105 in the saddles 84 and plates 80 and then placing the back rear fastener 108 completely through the holes 114 in the saddle tabs 114 and the scalloped holes 104 in the plates 80. The back rear fastener 108 is now in a shear mode that maintains the angular position of the cane 62 and the plates 80. Next, by removing front lower fastener 106, the entire assembly (i.e., the cane 62 and the plates 80) is free to translate longitudinally along side tube 44. In FIG. 9, there is illustrated an example of a structure for adjusting the angle of the rockers 46. It should be appreciated that the structure is provided for illustrative purposes and that other structures could be used for carrying out the invention. The structure shown is supported by the support assemblies 50. The support assemblies 50 may include one or more side plates 115, each having a first mounting hole 116 therein, and a plurality of spaced apart angle adjustment holes 117a, 117b, 117c in spaced relation to the first mounting hole 116. The first mounting hole 116 in combination with one of the angle adjustment holes 117a, 117b, 117c supports the seat assembly 14 at a fixed or substantially fixed angle relative to the base 12 and in relation to the other angle adjustment holes 117a, 117b, 117c. For example, the first mounting hole 116 and a first one of the angle adjustment holes 117a support the support assembly 50 at an angle α, which is about zero degrees relative to the side tubes 40, although other angles may be desired. The first mounting hole 116 and a second one of the angle adjustment holes 117b support the support assembly 50 at an angle β, which is about five degrees relative to the side tubes 40. Although other angle may be desired. The first mounting hole 116 and a third one of the angle adjustment holes 117c support the low-friction support assembly 50 at an angle γ, which is about ten degrees relative to the side tubes 40. It should be clearly understood that these three angular adjustments affect the tilt range of the seat assembly 14. It should be understood that the 0, 5 and 10 degree angular adjustments shown are provided for illustrative purposes and that the invention can be practiced with other suitable angular adjustments. In FIG. 10, there is illustrated a lock assembly 130 for locking the rockers 46 in relation to one or more support assemblies 50. The lock assembly 130 can be supported by the inner plate 115 and can include a protrusion that engages any one of a plurality of recesses in the rockers 46. In the illustrated embodiment, a plunger pin 132 can be biased by a spring 134 into engagement with any one of a plurality of holes 136 in rockers 46. The plunger pin 132 and the spring 134 can be housed in a housing 138 that is threaded, pressed, or otherwise held in a fixed relation to a hole in the inner plate 115 of the support assemblies 50. The plunger pin 132 can be actuated by a cable 140, which can be controlled by a conventional lever (e.g., the levers 154 shown in FIG. 12). The lever can be supported on one of the handles 60 of the seat back 58 to permit the plunger 132 to be actuated by an attendant. An alternative lock assembly 142 is illustrated in FIG. 11. This lock assembly 142 would be suitable for use with a track, such as the rocker 144 shown, which is tubular and round in cross-section. The lock assembly 142 can include a pair of locking plates 146 that are held in spaced relation by a spring 148. The spring 148 can be attached for movement relative to the side plate 115 of one or more of the support assemblies 50. The spring 148 is adapted to bias the locking plates 146 outward in opposing directions (i.e., in the left and right directions when viewing FIG. 10) and into engagement with the rocker tube 144 to prevent the rocker tube 144 from moving relative to the locking plates 146. Note that an actuator cable 150 can extend through the locking plates 146 and control the locking plates 146 to move the locking plates 146 out of engagement with the rocker tube 144 to permit the rocker tube 144 to move. In FIG. 12, there is illustrated a vehicle having handles 152 with supporting levers 154 for actuating the cables for controlling the rocker locking assemblies, such as the locking assemblies described above. The handles 152 can also be provided with handholds 156 to enable the vehicle occupant to tilt his or herself in the seat assembly 14 relative to the base 12. In FIG. 13, there is illustrated a sectional view of a side tube 40 of the base 12, a rocker 46 of the seat assembly 14, and a support assembly 50 supporting the rocker 46 relative to the side tube 40. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the side tube 40 of the base 12 is situated between the side plates 115 of the support assembly 50. As stated above, the side plates 115 can be attached to the side tube 40 by fasteners, such as the bolt 160 shown, that pass through holes 66 (also shown in FIG. 5) in the side tube 40 that align with corresponding holes in the side plates 115. A bottom roller 162 can be supported for movement above the side tubes 40 by an axle 164. The bottom roller 162 can be supported in spaced relation to the side tubes 40. The rocker 46 can have a contact surface 166 that engages the bottom roller 162. The rocker 46 and the bottom roller 162 preferably have mating surfaces, such as the rounded contact surface 166 of the rockers 46 and the saddle shaped surface 167 of the bottom roller 162. The rocker 46 can further have an arcuate shaped relief 168 in a side thereof. The arc of the relief 168 preferably has a radius that is constant or substantially constant. A top roller 170 preferably engages the relief 168 to trap a portion of the rocker 46 against the bottom roller 162. The top roller 170 is preferably supported by an adjustable eccentric cam bolt 172. It should be appreciated that the relief 168 and the top roller 170 can include mating surfaces that engage one another with a force the depends upon the position of the eccentric cam bolt 172. It should be appreciated that the instant invention is not intended to be limited to the rocker 46 and rollers 162 170 set forth above but can be practiced with other low friction elements, such as but not limited to one or more bearings, slides, skids, pinions, and/or the like. As shown in FIGS. 14A through 17B, the seat assembly 14 is adapted to support a variety of seats. For example, the seat 174 illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B is a drop seat, which is adapted to be supported below the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20 so that the height H1 of the seat 174 is minimized. The seat 176 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B is a standard seat, which is adapted to be supported atop the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20 so that the height H2 of the seat 176 is substantially the same as the height of the side tubes 44. The seat 176 illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B is a standard seat, which is adapted to be supported above the side tubes 44 of the seat frame 20 by spacers 178 so as to raise the side tubes 40 and the seat 176 to a greater height H3. It should be quite clear that the height H3 is dependent on the size and number of spacers 178 used. The seat 176 illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B is a standard seat similar to that shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, further supporting a cushion 180, which is elevated to a greater height H4 above the side tubes 44. The aforementioned seats 174, 176 and spacers 178 are adapted to be attached in any suitable manner. These and other seats can be supported by the seat assembly 14. The importance of the above mentioned seat height adjustments is that it enables vertical positioning of the occupant's center of gravity to be coincident or substantially coincident with center of curvature or focal point P of the rocker 46. In FIGS. 18A and 18B, there is illustrated by example means for adjusting the height of the caster housings 52. The adjusting means can be any suitable adjusting means including but not limited to an offset 182, as shown at the front end of the side tubes 40 of the base 12. As shown in FIG. 18A, the offset 182 can be directed up to minimize the height H1 of the seat assembly 14. In FIG. 18B, the offset 182 can be directed down to maximize the height H2 of the seat assembly 14. Also note the change in the position of the axle sleeve 184 relative to the side tubes 40 of the base 12 in the two drawings. The close proximity of the axle sleeve 184 to the side tubes 40 lowers the rear of the seat assembly 14. The converse holds true if the axle sleeve 184 is moved down and away from the side tubes 40. That is, the rear of the seat assembly 14 is raised accordingly. The axle sleeve 184 can be positioned above the side tubes 40 to further lower the rear of the seat assembly 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, it is preferable that the seat assembly 14 be removed from the base 12. This can be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, the support assemblies 50 can be releasably attached (i.e., preferably readily removable with or without the aid of tools) to the side tubes 40 of the base 12, as shown in FIG. 19A, so that the support assemblies 50 and thus the seat assembly 14 can be easily removed from the base 12 for ease in transporting the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the seat assembly 14 can be releasably attached to the support assemblies 50, as shown in FIG. 19B, so that the seat assembly 14 can be easily removed from the support assemblies 50. One of ordinary skill in the art of the invention, without undue experimentation, could provide suitable means for releasably attaching the seat assembly 14, including a variety of quick-release fasteners. It should be noted that the vehicle 10 can be comprised of two primary parts: the base 12 and the seat assembly 14. The seat assembly 14 can include the seat frame 20, the seat back 22, 58, and the footrest assembly 34, all preferably rigidly or substantially rigidly supported on the rockers 46. The support assemblies 50 can capture the rockers 46 and constrain the motion of the seat frame 20 to pure rotation about the rocker's center of curvature (i.e., focal point P). In a preferred embodiment, four bottom rollers 162 (i.e., two rollers 162 per rocker 46) preferably support the underside surface of the rockers 46. These rollers 162 are preferably saddle-shaped to position the rockers 46 along the center of the support assembly 50. The rockers 46 preferably have a similarly shaped profile that fits within the saddle-shaped rollers 162. These mating shapes serve to align the rockers 46 with the rollers 162. Four top rollers 170 (i.e., two top rollers 170 per rocker 46) preferably contact an upper curved surface of the rockers 46, capturing the rockers 46 and preventing the rockers 46 from lifting off the base 12. The top and bottom rollers 162, 170 allow the seat frame 20 to rotate with minimal friction about the center of curvature P of the rockers 46. It should further be noted that the holes 136, which serve as the engagement features for the spring-loaded plunger pins 132, can be equally spaced and arranged in a series, for example, between the upper and lower surfaces of the rockers 46, along an arc concentric or substantially concentric with the curvature of the rockers 46. The holes 136 can be spaced discrete angular distances apart, such as one-degree apart, to permit incremental adjustments in the tilt angle of the seat frame 20. Multiple pins 132 could engage multiple holes 136 of the rockers 46 to reduce sheer forces encountered by the pins 132 when locking the rocker 46 in position. It should be clearly understood that the tilt angle of the seat frame 20 can be changed, for example, by squeezing levers to release the pins 132 from the holes 136 and rotating the seat frame 20 by pushing or pulling on handles. When the levers are released, the pins 132 can engage with the closest aligned holes 136, locking the seat frame 20 with respect to the base 12 at a specific tilt angle. In order for the vehicle 10 to function as intended, a vehicle occupant's center of gravity should coincide closely with the center of curvature of the rockers. To this end, the vehicle occupant should be properly positioned at the center of curvature or substantially close to the center of curvature of the rockers. For example, the center of gravity of the vehicle occupant can be above the center of curvature or focal point of the rocker (i.e., when the seat frame is substantially horizontal, as shown in FIG. 20A), though placing the center of gravity of the vehicle occupant too far above the center of curvature could create an inverted pendulum effect, which could create an unbalanced load, causing the seat frame to tend to rotate away from horizontal, which may require substantial force to counteract when moving or tilting the seat frame. This phenomena is illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B. The center of gravity of the vehicle occupant can also be below the center of curvature of the rocker (i.e., when the seat frame is substantially horizontal, as shown in FIG. 21A). Though this is generally more suitable than being above the center of curvature, placing the center of gravity of the vehicle occupant too far below the center of curvature could create a pendulum effect, which could cause the seat frame to tend to rotate toward horizontal, which may also require substantial force to counteract when moving or tilting the seat frame. This phenomena is illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity of the vehicle occupant is coincident or substantial coincident with the center of curvature of the rocker, as shown in FIG. 22. This is the most suitable relationship because the seating system is in equilibrium or substantially in equilibrium, thus tilting the seat frame requires little force to overcome friction. The preferred embodiment of the invention can be summarized as a personal mobility vehicle having a seat or seating system that is supported for movement relative to a radial curve or a quasi radial curve (e.g., via a radially curved track or member, or a substantially radially curves track or member) having a focal point that is preferably substantially fixed in space, wherein the seat or seating system is adjustable to (e.g., horizontally, vertically, or both) with respect to the curve so that the center of gravity of any vehicle occupant is sufficiently coincident with the focal point of the curve so that excessive force, or a significant amount of force, is not required to tilt the seat frame with the occupant therein. In one embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity can be sufficiently vertically aligned with the focal point with the seat or seating system is horizontal. The relative position of the center of gravity of the vehicle occupant and the center of curvature or focal point obviously depends on the weight of the user, and possibly the physical abilities of the attendant. For example, a near coincident relationship between the center of gravity of the vehicle occupant and the focal point P that requires 50 pounds of force to tilt the seat frame and occupant may be a suitable relationship for some attendants but not others. Generally, the center of gravity is preferably within a one-inch radius about the focal point. Depending on the weight of the occupant, the center of gravity can be within a two and one-half inch radius about the focal point, though this may not be suitable of occupants exceeding certain weight capacities. The center of gravity can even be within a three to four inch radius about the focal point, although this may not be a possible range for very heavy occupants. With these ranges in mind, it is conceivable that center of gravity can even be within a radius about the focal point that is in a preferred range of about four to seven percent of the fore to aft length of the vehicle seat 24, or a possible suitable range of about 11 to 17 percent of the fore to aft length of the vehicle seat 24. To establish a desired relationship between the center of gravity of the vehicle occupant and the focal point P of the arc A, the wheelchair 10 can incorporate several means for adjusting the position of the vehicle occupant to align the occupant's center of gravity CG with or close to the center of curvature of the rockers 46. The seat back 22, 58, the seat 24 (e.g., a pan, a sling, etc.), and the footrest assemblies 34 all preferably incorporate fore/aft adjustability with respect to the center of curvature. Couplings that secure the canes 26, 62 and seat 24 to the seat frame 20 preferably allow for fore/aft adjustability. The tubes 56 supporting the footrest assemblies 34 also preferably have fore/aft adjustability. This adjustability allows proper center of gravity CG alignment for a range of vehicle occupant sizes and accommodates occupant growth. The center of curvature of the rockers 46 is a virtual point in space that can preferably reside close to the occupant's abdomen. Because the pivot point in this design is a virtual point in space, and not a physical pivot axis near the abdomen, the vehicle occupant is not confined by hardware or the vehicle structure that surrounds the occupant. The absence of any vehicle structure at this location is advantageous because the seating area remains unconfined. This assists in transferring the occupant in and out of the vehicle. Proper positioning of the center of gravity CG of a vehicle occupant with respect to the base 12 is important for stability and maneuverability of the vehicle. Stability is ensured when the center of gravity CG is properly positioned between the front casters 16 and rear wheels 18 attached to the base frame 12. Increased maneuverability is achieved when the rear wheels 18 support a larger portion of an occupant's weight. Reducing the weight on the front casters 16 produces easier steering and facilitates lifting the front end of the vehicle when crossing thresholds. Because the vehicle 10 is intended to cover a wide range of occupant sizes, the vehicle footprint (i.e., the distance between the front casters 16 and the rear wheels 18) can grow. The vehicle 10 incorporates several unique features to maintain stability and maneuverability while accommodating a wide range of occupant sizes. The seat frame 20 can be adjusted fore/aft with respect to the base 12. The seat frame 20 can be positioned with respect to the base 12 by moving the support assembly 50 fore/aft along the base 12. The rear wheels 18 may be positioned fore/aft along the base 12 as well. This ability to adjust the size of the vehicle footprint and position the occupant's center of gravity CG fore/aft within this footprint allows the vehicle to be properly configured for stability and maneuverability over a wide range of occupant sizes. The support assembly 50 can be mounted on the base 12 in a plurality of different angular positions. These positions allow the range of tilt to be changed to accommodate a particular vehicle occupant's needs. Changing the first position allows the seat assembly 14 to tilt in a range of about 5° anterior to about 50° posterior. Changing the second position allows the seat assembly 14 to tilt in a range of about 0° to about 55° posterior. Changing the third position allows the seat assembly 14 to tilt in a range of about 5° posterior to about 60° posterior. An increased posterior tilt range provides more pressure relief to the ischial tuberosities. An increased anterior tilt range assists in transferring the vehicle occupant in and out of the vehicle 10 and allows a occupant to foot propel. These tilt ranges allow the tilt range to be customized to a particular occupant's needs. The rocker 144 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention can be in the form of a round steel tubing, as partially shown in cross-section in FIG. 11. The rocker 144 is formed into a curve that preferably has a constant radius or substantially constant radius. This rocker 144 serves the same function as the rocker 46 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The rocker 144 is attached to the seat frame 20. The rocker 144 can be secured to the support assembly 50, for example, by a plurality of rollers, one or more rollers 186 above the rocker 144 and one or more rollers 187 below. The tilt angle can be fixed by the alternative lock assembly 142, which can be located within the support assembly 198. The locking plates 146 have holes 192 through which the rocker 144 passes. These holes 192 are slightly oversized with respect to the diameter of the rocker 144. The plates 146 pivot about their upper ends. The spring 148 situated between the plates 146 forces the plates 146 to pivot away from one another and cam against the rocker 144 to lock the rocker 144 in place with respect to side tube 40 of the base 12. This secures the tilt angle of the seat frame 20. The plates 146 oppose one another so that, when the seat frame 20 is tilted in one direction, the trailing plate in the direction of travel of the rocker 144 cams against the rocker 144 and prevents the seat frame 20 from tilting. The cable 150 is preferably a lever-operated cable that is secured across the plates 146 so that, when the lever (not shown) is squeezed, the plates 146 pivot towards one another. As the plates 146 pivot toward one another, the axes of the holes 192 within the plates 146 align with the arc of the rocker 144 and release the rocker 144 to allow the rocker 144 to slide freely as the seat frame 20 tilts. The invention described herein can be easily adapted to a battery-powered motor or actuator that could drive the tilt angle of the seating system. This adaptation could allow the tilt function of the vehicle to be operated by a control device that is accessible to either the attendant or the vehicle occupant. Likewise, the center of gravity seating system described herein could be mounted on a power base so that the wheels of the vehicle can be motor-driven. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described above. The base and seat assembly illustrated and described above are merely provided for illustrative purposes. Other bases and seat frames can be suitable for carrying out the invention. The rockers are also provided for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that one or more tracks, other than the rockers shown and described, having radius curves with a center of curvature that is coincident or substantially coincident with the vehicle occupant's center of gravity may be suitable for carrying out the invention. The tracks can be supported by one of more rollers, slides, or other suitable low-friction members that allow the seat frame to rotate with respect to the base. Seat frame adjustments, including adjustments to the seat, the seat back, and the footrest assemblies, can be carried out in ways other than those set forth above. It should further be understood that the vehicle may or may not accommodate growth and further that growth accommodation may be carried out in a manner other than that described. It should also be appreciated that the seat frame and support assembly can be adjustable in a manner other than that described. The present invention can achieve a truly stationary center of gravity during tilting. Minimal effort may be required on the part of the attendant or the vehicle occupant when tilting the seat assembly. No lifting or lowering of the occupant's center of gravity may be required to tilt the seat assembly. Because the tilting is preferably limited to pure rotation, the only effort required may be then regulated to overcome friction within the system. The vehicle occupant should not experience a sensation of being pitched off balance during tilting. The sensation experienced during the center of gravity tilting should be more reassuring to the occupant and less likely to induce inadvertent reactions that could potentially injure the vehicle occupant. The instant invention may also be advantageous in that the vehicle occupant's center of gravity may remain substantially stationary with respect to the base, thus increasing vehicle stability and allowing for a shorter base length. Having a shorter base frame increases the maneuverability of the vehicle and creates a smaller overall footprint for the vehicle, allowing it to fit within tighter confines. Lastly, the present invention permits the weight distribution on the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to remain constant while tilting the seat frame 20. The well-defined weight distribution assists in controlling and steering of the vehicle. The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to land vehicles and more particularly to personal mobility vehicles. Most particularly, the invention relates to a personal mobility vehicle having a tiltable seat assembly. Personal mobility vehicles with tilting seats are well known. Such vehicles are typically used in highly dependent or geriatric care, wherein the ability to reposition a vehicle occupant in various angular positions is beneficial to the occupant's health and daily routine. Tilting a vehicle occupant relieves pressure to the vehicle occupant's ischial tuberosities (i.e., the bony prominence of the buttocks). Continuous pressure to the vehicle occupant's ischial tuberosities, which is applied when the vehicle occupant remains in a single seated position, can cause the development of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores). For vehicle occupants with severe kyphosis (i.e., curvature of the spine), seated tilting may allow the occupant to look forward and interact with their surroundings. Tilting may also be beneficial to assist with proper respiration and digestion. Some personal motor vehicle occupants require attendant care, wherein an attendant is responsible for positioning the vehicle seat angle, often changing the angle on a prescribed schedule. The ability to tilt the vehicle occupant offers the occupant a variety of positions that accommodate their daily schedule, including, for example, an anterior tilt for eating at a table and posterior tilt for resting. Conventional tilting personal mobility vehicles consist of a seat frame that is pivotally mounted to a base frame so that the seat frame tilts to reposition the vehicle occupant. The pivot axis is typically mounted between the base frame and seat frame, towards the rear of the seat and away from the occupant's center of gravity. Tilting the occupant involves lifting or lowering his or her center of gravity and therefore requires effort on the part of the attendant. Mechanisms, such as springs or gas cylinders, are often employed to assist in tilting the occupant. Typically, levers are attached to handles on a seat-tilting vehicle. The levers allow an attendant to release a locking mechanism, change the tilt angle by pushing or pulling on the handles, and engage the locking mechanism, which fixes the tilt angle. Tilting the seat in conventional tilt personal motor vehicles may invoke a reaction on the part of the occupant who experiences the sensation of being tipped over. The occupant experiences a sensation of being pitched off balance during tilting. Conventional tilt seat designs involve translation of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity during tilting. Significant effort on the part of the attendant may be required to tilt the vehicle occupant when the occupant's mass translates during tilting. Moreover, conventional vehicles with tilt seats require large base frames and anti-tip devices because tilting the chair displaces the occupant's center of gravity fore and aft over the wheelbase, potentially placing the vehicle off balance. What is needed is a personal mobility vehicle that does not evoke the sensation of being tipped over; that requires minimal effort on the part of the attendant to tilt (i.e., no lifting or lowering of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity should be required to tilt the vehicle seat assembly); does not affect weight distribution between the front and rear wheels; and that is limited to pure rotation (i.e., the only effort required is to overcome friction within the system), thus eliminating the need for springs or gas cylinders to assist tilting. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed towards a personal mobility vehicle that overcomes the foregoing deficiencies. The vehicle comprises a base and a seat moveable along a curve having a focal point. The vehicle is adjustable to position an occupant in the seat to achieve a desired position for the center of gravity of the occupant relative to the focal point of the curve. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is supported for movement relative to a radial or quasi radial curve having a center of curvature that is preferably substantially fixed in space. The seat is adjustable with respect to the curve so that the center of gravity of a vehicle occupant is sufficiently coincident with the focal point of the curve so that force required to tilt the seat is minimized. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base and a seat for support a vehicle occupant. The seat is supported for movement along a curve having a center of curvature. The seat is adapted to support a vehicle occupant having a center of gravity that is adapted to be positioned relative to the center of curvature sufficient to minimize effort required to move the seat with the vehicle occupant therein along the curve. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base, a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface, and a seat for supporting an occupant. The seat is supported relative to the base for movement along an arcuate path with a fixed center of rotation. The seat is adjustable such that the center of gravity of the occupant is adapted to be substantially coincident with the center of rotation. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base, a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface, a seat, one or more tracks having a constant radius arc supporting the seat for movement relative to the base, and a low friction support assembly supported by either the base or the seat or any combination thereof. The support permits an overall tilt angle range of the one or more tracks to be adjusted. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a personal mobility vehicle comprising a base, a plurality of wheels that are adapted to support the base relative to a supporting surface, a seat for supporting an occupant, and one or more tracks supporting the seat. The tracks serve as a rolling or sliding surface that allows the seat to rotate with respect to the base. The tracks have a constant or substantially constant radius arc with a focal point that is substantially fixed in space, whereby the location of the center of gravity of the occupant can be adjusted to be coincident or near coincident with the focal point. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for minimizing effort required to tilt the seat of a personal mobility vehicle. The method comprises the steps of providing a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is adapted to move along an arc having a center of curvature, positioning the seat substantially horizontally, providing an occupant in the seat, and adjusting the position of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity so that the center of gravity is substantially equal to or below the center of curvature of the arc. Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. | 20040806 | 20130702 | 20050602 | 65482.0 | 1 | ARCE, MARLON ALEXANDER | Personal mobility vehicle with tiltable seat | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,019 | ACCEPTED | Compositions and methods for transdermal oxybutynin therapy | The present invention provides compositions and methods for administering oxybutynin while minimizing the incidence and or severity of adverse drug experiences associated with oxybutynin therapy. In one aspect, these compositions and methods provide a lower plasma concentration of oxybutynin metabolites, such as N-desethyloxybutynin, which is presumed to be contributing at least in part to some of the adverse drug experiences, while maintaining sufficient oxybutynin plasma concentration to benefit a subject with oxybutynin therapy. The invention also provides isomers of oxybutynin and its metabolites that meet these characteristics of minimized incidence and/or severity of adverse drug experiences, and maintenance of beneficial and effective therapy for overactive bladder. In some aspects, the composition may be presented in the form of an unoccluded or free form topically administered gel. | 1. An oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin; and a gel carrier, wherein the formulation has a pH of from about 4 to about 11 and wherein the oxybutynin is present as an oxybutynin free base, a pharmaceutically acceptable oxybutynin salt, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the formulation is prepared for unoccluded topical application to a skin surface. 2. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is from about 4 to about 11. 3. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is from about 5 to about 11. 4. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is from about 6 to about 11. 5. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is from about 4 to about 10. 6. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is from about 5 to about 10. 7. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is from about 6 to about 10. 8. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is about 6. 9. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH of the formulation is about 9. 10. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the oxybutynin is oxybutynin free base. 11. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the oxybutynin is oxybutynin chloride. 12. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 1, wherein the oxybutynin is a combination of oxybutynin free base and oxybutynin chloride. 13. An oxybutynin gel formulation for topical administration comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide an oxybutynin skin permeation rate of at least about 10 ug/cm2 over a period of at least about 24 hours. 14. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 13, wherein the skin permeation rate is at least about 20 ug/cm2 over a period of at least about 24 hours. 15. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 13, wherein the formulation has a pH that enhances oxybutynin skin permeation upon unoccluded topical administration of the formulation to the skin. 16. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 13, wherein the formulation includes a permeation enhancer. 17. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 13, wherein the oxybutynin is oxybutynin free base. 18. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 13, wherein the oxybutynin is oxybutynin chloride. 19. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 13, wherein the oxybutynin is a mixture of oxybutynin free base and oxybutynin chloride. 20. An oxybutynin gel formulation for topical administration comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide a plasma area under the curve (AUC) ratio of oxybutynin serum level to an oxybutynin metabolite serum level from about 0.75:1 to about 3:1. 21. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 20, wherein the AUC ratio of oxybutynin serum level to an oxybutynin metabolite serum level is from about 0.98:1 to about 2:1. 22. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 21, wherein the AUC ratio of oxybutynin serum level to an oxybutynin metabolite serum level is about 1:1. 23. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 20, wherein the oxybutynin in plasma is (R)-oxybutynin, (S)-oxybutynin, or a combination thereof. 24. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 20, wherein the metabolite of oxybutynin is N-desethyloxybutynin. 25. The oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 24, wherein the N-desethyloxybutynin is (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin, (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin or a combination thereof. 26. A method of treating with oxybutynin a subject having overactive bladder, while minimizing an anticholinergic or antimuscarinic adverse drug experience associated with said oxybutynin treatment therapy comprising the step of administering to the skin of a subject the oxybutynin gel formulation of claim 20. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the adverse drug experience is an experience selected from the group consisting of: gastrointestinal/genitourinary, nervous system, cardiovascular, dermatological, and opthalmic experiences, or a combination thereof. | PRIORITY This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/286,381, filed Nov. 11, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/098,752, filed Mar. 15, 2002, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,441, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,711, filed Apr. 26, 2000, now abandoned, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compositions and methods for minimizing adverse drug experiences associated with oxybutynin therapy. Accordingly, this invention covers the fields of pharmaceutical sciences, medicine and other health sciences. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Oral oxybutynin therapy is currently used for treating various forms of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. Particularly, oxybutynin effectively treats neurogenically caused bladder disorders. Relief from such disorders is attributed to the anticholinergic and antispasmodic action which oxybutynin imparts to the parasympathetic nervous system and the urinary bladder detrusor muscle. It is generally believed that, while this anticholinergic activity contributes to oxybutynin's clinical usefulness, it also contributes to certain uncomfortable adverse drug experiences such as dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, and constipation. More specifically, these experiences have been generally attributed to the presence and amount of active metabolites of oxybutynin, for example, N-desethyloxybutynin. The above-referenced adverse drug experiences are observed in a majority of patients using current oxybutynin formulations. In some cases, these adverse experiences are severe enough to persuade the patient to discontinue treatment. In view of the foregoing, compositions and methods for administering oxybutynin to help minimize the incidence and/or severity of the above-described adverse drug experiences are extremely desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of minimizing an adverse drug experience associated with oxybutynin therapy which comprises the step of administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising oxybutynin to a subject such that the ratio of area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of oxybutynin to an oxybutynin metabolite is about 0.5:1 to about 5:1. The adverse drug experience may be any adverse experience resulting from administration of oxybutynin, for example, anticholinergic, and/or antimuscarinic in nature. Specific examples of known oxybutynin adverse experiences include but are not limited to: gastrointestinal/genitourinary experiences, nervous system experiences, cardiovascular experiences, dermatological experiences, and opthalmic experiences, among others. Oxybutynin has a chiral molecular center, leading to the presence of (R)- and (S)-isomers. When metabolized, oxybutynin gives rise to metabolites such as N-desethyloxybutynin, which may also be present as (R)- and (S)— isomers or a combination thereof. The method of the present invention specifically encompasses each isomer for both oxybutynin and its any corresponding metabolites. For example, in one aspect, the mean plasma AUC ratio of (R)-oxybutynin to (S)-oxybutynin is about 0.7:1. In another aspect, the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (R)-oxybutynin is from about 0.4:1 to about 1.6:1. In one aspect, this mean AUC ratio may be about 1:1. In another aspect, the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin is from about 0.5:1 to about 1.3:1. For example, this mean AUC ratio may be about 0.9:1. In another aspect, the metabolite may have a mean peak plasma concentration of less than about 8 ng/ml. A pharmaceutical composition for administering oxybutynin to a subject is also provided, comprising oxybutynin that provides an AUC ratio of oxybutynin to an oxybutynin metabolite of from about 0.5:1 to about 5:1. Delivery formulations useful in conjunction with the method of the present invention include but are not limited to: oral, parenteral, transdermal, inhalant, or implantable formulations. In one aspect of the invention, the delivery formulation may be a transdermal delivery formulation. In a more specific aspect, the delivery formulation may be a gel formulation that is topically administered to the skin in an unoccluded, or free form manner. The composition of the present invention may include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and other ingredients as dictated by the particular needs of the specific dosage formulation. Such ingredients are well known to those skilled in the art. See for example, Gennaro, A. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 19th ed. (1995), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, a transdermal formulation may include, but is not limited to, permeation enhancers, anti-irritants, adhesion adjusters, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the formulation of the present invention may be an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application. Such a gel may include a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin and a gel carrier, wherein the formulation has a pH of from about 4 to about 11 and wherein the oxybutynin is present as an oxybutynin free base, a pharmaceutically acceptable oxybutynin salt, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the formulation is prepared for unoccluded topical application to a skin surface. In another aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 4 to about 11. In a further aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 5 to about 11. In yet a further aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 6 to about 11. In an additional aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 4 to aboutl O. In another aspect, the pH of the formulation can be from about 5 to about 10. In an additional aspect, the pH of the formulation can be from about 6 to about 10. In a more detailed aspect, the pH of the formulation may be about 6. In yet another detailed aspect of the invention, the pH of the formulation is about 9. According to another aspect of the invention, a gel formulation for topical application is presented which includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide an oxybutynin skin permeation rate of at least about 10 ug/cm2 over a period of at least about 24 hours. In a further aspect of the invention, a gel formulation for topical application is presented which includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to achieve an oxybutynin plasma concentration of at least about 0.5 ng/ml within at least about 3 hours after initiation of administration. In another aspect of the invention, a gel formulation is provided for topical application that includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to achieve an oxybutynin plasma concentration that is from about 0.5 to about 5 times an oxybutynin metabolite plasma concentration. In an additional aspect of the invention, a gel formulation for topical application is provided that includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to achieve a therapeutically effective oxybutynin concentration and a maximum oxybutynin metabolite plasma concentration of less than about 8 ng/ml. In addition to the compositions recited herein, the present invention additionally encompasses a method for treating neurogenic bladder disorders in a subject which includes topically applying a gel formulation as recited herein to a skin surface of the subject. Moreover, the present invention includes a method of minimizing adverse side effects associated with oxybutynin therapy includes applying an oxybutynin gel formulation as recited herein to a skin surface a subject. In another aspect of the present invention, an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical administration is provided, having a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide a plasma AUC ratio of oxybutynin serum level to an oxybutynin metabolite serum level from about 0.75:1 to about 3:1. In another aspect, the ratio may be from about 0.98:1 to about 2:1. In a further aspect, the oxybutynin serum concentration may be greater than an oxybutynin metabolite serum concentration. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of treating with oxybutynin a subject having overactive bladder is provided. The method may include the step of topically administering to a subject an oxybutynin gel formulation, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide a plasma AUC ratio of oxybutynin serum level to an oxybutynin metabolite serum level from about 0.75:1 to about 3:1, in order to minimize an anticholinergic or antimuscarinic adverse drug experience associated with oxybutynin treatment therapy. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of total oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations measured following a 5 mg oxybutynin immediate-release oral dosage formulation. FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of total oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations measured upon transdermal administration according to the present invention, spanning a time from initial oxybutynin administration to 24 hours therefrom. FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of total oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations measured upon transdermal administration according to the present invention, spanning a time from initial oxybutynin administration to 96 hours therefrom, and for an additional 12 hours following the removal of the transdermal system at 96 hours. FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of the results of treating a subject with overactive bladder with transdermal administration of oxybutynin in accordance with the present invention, as compared to treatment with a 5 mg immediate-release oxybutynin oral tablet by recording the number of episodes of urinary incontinence. FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the anticholinergic adverse experiences reported by subjects receiving treatment for overactive bladder with a transdermal administration of oxybutynin in accordance with the present invention, as compared to treatment with a 5 mg oxybutynin immediate-release oral tablet. FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations produced for the (R) and (S) isomers of both oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin upon administering a 5 mg immediate-release oral tablet. FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations of (R) and (S) isomers for both oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin achieved by transdermal administration in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following topical application of 4.4% oxybutynin gel in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following topical application of 13.2% oxybutynin gel in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following single and repeated topical application of 4.4% oxybutynin gel in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following single and repeated topical application of 4.4% oxybutynin gel in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following topical application of 4.4% oxybutynin gel to a 400 cm2 patch[AREA?] of skin in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 13 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following topical application of 13.2% oxybutynin gel to a 400 cm2 patch of skin area in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Definitions In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and, “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an adhesive” includes reference to one or more of such adhesives, and reference to “an excipient” includes reference to one or more of such excipients. “Oxybutynin” refers to the compound having the general structure of: The oxybutynin addition salt, oxybutynin HCl, is listed in the Merck Index, entry no. 7089, at page 1193, 12th ed., (1996, and is known by several IUPAC names such as a-Cyclohexyl-hydroxy-benzenacetic acid 4-(diethylamino)-2-butynyl ester hydrochloride; a-phenylcyclohexaneglycolic acid 4-(diethylamino)-2-butynyl ester hydrochloride; and 4-diethylamino-2-butynylphenylcyclohexylglycolate hydrochloride. “Oxybutynin” as used herein includes oxybutynin free base, its acid addition salts such as oxybutynin HCl, their analogs and related compounds, isomers, polymorphs, and prodrugs thereof. It is generally known that oxybutynin may exist in one or both of its isomeric forms, known as the (R)- and (S)-isomers, or a mixture of these two isomers. These isomeric forms and their mixtures are within the scope of this invention. Notably, in some portions of the present application, the context may clearly dictate the specific form of oxybutynin, such as oxybutynin chloride, even though only “oxybutynin” is recited. “Administration,” and “administering” refer to the manner in which a drug is presented to a subject. Administration can be accomplished by various art-known routes such as oral, parenteral, transdermal, inhalation, implantation, etc. Thus, an oral administration can be achieved by swallowing, chewing, sucking of an oral dosage form comprising the drug. Parenteral administration can be achieved by injecting a drug composition intravenously, intra-arterially, intramuscularly, intrathecally, or subcutaneously, etc. Transdermal administration can be accomplished by applying, pasting, rolling, attaching, pouring, pressing, rubbing, etc., of a transdermal preparation onto a skin surface. These and additional methods of administration are well-known in the art. The term “non-oral administration” represents any method of administration in which a drug composition is not provided in a solid or liquid oral dosage form, wherein such solid or liquid oral dosage form is traditionally intended to substantially release and or deliver the drug in the gastrointestinal tract beyond the mouth and/or buccal cavity. Such solid dosage forms include conventional tablets, capsules, caplets, etc., which do not substantially release the drug in the mouth or in the oral cavity. It is appreciated that many oral liquid dosage forms such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, etc., and some oral solid dosage forms may release some of the drug in the mouth or in the oral cavity during the swallowing of these formulations. However, due to their very short transit time through the mouth and the oral cavities, the release of drug from these formulations in the mouth or the oral cavity is considered deminimus or insubstantial. Thus, buccal patches, adhesive films, sublingual tablets, and lozenges that are designed to release the drug in the mouth are non-oral compositions for the present purposes. In addition, it is understood that the term “non-oral” includes parenteral, transdermal, inhalation, implant, and vaginal or rectal formulations and administrations. Further, implant formulations are to be included in the term “non-oral,” regardless of the physical location of implantation. Particularly, implantation formulations are known which are specifically designed for implantation and retention in the gastrointestinal tract. Such implants are also considered to be non-oral delivery formulations, and therefore are encompassed by the term “non-oral.” The term “subject” refers to a mammal that may benefit from the administration of a drug composition or method of this invention. Examples of subjects include humans, and other animals such as horses, pigs, cattle, dogs, cats, rabbits, and aquatic mammals. As used herein, the terms “formulation” and “composition” are used interchangeably. The terms “drug” and “pharmaceutical” are also used interchangeably to refer to a pharmacologically active substance or composition. These terms of art are well-known in the pharmaceutical and medicinal arts. The term “transdermal” refers to the route of administration that facilitates transfer of a drug through a skin surface wherein a transdermal composition is administered to the skin surface. The term “skin” or “skin surface” is meant to include not only the outer skin of a subject comprising one or more of epidermal layers, but also to include mucosal surfaces to which a drug composition may be administered. Examples of mucosal surfaces include the mucosa of the respiratory (including nasal and pulmonary), oral (mouth and buccal), vaginal, and rectal cavities. Hence the terms “transdermal” may encompass “transmucosal” as well. The terms “enhancement”, or “permeation enhancement,” mean an increase in the permeability of the skin, to a drug, so as to increase the rate at which the drug permeates through the skin. Thus, “permeation enhancer” or simply “enhancer” refers to an agent, or mixture of agents that achieves such permeation enhancement. An “effective amount” of an enhancer means an amount effective to increase penetration of a drug through the skin, to a selected degree. Methods for assaying the characteristics of permeation enhancers are well-known in the art. See, for example, Merritt et al., Diffusion Apparatus for Skin Penetration, J. of Controlled Release 61 (1984), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. By “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount,” or similar terms is meant a non-toxic but sufficient amount of a drug, to achieve therapeutic results in treating a condition for which the drug is known to be effective. The determination of an effective amount is well-within the ordinary skill in the art of pharmaceutical and medical sciences. See for example, Curtis L. Meinert & Susan Tonascia, Clinical Trials: Design, Conduct, and Analysis, Monographs in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, vol. 8 (1986). By the term “mean,” “mathematical mean,” “average,” or similar terms when used in conjunction with the recitation of a number, or numbers, means the sum of all the individual observations or items of a sample divided by the number of items in the sample. By the term “matrix”, “matrix system”, or “matrix patch” is meant a composition comprising an effective amount of a drug dissolved or dispersed in a polymeric phase, which may also contain other ingredients, such as a permeation enhancer and other optional ingredients. This definition is meant to include embodiments wherein such polymeric phase is laminated to a pressure sensitive adhesive or used within an overlay adhesive. A matrix system may also comprise an adhesive layer having an impermeable film backing attached onto the distal surface thereof and, before transdermal application, a release liner on the proximal surface of the adhesive. The film backing protects the polymeric phase of the matrix patch and prevents release of the drug and/or optional ingredients to the environment. The release liner functions similarly to the impermeable backing, but is removed from the matrix patch prior to application of the patch to the skin as defined above. Matrix patches with the above-described general characteristics are known in the art of transdermal delivery. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,985,317, 5,783,208, 5,626,866, 5,227,169, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. “Topical formulation” means a composition in which the drug may be placed for direct application to a skin surface and from which an effective amount of the drug is released. Such formulations may include gels, lotions, cremes or other formulations which are applied to the skin. In some aspects, such formulations may be applied to the skin in an unoccluded form without additional backing, structures or devices. As used herein, “unoccluded” and “non-occluded” may be used interchangeably, and refer to application of a topical formulation to the skin without the use of a supporting or otherwise associated structure. In other words, the topical formulation is applied to the skin in a free form, which is sufficient to effect transdermal delivery of oxybutynin without the use of structures, such as a backing member, etc. As used herein, “gel” refers to a composition including a compound of high molecular weight which acts as a thickening agent to produce a semisolid or suspension-type formulation. The thickening or gelling agents may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic and are generally polymeric in nature. Gels which incorporate hydrophilic polymers are typically known in the art as hydrogels. Gels may include a variety of additional components such as, but not limited to, active agents, excipients, solvents, emulsifiers, chelating agents, surfactants, emollients, permeation enhancers, preservatives, antioxidants, lubricants, pH adjusters, adjuvants, dyes, and perfumes. “Adverse drug experience” refers to any adverse event associated with the use of a drug in a subject, including the following: an adverse event occurring in the course of the use of a drug product in professional practice; an adverse event occurring from drug overdose whether accidental or intentional; an adverse event occurring from drug abuse; an adverse event occurring from drug withdrawal; and any failure of expected pharmacological action. The adverse drug experience may lead to a substantial disruption of a person's ability to conduct normal life functions. In some instances, the adverse drug experience may be serious or life threatening. While some of the adverse drug experiences may be expected, in some instances, such experiences may be unexpected. “Unexpected,” refers to an adverse drug experience that has not been previously catalogued by a responsible governmental agency (such as the Food and Drug Administration of the United States) and or not provided in the current labeling for the drug product. The unexpected adverse experiences may include events that may be symptomatically and pathophysiologically related to a known event, but differ from the event because of greater severity or specificity. For example, under this definition, hepatic necrosis would be unexpected (by virtue of greater severity) if the known event is elevated hepatic enzymes or hepatitis. Similarly, cerebral thromboembolism and cerebral vasculitis would be unexpected (by virtue of greater specificity) if the known event is cerebral vascular accidents. For a more comprehensive definition and description of adverse drug experience, see 21 C.F.R. § 314.80, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The majority of the adverse experiences associated with oxybutynin therapy may be categorized as anticholinergic, and/or antimuscarinic. Certain adverse experiences associated with oxybutynin have been categorized in the Physician's Desk Reference as cardiovascular experiences, gastrointestinal/genitourinary experiences, dermatologic experiences, nervous system experiences, and opthalmic experiences, among others. Examples of cardiovascular adverse experiences include but are not limited to: palpitations, tachycardia, vasodilation, and combinations thereof. Examples of dermatologic adverse experiences include but are not limited to: decreased sweating, rashes, and combinations thereof. Examples of gastrointestinal/genitourinary adverse experiences include but are not limited to: constipation, decreased gastrointestinal motility, dry mouth, nausea, urinary hesitance and retention, and combinations thereof. Examples of nervous system adverse experiences include but are not limited to: asthenia, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, insomnia, restlessness, and combinations thereof. Examples of opthalmic adverse experiences include but are not limited to: amblyopia, cycloplegia, decreased lacrimation, mydriasis, and combinations thereof. Examples of other adverse experiences include but are not limited to: impotence and suppression of lactation. A more comprehensive listing of adverse experiences may be found in the labeling of the oxybutynin formulations as provided by the regulatory agencies. The term “minimize” and its grammatical equivalents refer to a reduction in the frequency and or severity of one or more adverse drug experiences in a given subject or subject population. It is appreciated that the subject population may be of necessity much smaller in size than the general population that may be exposed to the drug and/or its adverse experiences. It is also appreciated that the results obtained from methods for determining the reduction in the frequency and/or severity of adverse drug experiences may be subject to variables such as intra-subject and inter-subject factors. However, it is also appreciated that certain scientifically accepted methods can be used to conduct the studies and that the results from such studies are statistically reliable. Such methods and interpretation of the results from such methods are well-known in the art. See, for example, Robert R. Sokal & F. James Rohlf, Biometry: The Principles and Practice of Statistics in Biological Research, 2nd ed. (1969), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The phrase “area under the curve”, “area under the plasma concentration-time curve,” or similar terms are well known in the pharmaceutical arts. These values are calculated by plotting a graph with data from plasma concentration of a given drug or its metabolites as a function of time, with the X-axis generally representing time and the Y-axis generally representing plasma concentration. The area under the line formed by joining the various data points is then integrated into a numerical value. See for example, Milo Gibaldi & Donald Perrier, PharmacoKinetics, 2nd ed. (1982). The AUC multiplied by the clearance or total body clearance (CL), of the substance being measured, thus provides an estimate of the total amount, or dose, of the substance being measured (the drug or one or more of its metabolites). Plasma concentrations, AUC, and CL may be subject to inter- and intra-subject variation due to physiological and/or environment factors present in individual subjects during the administration of medicinal agents, such as oxybutynin, in various formulation and/or compositions. Therefore, individual and mean values may be subject to variability, however, the general trends and relationships are preserved and reproducible. Concentrations, amounts, solubilities, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a concentration range of 0.1 to 5 ng/ml should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited concentration limits of 0.1 ng/ml and 5 ng/ml, but also to include individual concentrations such as 0.2 ng/ml, 0.7 ng/ml, 1.0 ng/ml, 2.2 ng/ml, 3.6 ng/ml, 4.2 ng/ml, and sub-ranges such as 0.3-2.5 ng/ml, 1.8-3.2 ng/ml, 2.6-4.9 ng/ml, etc. This interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristic being described. B. The Invention As described above, the present invention provides compositions and methods for administering oxybutynin. These compositions and methods are shown to have minimized the incidence and/or severity of an adverse experience associated with oxybutynin administration, while providing sufficient oxybutynin to impart a therapeutic benefit. Without intending to be bound to any specific theory, it is believed that the minimization of adverse experiences is due in part to the reduction in plasma concentration of metabolites of oxybutynin such as N-desethyloxybutynin by the present compositions and methods when compared to conventional oral administration. The phrase “conventional oral administration” is meant to include the oral formulations as defined supra, and includes for example, an immediate-release or sustained-release oral tablet comprising oxybutynin. One such conventional oral formulation is available as a 5 mg immediate-release oral tablet. 1) The Pharmacokinetic Aspects Associated with Total Drug and Metabolite Plasma Concentrations The desired pharmacokinetic attributes such as reduced plasma concentrations of oxybutynin metabolites may be achieved by, inter alia: 1) reducing the amount of oxybutynin administered, 2) reducing the rate at which oxybutynin becomes available for metabolism by the body, and/or 3) avoiding or minimizing first-pass hepatic and/or intestinal metabolism of oxybutynin. Using a non-oral route of administration is one way to achieve one or more of these objectives. Alternatively, an oral dosage form could be designed to mimic a non-oral administration to achieve the plasma concentrations and other pharmacokinetic data described herein. A clinical study has been performed to demonstrate one embodiment of the present invention. A cross-over clinical study in 16 healthy volunteers was conducted to compare plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of oxybutynin and one of its metabolites, N-desethyloxybutynin, and their respective (R)- and (S)-enantiomeric components. Conventional oral dosage forms of oxybutynin, such as the 5 mg oxybutynin tablet used in the present study produce significantly higher plasma concentrations of oxybutynin metabolites such as N-desethyloxybutynin as compared to the parent drug (See FIG. 1). The mean AUC ratio of metabolite to oxybutynin concentration is about 10:1 in the majority of cases, and is generally greater than about 5:1. In contrast, when oxybutynin is administered in a non-oral, slow release composition, such as the transdermal composition embodiment of the present invention, the mean AUC ratio of the metabolite (N-desethyloxybutynin) to oxybutynin is much lower. Generally, the mean AUC ratio of oxybutynin metabolite (N-desethyloxybutynin) to oxybutynin is less than about 2:1. Further, in the majority of instances, the ratio is less than about 1.2:1, and often, the ratio is approximately 0.9:1. (See FIG. 3). Additionally, the mean N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentration is generally less than about 8 ng/ml, and in the majority of instances is less than about 5 ng/ml. Often the mean is less than about 3 ng/ml. 2) Pharmacokinetic Aspects of Isomers The present inventors have investigated further into the aspects described above and have discovered that the present formulations and methods provide significantly reduced levels of particular isomers of certain oxybutynin metabolites and that these reduced levels of metabolite isomers correlate to the minimized adverse drug experiences described above. It is generally known that oxybutynin exists as an (R)— or as an (S)— isomer or a combination thereof. Particularly, (R)-oxybutynin has been thought to be the more active of the two isomers, as indicated by animal pharmacological studies using isolated tissues. See for example, Kachur J F, Peterson J S, Carter J P, et al. J. Pharm Exper. Ther. 1988; 247:867-872; see also, Noronha-Blob L, Kachur J F. J. Pharm. Exper. Ther. 1990; 256:56-567. As such, (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin, being the more active constituent of the total amount of metabolite, may contribute more significantly to adverse drug experiences such as anticholinergic adverse effects than the less active (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,346, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Accordingly, plasma concentrations were measured for both (R)- and (S)-oxybutynin and the corresponding isomers of one of its metabolites, N-desethyloxybutynin during the clinical study mentioned above. The tests performed revealed that the present invention results in significantly lower (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations compared to conventional oral dosage forms and administration methods. FIG. 6 shows the plasma concentration profile from the conventional oxybutynin 5 mg oxybutynin oral tablet. As can be seen, (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin is present in the greatest concentration, and is several times the concentration of both (R)- and (S)-oxybutynin. The mean AUC ratio of the (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (R)-oxybutynin, the two most active isomers, following oral administration is about 17:1. In addition, the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin is about 1.5:1, and the mean AUC ratio of (R)-oxybutynin to (S)-oxybutynin is about 0.6:1. These ratios of AUC consistently show that orally administered oxybutynin results in a relatively low amount of therapeutically active (R)-oxybutynin given the large total dose of racemic oxybutynin. Further, the oral dose results in a relatively large amount of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin, the moiety most likely to be responsible for causing some or many of the adverse drug experiences. In contrast, FIG. 7 shows the (R)- and (S)-isomer plasma profiles of the present invention which were achieved during the clinical study by non-orally delivered oxybutynin. The mean AUC ratio of (R)-oxybutynin to (S)-oxybutynin is about 0.7:1, and the sustained plasma concentrations of (R)-oxybutynin are similar to the peak concentrations obtained following oral administration. This comparable exposure to the therapeutically active (R)-oxybutynin moiety is consistent with the invention. Thus, with transdermal administration, it has been discovered that: the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (R)-oxybutynin is lowered, resulting in greatly reduced amounts of the active metabolites of oxybutynin, while providing a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin. By comparing FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, it becomes clear that the present compositions and methods provide an optimal ratio of plasma concentrations of metabolites, such as (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin, to oxybutynin, such that these methods and compositions minimize adverse experiences associated with oxybutynin administration, as compared to traditional oral formulations, while maintaining therapeutically sufficient concentrations of (R)-oxybutynin to provide the benefits of oxybutynin therapy. As indicated above, these compositions and methods offer a significant advancement in oxybutynin therapy. 3) Therapeutic Aspects A clinical study on the efficacy and minimization of incidence and severity of adverse drug experiences associated with non-orally administered oxybutynin was conducted using 72 human subjects (patients) with overactive bladder. Approximately one-half of the patients were administered oxybutynin hydrochloride in an oral dosage formulation. The remaining patients were administered oxybutynin using a non-oral route of delivery such as a transdermal adhesive matrix patch over a period of about 6 weeks. The results are displayed graphically in FIGS. 4 and 5. The non-oral, sustained-release composition of this invention was compared for its therapeutic efficacy with the conventional 5 mg oral tablet of oxybutynin. The mean number of incontinent episodes experienced per day as derived from a multiple-day patient urinary diary was used as the desired therapeutic efficacy indicator. The data show that the number of incontinent episodes for those individuals treated by the non-oral method of the present invention is nearly identical to the number for those treated with the oral formulation. (See FIG. 4). Next, the non-oral sustained-release formulation of the present invention was compared to the conventional immediate-release oral tablet for the incidence and severity of adverse drug experiences. The adverse experience of dry mouth was selected as an indicator for this experiment. As can be seen, only 6% of the participants who received the conventional oral oxybutynin tablet reported no dry mouth effects. Conversely, 94% of these participants reported experiencing some dry mouth. In contrast, 62% of the participants who were treated with the transdermal adhesive matrix patch of the present invention reported no dry mouth effects. Therefore, only 38% of these participants reported experiencing some dry mouth, and none rated the dry mouth as intolerable. These data show that the adverse experiences associated with oxybutynin administration can be minimized significantly, while fully retaining the therapeutic efficacy of oxybutynin by administering oxybutynin such that an optimal ratio of AUC of oxybutynin metabolite to oxybutynin results. 4) Summary of Pharmacokinetic Aspects of the Invention From the above-described pharmacokinetic data, the following aspects of the invention can be presented. In one aspect, the mean peak plasma concentration of an oxybutynin metabolite is less than about 8 ng/ml. In another aspect, the mean peak plasma concentration of the metabolite is from about 0.5 ng/ml to about 8 ng/ml; in yet another aspect, the concentration is less than about 5 ng/ml; in yet another aspect, the concentration is from about 1.0 ng/ml to about 3 ng/ml. In some aspects, the metabolite of oxybutynin is N-desethyloxybutynin. In some aspects, the mean oxybutynin metabolite AUC is reduced to an amount which does not exceed the oxybutynin AUC by more than a ratio of about 2:1. In some aspects, the mean oxybutynin metabolite AUC is reduced to less than about 0.9:1 ng/ml. In some aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for administering oxybutynin to a subject such that the mean AUC ratio of oxybutynin to an oxybutynin metabolite is about 0.5:1 to about 5:1. In some aspects, the ratio is from about 0.5:1 to about 4:1; in some other aspects, the ratio is from about 1:1 to 5:1; in yet other aspects, the ratio is from about 0.8:1 to about 2.5:1; in yet some other aspects, the ratio is from about 0.8:1 to about 1.5:1. In all the above aspects, the metabolite may be N-desethyloxybutynin. Another way of characterizing the method of the present invention is by specifying particular plasma concentrations for oxybutynin and metabolite concentrations at certain time intervals following treatment initiation. Therefore, in one aspect, oxybutynin plasma concentrations are below about 2.0 ng/ml at about 6 hours after oxybutynin treatment initiation. In another aspect, the metabolite plasma concentrations are also below about 2.0 ng/ml at about 6 hours after treatment initiation. In yet another aspect, oxybutynin and its metabolite plasma concentrations are below about 8 ng/ml at about 24 hours after initial oxybutynin administration. Further, mean steady state oxybutynin and its metabolite plasma-concentrations are below about 8 ng/ml for the duration of oxybutynin treatment. In one aspect, the mean peak and mean AUC for (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin are about equal to or less than the mean peak, and mean AUC for (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin. In another aspect, the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin is about 0.9:1. In yet another aspect, the mean peak and mean AUC for (R)-oxybutynin are approximately equal to (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin. In another aspect, the ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin is about 1:1. In an additional aspect, (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin has a mean peak plasma concentration of less than about 4 ng/mL. In another aspect, (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin has a mean peak plasma concentration between about 0.25 to about 4 nm/ml, and about 1.5 ng/ml. In a one aspect, (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin has a mean AUC of about 100 ng×hr/ml. In another aspect, (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin has a mean AUC from about 30 ng x hr/ml to about 170 ng x hr/ml. In yet another aspect, the plasma concentration of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin is below about 1 ng/ml at about 6 hours after initiation of oxybutynin administration. In a further aspect, the plasma concentration of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin is below about 2 ng/ml at about 24 hours after initiation of oxybutynin administration. Therapeutic oxybutynin plasma concentrations vary based on the severity of incontinence. Generally, therapeutic results may be obtained from oxybutynin plasma concentrations as low as 0.5 ng/ml. Therapeutic blood levels may be achieved using the method of the present invention in as little as 3 hours after treatment initiation, with peak oxybutynin plasma concentrations being reached in about 24 hours. However, these general parameters are not limitations on the way in which the desired plasma levels may be achieved. Different delivery methods, rates, and amounts may be used to effect the desired plasma concentrations by employing a formulation which produces different parameters. 5) Composition Aspects Any pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and methods for administering such compositions may be used for achieving the desired aspects of this invention. For example, oral and non-oral compositions and methods of administration can be used. Non-oral compositions and methods of administration include parenteral, implantation, inhalation, and transdermal compositions and methods. Oral compositions and administrations can comprise of slow-release compositions that are designed to mimic the non-oral compositions and administrations that are specifically disclosed herein in terms of their pharmacokinetic attributes described above. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand how to formulate and administer such slow-release oral formulations. These formulations can take the form of a tablet, capsule, caplet, pellets, encapsulated pellets, etc., or a liquid formulation such as a solution or suspension. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,754, and WO 99/48494 which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Parenteral compositions and administrations may include intravenous, intra-arterial, intramuscular, intrathecal, subcutaneous, etc. These compositions can be prepared and administered to provide slow-release of oxybutynin to achieve the pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic benefits described above. One specific example of preparing a depot-formulation for parenteral use is provided herein. General methods for preparing sustained delivery of drugs for parenteral use comprising microspheres are known in the art. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,575,987, 5,759,583, 5,028,430, 4,959,217, and 4,652,441, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Implantation is a technique that is well-established to provide controlled release of drugs over a long period of time. Several subcutaneously implantable devices have been disclosed in the art. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,985,305, 5,972,369, and 5,922,342, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. By employing these general techniques, one of ordinary skill in the art can prepare and administer implantable oxybutynin compositions to achieve the pharmacokinetic and therapeutic benefits of this invention. Examples of oxybutynin transdermal administration formulations include but are not limited to: 1) topical formulations such as ointments, lotions, gels, pastes, mousses, aerosols, and skin creams; 2) transdermal patches such as adhesive matrix patches and liquid reservoir systems. Other non-oral examples include transmucosal tablets such as buccal, or sublingual tablets or lozenges, and suppositories. In addition to the desired amount of oxybutynin, transdermal oxybutynin formulations may also include a permeation enhancer, or mixture of permeation enhancers in order to increase the permeability of the skin to oxybutynin. An index of permeation enhancers is disclosed by David W. Osborne and Jill J. Henke, in their publication entitled Skin Penetration Enhancers Cited in the Technical Literature, published in “Pharmaceutical Technology” (June 1998), which may also be found at the worldwide web address known as: pharmtech.com/technical/osborne/osbome.htm, which is incorporated by reference herein. More particularly, permeation enhancers known to enhance the delivery of oxybutynin include but are not limited to: fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters of lactic acid or glycolic acid, glycerol tri-, di- and monoesters, triacetin, short chain alcohols, and mixtures thereof. Specific species or combinations of species may be selected from the above listed classes of compounds by one skilled in the art, in order to optimize enhancement of the particular oxybutynin composition employed. The transdermal formulation of the present invention may take the form of a non-occlusive topical formulation, such as a gel, ointment such as a lotion, cream or paste, or an occlusive device such as a transdermal patch. A transdermal patch in accordance with the present invention may either be an adhesive matrix patch, a liquid reservoir system type patch, a buccal tablet, or the like. Optional ingredients such as adhesives, excipients, backing films, etc, and the required amount of each will vary greatly depending upon the type of patch desired, and may be determined as needed by one ordinarily skilled in the art. Methods for preparing and administering the transdermal formulations with the above-described characteristics are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,762,953, and 5,152,997, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In one aspect of the present invention, a free form oxybutynin ointment may be prepared for topical administration in accordance with the discussion herein. An ointment is a semisolid pharmaceutical preparation based on a well known materials such as an oleaginous base, lanolin, emulsions, or water-soluble bases. Preparation of ointments is well known in the art such as described in Remington, supra, vol. 2, pp. 1585-1591. Such preparations often contain petrolatum or zinc oxide together with an active agent. Oleaginous ointment bases suitable for use in the present invention include generally, but are not limited to, vegetable oils, animal fats, and semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Absorbent ointment bases of the present invention may contain little or no water and may include components such as, but not limited to, hydroxystearin sulfate, anhydrous lanolin and hydrophilic petrolatum. Emulsion ointment bases of the present invention are either water-in-oil (W/o) emulsions or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, and may include, but are not limited to, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, lanolin, polyalkylsiloxanes, and stearic acid. Water-soluble ointment bases suitable for use in the present invention may be prepared from polyethylene glycols of varying molecular weight. In an additional aspect, ointments of the present invention may include additional components such as, but not limited to, additional active agents, excipients, solvents, emulsifiers, chelating agents, surfactants, emollients, permeation enhancers, preservatives, antioxidants, lubricants, pH adjusters, adjuvants, dyes, and perfumes. The specific choice and compositions of such additional components may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In another aspect of the present invention, a free form oxybutynin cream may be prepared in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Creams are a type of ointment which are viscous liquids or semisolid emulsions, either oil-in-water or water-in-oil, as is well known in the art. Cream bases may be soluble in water, and contain an oil phase, an emulsifier, an aqueous phase, and the active agent. In a detailed aspect of the present invention, the oil phase may be comprised of petrolatum and a fatty alcohol such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol. In another detailed aspect of the present invention, the aqueous phase may exceed the oil phase in volume, and may contain a humectant. In another detailed aspect of the present invention, the emulsifier in a cream formulation may be a nonionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactant. In a more detailed aspect of the present invention, the free form oxybutynin cream is an oil-in-water emulsion. The water phase of the oxybutynin cream may contain between about 20 and about 60% w/w of water, between about 1 and about 15% w/w of at least one emulsifier, up to about 50% w/w of an oil phase, and up to about 1% w/w of a preservative such as a paraben. The oil phase of the free form oxybutynin cream may contain up to about 40% w/w of a solvent, up to about 15% w/w of at least one emulsifier, up to about 40% w/w of an oil phase, and up to about 1% w/w of a preservative such as a paraben. In another aspect of the present invention, a free form oxybutynin lotion may be prepared in accordance with the principles of the present invention. A lotion is an ointment which may be a liquid or semi-liquid preparation in which solid particles, including the active agent, are present in a water or alcohol base. Lotions suitable for use in the present invention may be a suspension of solids or may be an oil-in-water emulsion. In another aspect of the present invention, lotions may also contain suspending agents which improve dispersions or other compounds which improve contact of the active agent with the skin, e.g., methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, or similar compounds. In an additional aspect, oxybutynin lotions of the present invention may include additional components such as, but not limited to, additional active agents, excipients, solvents, emulsifiers, chelating agents, surfactants, emollients, permeation enhancers, preservatives, antioxidants, lubricants, pH adjusters, adjuvants, dyes, and perfumes. The specific choice and compositions of such additional components may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the principles of the present invention and may differ from the components which would be chosen for other topical formulations of the present invention. In another more detailed aspect of the present invention, free form oxybutynin lotions may be an emulsion of a water and oil phase. The water phase of the oxybutynin lotion may contain between about 20% w/w and about 90% w/w of an excipient such as water, up to about 5% w/w of a surfactant, up to about 5% w/w of sodium chloride or the like, and up to about 1% w/w of a preservative such as a paraben. The oil phase of the oxybutynin lotion may contain up to about 40% w/w of at least one solvent such as glycerin and cetyl alcohol, up to about 10% w/w of an absorbent base such as petrolatum, up to about 5% w/w of an antioxidant such as isopropyl palmitate, up to about 5% w/w of an oil phase such as dimethicone, and up to about 1% w/w of a preservative such as a paraben. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a free form oxybutynin paste may be prepared in accordance with the present invention. Pastes of the present invention are ointments in which there are significant amounts of solids which form a semisolid formulation in which the active agent is suspended in a suitable base. In a detailed aspect of the present invention, pastes may be formed of bases to produce fatty pastes or made from a single-phase aqueous gel. Fatty pastes suitable for use in the present invention may be formed of a base such as petrolatum, hydrophilic petrolatum or the like. Pastes made from single-phase aqueous gels suitable for use in the present invention may incorporate cellulose based polymers such as carboxymethylcellulose or the like as a base. In an additional aspect, oxybutynin pastes of the present invention may include additional components such as, but not limited to, additional active agents, excipients, solvents, emulsifiers, chelating agents, surfactants, emollients, permeation enhancers, preservatives, antioxidants, lubricants, pH adjusters, adjuvants, dyes, and perfumes. In another aspect of the present invention, a free form oxybutynin gel may be prepared. An oxybutynin gel prepared in accordance with the present invention may be a preparation of a colloid in which a disperse phase has combined with a continuous phase to produce a viscous product. The gelling agent may form submicroscopic crystalline particle groups that retain the solvent in the interstices. As will be appreciated by those working in art, gels are semisolid, suspension-type systems. Single-phase gels can contain organic macromolecules distributed substantially uniformly throughout a carrier liquid, which may be aqueous or non-aqueous and may contain an alcohol or oil. In another aspect, the transdermal formulation of the present invention may be a topical gel containing oxybutynin for unoccluded administration to the skin. A variety of specific gel vehicles are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of specific gel types, their manufacture and use may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,909,462; 4,340,706; 4,652,441; 5,516,808; 5,643,584; 5,840,338; 5,912,009; and 6,258,830, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, in some aspects, the gel formulation may be prepared by providing a gelling agent, usually in a powdered form, and adding an excipient such as water in the case of a hydrophilic gelling agent or mineral oil in the case of a hydrophobic gelling agent. The gel then swells and may be optionally neutralized. In a separate vessel, oxybutynin may be dissolved in an appropriate solvent. The dissolved oxybutynin and the gel may then be mixed to form the final gel formulation. Other methods of producing a drug-containing gel will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Although gels used in reservoir devices may have similar components additional considerations may be important in designing a free form gel. For example, free form gels may offer a number of advantages, such as ease of administration, increased patient compliance, simple adjustment of dosage, decreased manufacturing costs, and reduced skin irritation. Moreover, certain excipients useful in effecting administration of oxybutynin may be included in a free form gel in greater amounts, than is possible in an occluded gel, such as in an LRS patch, due to performance factors such as skin irritation, etc. In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present invention, the free form gel may include a variety of additional components such as, but not limited to, additional active agents, excipients, solvents, emulsifiers, chelating agents, surfactants, emollients, permeation enhancers, preservatives, antioxidants, lubricants, pH adjusters, adjuvants, dyes, and perfumes. The additional components may be added to the dissolved oxybutynin either before or after combination with the gel. Further, in order to prepare a uniform gel, dispersing agents such as alcohol or glycerin can be added, or the gelling agent can be dispersed by trituration, mechanical mixing or stirring, or combinations thereof. It will be recognized, however, by those skilled in the art that other methods and means of incorporating the oxybutynin and other components into the gel may be employed consistent with the teachings of the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, the free form gel may be aqueous or non-aqueous based. In either case, the formulation should be designed to deliver the oxybutynin in accordance with the release rates and blood plasma concentrations recited herein. In one aspect of the present invention, aqueous gels may comprise water or water/ethanol and about 1-5 wt % of a gelling agent. In another aspect of the present invention, non-aqueous gels may be comprised of silicone fluid, such as colloidal silicon dioxide, or mineral oil. The suitability of a particular gel depends upon the compatibility of its constituents with both the oxybutynin and the permeation enhancer, if used, and any other components in the formulation. In accordance with the present invention, oxybutynin used in the free form gel may be provided as the oxybutynin free base, its acid addition salts such as oxybutynin HCl, their analogs and related compounds, isomers, polymorphs, prodrugs, optically pure (R) or (S) isomers, racemic mixture and combinations thereof. The oxybutynin may be provided in a micronized form or other powdered form. In one aspect of the present invention, the oxybutynin is present at about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % of the free form gel. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the oxybutynin may be present between about 5 and about 20 mg/gram. In accordance with the present invention, the gelling agent may be a compound of high molecular weight which acts as a thickening agent to produce a semisolid or suspension-type formulation. As mentioned above, gelling agents may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic and are generally polymers. Gels which incorporate hydrophilic polymers are referred to as hydrogels, as is understood by those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable gelling agents for use in the present invention may include synthetic polymers such as, but not limited to, polyacrylic acids or poly(1-carboxyethylene), carboxypolymethylenes prepared from acrylic acid cross-linked with allyl ethers of (polyalkyl) sucrose or pentaerythritol (e.g. CARBOPOL 940/941/980/981/1342/1382 and carbamer polymers such as carbomer 934P/974P), sodium acrylate polymers (e.g. AQUAKEEP J-550/J-400), other polycarboxylic acids, alkyl acrylate polymers (e.g. PEMULEN), and mixtures or copolymers thereof. In another aspect of the present invention, the gelling agent is a CARBOPOL. In one more detailed aspect of the present invention, the gelling agent is an alkyl acrylate polymer. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the gelling agent is a mixture of CARBOPOL and an alkyl acrylate polymer. In another aspect of the present invention, suitable gelling agents may include vinyl polymers such as but not limited to carboxyvinyl polymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl sulfonates, and mixtures or copolymers thereof. In a further aspect of the present invention, suitable gelling agents may include polymers such as but not limited to polyethylene compounds (e.g. polyethylene glycol, etc.), polysaccharides (e.g. polysucrose, polyglucose, polylactose, etc.) and salts thereof, acrylic acid esters, alkoxybutyninpolymers (e.g. polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers such as the PLURONIC line of BASF, Parsippany, N.J.), polyethylene oxide polymers, polyethers, gelatin succinate, colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate (which may be useful as a gel stabilizer in conjunction with another gelling agent), petroleum jelly and mixtures of copolymers thereof. Suitable gelling agents also include cellulose polymers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (e.g. KLUCEL), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (e.g. KLUCEL HF, METHOCEL), hydroxypropylethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylbutyl cellulose, hydroxypropylpentyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose (NATROSOL), ethylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate, and cellulose acetate. In one more detailed aspect of the present invention, the gelling agent is hydroxypropyl cellulose. In a more detailed aspect of the present invention, the gelling agent is hydroxyethyl cellulose. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the gelling agent is a mixture of hydroxyethyl cellulose and an alkyl acrylate polymer. In a further aspect of the present invention, the gelling agent is a mixture of hydroxypropyl cellulose and a CARBOPOL. In yet another more detailed aspect of the present invention, suitable gelling agents may be natural gelling agents include, dextran, gaur-gum, tragacanth, xanthan gum, sodium alginate, sodium pectinate, sodium alginate, acacia gum, Irish moss, karaya gum, guaiac gum, locust bean gum, etc., while natural high molecular weight compounds include, among others, various proteins such as casein, gelatin, collagen, albumin (e.g. human serum albumin), globulin, fibrin, etc. and various carbohydrates such as cellulose, dextrin, pectin, starches, agar, mannan, and the like. These substances may be also be chemically modified, e.g. esterified or etherified forms, hydrolyzed forms (e.g. sodium alginate, sodium pectinate, etc.) or salts thereof. The amount of gelling agent employed in a gel of the present invention may vary depending on the specific result to be achieved. However, in one aspect, the amount of gelling agent may be from about 0.05 to about 10 wt % of the gel formulation. In a more detailed aspect, the amount of gelling agent may be 0.1 to 5 wt % of the gel formulation prior to introduction of the dissolved oxybutynin and any accompanying components. In yet a more detailed aspect, the free form gel may contain about 0.1 to about 3 wt % of a gelling agent in the gel formulation. In another aspect of the present invention, solvents or solubilizing agents may also be used in the free form gel. Such solvents may be necessary when the drug is not soluble in the chosen gelling agent. Suitable solvents for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to lower alcohols, ethanol, isopropanol, benzyl alcohol, propanol, methanol, other C4-C10 mono-alcohols and mixtures thereof. In another aspect the solvents suitable for use in the present invention may include albumin, gelatin, citric acid, ethylenediamine sodium tetraacetate, dextrin, DMSO, dimethylformamide, 2-pyrrolidone, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) pyrrolidone, N-methyl pyrrolidone, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one and other n-substituted-alkyl-azacycloalkyl-2-ones (azones), sodium hydrosulfite and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the ethanol may be present from about 60% to about 85% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the ethanol may be present from about 65% to about 80% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the ethanol may be present from about 70% to about 85% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the ethanol may be present from about 70% to about 75% w/w of the formulation. In one aspect, the water may be present from about 1% to about 30% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the water may be present from about 5% to about 30% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the water may be present from about 5% to about 20% w/w of the formulation. In yet another aspect, the water may be present from about 10% to about 30% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the water may be present from about 10 to about 25% w/w of the formulation. In yet another aspect, the water may be present from about 10% to about 20% w/w of the formulation. In yet another aspect, the water may be present from about 15% to about 25% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the water may be present from about 20% to about 25% w/w of the formulation. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the specific amount and type of solvent selected may be determined based on a specific result to be achieved. However, in one aspect, the amount of solvent may be at least about 25% w/w of the formulation. In another aspect, the amount of solvent may be at least about 30% w/w of the formulation. In a further aspect, the amount of solvent may be at least about 40% w/w of the formulation. In an additional aspect, the amount of solvent may be at least about 70% w/w of the formulation. In yet a more detailed aspect of the present invention, excipients such as, but not limited to, water, mineral oils, or silicon fluids may also be added and are largely dependent on the chosen gelling agent. The excipient may comprise a substantial portion of the gel formulation, i.e. greater than about 50%. In one aspect of the present invention, the free form gel contains excipient in an amount from 0% to about 75% In yet another more detailed aspect of the present invention, an emulsifier may also be used particularly when solvent is used. Emulsifiers suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyols and esters thereof such as glycols, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycolhexylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, butanediol, polyethylene glycol monolaurate, and propylene glycol ester of alginic acid. Emulsification may be accomplished by conventional dispersion techniques. For example, intermittent shaking, mixing by means of a propeller mixer, turbine mixer or the like, colloid mill operation, mechanical homogenization, ultrasonication, or other known methods may be utilized. Emulsifiers may form stable oil-in-water emulsion, and such emulsifiers are exemplified by anionic surfactants (e.g. sodium oleate, sodium stearate, sodium laurylsulfate, etc.), nonionic surfactants (e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (Tween 80 and Tween 60, Atlas Powder, U.S.A.), polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives (HCO-60 and HCO-50, Nikko Chemicals, Japan], etc.), polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose, lecithin, gelatin, and combinations thereof. The concentration of the emulsifier may be selected from the range of about 0.01% to about 20%. It will be noted that many of these emulsifiers also act as gelling agents. In another aspect of the present invention, a chelating agent may be used to prevent precipitation or decomposition of the oxybutynin. Suitable chelating agents for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, sodium and calcium salts of EDTA, and edetate disodium. In yet a more detailed aspect of the present invention, surfactants may be desirable since the inclusion of a surfactant may have the dual benefit of helping to maintain the active ingredient in uniform suspension in the gel formulation, while enhancing the bio-availability of the oxybutynin. Further, many surfactants also act as permeation enhancers. Surfactants suitable for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, lecithin; sorbitan monoesters, such as sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate; polysorbates, such as those prepared from lauric, palmitic, stearic and oleic acids (polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 40); mononylphenyl ethers of polyethylene glycols, such as the monoxynols (e.g. octoxynol and nonoxynol); polyoxyethylene monoesters, such as polyoxeethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylene monoleate; dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate; sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laurylate, sodium laurate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monolaurate; and polyoximers having a molecular weight between 2,000 and 8,000, poloxamer (182, 184, 231, 407); and mixtures thereof. In another aspect of the present invention, additional suitable solvents for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, ethanol, glycerin, triethanolamine; ureas such as diazolidinyl urea; anionic, cationic, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants, including dialkyl sodium sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethylene glycerol, polyethylene glycol glyceryl stearate, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, propoxy-ethoxybutynincopolymer, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, glycol salicylate, crotamiton, ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, butoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, limonene, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride, and Tween (20, 40, 60, 80). In one aspect of the present invention, a non-ionic surfactant may be used if the stability of oxidizable ingredients in the free form gel is affected by the ionic strength of the formulation. In one aspect of the present invention, ethanol is used as the solvent. In another aspect of the present invention, glycerin is used as the solvent. In another aspect of the present invention, the solvent or surfactant may be present in an amount from about 30 wt % to about 100% of the free form gel. The surfactant or solvent may be present in an amount up to about 30% by weight of the free form gel. In another aspect of the present invention, the free form gel may contain up to about 10 wt % of a lipophilic or hydrophobic agent, which may serve as an emollient or anti-irritant, as an additional help in relieving irritation, if any, caused by the oxybutynin or other formulation components. Emollients suitable for use in the present invention may include lipophilic agents such as, but not limited to, fatty materials such as fatty alcohols of about 12 to 20 carbon atoms, fatty acid esters having about 12 to 20 carbon atoms in the fatty acid moiety, petrolatum, mineral oils, and plant oils such as soybean oil, sesame oil, almond oil, aloe vera gel, glycerol, and allantoin. In another aspect of the present invention glycerol is used as the emollient. In yet another detailed aspect of the present invention, other additives may be used in order to adjust the pH of the free form gel and thus reduce irritation and/or aid in obtaining proper gelling, pH additives may be required such as, but not limited to, organic amines (e.g. methylamine, ethylamine, di/trialkylamines, alkanolamines, dialkanolamines, triethanolamine), carbonic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid or phosphoric acid, sodium or potassium salts thereof, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide and mixtures thereof. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that in some embodiments, the specific pH of the formulation may enhance the permeation of oxybutynin through the skin as compared to another pH. As a result, in one aspect of the present invention, the oxybutynin gel formulation may have a pH that enhances oxybutynin penetration through the skin as compared to the penetration obtained at a different pH. In some aspects, the pH that aids in penetration enhancement may be a pH which is higher than a pH that does not aid in penetration enhancement. In some aspects, the pH may be a basic pH. In other aspects, the pH may be a near neutral pH. In an additional aspect, the pH may be a pH substantially equivalent to the inherent pH of the specific type of oxybutynin used. In another aspect, the specific pH may provide a permeation enhancement that is at least about 20% greater than the enhancement obtained at a different pH. Examples of specific formulations and pH therefore that enhance oxybutynin permeation are contained below. In yet another detailed aspect of the present invention, permeation enhancers may also be added to increase the rate of permeation of the active agent, such as oxybutynin, across the epidermal layer. Useful permeation enhancers allow desired drug delivery rates to be achieved over a reasonably sized skin area, are non-toxic, cause minimal irritation, and are non-sensitizing. Although some of the solvents mentioned above also act as permation enhancers other enhancers suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, triacetin, monoglycerides, glycerol monooleate, glycerol monolaurate, glycerol monolineoleate, glycerol dioleate, glycerol trioleate; fatty acid esters such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl adipate, methylpropionate and ethyl oleate; thioglycerol, calcium thioglycolate, lauric acid, myristic acid, strearic acid, oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, valeric acid, isopropanol, isobutanol, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect of the present invention, the enhancer is a monoglyceride. In another aspect of the present invention the enhancer is triacetin. Additional enhancers suitable for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-dodecyl pyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, lauryl alcohol, sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and decylmethylsulfoxide; ethers such as diethylene glycol monoethyl ether and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether; 1-substituted azacycloheptan-2-ones, particularly 1-n-dodecylcyclazacycloheptan-2-one (see for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,989,816, 4,316,893, 4,405,616 and 4,557,934, each of which is incorporated herein by reference); alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, octanol, benzyl alcohol, and the like; amides and other nitrogenous compounds such as urea, dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, 2-pyrrolidone, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine; terpenes; alkanones; organic acids, such as salicylic acid and salicylates, citric acid and succinic acid; certain peptides, e.g., peptides having Pro-Leu at the N-terminus and followed by a protective group (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,496 which is incorporated herein by reference); and mixtures thereof. In another aspect, the free form gels of the present invention may further contain about 0.05 to 2 weight % of a preservative, anti-microbial or anti-bacterial agent which prevents bacterial or microbial growth in the gel formulation. Preservatives suitable for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, sorbitol, p-oxybenzoic acid esters (e.g. methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, etc.), benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, betahydroxytoluene, and thimerosal. However, other conventional preservatives commonly used in pharmaceutical compositions will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art. In one aspect of the present invention, the preservative is a paraben. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the free form gels may include an antioxidant. Suitable antioxidants for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, dl-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, d-alpha-tocopherol acid succinate, dl-alpha-tocopherol acid succinate, dl-alpha-tocopherol palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylatedhydroxyquinone, ethyl gallate, propyl gallate, octyl gallate, lauryl gallate, cephalm, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl oleate, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, hydroxycomarin, propylhydroxybenzoate, trihydroxybutylrophenone, dimethylphenol, diterlbulylphenol, vitamin E, lecithin and ethanolamine for example. In one aspect of the present invention, the antioxidant contains a tocopherol group. Other suitable antioxidants for oxybutynin will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art. In still another aspect of the present invention, lubricants may be added to the free form gels of the present invention. Typical lubricants include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium oleate, magnesium palmitate, calcium palmitate, sodium suberate, potassium laurate, corn starch, potato starch, bentonite, citrus pulp, stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. In another aspect of the present invention, the topical formulations described herein may also be prepared with liposomes, micelles, or microspheres. Liposomes are microscopic vesicles having a lipid wall comprising a lipid bilayer. Liposomal preparations for use in the present invention include cationic, anionic and neutral preparations. Cationic liposomes suitable for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, N[1-2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-triethylammonium (LIPOFECTIN). Similarly, anionic and neutral liposomes may be used such as phosphatidyl choline, cholesterol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, dioleoylphosphatidyl choline, dioleoylphosphatidyl glycerol, and dioleoylphoshatidyl ethanolamine. Methods for making liposomes using these and other materials are well known in the art. In another detailed aspect of the present invention, micelles may be prepared to deliver oxybutynin in accordance with the method of the present invention. Micelles suitable for use in the present invention, are comprised of surfactant molecules arranged such that the polar ends form an outer spherical shell, while the hydrophobic, hydrocarbon chain ends are oriented towards the center of the sphere, forming a core. Surfactants useful for forming micelles for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, potassium laurate, sodium octane sulfonate, sodium decane sulfonate, sodium dodecane sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, docusate sodium, decyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride, dodecylammonium chloride, polyoxyl 8 dodecyl ether, polyoxyl 12 dodecyl ether, nonoxynol 10 and nonoxynol 30. Other methods for the preparation of micelles is known to those skilled in the art. In yet another aspect of the present invention, microspheres may also be incorporated into the present invention and encapsulate the oxybutynin and/or other components. Microspheres may be formed from lipids, such as phospholipids and preparation of microspheres generally is well known in the art. Finally, in another aspect of the present invention, the vehicles and formulations of the present invention may optionally contain minor amounts of such other commonly used cosmetic adjuvants or other additives such as dyes, perfumes, pacifiers, sunscreens, etc., as will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art. In addition, it is also contemplated that the free form gels of the present invention may also contain other components such as vitamins, lipids, hormones, additional active agents, or anti-inflammatory agents, such as corticosteroids. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each specific type of formulation may affect the rate of delivery and present additional variables in designing the composition of such a formulation. The addition of various components may also effect the drug delivery properties of the final topical formulation. Each component of the delivery system may have independent effects or effects which occur in combination with another component and may vary depending on the particular topical formulation used. Several of the various components listed may serve more than one purpose. Thus, although listed in one category, certain compounds may have recognized beneficial properties characteristic of another category. The above categorization is provided merely to add organization and is not meant to be a definitive classification of the compounds listed. However, these general parameters are not limitations on the way in which the desired plasma levels may be achieved. Different delivery methods, rates, and amounts may be used to affect the desired plasma levels by employing a formulation which produces different parameters. EXAMPLES The following examples of non-oral delivery formulations having a variety of oxybutynin containing compositions are provided to promote a more clear understanding of the possible combinations of the present invention, and are in no way meant as a limitation thereon. Materials used in the present invention were obtained from specific sources which are provided as follows. Where the materials are available from a variety of commercial sources, no specific source has been provided. Oxybutynin free base was obtained from Ceres Chemical Co. Inc., White Plains, N.Y. (USA). The enantiomers of oxybutynin and namely, the (R)- and (S)-isomers were obtained from Sepracor. Sepracor, Marlborough, Mass. (USA). Example 1 Preparation of Oxybutynin Adhesive Matrix Patch The non-oral oxybutynin delivery devices used in the clinical study referred to above were 13 and/or 39 cm2 transdermal adhesive matrix patches. A general method of preparing transdermal adhesive matrix patches is described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,227,169, and 5,212,199, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Following this general method, the oxybutynin patches of this invention were prepared as follows: Oxybutynin free base, triacetin (Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, N.Y.) and 87-2888 acrylic copolymer adhesives (National Starch and Chemical Co., Bridgewater, N.J.) were mixed into a homogenous solution and coated at 6 mg/cm2 (dried weight) onto a silicone treated polyester release liner (Rexham Release, Chicago, Ill.) using a two zone coating/drying/laminating oven (Kraemer Koating, Lakewood, N.J.) to provide a final oxybutynin adhesive matrix containing 15.4%, 9.0%, and 75.6% by weight oxybutynin, triacetin and acrylic copolymer adhesive, respectively. A fifty micron thick polyethylene backing film (3M, St. Paul, Minn.) was subsequently laminated onto the dried adhesive surface of the oxybutynin containing adhesive matrix and the final laminate structure was die cut to provide patches ranging in size from 13 cm2 to 39 cm2 patches. Example 2 Preparation of Oxybutynin Biodegradable Microsphere Depot Injection Biodegradable microspheres for effecting a sustained-release depot injection may be used to deliver oxybutynin in accordance with the method of the present invention. Microspheres were prepared by the following method: 12,000 molecular weight poly-d,l lactic acid (“PLA”, Birmingham Polymers, Birmingham, Ala.) was dissolved into methylene chloride at a final concentration of 20% by weight. Oxybutynin free base was dissolved into the PLA solution at 4% by weight in the final solution. A water-jacketed reaction vessel (temperature controlled at 5 degrees Celsius) equipped with a true-bore stirrer fitted with a Teflon turbine impeller was charged with a de-ionized water containing 0.1% Tween 80. The oxybutynin/PLA/methylene chloride solution was added drop wise into the reaction vessel and stirred to dispense the organic polymer phase within the aqueous solution as fine particles. The resultant suspension was filtered and washed once with de-ionized water and finally dried on a roto-evaporator to removed methylene chloride. The resultant microspheres can be injected either intramuscularly or subcutaneously to provide a prolonged systemic release of oxybutynin. Example 3 Preparation of Topical Oxybutynin Formulation Topically applied oxybutynin containing gel may be used to deliver oxybutynin in accordance with the method of the present invention. A general method of preparing a topical gel is known in the art. Following this general method, a topical gel comprising oxybutynin was prepared as follows: 95% ethanol (USP) was diluted with water (USP), glycerin (USP), and glycerol monooleate (Eastman Chemical, Kingsport N.Y.) to provide a final solution at ethanol/water/glycerin/glycerol monooleate percent ratios of 35/59/5/1, respectively. Oxybutynin free base was then dissolved into the above solution to a concentration of 10 mg/gram. The resultant solution was then gelled with 1% hydroxypropyl cellulose (Aqualon, Wilmington, Del.) to provide a final oxybutynin gel. One to two grams of the above gel is applied topically to approximately 200 cm2 surface area on the chest, torso, and or arms to provide topical administration of oxybutynin. Example 4 Clinical Study to the Determine the Pharmacokinetics of Oxybutynin, N-desethyloxybutynin, and their Respective (R) and (S) Isomers following Oral administration of Racemic Oxybutynin in Comparison to Transdermally administered Racemic Oxybutynin A clinical study in 16 healthy volunteers compared, in a cross-over fashion, the comparative plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of oxybutynin, N-desethyloxybutynin, and their respective (R)- and (S)-enantiomeric components. Healthy volunteers were recruited from the local population and included men and women ranging in age from 19 to 45 years. Following a pre-study examination to confirm a healthy condition in all volunteers, each subject participated in 2 study periods during which the test medications, either a transdermal oxybutynin system applied for 4 days or a single 5 mg oral immediate-release dose of oxybutynin, were administered. Blood samples were collected periodically throughout the study periods. Plasma was harvested from the samples according to a standard method. The quantities of (R) and (S) oxybutynin and (R) and (S)N-desethyloxybutynin were measured in the plasma samples through the application of a validated mass spectrometric method coupled with liquid chromatographic separation of the individual constituents. A Perkin Elmer high performance liquid chromatographic pump was used in conjunction with a Chrom Tech AGP 150.2 chromatographic column. The mass spectrometry instrument was an API 300 operated in MRM scan mode with electrospray ionization. A linear response of the quantitation of the analytes was confirmed with standard solutions and the performance of the assay was controlled using quality control samples analyzed in conjunction with the study samples. The range of linearity was 0.5 to 75 ng/ml with linear correlation coefficients greater than 0.99 for all analytes. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 show graphical displays of these data. In FIG. 1, oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations are shown following administration of the 5 mg immediate-release oral dosage oxybutynin hydrochloride tablets, Ditropan® Alza Corporation. These tablets were obtained commercially and can be obtained from various generic manufacturers. Plasma concentration is indicated on the vertical axis, and time is indicated on the horizontal axis. As can be seen, the plasma concentrations of N-desethyloxybutynin are significantly greater than oxybutynin plasma concentrations. The mean AUC ratio for N-desethyloxybutynin to oxybutynin is about 10:1. FIG. 3 illustrates the plasma concentration profiles for oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin during and following application of the transdermal system. As can be seen, the N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations for the adhesive matrix patch embodiment, fall well within the parameters prescribed by the present invention. The mean AUC ratio for N-desethyloxybutynin to oxybutynin is about 0.9:1 and the mean plasma concentrations for N-desethyloxybutynin are less than about 2.5 ng/ml. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the plasma concentrations of the individual isomers of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin as measured during the clinical trial described above. As can be seen in FIG. 6, oral administration of oxybutynin leads to relatively high concentrations of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin. This active metabolite moiety is present in the greatest concentration, and is several times the concentration of both (R) and (S) oxybutynin. The mean ratio of AUC of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (R)-oxybutynin is about 17:1 and the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin is about 1.5:1. Following application of the transdermal oxybutynin system, the mean AUC ratio of the active moieties, (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (R)-oxybutynin, is about 1:1, substantially lower than following oral administration. Additionally, the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin is about 0.9:1, consistent with substantially lower metabolic first pass conversion of the active (R)-oxybutynin to (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin. The mean AUC ratio of (R)- to (S)-oxybutynin is about 0.7:1, similar to that present following oral administration. The lower overall amount of oxybutynin delivered during transdermal delivery of oxybutynin was estimated based on the residual amount of oxybutynin remaining in the transdermal system after the 4-day application period subtracted from the amount determined in unused transdermal systems. The mean amount delivered over 4 days was about 12 mg or an average of about 3 mg/day. The oral dose of oxybutynin administered in the study was 5 mg, a dose that may be administered every 12 hours, or two times daily, during therapeutic use of the product. This allows a comparison of a dose of about 5 mg every 12 hours for oral treatment compared to about 1.5 mg every 12 hours for transdermal treatment. In summary, the pharmacokinetics of transdermal, non-oral, oxybutynin administration illustrate the aspects of the invention with regard to a sustained, slower rate of administration of oxybutynin and a lower dose or overall amount of oxybutynin administered. Example 5 Comparative Analysis of Therapeutic Efficacy and Incidence and Severity of Anticholinergic Side Effects, Primarily Dry Mouth of Conventional Oral Tablet Formulation and Transdermal Formulation of the Present Invention A clinical study of the efficacy and incidence of side effects was conducted in 72 patients with overactive bladder. These patients were recruited by independent clinical investigators located in various regions of the U.S.A. Approximately half of the patients were administered oxybutynin hydrochloride in an immediate-release oral dosage formulation. The remaining patients were administered oxybutynin using in each case one or more 13 cm2 oxybutynin containing transdermal adhesive matrix patches. In each of these treatment groups, the medications were blinded by the concomitant administration of matching placebo forms of the treatments. In the case of active oral treatment, the patients applied placebo transdermal systems that contained all ingredients of the active transdermal system with the exception of the active drug oxybutynin. In like fashion, the active transdermal treatment group received matching oral formulations without the active oxybutynin constituent. In this study, the patients included both men and women, with the majority being women with an average age of 63-64 years. All patients had a history of urinary incontinence associated with overactive bladder and demonstrated a mean of at least 3 incontinent episodes per day during a washout period during which no medical therapy for incontinence was used. Therapeutic efficacy was based on the mean number of incontinent episodes experienced per day as derived from a multiple-day patient urinary diary. The data are displayed graphically in FIG. 4. As can be seen, the number of incontinent episodes for those individuals treated by the non-oral method of the present invention is nearly identical to the number for those treated with the oral formulation. This indicates clearly that the present methods and compositions provide for a therapeutically effective treatment for urinary incontinence and overactive bladder that is comparable to the conventional oral formulation, such as a 5 mg oral oxybutynin tablet. Incidence and/or severity of adverse drug experience was also compared between the conventional oral tablet formulation of oxybutynin administered as above and the transdermal formulation. Anticholinergic adverse experience, such as the incidence and severity of dry mouth, was used as an indicator of the adverse experience that can be associated with the administration of either formulation and represents an anticholinergic side effect. The clinical study participants were asked to report this experience according to a standardized questionnaire. The data derived from the questionnaire are displayed graphically in FIG. 5. The percentage of participants reporting dry mouth is indicated on the vertical axis, and the severity of the dry mouth is indicated on the horizontal axis. As can be seen, only 6% of the participants who received the oral form reported no dry mouth effects. Conversely, 94% of these participants reported experiencing some dry mouth. By contrast, 62% of the participants who were treated with the 13 cm2 transdermal adhesive matrix patches reported no dry mouth effects. Therefore, only 38% of these participants reported experiencing some dry mouth. Therefore, the clinical data shows that matrix patch embodiment of the method of the present invention, provides a treatment for overactive bladder which achieves nearly identical therapeutic effectiveness as an oral form, while significantly minimizing the incidence and or severity of adverse experiences associated with oxybutynin administration. FIG. 7 shows that the (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin concentrations are lower than the (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin concentrations, and further, the concentrations of (R)-oxybutynin increase slowly and are maintained at an approximately constant level throughout the patch application time period. The reduced plasma concentrations of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin appears to have contributed to the minimization of the incidence and severity of adverse drug experiences such as dry mouth, while the plasma concentrations of (R)-oxybutynin retain the therapeutic effectiveness of the treatment, as shown by FIGS. 4 and 5. Example 6 Preparation of Free Form Oxybutynin Gel A topically applied oxybutynin containing gel may be used to deliver oxybutynin in accordance with the method of the present invention. The gel of the present invention, and those described in Examples 9 through 11, were made by weighing glycerin (or other humectants and emollients) into a 6 oz jar, then pre-weighed water was added, followed by pre-weighed 2N sodium hydroxide (for oxybutynin chloride gel) or 2N hydrochloride (for oxybutynin free base gel). The sodium hydroxide or sodium hydrochloride may be present at from 0 wt % to about 5 wt % of the total free form gel. Pre-weighed ethanol was added into a 6 oz jar. The active ingredient (either oxybutynin free base or oxybutynin chloride) was weighed into a weighing dish on an analytical balance then transferred into the 6 oz jar. After being tightly capped, the jar was hand shaken until both the active ingredient and glycerin completely dissolved. Next, pre-weighed gelling agent was transferred into the jar (agglomeration of the gelling agent can be avoided by slow dispersion of the gelling agent particles into the jar). The actual weights of each ingredient was determined by the difference in the transfer container weight. The jar was capped, wrapped with parafilm and put on a wrist shaker overnight to completely dissolve the gelling agent. Example 7 Experimental Methods and In Vitro Flux Study for Free Form Oxybutynin Gel In vitro skin flux studies of Examples 9 through 11 were conducted using full-thickness skin samples (approximately 500 μm) obtained from skin banks. The full-thickness skin samples were stored at −5° C. until experiments were conducted. The gender, age, sex and anatomical site information for each donor was recorded when available. The method used to apply a thin film of gel to the surface of the skin was adapted from Chia-Ming Chiang et al., Bioavailability assessment of topical delivery systems: in vitro delivery of minoxidil from prototypical semi-solid formulations, IJP, 49:109-114, 1989, which is incorporated herein by reference. The stratum corneum side of a piece of skin was attached to one side of an adhesive-coated metal shim having a circular hole of 0.64 cm2 cut in the center. The shim-membrane assembly was placed on top of a flat glass surface, and approximately 15 μL of a formulation was dispensed into the central cavity. With a microscope slide, the gel was spread across the surface of the skin, loading a dose of approximately 7 μL over the 0.64 cm2 diffusional surface area. The applied dose was approximately 11 μL of gel per cm2 diffusional surface area, which is typical for topical applications. The gel-loaded shim-membrane assembly was clamped between the donor and receiver compartments of a modified Franz diffusion cell with the dermal side facing the receiver solution. The receiver compartment was filled with 0.02% (w/v) NaN3 to maintain sink conditions on the receiver side throughout the duration of the experiment. The donor compartment was unoccluded and open to the atmosphere. Cells were placed in a water bath heated with circulating water and calibrated to maintain the skin surface temperature at (32±1)° C. At predetermined time points, the entire contents of the receiver compartment was collected for quantifying the amount of drug, and the receiver compartment refilled with fresh receptor medium, taking care to eliminate any air bubbles at the skin/solution interface. Each of the samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cumulative amount of drug permeated per unit area at any time t (Qt, μg/cm2) was determined over a 24-hr period as follows: Qt = ∑ n = 0 t C n V A where, Cn is the concentration (μg/mL) of the drug in the receiver sample at the corresponding sample time, V is the volume of fluid in the receiver chamber, and A is the diffusional area of the cell (0.64 cm2). For the studies of Examples 8 through 10, typically four replicates were obtained per skin per system. A comparison of the means of the values obtained for a given system from each skin indicated differences in permeation due to differences in skin. Example 8 Topical Oxybutynin Free Base Gel Example 8.1 TABLE 1 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss Et/E/G/D (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b 84.5/10/1.5/4 29.20 ± 20.24 1.22 ± 0.84 80.5/10/1.5/8 44.92 ± 18.12 1.87 ± 0.76 aEt = ethanol; E = enhancer = triacetin; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; D = drug = oxybutynin free base bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) These results show that an increase in permeation rate may be achieved by increasing the concentration of oxybutynin in the formulation. Thus, in one aspect of the invention, a method of increasing the oxybutynin flux rate by increasing the concentration of oxybutynin in the formulation is provided. Example 8.2 TABLE 2 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss Et/W/G/D (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b 94.5/0/1.5/4.0 14.04 ± 9.47 0.56 ± 0.39 74.5/20/1.5/4.0 19.11 ± 17.40 0.80 ± 0.73 aEt = ethanol; W = water; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; D = drug = oxybutynin free base bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) These results show that acceptable flux rates can be achieved using both aqueous and non-aqueous gel formulations. The results further show that flux rates may be increased by using an aqueous formulation. Thus, a method is provided for increasing the flux rate of an oxybutynin by increasing the water concentration contained in an oxybutynin gel formulation. In one aspect, the amount of water can be increased by about 1% w/w to about 30% w/w. In another aspect, the amount of water can be increased by about 5% w/w to about 25% w/w. In yet another aspect, the amount of water can be increased by about 10% w/w to about 20% w/w. In one detailed aspect, the oxybutynin in the formulation maybe an oxybutynin free base. Example 8.3 TABLE 3 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss Enhancer Et/E/G/D (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b None 94.5/0/1.5/4.0 10.02 ± 5.38 0.42 ± 0.22 Triacetin 84.5/10.0/1.5/4.0 14.73 ± 6.70 0.61 ± 0.28 aEt = ethanol; E = enhancer; W = water; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; D = drug = oxybutynin free base bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) Example 8.4 TABLE 4 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss pH of gel Et/W/G/D (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b 6.0 74.5/20.0/1.5/4.0 15.90 ± 4.16 0.66 ± 0.17 9.8 74.5/20.0/1.5/4.0 20.71 ± 3.42 0.86 ± 0.14 aEt = ethanol; W = water; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; D = drug = oxybutynin free base bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) Thus, a method is provided for increasing oxybutynin flux rate by increasing the pH of the formulation. In one aspect, the formulation is a gel formulation and the pH is increased from about 4 to about 11. In another aspect, the pH is increased from about 5 to about 11. In yet another aspect, the pH is increased from about 6 to about 11. In another aspect, the pH is increased from about 4 to about 10. In yet another aspect, the pH is increased from about 5 to about 10. In another aspect, the pH is increased from about 6 to about 10. In yet another aspect, the pH is increased from about 6 yo about 9. In one aspect, the pH of the gel formulation is about 6. In yet another aspect, the pH of the gel formulation is about 9. It should be understood that the oxybutynin is present in either as its free base form, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt (e.g., HCl) or a mixture thereof. In another aspect, the oxybutynin may be present as its R- or its S-isomer or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a mixture thereof. Moreover, the formulation may be prepared with or without a permeation enhancer. Thus, in one aspect, a method of increasing the oxybutynin flux rate from a topical formulation of oxybutynin by increasing the pH of the formulation which is substantially free of a permeation enhancer. In another aspect, a method of increasing the oxybutynin flux rate from a topical formulation of oxybutynin by increasing the pH of the formulation which may include a permeation enhancer. When the formulation comprises a permeation enhancer, the formulation may provide an increased flux rate compared to a formulation that comprises an increased pH but substantially free of an enhancer. In some aspects, the flux rate may be increased by at least two-fold. In some other aspects, the flux rates may be increased by 2-3 times, or even higher. In yet some other aspects, the flux rate may be increased by 5-10 fold. It should also be understood that the increased flux rates due to increased pH could be achieved with other topical formulations, such as creams, ointments, lotions, foams, sprays, and transdermal patches, and not necessarily limited to the gel formulations. Example 8.5 TABLE 5 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss Et/W/Gl/G/D (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b 74.0/20.0/0/2.0/4.0 13.26 ± 10.89 0.55 ± 0.45 74.0/19.0/1.0/2.0/4.0 11.68 ± 10.63 0.49 ± 0.44 aEt = ethanol; W = water; Gl = glycerin; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; D = drug = oxybutynin free base bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) These results show that the incorporation of glycerin into the gel has no measurable impact on the skin permeation of oxybutynin. Therefore, glycerin can be used in a topical oxybutynin gel formulation in order to reduce skin irritation, or for other reasons as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Example 9 Oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin Plasma Concentrations after a Single Application of a 4.4% Oxybutynin Topical Gel Formulation to the Abdomen of Healthy Subjects A clinical study in 22 healthy volunteers, 19 to 45 years of age, evaluated plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and the N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite after a single topical application of oxybutynin gel. The study employed a single dose design to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and skin tolerability of a gel formulation for oxybutynin hydrochloride. Volunteers received a single topical administration of 3 g of 4.4% oxybutynin gel to a 400 cm2 area of unbroken skin on the abdomen. Blood samples were periodically collected throughout the study period and plasma was harvested according to standard procedures. Plasma oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite concentrations were estimated using a high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method performed according to established guidelines. FIG. 8 shows oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations during the study period. Plasma concentration is indicated on the vertical axis, and time is indicated on the horizontal axis. After application of the oxybutynin gel, measurable levels of oxybutynin were detectable in plasma at the first sampling point (2 hours) following dosing. Mean plasma oxybutynin levels increased steadily during the following 24 hours to a maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 2.17 ng/mL. Thereafter plasma drug concentrations decreased with an elimination half-life of approximately 18.45 hours. A second peak approximately 48 hours after dosing was also apparent. Measurable levels of N-desethyloxybutynin were detectable in plasma at the first sampling point (2 hours) following dosing. Mean plasma N-desethyloxybutynin levels increased steadily during the following 28 hours to a Cmax of 2.20 ng/mL. Thereafter plasma concentrations decreased with an elimination half-life of approximately 26.81 hours. Again, a second peak approximately 48 hours after dosing was also apparent. The mean AUC ratio for oxybutynin:N-desethyloxybutynin was about 0.98:1. Example 10 Oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin Plasma Concentrations after a Single Application of a 13.2% Oxybutynin Topical Gel Formulation to the Abdomen of Healthy Subjects A clinical study in 22 healthy volunteers, 19 to 45 years of age, evaluated plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and the N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite after a single topical application of oxybutynin gel. The study employed a single dose design to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and skin tolerability of a gel formulation for oxybutynin hydrochloride. Volunteers received a single topical administration of Ig of 13.2% oxybutynin gel to a 133 cm2 area of unbroken skin on the abdomen. Blood samples were periodically collected throughout the study period and plasma was harvested according to standard procedures. Plasma oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite concentrations were estimated using a high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method performed according to established guidelines. FIG. 9 shows oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations during the study period. Plasma concentration is indicated on the vertical axis, and time is indicated on the horizontal axis. After application of the 13.2% gel, measurable levels of oxybutynin were detectable in plasma at the first sampling point (2 hours) following dosing. Mean plasma oxybutynin levels increased steadily during the following 26 hours to a Cmax of 1.17 ng/mL. Thereafter plasma drug concentrations decreased with an elimination half-life of 17.71 hours. As observed with the 4.4% gel formulation in Example 9, a second peak approximately 48 hours after dosing was also apparent. Measurable levels of N-desethyloxybutynin were detectable in plasma at the first sampling point (2 hours) following dosing. Mean plasma N-desethyloxybutynin levels increased steadily during the following 28 hours to a Cmax of 1.12 ng/mL. Thereafter plasma concentrations decreased with an elimination half-life of 19.53 hours. Again, a second peak approximately 48 hours after dosing was apparent. The mean AUC ratio for oxybutynin:N-desethyloxybutynin was about 1:0.99. Example 11 Oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin Plasma Concentrations after Single and Repeated Application of an Oxybutynin Topical Gel Formulation to the Abdomen of Healthy Subjects A clinical study in 12 healthy volunteers, 19 to 41 years of age, evaluated plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and the N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite after single and repeated topical applications of oxybutynin gel. The study employed a single-period, open-label, multiple dose design to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and skin tolerability of a gel formulation for oxybutynin hydrochloride. Volunteers received topical administrations of 3 g of 4.4% oxybutynin gel on 3 consecutive mornings. Each volunteer received the oxybutynin gel administrations on a defined area of unbroken skin on the abdomen. Blood samples were periodically collected throughout the study period and plasma was harvested according to standard procedures. Plasma oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite concentrations were estimated using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method performed according to established guidelines. FIG. 10 shows oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations for the duration of the study period. Plasma concentration is indicated on the vertical axis, and time is indicated on the horizontal axis. After the initial gel application, low levels of oxybutynin appeared in plasma within one hour following dosing. Mean plasma oxybutynin levels increased steadily during the following 24 hours to a mean±SD concentration of 4.02±2.19 ng/mL at the 24 hour post-dose timepoint. Drug levels measured 24 hours after the second application (4.47±2.38 ng/mL) were similar to the initial 24 hour post-dosing levels, but considerably higher at the 24 hour post-dose timepoint following the third application (5.86±3.17 ng/mL). Cmax occurred 24 hours following gel application in both assessment periods and was 6.05±3.21 ng/mL following the third application. A complete characterization of the dosing interval following the third application showed a drop in oxybutynin concentration for the first 12 hours following gel application and then rising again to maximum levels at the 24 hour timepoint. Plasma oxybutynin decreased steadily for 36 hours following the 24 hour timepoint but did not reach baseline during the sampling period. This elimination was consistent with an apparent half-life of approximately 18 hours, presumably due to a skin depot effect. N-desethyloxybutynin kinetics followed a similar pattern as oxybutynin throughout the study period. However, there appears to be a potential diurnal or possibly postural variation in the relationship between N-desethyloxybutynin and the parent compound. Initially, N-desethyloxybutynin levels were consistently higher than those of the parent compound following gel application through the 12 hour time point from both applications 1 and 3. However, at subsequent time points during the next 12 hours in both evaluation periods, oxybutynin levels exceeded N-desethyloxybutynin levels. Thereafter, at each evaluation during the elimination phase, N-desethyloxybutynin levels were higher than oxybutynin. The mean AUC ratio for oxybutynin:N-desethyloxybutynin was 1:0.98. Example 12 An Evaluation of the Single and Multiple Dose Pharmacokinetics of Oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following Administration of Oxybutynin Gel in Healthy Volunteers A clinical study in 20 healthy volunteers, 20 to 44 years of age, evaluated the single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin following topical oxybutynin gel administration. The study employed a two-period multiple dose study. In the first treatment period, volunteers received a topical administration of 3 g of 4.4% oxybutynin gel followed by a 72 hour evaluation period. The second treatment period, oxybutynin gel was administered topically to the volunteers on 7 consecutive mornings. The two treatment periods were separated by a 7-day washout period. Blood samples were periodically collected throughout the study periods and plasma was harvested according to standard procedures. Plasma oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite concentrations were estimated using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method performed according to established guidelines. FIG. 11 shows oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations for the duration of the study period. After the initial 3 g oxybutynin gel application, measurable levels of oxybutynin were detectable in plasma within two hours following dosing. Mean plasma oxybutynin levels increased steadily during the following 24 hours to a Cmax of 6.35 ng/mL. Thereafter plasma drug concentrations decreased in an apparent biphasic manner with an elimination half-life of approximately 18 hours. Mean plasma N-desethyloxybutynin concentrations followed a similar pattern as the parent compound with a slight lag time, reaching Cmax (4.50 ng/mL) approximately 26 hours following gel application. Mean oxybutynin Cmax and AUC (186 ng·hr/mL) were approximately 18% and 41% higher, respectively, than the mean N-desethyloxybutynin Cmax and AUC (157 ng·hr/mL). The mean (SD) oxybutynin:N-desethyloxybutynin AUC ratio for the 72 hour treatment period was 1:0.87. After a 7-day washout following the initial gel application, subjects applied daily 3 g doses of oxybutynin gel to rotating body sites (abdomen, upper arms, thighs) for 7 consecutive days. Plasma samples were drawn each morning before the next gel application. Daily morning mean (SD) plasma concentrations were similar following the outpatient gel applications on Days 10-15, ranging from 4.63 ng/mL to 6.15 ng/mL. Following the final gel application, mean plasma oxybutynin concentrations rose above Time 0 levels (4.63 ng/mL) to a Cmax of 9.01 ng/mL approximately 23 hours after gel application. Mean drug concentrations decreased during the following 48 hours with an elimination half-life of approximately 24 hours. The average (SD) plasma concentration during the 20 hours following the application was 6.22 ng/mL. Mean plasma N-desethyloxybutynin concentrations increased in a more gradual manner and to a lesser extent than the parent compound, reaching maximum concentration (6.44 ng/mL) for the 0-24 hour interval at approximately 16 hours. Higher levels were attained following the 24 hour timepoint. Mean oxybutynin Cmax and AUC (149 ng·hr/mL) were approximately 40% and 19% higher, respectively, than the mean N-desethyloxybutynin Cmax and AUC (125 ng·hr/mL). The mean (SD) oxybutynin:N-desethylox butynin AUC ratio for the first 24 hours of the treatment period was 1:0.87. Example 13 Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics of Oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin Following the Application of Topical Oxybutynin Gel to 400 cm2 and 800 cm2 Application Areas on the Thighs of Healthy Volunteers A clinical study in 21 healthy volunteers, 21 to 45 years of age, evaluated the effect of application surface area on the single-dose pharmacokinetic of oxybutynin following topical oxybutynin gel administration. The study employed a two-period, open-labeled, randomized crossover design to evaluate the effect of application surface area on the single dose pharmacokinetics and safety of a topical gel formulation of oxybutynin hydrochloride. Volunteers received topical administrations of 3 g of 4.4% oxybutynin gel at the beginning of two 72 hour treatment periods, with a minimum six day washout separating the treatment periods. Each volunteer received a dose applied to a 400 cm2 area in one treatment period, and a dose to an 800 cm2 area the other treatment period. The sequential order of the treatment periods was randomized. Blood samples were periodically collected throughout the study periods and plasma was harvested according to standard procedures. Plasma oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin metabolite concentrations were evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method performed according to established guidelines. FIG. 12 shows oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations following oxybutynin gel application to a 400 cm2 application area for the duration of the study period. After gel application to the 400 cm2 application area, measurable levels of oxybutynin were detectable in plasma at the first sampling timepoint following dosing (2 hours). Mean plasma oxybutynin levels increased steadily to a peak at the 24 hour timepoint of 2.25 ng/mL. This initial peak was followed by diminishing levels for approximately 12 hours, followed by a second peak (Cmax) of 3.70 ng/dL at 48 hours post-dose. Thereafter plasma drug concentrations gradually decreased toward baseline during the following 24 hours. N-desethyloxybutynin levels essentially mimicked those of the parent compound, with measurable levels of N-desethyloxybutynin appearing by the 2 hour sampling timepoint. Mean plasma N-desethyloxybutynin levels increased to a peak at 28 hours after dosing of 2.21 ng/mL, declined for approximately 12 hours before increasing to a Cmax of 2.72 ng/mL at 48 hours. The mean (SD) oxybutynin:N-desethyloxybutynin AUC ratio was 1:0.91. FIG. 13 shows oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin plasma concentrations following oxybutynin gel application to an 800 cm2 application area for the duration of the study period. Plasma oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin concentrations following gel application to an 800 cm2 surface area produced similar kinetic profiles to the gel applications made to the 400 cm2 area. Both oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin levels were measurable by the 2 hour sample timepoint and gradually increased during the first 24 hours following dosing to peaks of 2.92 and 2.39 ng/mL for oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin, respectively. Decreasing levels were observed for approximately the following 12 hours, followed by a rise to Cmax (3.80 and 3.40 ng/mL) at 48 hours for both oxybutynin and N-desethyloxybutynin. Example 14 Topical Oxybutynin Chloride Gel Example 14.1 TABLE 6 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss Et/W/G/D (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b 74.5/20.0/1.5/4.0 11.37 ± 3.94 0.47 ± 0.16 69.5/25.0/1.5/4.0 10.99 ± 4.30 0.45 ± 0.14 64.5/30.0/1.5/4.0 10.02 ± 4.49 0.42 ± 0.19 aEt = ethanol; W = water; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; D = drug = oxybutynin chloride bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) These results show that a formulation comprising about 65% to about 75% ethanol can be used effectively to delivery oxybutynin in a topical formulation. Example 14.2 TABLE 7 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss pH of gel Et/W/G/D/N (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b 6.0 74.5/18.7/1.5/4.0/1.3 18.94 ± 5.12 0.79 ± 0.21 4.6 74.5/20.0/1.5/4.0/0 13.18 ± 4.96 0.55 ± 0.21 aEt = ethanol; W = water; G = gelling agent = klucel; D = drug = oxybutynin chloride (n = 4 skin donors) N = 2N NaOH bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) These results show that oxybutynin chloride gel with pH 6.0 produces higher oxybutynin skin permeation than that with pH 4.6. However, it is to be recognized that the formulation having a pH as low as about 4.6 provides a desirable flux rate, in certain aspects. Example 14.3 TABLE 9 Formulationa Qt (t = 24 hours) Jss Et/W/Gl/G/D (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b 73.2/20.4/0/2.0/4.4 10.66 ± 6.17 0.44 ± 0.26 73.2/19.4/1.0/2.0/4.4 10.86 ± 8.62 0.45 ± 0.36 aEt = ethanol; W = water; Gl = glycerin; G = gelling agent = klucel; D = drug = oxybutynin chloride bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) These results show that presence of glycerin in the oxybutynin chloride gel does not affect oxybutynin skin permeation through the skin. Therefore, glycerin can be included in an oxybutynin gel formulation as an emollient or other additive for reducing skin irritation or for other intended purposes that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Example 15 Topical Oxybutynin Chloride and Free Base Gel TABLE 9 Qt (t = 24 Formulationa hours) Jss Enhancer Et/W/E/G/D1/D2 (% w/w) (μg/cm2/t)b (μg/cm2/t)b None 63.8/30.0/0/2.0/2.2/2.0 25.85 ± 15.35 1.08 ± 0.64 Triacetin 58.8/30.0/5.0/2.0/2.2/2.0 41.77 ± 27.99 1.74 ± 1.17 aEt = ethanol; E = enhancer; W = water; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; D1 = drug = oxybutynin chloride; D2 = drug = oxybutynin free base bMean ± SD (n = 4 skin donors) These results show that triacetin significantly increases the skin flux of total oxybutynin as compared to the gel formulation without triacetin. Example 16 Topical Oxybutynin Chloride Gel and Flux over Time Data A free form oxybutynin chloride gel was prepared having a composition of 73.3 wt % ethanol, 18.0 wt % water, 1.0 wt % glycerin, 2.0 wt % KLUCEL HF, 4.4 wt % oxybutynin chloride, and 1.3 wt % sodium hydroxide. The resulting gel had a pH of 6. Nine separate skin samples were tested for flux over a period of 48 hours and the results are shown in Table 10. After 24 hours of sampling, the remaining gel on the top of the skin was removed and then the 30 hour samples (6 hours after gel removal) and 48 hour samples (24 hours after gel removal) were taken. TABLE 10 Mean Cumulative Permeation Time Sample 6 hr 24 hr 30 hr 48 hr 1 1.42 ± 2.01 4.57 ± 1.53 8.20 ± 0.40 11.95 ± 2.14 2 9.41 ± 0.58 19.61 ± 6.71 31.82 ± 7.37 46.43 ± 8.72 3 4.59 ± 2.68 14.12 ± 7.17 16.15 ± 9.81 24.77 ± 11.83 4 3.90 ± 1.23 9.40 ± 4.27 14.84 ± 6.70 26.47 ± 14.34 5 3.99 ± 3.28 16.17 ± 6.05 26.43 ± 7.89 38.35 ± 9.74 6 1.44 ± 0.43 3.70 ± 0.67 5.66 ± 1.06 8.75 ± 1.60 7 3.03 ± 0.45 7.39 ± 1.89 10.03 ± 2.66 15.17 ± 4.25 8 6.62 ± 1.51 17.23 ± 3.24 27.27 ± 8.93 42.98 ± 18.02 9 4.20 ± 0.95 13.73 ± 3.06 20.49 ± 4.52 32.19 ± 5.50 Mean 4.29 ± 2.50 11.77 ± 5.72 17.84 ± 9.20 27.45 ± 13.65 In one aspect, an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application is provided that delivers oxybutynin at a mean flux rate of from about 1.5 to about 7.0 ug/cm2/hr at about 6 hrs after application. In another aspect, an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application is provided that delivers oxybutynin at a mean flux rate of from about 6 to about 17 ug/cm2/hr at about 24 hrs after application. In yet another aspect, an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application is provided that delivers oxybutynin at a mean flux rate of from about 8 to about 27 ug/cm2/hr at about 30 hrs after application. In yet another aspect, an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application is provided that delivers oxybutynin at a mean flux rate of from about 14 to about 40 ug/cm2/hr at about 48 hrs after application. In another aspect, an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application is provided that delivers oxybutynin at a mean flux rate of from about 1.5 to about 7.0 ug/cm2/hr at about 6 hrs after application; from about 6 to about 17 ug/cm2/hr at about 24 hrs after application; fom about 8 to about 27 ug/cm2/hr at about 30 hrs after application; and from about 14 to about 40 ug/cm2/hr at about 48 hrs after application. The oxybutynin can be present as a free base or as a pharmaceutially acceptable salt (e.g., such as HCl) or a mixture thereof. In yet another aspect, the oxybutynin can be present as its R-isomer or S-isomer, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or mixtures thereof. When the oxybutynin is present as its corresponding isomer, in some aspects, the mean flux rates for that isomer may be as following: from about 0.7 to about 5.0 ug/cm2/hr at about 6 hrs after application; from about 3 to about 9 ug/cm2/hr at about 24 hrs after application; from about 4 to about 14 ug/cm2/hr at about 30 hrs after application; from about 6 to about 25 ug/cm2/hr at about 48 hrs after application. The above flux rates deliver therapeutic levels of oxybutynin to a subject in need thereof. Such therapeutic plasma levels may range from about 1.4 ng/ml to about 8 ng/ml, and in certain aspects, the plasma concentration may range from about 1.42 ng/ml to about 4 ng/ml. In another aspect, the plasma concentration may range from about 1.8 ng/ml to about 4 ng/ml. In yet another aspect, the plasma concentration may range from about 1.8 ng/ml to about 3 ng/ml. Example 17 Topical Oxybutynin Cream A free form oxybutynin cream containing the compositions in each phase as shown in Table 11 may be produced. Oxybutynin is present in the formulation at from about 1 to about 10% w/w. TABLE 11 Phase Component % w/w Water Water 20-60 Propylene Glycol 1-10 Sodium Stearoyl Lactate 0-5 20% PLURONIC 270 0-50 Methyl Paraben 0-0.5 Oil Oleic Acid 0-20 Cetyl Alcohol 0-20 Glycerol Monooleate 0-10 Lauryl Acetate 0-10 Propyl Paraben 0-0.5 Example 18 Topical Oxybutynin Lotion A free form oxybutynin lotion containing the compositions in each phase as shown in Table 12 may be produced. Oxybutynin is present in the formulation at from about 1 to about 10% w/w. TABLE 12 Phase Component % w/w Water Water 20-90 Distearyl Dimonium 1-5 Chloride Sodium Chloride 0-5 Methyl Paraben 0-0.5 Oil Glycerin 0-20 Petrolatum 0-10 Isopropyl Palmitate 0-5 Cetyl Alcohol 0-10 Dimethicone 0-5 Propyl Paraben 0.0.5 Example 19 Topical Oxybutynin Emulsified Gel A free form oxybutynin gel containing the compositions in each phase as shown in Table 13 may be produced. Oxybutynin is present in the formulation at from about 1 to about 10% w/w. A free form oxybutynin gel may be produced using an emulsified gel carrier. Oxybutynin is present in the formulation from about 1 to about 20% w/w. Based on the forgoing, it is expected that the pH effects shown in the other applicable examples can be observed in certain aspects of these formulations. Further, the emulsified gel bases are expected to deliver oxybutynin either in its free base form, in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or in a mixture thereof, analogous to the above-recited examples, with delivery rates equivalent thereto. In addition, it is to be understood that oxybutynin can be present in its R- or S-isomeric forms. TABLE 13 Phase Component % w/w Water Water 30-90 Propylene Glycol 1-10 Sodium Stearoyl Lactate 0-5 20% PLURONIC 270 0-20 Silicone Dioxide 0-1 Methyl Paraben 0-0.5 CARBOPOL 0.1-5 Oil Oleic Acid 0-10 Cetyl Alcohol 0-10 Glycerol Monooleate 0-10 Lauryl Acetate 0-10 Propyl Paraben 0-0.5 Example 20 Topical Oxybutynin Ointment A free form oxybutynin ointment containing the compositions in each phase as shown in Table 14 may be produced. TABLE 14 Component % w/w Cholesterol 0-5 Stearyl Alcohol 0-5 White Wax 0-10 White Petrolatum 70-100 Oxybutynin 1-10 Example 21 Oxybutynin Free Form Gel Containing Optical Isomers Table 15 shows the skin flux measured over a 24 hour period for each of the R and S isomers in the chloride and free base forms. Both oxybutynin free base and oxybutynin chloride are chiral molecules that exists in two forms, R and S and were each tested in their optically pure forms according to the present invention as shown in Table 15. TABLE 15 Formulationa Formulationa Et/W/Gl/G/D1/N (% w/w) Et/W/Gl/G/D2/H (% w/w) 73.2/17.9/1.0/2.0/4.4/1.5 73.2/18.3/1.0/2.0/4.0/1.5 Qt(t = 24 hours) (μg/cm2/t)b R-Oxybutynin 6.98 ± 4.26 7.08 ± 5.43 S-Oxybutynin 6.24 ± 3.77 6.87 ± 5.35 aEt = ethanol; W = water; G = gelling agent = KLUCEL; Gl = glycerin D1 = oxybutynin chloride; D2 = oxybutynin free base N = 2N sodium hydroxide (NaOH); H = 2H Hydrochloride (HCl) bMean ± SD (n = 3 skin donors) These results show that the R and S isomers from both oxybutynin free base gel and oxybutynin chloride gel permeate through the skin in equal amounts. Further, these results show that oxybutynin chloride can be delivered at about the same rate as oxybutynin free base from a topically applied unoccluded gel. It is to be understood that the above-described compositions and modes of application are only illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Oral oxybutynin therapy is currently used for treating various forms of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. Particularly, oxybutynin effectively treats neurogenically caused bladder disorders. Relief from such disorders is attributed to the anticholinergic and antispasmodic action which oxybutynin imparts to the parasympathetic nervous system and the urinary bladder detrusor muscle. It is generally believed that, while this anticholinergic activity contributes to oxybutynin's clinical usefulness, it also contributes to certain uncomfortable adverse drug experiences such as dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, and constipation. More specifically, these experiences have been generally attributed to the presence and amount of active metabolites of oxybutynin, for example, N-desethyloxybutynin. The above-referenced adverse drug experiences are observed in a majority of patients using current oxybutynin formulations. In some cases, these adverse experiences are severe enough to persuade the patient to discontinue treatment. In view of the foregoing, compositions and methods for administering oxybutynin to help minimize the incidence and/or severity of the above-described adverse drug experiences are extremely desirable. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of minimizing an adverse drug experience associated with oxybutynin therapy which comprises the step of administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising oxybutynin to a subject such that the ratio of area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of oxybutynin to an oxybutynin metabolite is about 0.5:1 to about 5:1. The adverse drug experience may be any adverse experience resulting from administration of oxybutynin, for example, anticholinergic, and/or antimuscarinic in nature. Specific examples of known oxybutynin adverse experiences include but are not limited to: gastrointestinal/genitourinary experiences, nervous system experiences, cardiovascular experiences, dermatological experiences, and opthalmic experiences, among others. Oxybutynin has a chiral molecular center, leading to the presence of (R)- and (S)-isomers. When metabolized, oxybutynin gives rise to metabolites such as N-desethyloxybutynin, which may also be present as (R)- and (S)— isomers or a combination thereof. The method of the present invention specifically encompasses each isomer for both oxybutynin and its any corresponding metabolites. For example, in one aspect, the mean plasma AUC ratio of (R)-oxybutynin to (S)-oxybutynin is about 0.7:1. In another aspect, the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (R)-oxybutynin is from about 0.4:1 to about 1.6:1. In one aspect, this mean AUC ratio may be about 1:1. In another aspect, the mean AUC ratio of (R)-N-desethyloxybutynin to (S)-N-desethyloxybutynin is from about 0.5:1 to about 1.3:1. For example, this mean AUC ratio may be about 0.9:1. In another aspect, the metabolite may have a mean peak plasma concentration of less than about 8 ng/ml. A pharmaceutical composition for administering oxybutynin to a subject is also provided, comprising oxybutynin that provides an AUC ratio of oxybutynin to an oxybutynin metabolite of from about 0.5:1 to about 5:1. Delivery formulations useful in conjunction with the method of the present invention include but are not limited to: oral, parenteral, transdermal, inhalant, or implantable formulations. In one aspect of the invention, the delivery formulation may be a transdermal delivery formulation. In a more specific aspect, the delivery formulation may be a gel formulation that is topically administered to the skin in an unoccluded, or free form manner. The composition of the present invention may include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and other ingredients as dictated by the particular needs of the specific dosage formulation. Such ingredients are well known to those skilled in the art. See for example, Gennaro, A. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 19 th ed. (1995), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, a transdermal formulation may include, but is not limited to, permeation enhancers, anti-irritants, adhesion adjusters, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the formulation of the present invention may be an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical application. Such a gel may include a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin and a gel carrier, wherein the formulation has a pH of from about 4 to about 11 and wherein the oxybutynin is present as an oxybutynin free base, a pharmaceutically acceptable oxybutynin salt, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the formulation is prepared for unoccluded topical application to a skin surface. In another aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 4 to about 11. In a further aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 5 to about 11. In yet a further aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 6 to about 11. In an additional aspect, the pH of the formulation may be from about 4 to aboutl O. In another aspect, the pH of the formulation can be from about 5 to about 10. In an additional aspect, the pH of the formulation can be from about 6 to about 10. In a more detailed aspect, the pH of the formulation may be about 6. In yet another detailed aspect of the invention, the pH of the formulation is about 9. According to another aspect of the invention, a gel formulation for topical application is presented which includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide an oxybutynin skin permeation rate of at least about 10 ug/cm 2 over a period of at least about 24 hours. In a further aspect of the invention, a gel formulation for topical application is presented which includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to achieve an oxybutynin plasma concentration of at least about 0.5 ng/ml within at least about 3 hours after initiation of administration. In another aspect of the invention, a gel formulation is provided for topical application that includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to achieve an oxybutynin plasma concentration that is from about 0.5 to about 5 times an oxybutynin metabolite plasma concentration. In an additional aspect of the invention, a gel formulation for topical application is provided that includes a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to achieve a therapeutically effective oxybutynin concentration and a maximum oxybutynin metabolite plasma concentration of less than about 8 ng/ml. In addition to the compositions recited herein, the present invention additionally encompasses a method for treating neurogenic bladder disorders in a subject which includes topically applying a gel formulation as recited herein to a skin surface of the subject. Moreover, the present invention includes a method of minimizing adverse side effects associated with oxybutynin therapy includes applying an oxybutynin gel formulation as recited herein to a skin surface a subject. In another aspect of the present invention, an oxybutynin gel formulation for topical administration is provided, having a therapeutically effective amount of oxybutynin in a gel carrier, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide a plasma AUC ratio of oxybutynin serum level to an oxybutynin metabolite serum level from about 0.75:1 to about 3:1. In another aspect, the ratio may be from about 0.98:1 to about 2:1. In a further aspect, the oxybutynin serum concentration may be greater than an oxybutynin metabolite serum concentration. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of treating with oxybutynin a subject having overactive bladder is provided. The method may include the step of topically administering to a subject an oxybutynin gel formulation, which upon unoccluded topical administration, is sufficient to provide a plasma AUC ratio of oxybutynin serum level to an oxybutynin metabolite serum level from about 0.75:1 to about 3:1, in order to minimize an anticholinergic or antimuscarinic adverse drug experience associated with oxybutynin treatment therapy. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. | 20040806 | 20070220 | 20051013 | 93040.0 | 2 | GHALI, ISIS A D | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TRANSDERMAL OXYBUTYNIN THERAPY | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,201 | ACCEPTED | Attachment of a sling | A sling for carrying an elongate item such as a shoulder weapon having a buttstock and a forward end. In one embodiment, a bight of relatively small strap material is held in a sling swivel by a stopper mounted on the bight so that it can be passed through the sling swivel when the bight is slack, but which seats against the sling swivel when the bight is tight, keeping the bight engaged with the sling swivel. In another embodiment, a stopper keeps a bight of a stock-encircling strap engaged with a sling swivel, preventing the sling swivel from marring the stock. | 1. A rear end attachment assembly for a sling, comprising: (a) a first strap member having a first end and a second end, said second end being attached to and adjustably movable along an intermediate part of said first strap member, forming a stock-encircling loop; (b) a flexible second strap member having a pair of opposite ends defining a length, both of said opposite ends being attached to said first strap member at respective locations separated along said first strap member by a distance that is less than said length, so that said flexible second strap member includes a loose bight; and (c) a stopper mounted on said bight of said flexible second strap member and arranged so as to keep said bight engaged with a sling swivel. 2. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said first strap member is wider than said second strap member. 3. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said stopper is elongate and can pass through a strap-receiving opening in a sling swivel in a first, lengthwise orientation, but is held against said sling swivel in a second orientation, in which it cannot pass through said strap-receiving opening, by tension in said second strap member. 4. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said second strap member is no wider than about half as wide as said first strap member. 5. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said second end of said first strap member is connected to said intermediate part thereof by a slide loop permitting said stock-encircling loop to be adjusted in size. 6. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said stopper defines a pair of holes through which said second strap member extends, with a portion of said second strap member extending along a first side of said stopper and with each of said opposite ends extending from a respective one of said pair of holes on a second side of said stopper. 7. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 6 wherein said stopper is in the form of a flat plate. 8. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 6 wherein said stopper is of a rigid plastic material. 9. An attachment portion of a sling, comprising: (a) an end portion of a main sling body member having a first width; (b) a length of flexible strap material having a substantially narrower second width and having a pair of opposite ends, said length of flexible strap material being bent into a bight extending away from said end portion of said main sling body member, and said pair of opposite ends being attached to said end portion; and (c) a stopper mounted on said bight and arranged so as to keep said bight engaged with a sling swivel. 10. The attachment portion of claim 9 wherein said loop lock defines a pair of holes through which said length of flexible strap material extends, with a portion of said second strap member extending along a first side of said loop lock and with each of said opposite ends extending from a respective one of said pair of holes on a second side of said loop lock. 11. The attachment portion of claim 10 wherein said stopper is in the form of a flat plate. 12. The attachment portion of claim 10, wherein said loop lock is of a rigid plastic material. 13. The attachment portion of claim 9 wherein said stopper is elongate and can pass through a strap-receiving opening in a sling swivel in a first, lengthwise orientation, but is held against said sling swivel in a second orientation, in which it cannot pass through said strap-receiving opening, by tension in said flexible strap material. 14. The attachment portion of claim 13 wherein said length of flexible strap material is no wider than about half as wide as said end portion. 15. A sling, comprising: (a) a main sling body of flexible strap material having a front end and a rear end; (b) a front end attachment portion located at said front end of said main sling body; and (c) a rear end attachment assembly extending from said rear end of said main sling body, and wherein said rear end attachment assembly includes; (d) a first strap member having a first end and a second end, said second end being attached to and adjustably movable along an intermediate part of said first strap member, forming a stock-encircling loop; (e) a flexible second strap member having a pair of opposite ends defining a length, both of said opposite ends being attached to said first strap member at respective locations separated along said first strap member by a distance that is less than said length, so that said flexible second strap member includes a loose bight; and (f) a stopper mounted on said bight of said flexible second strap member and arranged so as to keep said bight engaged with a sling swivel. 16. The sling of claim 15 wherein said first strap member is wider than said second strap member. 17. The sling of claim 16 wherein said second strap member is no wider than about half as wide as said first strap member. 18. The sling of claim 15 wherein said second end of said first strap member is connected to said intermediate part thereof by a slide loop permitting a stock-encircling loop of adjustable size to be formed by said first strap member. 19. The sling swivel of claim 15 wherein said stopper defines a pair of holes through which said second strap member extends, with a portion of said second strap member extending along a first side of said stopper and with each of said opposite ends extending from a respective one of said pair of holes on a second side of said stopper. 20. The sling of claim 19 wherein said stopper is in the form of a flat plate. 21. The sling of claim 19 wherein said stopper is of a rigid plastic material. 22. The sling of claim 15 wherein said stopper can be passed through a strap-receiving opening of a sling swivel in a predetermined orientation when said bight is slack, but is held against said sling swivel in a second orientation, in which it cannot pass through said strap-receiving opening, by tension in said second strap member. 23. A rear end attachment assembly for a sling, comprising: (a) a strap member having a first end, a second end, and a length, said second end being attached to and adjustably movable along an intermediate part of said strap member, forming a stock-encircling loop, said strap member having a half twist located in said stock-encircling loop, and said strap member being bent along a line transverse to said length, thereby forming and including a bight in said strap member; (b) a sling swivel defining a strap-receiving opening, said bight extending through said strap-receiving opening and thereby being engaged with said sling swivel; and (c) a stopper mounted on said bight in said strap member and arranged so as to keep said bight engaged with said sling swivel. 24. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 1 wherein said second end of said first strap member is connected to said intermediate part thereof by a slide loop permitting said stock-encircling loop to be adjusted in size. 25. The rear end attachment assembly of claim 23 wherein said stopper is in the form of a three-bar slide. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to slings for carrying objects such as military and hunting rifles, and relates particularly to the attachment of such slings to objects to be carried. Sling swivels have long been used on military and sporting rifles and other shoulder weapons to attach slings to the weapons, but the conventional use of metal clips or hooks to attach an end of a sling to a sling swivel can result in unwanted noise when the weapon is being carried, and such fittings must be chosen in a size appropriate to the sling strap and the sling swivel. Additionally, a metal sling fastening device may damage the finish on a stock. Some slings have been equipped with flexible fabric members that can be fastened through a sling swivel to attach an end of a sling to a buttstock, forestock, or barrel of a weapon, but there has been some concern that the use of flexible connecting elements that are relatively small, by comparison with the size of the main sling strap members, might cause undesirable pressure and wear on the finish of a wooden gunstock. Accordingly, what is desired is a sling including front and rear attachment portions which offer secure and strong connection to a an item to be carried, yet which is easily attached to or disconnected from sling swivels of more than one size at either end of the item, which will not cause unnecessary wear on a finish, and which can be manufactured at a competitive cost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an answer to the aforementioned shortcomings of the previously known sling attachments and slings by providing an attachment assembly for attaching an end of a sling to a sling swivel. In one preferred embodiment, a loop of relatively narrow and flexible strap material is attached to the end of the main body of the sling, together with a stopper that allows the strap to be mounted easily, yet securely, in a sling swivel to attach a sling to an end of a rifle or another elongate object which it is desired to carry by the use of the sling. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a loop of relatively wide flexible strap material is arranged to extend around a buttstock of a shoulder weapon as a stock-encircling loop, and a length of relatively narrow flexible strap material is attached to the stock-encircling loop with sufficient slack for a bight of the narrow strap material to be inserted through a sling swivel, together with a properly oriented stopper that thereafter is kept oriented by tension in the strap material, to prevent unintended retraction of the bight of narrow strap material from the sling swivel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a length of relatively narrow strap material has a pair of ends attached alongside each other to an end of a relatively wide main sling strap member so as to form a bight, and a stopper mounted on the relatively narrow strap material can be inserted through the opening of a sling swivel in one orientation, but thereafter is reoriented and maintains attachment of the bight of narrow strap material, and thus that end of the main sling strap member, to the sling swivel until the stopper is intentionally manipulated to permit its removal. In one preferred embodiment of the sling attachment assembly, a stock-encircling strap includes a smoothly folded bight that extends through a sling swivel and is engaged by a stopper to keep the bight of the stock-encircling strap attached to the sling swivel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a stopper may be manufactured of molded strong and rigid plastics material, thus avoiding noisy metal-to-metal contact between the sling and the sling swivel. The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a rifle equipped with a sling embodying the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, at an enlarged scale, of a rear portion of the buttstock of the rifle shown in FIG. 1, together with a rear end attachment assembly and a part of the rear end of the main sling body of the sling shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, showing the manner of attachment of the rear attachment assembly of the sling to the buttstock of the rifle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view taken in the direction of the line 4-4 of FIG. 2, showing a part of the rear attachment assembly of the sling shown in FIGS. 1-3, in an outspread configuration for ease of understanding, together with a sling swivel engaged with the rear end attachment assembly. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an exemplary stopper for incorporation in the sling shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 6 is an isometric view showing the manner of connecting the rear end attachment assembly to a sling swivel. FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view, at an enlarged scale, showing the attachment of the front end portion of the sling to the forestock of the rifle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view showing the attachment of the front end portion of the sling to the sling swivel shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is an isometric view showing the manner of connecting the front end attachment portion shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 8 to a sling swivel. FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, at an enlarged scale, of a rear portion of the buttstock of the rifle shown in FIG. 1, together with a rear end attachment assembly that is a variation of the assembly shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10, showing the rear end attachment assembly and portion of a buttstock shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the portion of a buttstock and the rear end attachment assembly shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings which form a part of the disclosure herein, in FIG. 1, a hunting rifle 14 is equipped with a sling 16 including a main sling body of suitably flexible, strong, and wide strap material. In the sling 16 as shown in FIG. 1, a rear strap portion 18 of the main body of the sling has attached to it a front strap portion 20 that is adjustable in length and has a front end 22. A front end attachment portion 24 interconnects the front end 22 with a front sling swivel 25 mounted on the forestock of the hunting rifle 14, and will be described in greater detail presently. A rear end attachment assembly 26 is interconnected with a rear end of the rear strap portion 18. The rear end attachment assembly 26 includes a stock-encircling loop portion 28 that extends around the buttstock 30 and is attached to a rear sling swivel 32. Referring next to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the rear end attachment assembly 26 is shown in greater detail, and it may be seen that the stock-encircling loop portion 28 is part of a first strap member 34 which may be of a suitably strong woven fabric such as a strong and relatively non-elastic nylon webbing material having a suitable width 35 of, for example, 1 inch. The width 34 is preferably great enough to assure that the strap member has enough area in contact with the buttstock 30 to avoid undue wear on its finish. A first end part 36 of the first strap member 34 is secured to the rear strap portion 18 by an adjustable loop 38 fastened through a pair of D-rings 40 mounted at the rear end of the rear strap portion 18. A suitable fastener such as a three bar slide buckle 42 secures the first end part 36 to form the loop 38. A pair of slide loops 44 are attached to a second end of the strap member 34 by a loop 46 formed in the strap member 34 and suitably secured, as by a suitable pattern of stitching. Preferably, the strap member 34 is folded over upon itself into a Z-shaped portion 48 along one side of the loop 46 to provide an amount of additional stiffness and thus keep the slide loops 44 conveniently oriented and located where the intermediate portion of the first strap member 34, between the slide buckle 42 and the loop 46, can slide through the slide loops 44 to tighten the stock-encircling loop portion 28 snugly about the buttstock 30. The Z-shaped folded portion 48 may be secured by a suitable pattern of stitching through the fabric webbing material of the first strap member 34. A flexible strap member 50 is narrower than the first strap member 34, having a width 52 of about ½ inch, for example. The strap member 50 is preferably also of a woven fabric web material, but need not have as great a strength as the wider first strap member 34. A first end 54 of the strap 50 is securely attached to the outer side of the first strap member 34, as by being sewn to the first strap member 34 at a location which may, for example, be adjacent to the loop 46. A second end 56 of the second strap member 50 is also attached to the outer side of the first strap member 34 with a suitably strong connection, as by being sewn to the first strap member 34, at a position spaced apart from the loop 46 along the first strap member 34 by a distance which is less than the length of the second strap member 50, as shown best in FIG. 4, thus leaving a loose bight 58 in the second strap member 50. For example, the length of the second strap 50 between its ends 54 and 56 may be greater by about 1¼ inch than the distance between the attachments of the ends 54 and 56 to the first strap member 34. A flat stopper 60 is mounted on the narrower second strap member 50 before its first and second ends 54 are attached to the first strap member 34, and thus the stopper 60 is permanently mounted on the second strap member 50. The bight 58 of the second strap member 50 extends through the strap-receiving opening 62 in the rear sling swivel 32, and the stopper 60 rests against the sling swivel 32 and prevents the second strap member 50 from being removed from the opening 62. Thus, when the sling swivel 32 is attached in the normal manner to the buttstock 30, as by being engaged with a stud 64 mounted in the bottom of the buttstock 30, the stock-encircling loop portion 28 is prevented from sliding forward along the buttstock 30 by the strap member 50 and the sling swivel 32. The first strap member 34 is thus located between the sling swivel 32 and the buttstock 30, protecting the finish of the buttstock 30 from being marred by the sling swivel 32. Engagement of the second strap member 50 with the sling swivel 32 also prevents the stock-encircling loop portion 28 from sliding around the buttstock 30, so that the first end part 36 of the first strap member 34 extends away from the slide loops 44 on a desired side of the buttstock 30, as shown in FIG. 1, so that the sling 16 may be mounted on the rifle 14 for use by either a right-handed or left-handed shooter. As shown in FIG. 5, the stopper 60 is generally planar and elongate, with a length 66 and a width 68 preferably slightly larger than the size of the loop portion of the sling swivel 32 and thus larger than the strap-receiving opening 62 in the sling swivel 32, although the stopper 60 is useable with sling swivels of different sizes. The stopper 60 may be made of a suitably strong and stiff plastics material, so as to be quieter than a conventional metal sling connecting clip or hook. A pair of openings 70 and 72 are provided at the opposite ends of the stopper 60, and the strap member 52 is engaged with the stopper 60 by extending each of its ends 54 and 56 through a respective one of the openings 70 and 72, so that a portion of the strap member 52 extends along one generally planar side of the stopper 60 while both of the ends 54 and 56 extend away from the opposite side of the stopper 60. The stopper 60 has a thickness 74 sufficient to provide enough rigidity so that the stopper 60 cannot buckle and be pulled through the strap-receiving opening 62 in the sling swivel 32 by the second strap member 50, but the thickness 74 is small enough so that the stopper 60, together with the bight 58 of the second strap member 50, can be passed through the strap-receiving opening 62 in the sling swivel 32 in the direction of the arrow 76 in FIG. 6 to engage the rear end attachment assembly 26 with the sling swivel 32. Disengagement is simply the opposite of the engagement procedure. Either engagement with the sling swivel 32 or disengagement from the sling swivel 32 is best accomplished with the stock-encircling loop portion 28 loosened or removed from the buttstock 30 to provide slack in the first strap member 34 as shown in FIG. 6. Once the stopper 60 has passed entirely through the opening 62 in the sling swivel 32 and tension is applied to the second strap 50, the stopper 60 aligns itself alongside the sling swivel 32 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, thus preventing the second strap 50 from being withdrawn from engagement with the rear sling swivel 32 until sufficient slack is again provided in the bight 58 to permit the stopper 60 to be reoriented with respect to the opening 62 and slid back through the opening 62 of the sling swivel 32. Referring next to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the front end attachment portion 24 includes a narrow strap member 80 attached to the front end 22 of the front strap portion 20 of the main body of the sling 16. The front strap portion 20 may be of conventional strap material such as woven webbing of the sort commonly used in slings for shoulder weapons and may have a width 82 of 1¼ inch, for example, while the narrow strap member 80 may be of web material similar to that of the strap member 50 of the rear end attachment assembly 26. In one embodiment of the front end attachment portion 24, the strap member 80 has a width 84 such as about ½ inch, that is significantly less than the width 82 of the front strap portion 20 of the main body of the sling 16. The narrow strap member 80 preferably has its opposite ends 86 and 88 side by side and parallel with each other and folded into the front end 22 of the front strap portion 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the ends 86 and 88 of the strap member 80 are spaced apart from each other and aligned generally with the side margins of the front strap portion 20. The strap member 80 is sewn, riveted, or otherwise fastened securely to the front end 22 of the front strap portion 20 so that the narrow strap member 80 forms a bight 90 extending forward from the front strap portion 20. Prior to attachment of the strap member 80 to the front end 22 of the front strap portion 20, a stopper 92 which may be similar to the stopper 60 is mounted on the narrow strap member 80 in the same fashion in which the stopper 60 is mounted on the strap member 50. As shown in FIG. 9, the stopper 92, together with the bight 90 of the strap member 80, can be engaged with the front sling swivel 25 in the same manner described above with respect to engagement of the rear end attachment assembly 26 with the rear sling swivel 32. Therefore, so long as tension is applied to the bight 90 by the front strap portion 20, the stopper 92 is held against the front sling swivel 25 and prevents removal of the front strap portion 20 from connection with the front sling swivel 25. When it is desired to disengage the front end of the sling 16 from the sling swivel 25, the bight 90 must be slackened, and the stopper 92 can be oriented as shown in FIG. 9, and slid out of engagement with the sling swivel 25. Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, a rear end attachment assembly 98 that is another embodiment includes a strap member 100 generally similar to the first strap member 34 portion of the stock-encircling loop portion 28 described above, extending around the buttstock 30 as a stock-encircling loop 102. However, there is a half-twist in the strap member 100 within the loop 102, and a bight 104 is formed as a smooth bend or fold transverse to the length of the strap member 100. The bight 104 extends through the opening 62 in the rear sling swivel 32, as may be seen in FIG. 10, where the sling swivel 32 is shown partially cut away. The bight 104 of the strap member 100 is engaged in the normal manner through a stopper such as a three bar slide 106, with the three bar slide 106 beneath the rear sling swivel 32, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. The three bar slide 106 thus acts as a stopper to keep the strap member 100 engaged with the sling swivel 32, and the strap member 100 is kept between the sling swivel 32 and the buttstock 40, protecting its finish from being marred by the sling swivel 32. While the three bar slide 106 may be manipulated in a fashion similar to the previously described manipulation of the stopper 60, to attach the bight 104 to the rear sling swivel 32 or to remove it therefrom, such manipulation is more difficult than manipulation of the stopper 60 and the narrow strap member 50, because the width 108 of the strap member 100 is greater than the width of the strap member 50. Because it is somewhat difficult to manipulate the bight 104 together with the three bar slide 106 to connect the bight 104 with the rear sling swivel 32, it may be preferable, depending upon the particular material of the strap member 100, to thread the end 110 of the strap member through the opening 62 of the sling swivel 32, through the three bar slide 106 in the normal manner, back through the opening 62 in the sling swivel 32, and thence around the buttstock 30, through the loop slides 44, and through the three bar slide buckle 42 and D-rings 40, to attach the strap member 100 to the sling swivel 32, or to rearrange the strap member 100 for use by an opposite handed person. Because of the half twist in the strap member 100, the parts of the strap member 100 on each side of the buttstock 30 can lie smoothly alongside the lower portion of the buttstock 30 on each side while still resting evenly along the entire width of the center bar of the three bar slide 106. Because there is no additional narrow second strap member in the rear end attachment assembly 98, it is somewhat less costly to produce than the previously described rear end attachment assembly 26. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the forgoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalence of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is related to slings for carrying objects such as military and hunting rifles, and relates particularly to the attachment of such slings to objects to be carried. Sling swivels have long been used on military and sporting rifles and other shoulder weapons to attach slings to the weapons, but the conventional use of metal clips or hooks to attach an end of a sling to a sling swivel can result in unwanted noise when the weapon is being carried, and such fittings must be chosen in a size appropriate to the sling strap and the sling swivel. Additionally, a metal sling fastening device may damage the finish on a stock. Some slings have been equipped with flexible fabric members that can be fastened through a sling swivel to attach an end of a sling to a buttstock, forestock, or barrel of a weapon, but there has been some concern that the use of flexible connecting elements that are relatively small, by comparison with the size of the main sling strap members, might cause undesirable pressure and wear on the finish of a wooden gunstock. Accordingly, what is desired is a sling including front and rear attachment portions which offer secure and strong connection to a an item to be carried, yet which is easily attached to or disconnected from sling swivels of more than one size at either end of the item, which will not cause unnecessary wear on a finish, and which can be manufactured at a competitive cost. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides an answer to the aforementioned shortcomings of the previously known sling attachments and slings by providing an attachment assembly for attaching an end of a sling to a sling swivel. In one preferred embodiment, a loop of relatively narrow and flexible strap material is attached to the end of the main body of the sling, together with a stopper that allows the strap to be mounted easily, yet securely, in a sling swivel to attach a sling to an end of a rifle or another elongate object which it is desired to carry by the use of the sling. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a loop of relatively wide flexible strap material is arranged to extend around a buttstock of a shoulder weapon as a stock-encircling loop, and a length of relatively narrow flexible strap material is attached to the stock-encircling loop with sufficient slack for a bight of the narrow strap material to be inserted through a sling swivel, together with a properly oriented stopper that thereafter is kept oriented by tension in the strap material, to prevent unintended retraction of the bight of narrow strap material from the sling swivel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a length of relatively narrow strap material has a pair of ends attached alongside each other to an end of a relatively wide main sling strap member so as to form a bight, and a stopper mounted on the relatively narrow strap material can be inserted through the opening of a sling swivel in one orientation, but thereafter is reoriented and maintains attachment of the bight of narrow strap material, and thus that end of the main sling strap member, to the sling swivel until the stopper is intentionally manipulated to permit its removal. In one preferred embodiment of the sling attachment assembly, a stock-encircling strap includes a smoothly folded bight that extends through a sling swivel and is engaged by a stopper to keep the bight of the stock-encircling strap attached to the sling swivel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a stopper may be manufactured of molded strong and rigid plastics material, thus avoiding noisy metal-to-metal contact between the sling and the sling swivel. The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. | 20040806 | 20060704 | 20060209 | 97533.0 | A44B2100 | 1 | SANDY, ROBERT JOHN | ATTACHMENT OF A SLING | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | A44B | 2,004 |
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10,913,441 | ACCEPTED | Method for low temperature bonding and bonded structure | A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. One etching process The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces. | 1. A bonding method, comprising: forming first and second bonding surfaces; etching said first and second bonding surfaces; and bonding together at room temperature said first and second bonding surfaces after said etching step. 2-137. (canceled) | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to bonding of materials at room temperature and, in particular, to bonding of processed semiconductor materials, such as integrated circuit or device substrates, having activated surfaces to achieve high bonding strength adequate for subsequent fabrication and/or a desired application. 2. Background of the Invention Direct room temperature bonding generally produces weak van der Waals or hydrogen bonding. Annealing is typically required to convert the weak bond to a stronger chemical bond such as a covalent bond. Other wafer bonding techniques including anodic and fusion typically require the application of voltage, pressure and/or annealing at elevated temperature to achieve a sufficient bond strength for subsequent fabrication and/or the desired application. The need to apply voltage, pressure or heat has significantly limited wafer bonding applications because these parameters can damage the materials being wafer bonded, give rise to internal stress and introduce undesirable changes in the devices or materials being bonded. Achieving a strong bond at low temperatures is also critical for bonding of thermally mismatched or thermally sensitive wafers including processed device wafers. Ultra high vacuum (UHV) bonding is one of the approaches to achieve a low or room temperature strong bond. However, the bonding wafers still have to be pre-annealed at high temperatures, for instance >600° C. for silicon and 500° C. for GaAs, before cooling down to low or room temperature for bonding. Furthermore, the UHV approach does not generally work on commonly used materials, for example, in SiO2. It is further also expensive and inefficient. Adhesive layers can also be used to bond device wafers to a variety of substrates and to transfer device layers at low temperatures. However, thermal and chemical instability, interface bubbles, stress and the inhomogeneous nature of adhesive layers prevent its wide application. It is thus highly desirable to achieve a strong bond at room temperature by bonding wafers in ambient without any adhesive, external pressure or applied electric field. Low vacuum bonding has been explored as a more convenient alternative to UHV bonding but a bonding energy comparable to the bulk silicon fracture energy using bonded bare silicon wafer pairs has only be achieved after annealing at ˜150° C. For oxide covered silicon wafer pairs annealing at ˜300° C. is required to obtain a high bond energy. It has not been possible to obtain high bonding energies in bonded material using low vacuum bonding at room temperature. A gas plasma treatment prior to bonding in ambient is known to enhance the bonding energy of bonded silicon pairs at low or room temperature. See, for example, G. L. Sun, Q.-Y. Tong, et al., J. de Physique, 49(C4), 79 (1988); G. G. Goetz, Proc. of 1st Intl. Symp. on Semicond. Wafer Bonding: Science, Technol. and Applications, The Electrochem. Soc., 92-7, 65 (1992); S. Farrens et al., J. Electroch. Soc., 142,3950 (1995) and Amirffeiz et al, Abstracts of 5th Intl. Symp. on Semi. Wafer Bonding: Science, Tech. and Appl., The Electrochemical Society, 99-2, Abstract No. 963 (1999). Although these treatments have increased the bond energy obtainable at low or room temperature, they have only been demonstrated with planar silicon wafers or with silicon wafers using a plasma process that results in oxide being grown on the wafers during the plasma process. Moreover, these treatments have only been used to increase the bond energy by charging or damaging the surface. Furthermore, these treatments have not been used or shown to be applicable to deposited dielectrics or other materials. Obtaining low or room temperature bonding with a method that is not only applicable to planar silicon and grown oxide surfaces but further to deposited materials and non-planar surfaces with planarized deposited materials will allow generic materials, including processed semiconductor wafers, to be bonded with minimal damage for manufacturing purposes. Such a method based on etching and chemical bonding is described herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a method for bonding materials at low or room temperature. It is another object of the invention to bond materials by cleaning and activating the bonding surfaces to promote chemical bond formation at about room temperature. It is a further object of the invention to provide a bonding method to bond any solid state material such as processed device or integrated circuit wafers or thermally sensitive or mismatched materials at or about room temperature. It is further object of the invention to provide a bonding method to bond processed device or integrated circuit wafers of different types of devices or different technologies, and transfer a layer of devices or circuits at or about room temperature. It is another object of the invention to enable a direct wafer bonding method that does not require annealing to achieve a required bond strength. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method whereby diverse materials including those with non-planar surfaces and deposited materials can be planarized and bonded. These and other objects are achieved by a method of bonding having steps of forming first and second bonding surfaces, etching the first and second bonding surfaces, and bonding together at room temperature the first and second bonding surfaces after said etching step. The etching may include etching the first and second bonding surfaces such that respective surface roughnesses of the first and second bonding surfaces after said etching are substantially the same as respective surface roughnesses before said etching. The surface roughness may be in a range of 0.1 to 3.0 nm. The bonding surfaces may be the surface of a deposited insulating material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride or a dielectric polymer. The bonding surface may also be the surface of a silicon wafer. Silicon wafers, using either the surface of the wafer or a deposited material on the wafer, may be bonded together. The wafers may have devices or integrated circuits formed therein. The devices and circuits in the wafers bonded together may be interconnected. The wafers may have a non-planar surface or an irregular surface topology upon which a material is deposited to form the bonding surfaces. Forming at least one of the bonding surfaces may include depositing a polishable material on a non-planar surface. Depositing said polishable material may include depositing one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride or a dielectric polymer. The bonding surfaces may be polished using a method such as chemical-mechanical polishing. The surfaces may also be etched prior to the polishing. The etching step may also include activating the first and second bonding surfaces and forming selected bonding groups on the first and second bonding surfaces. Bonding groups may also be formed capable of forming chemical bonds at approximately room temperature, and chemical bonds may be formed between the bonding surfaces allowing bonded groups to diffuse or dissociate away from an interface of the bonding surfaces. The chemical bonds can increase the bonding strength between the bonding surfaces by diffusing or dissociating away said bonding groups. After said etching step, the bonding surfaces may be immersed in a solution to form bonding surfaces terminated with desired species. The species may comprise at least one of a silanol group, an NH2 group, a fluorine group and an HF group. Also, a monolayer of one of a desired atom and a desired molecule may be formed on the bonding surface. Terminating the surface may include rinsing said bonding materials in an ammonia-based solution after said slightly etching. The ammonia-based solution may be ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride. The method may also include exposing the bonding surfaces to one of an oxygen, argon, NH3 and CF4 RIE plasma process. Silicon dioxide may be deposited as to form the bonding surfaces, and etched using the RIE process. The etching process may create a defective or damaged zone proximate to the bonding surfaces. The defective or damaged zone can facilitate the removal of bonding by-products through diffusion or dissociation. The method may also include steps of forming first and second bonding surfaces, etching the bonding surfaces, terminating the bonding surfaces with a species allowing formation of chemical bonds at about room temperature, and bonding the bonding surfaces at about room temperature, or may include steps of forming the bonding surfaces each having a surface roughness in a range of 0.1 to 3 nm, removing material from the bonding surfaces while maintaining said surface roughness, and directly bonding the bonding surfaces at room temperature with a bonding strength of at least 500 mJ/m2, at least 1000 mJ/m2, or at least 2000 mJ/m2. The objects of the invention may also be achieved by a bonded device having a first material having a first etched bonding surface, and a second material having a second etched bonding surface directly bonded to the first bonding surface at room temperature having a bonding strength of at least 500 to 2000 mJ/m2. The bonding surfaces may be being activated and terminated with a desired bonding species, and the desired species may include a monolayer of one of a desired atom and a desired molecule on said bonding surface or at least one of a silanol group, an NH2 group, a fluorine group and an HF group. The bonding surfaces may each have a defective region located proximate to said first and second bonding surfaces, respectively. The first material may include a surface of a first semiconductor wafer having devices formed therein, and the second material may include a surface of a second semiconductor wafer having devices formed therein. Devices in the wafers may be interconnected, and the wafers may be of different technologies. The wafers may also have an integrated circuit formed therein, and devices or circuits in the wafers may be interconnected. One of said first and second wafers may be a device region after removing a substantial portion of a substrate of said one of said first and second wafers. The wafers may have an irregular surface topology. The first material may include a first wafer containing electrical devices and having a first non-planar surface, and the first bonding surface may include a polished and etched deposited oxide layer on said first non-planar surface. The second material may include a second wafer containing electrical devices and having a second non-planar surface, and the second bonding surface may include a polished, planarized and slightly etched deposited oxide layer on the second non-planar surface. The first material may include a first wafer containing electrical devices and having a first surface with irregular topology, and the first bonding surface may include a polished, planarized and slightly etched deposited oxide layer on the first surface. The second material may include a second wafer containing electrical devices and having a second surface with irregular topology, and the second bonding surface may include a polished, planarized and slightly etched deposited oxide layer on the second surface. The bonded device according to the invention may also include a first material having a first etched and activated bonding surface terminated with a first desired bonding species, and a second material having a second etched and activated bonding surface terminated with a second desired bonding species bonded to the first bonding surface at room temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof are readily obtained as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the method according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an example of the method according to the invention; FIGS. 3A-3E are diagrams illustrating a first embodiment of a method according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating bonding according to the invention using silicon oxide; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating bonding according to the invention using silicon; FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs of room temperature bonding energy versus storage time; FIG. 7 is a diagram of a bonding fixture used in the invention; nd FIG. 8 is a fluorine concentration profile by SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy) near the bonding interface of deposited oxide covered silicon wafers that were very slight etched by diluted HF before bonding. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3A-3E, a first embodiment of the method according to the invention will be described. Wafer 30, preferably a processed semiconductor device wafer and more preferably a processed silicon device wafer, contains a device layer 31 with processed devices. Device layer 31 may contain a number of layers and include surface regions of wafer 30. The surface topography of layer 31 is typically nonplanar. Layer 31 may also represent a processed integrated circuit containing any number of layers such as active devices, interconnection, insulation, etc. The integrated circuit may be fully processed, or partially processed where the remaining processing is performed after the bonding process. The processing after the bonding may include full or partial substrate removal or via formation between the bonded wafers for interconnection. On layer 31 a bonding layer 32 is formed (step 1, FIG. 1). Bonding layer 32 may be any solid state material or mixed materials which can be deposited or formed at low temperatures and can be polished to a sufficiently smooth surface. Layer 32 may be an insulator, such as SiO2, silicon nitride, amorphous silicon formed using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), sputtering or by evaporation. Other materials such as polymers, semiconductors or sintered materials may also be used. Layer 32 should have thickness greater than the surface topography of layer 31. The surface 33 of layer 32 is planarized and smoothed, as shown in step 2 of FIG. 1 and in FIG. 3B. It is noted that the roughness/planarity of surface 33 is exaggerated in FIG. 3A for illustrative purposes. This step may be accomplished using chemical-mechanical polishing. Surface 33 is preferably polished to a roughness of about no more than about 3 nm and preferably no more than about 0.1 nm and be substantially planar. The surface roughness values are typically given as root-mean square (RMS) values. Also, the surface roughness may be given as mean values which are nearly the same as the RMS values. After polishing surface 33 is cleaned and dried to remove any residue from the polishing step. Polished surface 33 is preferably then rinsed with a solution. The bonding surface may also be etched prior to polishing to improve the planarity and/or surface roughness. The etching can be effective to remove high spots on the bonding surface by selective etching of the high spots using, for example, standard photolithographic techniques. For example, a layer of silicon nitride can be embedded within a silicon dioxide bonding layer 32 that can serve as an etch stop when using a solution containing HF. The etch stop material may be used to improve uniformity, reproducibility, and manufacturability. FIG. 3B illustrates layer 32 having upper surface 34 after the polishing/planarization and cleaning steps. Surface 34 then undergoes an activation process (step 3, FIG. 1). This activation process is an etching process and preferably a very slight etch (VSE) process. The term VSE means that the root-mean-square micro-roughness (RMS) of the very slightly etched surface remains at approximately the unetched value, typically <0.5 nm and preferably in the range of 0.1 nm to 3 nm. The optimum amount of material removed depends upon the material and the method used for removal. Typical amounts removed vary from Angstroms to a few nanometers. It is also possible to remove more material. VSE also includes the breaking of bonds on the treated surfaces and can occur without significant removal of material. The VSE is distinct from simple modification of the surface by, for example, charging the surface with electronic charge or damaging the surface layer. In a first example of the method according to the invention, the VSE process consists of a gas or mixed gas (such as oxygen, argon, nitrogen, CF4, NH3) plasma process at a specified power level for a specified time (FIG. 3C). The power and duration of the plasma process will vary depending upon the materials used to obtain the desired bond energy. Examples are given below, but in general, the power and duration will be determined empirically. The plasma process may be conducted in different modes. Both reactive ion etch (RIE) and plasma modes may be used, as well as an inductively-coupled plasma mode (ICP). Sputtering may also be used. Data and examples are given below in both the RIE and plasma modes. The VSE process etches the surface very slightly via physical sputtering and/or chemical reaction and preferably is controlled to not degrade the surface roughness of the bonding surfaces. The surface roughness may even be improved depending upon the VSE and materials etched. Almost any gas or gas mixture that will not etch surface 34 excessively can be used for the room temperature bonding method according to the invention. The VSE serves to clean the surface and break bonds of the oxide on the wafer surface. The VSE process can thus enhance the surface activation significantly. A desired bonding species can be used to terminated on surface 34 during the VSE by proper design of the VSE. Alternatively, a post-VSE treatment that activates and terminates the surface with a desired terminating species during the post-VSE process may be used. The desired species further preferably forms a temporary bond to the surface 34 atomic layer, effectively terminating the atomic layer, until a subsequent time that this surface can be brought together with a surface terminated by the same or another bonding species 36 as shown in FIG. 3D. Desired species on the surfaces will further preferably react with each other when they are in sufficiently close proximity allowing chemical bonding between surfaces 34 and 36 at low or room temperature that is enhanced by diffusion or dissociation and diffusion of the reacted desired species away from the bonding interface. The post-VSE process preferably consists of immersion in a solution containing a selected chemical to generate surface reactions that result in terminating the bonding surface 34 with desired species. The immersion is preferably performed immediately after the VSE process. The post-VSE process may be performed in the same apparatus in which the VSE process is conducted. This is done most readily if both VSE and post-VSE processes are either dry, i.e, plasma, RIE, ICP, sputtering, etc, or wet, i.e., solution immersion. A desired species preferably consists of a monolayer or a few monolayers of atoms or molecules. The post-VSE process may also consist of a plasma, RIE, or other dry process whereby appropriate gas chemistries are introduced to result in termination of the surface with the desired species. The post-VSE process may also be a second VSE process. The termination process may also include a cleaning process where surface contaminants are removed without VSE. In this case, a post-cleaning process similar to the post-VSE processes described above then results in a desired surface termination. The post-VSE or post-cleaning process may or may not be needed to terminate surfaces with desired species if the activated surface bonds by the cleaning or VSE process are subsequently sufficiently weakly surface reconstructed and can remain sufficiently clean before bonding such that subsequent bonding with a similar surface can form a chemical bond. The wafers are optionally rinsed then dried. Two wafers are bonded by aligning them (if necessary) and bringing them together to form a bonding interface. As shown in FIG. 3D, a second wafer 35 has been processed in the manner shown in FIG. 3C to prepare bonding surface 36. The two wafers are brought together by, for example, commercially available wafer bonding equipment (not shown) to initiate bonding interface 37 (FIG. 3E). A spontaneous bond then typically occurs at some location in the bonding interface and propagates across the wafer. As the initial bond begins to propagate, a chemical reaction such as polymerization that results in chemical bonds takes place between species used to terminate surfaces 34 and 36 when the surfaces are in sufficient proximity. The bonding energy is defined as the specific surface energy of one of the separated surfaces at the bonding interface that is partially debonded by inserting a wedge. The by-products of the reaction then diffuse away from the bonding interface to the wafer edge or are absorbed by the wafers, typically in the surrounding materials. The by-products may also be converted to other by-products that diffuse away or are absorbed by the wafers. The amount of covalent and/or ionic bonding may be increased by removal of converted species resulting in further increase in bond strength. FIGS. 4A-4E show surface conditions and the bonding propagation to form covalent bonds in a the case of a planar Si wafer covered with silicon oxide. On Si wafer 40 an SiO2 layer 41 is formed, which has been polished and planarized. Surface 42 of layer 41 is subjected to the VSE process to produce an activated surface (FIG. 4A). On a second wafer 44 a second SiO2 layer 45 is formed, and surface 46 is subjected to a VSE process to activate surface 46 (FIG. 4B). Desired species are terminated on surface 46 and are shown as lines 43 in FIG. 4C. Either or both of a VSE and post-VSE processes are used to properly terminate surface 46. While not shown, surface 42 may also be terminated using a post-VSE process. Wafer 44 is brought together with wafer 40 (FIG. 4D) and bonds 46 begin to form. the bonding propagates and by-products are removed (indicated as arrows 47) and chemical bonds (such as covalent) are formed, as shown in FIG. 4E. The bonding immediately after the RIE process may use a special bonding fixture allowing immediate in situ bonding of the etched wafers. A diagram of the fixture is shown in FIG. 7. In plasma chamber 75 are two wafers to be bonded 70 disposed on RF electrodes 76 and 77. A plasma is formed in zone 79 by the application of RF power to the electrodes via moveable vacuum RF power feedthrough 74 and by the introduction of an appropriate gas or gas mixture through gas feedthrough 73. Element 71 is a vacuum feedthrough for mechanical actuator (not shown) to retract retractable spacer 72. Chamber 75 is pumped down to a desired vacuum level via pumps (not shown) and chamber inlet 78. In the case where a post-VSE process or post cleaning process is also a dry process, as discussed above, the VSE and post-VSE or post-cleaning may be conducted in chamber 75. After the plasma treatment to conduct the VSE process, the mechanical spacers 72 are retracted by the mechanical actuator and the wafers 70 are moved into contact with to begin the bonding process. The bonded wafers are then moved from the chamber into ambient or into another vacuum chamber (not shown) and stored for a desired period to allow the bonding to propagate by a wafer handling system (not shown). The materials of the bonding layers preferably have an open structure so that the by-products of the polymerization reaction can be easily removed. The bonding species on the opposing bonding surfaces must be able to react at room temperature to form a strong or chemical bond. The bond energy is sufficiently high to virtually eliminate slippage between wafers after subsequent heat treatments associated with a subsequent processing or operation when wafers have different thermal expansion coefficients. Lack of slippage is manifest by a lack of wafer bowing upon inspection after the subsequent processing or operation. In order to achieve the high bonding energies, it is preferable for at least one of the wafers to be as thin as possible because a thin wafer allows compliance to accommodate a lack of perfect surface planarization and smoothness. Thinning to thickness of about 10 mils to 10 microns is effective. The bonded wafers are preferably stored at ambient or at low or room temperature after bonding to allow removal of species or converted species for a specified period of time depending upon the materials and species used. Twenty four hours is usually preferable. The storage time is dependent upon the type of plasma process used. Chemical bonds may be obtained more quickly, in a matter of minutes, when certain plasma processes such as an Ar plasma are used. For example, 585 mJ/m2 bonds were obtained in immediately after bonding and over 800 mJ/m2 were observed after 8 hours for deposited oxides etched by an Ar plasma followed by NH4OH dip. Annealing the bonded wafers during bonding may increase the bonding strength. The annealing temperature should be below 200 C and may be typically in the range of 75-100 C. Storing the bonded wafers under vacuum may facilitate the removal of residual gasses from the bonding surfaces, but is not always necessary. All of the processes above may be carried out at or near room temperature. The wafers are bonded with sufficient strength to allow subsequent processing operations (lapping, polishing, substrate removal, chemical etching, lithography, masking, etc.). Bonding energies of approximately 500-2000 mJ/m2 or more can be achieved (see FIG. 6A). At this point (FIG. 3E) it is possible to remove a part or all of the substrate of wafer 35 by, for instance, lapping and etch back. The layer of devices of wafer 35 is thus transferred onto wafer 30. The devices from the two layers may be interconnected. Additional device or circuit layers may be bonded and interconnected to form a multilayer structure. Different types of wafers, devices or circuits may be bonded, as well as different technologies (i.e. CMOS and bipolar or III-V HBT and Si CMOS). Other elements or materials such as thermal spreaders, surrogate substrates, antennas, wiring layers, a pre-formed multi-layer interconnects, etc. may be bonded to produce different types of circuits or systems, as desired. In an example, shown in FIG. 2, PECVD SiO2 is deposited on a Si wafer containing devices. Surface 34, after the plasma (such as argon, oxygen or CF4) treatment, is mainly terminated by Si—OH groups due to the availability of moisture in the plasma system and in air. After the plasma treatment, the wafers are immediately immersed in solution such as ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), NH4F or HF for a period such as between 10 and 120 seconds. After immersing the wafers in the NH4OH solution, many Si—OH groups are replaced by Si—NH2 groups according to the following substitution reaction: 2Si—OH+2NH4OH 2Si—NH2+4HOH (1) Alternatively, many Si—F groups are terminating on the PECVD SiO2 surface after an NH4F or HF immersion. The hydrogen bonded Si—NH2:Si—OH groups or Si—NH2:Si—NH2 groups across the bonding surfaces can polymerize at room temperature in forming Si—O—Si or Si—N—N—Si (or Si—N—Si) covalent bonds: Si—NH2+Si—OH Si—O—Si+NH3 (2) Si—NH2+Si—NH2 Si—N—N—Si+2H2 (3) Alternatively, the HF or NH4F dipped oxide surfaces are terminated by Si—F groups in addition to Si—OH groups. Since HF or NH4F solution etches silicon oxide strongly, their concentrations must be controlled to an adequately low level, and the immersion time must be sufficiently short. This is an example of a post-VSE process being a second VSE process. The covalent bonds across the bonding interface are formed due to the polymerization reaction between hydrogen bonded Si—HF or Si—OH groups: Si—HF+Si—HF Si—F—F—Si+H2 (4) Si—F+Si—OH Si—O—Si+HF (5) FIG. 8 shows the fluorine concentration profile of bonded thermal oxide covered silicon wafers that were dipped in 0.05% HF before room temperature bonding. A fluorine concentration peak is clearly seen at the bonding interface. This provides evidence of the chemical process described above where the desired species are located at the bonding interface. Since reaction (2) is reversible only at relatively high temperatures of ˜500 C, the formed siloxane bonds should not be attacked by NH3 at lower temperatures. It is known that H2 molecules are small and diffuse about 50 times quicker than water molecules in oxide. The existence of a damaged layer near the surface of an adequate thickness i.e. a few nm, will facilitate the diffusion or dissolution of NH3, and HF and hydrogen in reactions (2), (3), (4) and/or (5) in this layer and enhancement of the chemical bond. The three reactions result in a higher bonding energy of SiO2/SiO2 bonded pairs at room temperature after a period of storage time to allow NH3 or H2 to diffuse away. In the example of FIG. 2, the plasma treatment may create a damaged or defective area in the oxide layer near the bonding surface. The zone extends for a few monolayers. The damaged or defective area aids in the removal of bonding by-products. Efficient removal of the bonding by-products improves the bonding strength since the by-products can interfere with the bonding process by preventing high-strength bond from forming. Many different surfaces of materials may be smoothed and/or planarized, followed by a cleaning process, to prepare for bonding according to the invention. These materials can be room temperature bonded by mating surfaces with sufficient planarity, surface smoothness, and passivation that includes cleaning, and/or VSE, activation and termination. Amorphous and sintered materials, non-planar integrated circuits, and silicon wafers are examples of such materials. Single crystalline semiconductor or insulating surfaces, such as SiO2 or Si surfaces, can also be provided with the desired surface roughness, planarity and cleanliness. Keeping the surfaces in high or ultra-high vacuum simplifies obtaining surfaces sufficiently free of contamination and atomic reconstruction to achieve the strong bonding according to the invention. Other semiconductor or insulator materials such as InP, GaAs, SiC, sapphire, etc., may also be used. Also, since PECVD SiO2 may be deposited on many types of materials at low temperatures, many different combinations of materials may be bonded according to the invention at room temperature. Other materials may also be deposited as long as appropriate processes and chemical reactions are available for the VSE, surface activation, and termination. For example, the method may also be used with silicon nitride as the bonding material. Silicon nitride may be bonded to silicon nitride, or to silicon dioxide and silicon. Silicon oxide may also be bonded to silicon. Other types of dielectric materials may be bonded together including aluminum nitride and diamond-like carbon. The method may be applied to planar wafers having no devices or circuits and one wafer with devices and circuits. The planar wafer may be coated with a bonding layer, such as PECVD oxide or amorphous silicon, and then processed as described above to bond the two wafers. The planar wafer may not need to be coated with a bonding layer if it has sufficient smoothness and planarity and the proper bonding material. As can be appreciated, the bonding process may be repeated with any number of wafers, materials or functional elements. For example, two device or IC wafers may be joined, followed by removing one of the exposed substrates to transfer a layer or more of devices, or just the active regions of an IC. The bonding according to the invention may be applied to joining different types of materials. For example, a silicon wafer can be bonded to another silicon wafer, or bond to an oxidized silicon wafer. The bare silicon wafer and the oxide covered wafer are immersed in HF, NH4F and/or NH4OH and bonded after drying. The time for the immersion should be less than about twenty minutes for the silicon wafer covered with the thin oxide since the NH4OH solution etches silicon oxide. Since HF and NH4F etches oxides strongly, very diluted solutions, preferably in 0.01-0.2% range should be used for dipping of the silicon wafers. After drying the silicon wafer and the oxide-covered wafer are bonded in ambient at room temperature. Reactions (2), (3), (4) and/or (5) take place at the bonding interface between the two wafers. The plasma-treated wafers may also be immersed in deionized water instead of the NH4OH solution. The silicon bonding may be conducted with a bare silicon wafer, i.e. having a native oxide or a silicon wafer having an oxide layer formed on its surface as described above. During the oxygen plasma treatment, the native oxide which if formed on the bare silicon wafer is sputter etched, and the oxide layer formed on the silicon surface is etched. The final surface is an activated (native or formed) oxide. When rinsed in deionized water, the activated oxide surface is mainly terminated with Si—OH groups. Since oxide growth in oxygen plasma has been found to have less water than in normal native oxide layers, the water from the original bonding bridge and generated by the following polymerization reaction (6) can be absorbed into the plasma oxide readily. Si—OH+Si—OH Si—O—Si+H2O (6) FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate bonding two silicon wafers. Wafers 50 and 52 have respective surfaces 51 and 53 with native oxides (not shown) subjected to a VSE process. Surface 53 is in FIG. 5C is shown terminated with a desired species 54. The two wafers are brought together and bonds 55 begin to form (FIG. 5D). The bonding propagates and bonding by-products, in this case H2 gas, are removed. The by-products being removed are shown as arrows 56 in FIG. 5E. In addition to removal of the water from the bonding interface by dissolving into the plasma activated oxide of the oxidized silicon wafer, the water can also diffuse through the thin oxide layer on the bare silicon wafer to react with silicon. As the silicon surface underneath the oxide has a damaged or defective zone, extending for a few monolayers, the water molecules that diffuse through the oxide layer and reach the damaged or defective zone can be converted to hydrogen at room temperature and be removed readily: Si+2H2O SiO2+2H2 (7) The reverse reaction of (6) is thus avoided and the room temperature bonding energy increases enormously due to the formation of covalent Si—O—Si bonds. If a relatively thick (˜5 nm) oxide layer is formed, it will take a long period of time for the water molecules to diffuse through this thick layer. On the other hand, if after the plasma treatment a thin oxide layer is left or a too narrow defective zone is formed, water that can reach the silicon surface may not react sufficiently with the silicon and convert to hydrogen. In both cases the bonding energy enhancement will be limited. The preferred oxygen plasma treatment thus leaves a minimum plasma oxide thickness (e.g., about 0.1-1.0 nm) and a reasonably thick defective zone (e.g., about 0.1-0.3 nm) on the silicon surface. In a second embodiment, the VSE process uses wet chemicals. For example, an InP wafer having a deposited silicon oxide layer, as in the first embodiment, and a device layer are bonded to a AlN substrate having a deposited oxide layer. After smoothing and planarizing the InP wafer bonding surface and the AlN wafer bonding surface, both wafers are cleaned in an standard RCA cleaning solution. The wafers are very slightly etched using a dilute HF aqueous solution with an HF concentration preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.2%. About a few tenths of a nm is removed and the surface smoothness is not degraded as determined by AFM (atomic force microscope) measurements. Without deionized water rinse, the wafers are spin dried and bonded in ambient air at room temperature. The resulting bonding energy has been measured to reach ˜700 mJ/m2 after storage in air. After annealing this bonded pair at 75° C. the bonding energy of 1500 mJ/m2 was obtained., The bonding energy has been measured to reach silicon bulk fracture energy (about 2500 mJ/m2) after annealing at 100° C. If the wafers are rinsed with deionized water after the HF dip, the bonding energy at 100° C. is reduced to 200 mJ/m2, that is about one tenth of that obtained without the rinse. This illustrates the preference of F to OH as a terminating species. In a third embodiment the VSE process consists of 0.1% HF etching followed by 5 min dip in 0.02% HN4F solution of thermally oxidized silicon wafers at room temperature after a standard cleaning process. Without rinsing in deionized water, the wafers are bonded after spin drying at room temperature. The bonding energy of the bonded pairs reaches ˜1700 mJ/m2 after 100° C. annealing. If the wafers are rinsed in de-ionized water after the HF etching before bonding, the bonding energy of bonded pairs is only 400 mJ/m2, again illustrating the preference of F to OH as a terminating species. Dilute NH4F is used in the VSE process to etch silicon oxide covered wafers in a fourth embodiment. The concentration of the NH4F should be below 0.02% to obtain the desired bonding. The bonding energy of ˜600 mJ/m2 can be achieved at room temperature after storage. A fifth embodiment of the invention is used to bond Si surfaces having a native oxide of about 1 nm in thickness. In the fifth embodiment, after cleaning the Si surface by a standard RCA1 cleaning process, a VSE process using 5 min etching in 70% HNO3+diluted HF (preferably 0.01 to 0.02%) is performed. Wafers are pulled out of the solution vertically with a basically hydrophobic surface. Without rinsing in water, the wafers were bonded at room temperature in air. In this process covalent bonding occurs at room temperature with measured bonding energies typically about 600 mJ/m2. This bonding energy is significantly increased to 1300 mJ/m2 after annealing at 75° C. and reaches the fracture energy of bulk silicon (about 2500 mJ/m2) at a temperature of 100° C. Instead of 70% HNO3, diluted HNO3 with water can be used in the solution to achieve similar results. According to AMF measurements and high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurement results, the silicon is etched in the dilute HNO3 VSE process at a rate of 0.1-0.15 nm/min and a new thick oxide 2.5-3.5 nm in thickness is formed. As further embodiments, the VSE process may consist of a dry etch that has chemical and/or physical components. For a bare Si surface, chemical etching may result from SF4/H2 gas mixture while physical etching may result from Ar etch. For a silicon oxide surface, chemical etching may use CF4 while physical etching may use oxygen or argon gas. It is also possible to use a thermally stable polymer material for the bonding materials and bond two polymer surfaces together. Examples are polyimides or spin-on materials. The mechanisms governing the increased bond energy at low or room temperature are similar. A very slight etching (VSE) of the bonding wafers by plasma to clean and activate the surfaces, and improve removal of by-products of interface polymerization to prevent the undesirable reverse reaction and rinse in appropriate solution to terminate the surface with desired species to facilitate room temperature covalent bonding. The oxide covered wafer bonding case is similar except that a different surface termination is preferred. In bare silicon wafer bonding, the highly reactive surface layers of oxide and silicon to allow water adsorption and conversion to hydrogen should be formed. The highly reactive layers can be a plasma thin oxide layer and a damaged silicon surface layer. The oxide on the silicon wafer will also have some damage. Not only O2 plasma but also plasma of other gases (such as Ar, CF4) are adequate. Because during and after VSE the silicon surface is readily to react with moisture to form an oxide layer, and the underlying damaged silicon layer is created by VSE. Since the VSE and by-products removal methods are rather general in nature, this approach can be implemented by many means and apply to many materials. EXAMPLE 1 In a first example, three inch <100>, 1-10 ohm-cm, boron doped silicon wafers were used. PECVD oxide was deposited on some of the silicon wafers. For comparison, thermal oxidized silicon wafers were also studied. The PECVD oxide thickness was 0.5 μm and 0.3 μm on the front side and the back side of the wafers, respectively. Oxide is deposited on both sides of the wafer to minimize wafer bow during polishing and improve planarization. A soft polish was performed to remove about 30 nm of the oxide and to smooth the front oxide surface originally having a root mean square of the micro-roughness (RMS) of ˜0.56 nm to a final ˜0.18 nm. A modified RCA1 solution was used to clean the wafer surfaces followed by spin-drying. Two wafers were loaded into the plasma system, both wafers are placed on the RF electrode and treated in plasma in RIE mode. For comparison, some wafers were treated in plasma mode in which the wafers were put on the grounded electrode. An oxygen plasma was used with a nominal flow rate of 16 scc/m. The RF power was 20-400 W (typically 80 W) at 13.56 MHz and the vacuum level was 100 mTorr. The oxide covered wafers were treated in plasma for times between 15 seconds to 5 minutes. The plasma treated silicon wafers were then dipped in an appropriate solution or rinse with de-ionized water followed by spin-drying and room temperature bonding in air. Some of the plasma treated wafers were also directly bonded in air without rinse or dipping. The bonding energy was measured by inserting a wedge into the interface to measure the crack length according to the equation: γ = 3 t b 2 E 1 t w1 3 E 2 t tw2 3 16 L 4 ( E 1 t w1 3 + E 2 t w2 3 ) E and tw are the Young's modulus and thickness for wafers one and two and tb is the thickness of a wedge inserted between the two wafers that results in a wafer separation of length L from the edge of the wafers. The room temperature bonding energy as a function of storage time of bonded plasma treated oxide covered silicon wafers is shown in FIG. 6A. This figure shows measured room temperature bonding energy versus storage time for 4 different cases as shown. The results can be summarized as follows: (1) for dipped and bonded RIE plasma treated oxide wafers, the room temperature bonding energy increases with storage time and reaches a stable value after ˜20 h in air or at low vacuum; (2) RIE mode results in higher bonding energies than plasma mode; (3) too short a plasma exposure time or too low a plasma power provides a small or negligible increase in bond energy; (4) NH4OH dip after plasma treatment shows a much higher increase in bonding energy than water rinse; (5) direct bonding in air after plasma treatment without dipping or rinse shows an almost constant bonding energy with time. The bonding energy of the directly bonded wafer pairs immediately after room temperature bonding is slightly higher than the de-ionized water rinsed or NH4OH dipped wafer pairs. FIG. 6B shows room temperature bonding of Si and AlN wafers with PECVD oxide deposited layers. After about 100 h of storage time a bonding energy of over 2000 mJ/m2 were observed. Comparing different bonding materials, the bonding energy as a function of storage time of O2 plasma treated thermally oxidized silicon wafer pairs is similar to wafers with PECVD oxide, although the values of the room temperature bonding energy are somewhat lower. After ˜24 h storage in air at room temperature, the bonding energy as high as ˜1000 mJ/m2 was reached in the RIE mode plasma treated and NH4OH dipped PECVD oxide covered wafer pairs. Since the maximum bonding energy of a van der Waals bonded silicon oxide covered wafer pairs is about 200 mJ/m2, a large portion of the bonding energy is attributed to the formation of covalent bonds at the bonding interface at room temperature according to the above equation. EXAMPLES 2-3 The above process was applied to bond processed InP wafers (600 μm thick) to AlN wafers (380 μm thick), or to bond processed Si (380 μm thick) and InP (600 μm thick) wafers, as second and third examples. The processed InP device wafers are covered with PECVD oxide and planarized and smoothed by chemical-mechanical polishing CMP. A PECVD oxide layer is also deposited on the AlN wafers and is planarized and smoothed to improve the RMS surface roughness. The processed Si and processed InP wafers are deposited with PECVD oxide and planarized and smoothed using CMP. After VSE similar to the example 1 bonding at room temperature, the bonded wafers are left in ambient air at room temperature. After 24 hours storage at room temperature, bonding energy of 1000 mJ/m2 and 1100 mJ/m2 were achieved for the InP/Si and InP/AlN bonded pairs, respectively. For processed Si (380 μm thick)/oxide covered AlN (280 μm thick) wafer pairs, the bonding energy at room temperature as high as 2500 mJ/m2 has been achieved. These room temperature bonded plasma treated wafer pairs have sufficient bonding strength to sustain subsequent substrate lapping and etching and other typical semiconductor fabrication processes before or after substrate removal. The InP substrate in the room temperature bonded InP/AlN pairs was lapped with 1900# Al2O3 powder from initial 600 μm thick to ˜50 μm thick followed by etching in an HCl/H3PO4 solution to leave about a 2.0 μm thick InP device layer on the AlN or Si wafer. The water and etching solution did not penetrate into the bonding interface. Surfaces are sputter etched by energetic particles such as radicals, ions, photons and electrons in the plasma or RIE mode. For example, the O2 plasma under conditions that bring about the desired VSE is sputter-etching about 2 Å/min of PECVD oxide as measured by a reflectance spectrometry. For thermal oxide the sputter etching rate is about 0.5 Å/min. The thickness of oxide before and after plasma treatment was measured by a reflectance spectrometry and averaged from 98 measured points on each wafer. The etching by O2 plasma has not only cleaned the surface by oxidation and sputtering but also broken bonds of the oxide on the wafer surfaces. However, the surface roughness of plasma treated oxide surfaces must not be degraded by the etching process. AFM measurements show that compared with the initial surface roughness, the RMS of the O2 plasma treated oxide wafers was ˜2 Å and did not change noticeably. On the other hand, if the etching is not sufficiently strong, the bonding energy enhancement effect is also small. Keeping other conditions unchanged when the O2 plasma treatment was performed with plasma mode rather than RIE mode, the etching of oxide surfaces is negligible and the oxide thickness does not change. The final room temperature bonding energy is only 385 mJ/m2 compared to 1000 mJ/m2 of RIE treated wafers (see FIG. 6A). Other gas plasma has shown a similar effect. CF4/O2 RIE was used to remove ˜4 nm of PECVD oxide from the wafer surfaces prior to bonding. The bonding energy of room temperature bonded PECVD oxide covered silicon wafers was also enhanced significantly in this manner and exceeds 1000 mJ/m2 after sufficient storage time (see also FIG. 6A). An argon plasma has also been used for the VSE with a nominal flow rate of 16 scc/m. The RF power was typically 60 W at 13.56 MHz and the vacuum level was 100 mTorr. The oxide covered silicon wafers were treated in plasma in RIE mode for times between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The plasma treated silicon wafers were then dipped in an NH4OH solution followed by spin-drying and room temperature bonding in air. The bonding energy reached ˜800 mJ/m2 at room temperature after only 8 h storage in air. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to bonding of materials at room temperature and, in particular, to bonding of processed semiconductor materials, such as integrated circuit or device substrates, having activated surfaces to achieve high bonding strength adequate for subsequent fabrication and/or a desired application. 2. Background of the Invention Direct room temperature bonding generally produces weak van der Waals or hydrogen bonding. Annealing is typically required to convert the weak bond to a stronger chemical bond such as a covalent bond. Other wafer bonding techniques including anodic and fusion typically require the application of voltage, pressure and/or annealing at elevated temperature to achieve a sufficient bond strength for subsequent fabrication and/or the desired application. The need to apply voltage, pressure or heat has significantly limited wafer bonding applications because these parameters can damage the materials being wafer bonded, give rise to internal stress and introduce undesirable changes in the devices or materials being bonded. Achieving a strong bond at low temperatures is also critical for bonding of thermally mismatched or thermally sensitive wafers including processed device wafers. Ultra high vacuum (UHV) bonding is one of the approaches to achieve a low or room temperature strong bond. However, the bonding wafers still have to be pre-annealed at high temperatures, for instance >600° C. for silicon and 500° C. for GaAs, before cooling down to low or room temperature for bonding. Furthermore, the UHV approach does not generally work on commonly used materials, for example, in SiO 2 . It is further also expensive and inefficient. Adhesive layers can also be used to bond device wafers to a variety of substrates and to transfer device layers at low temperatures. However, thermal and chemical instability, interface bubbles, stress and the inhomogeneous nature of adhesive layers prevent its wide application. It is thus highly desirable to achieve a strong bond at room temperature by bonding wafers in ambient without any adhesive, external pressure or applied electric field. Low vacuum bonding has been explored as a more convenient alternative to UHV bonding but a bonding energy comparable to the bulk silicon fracture energy using bonded bare silicon wafer pairs has only be achieved after annealing at ˜150° C. For oxide covered silicon wafer pairs annealing at ˜300° C. is required to obtain a high bond energy. It has not been possible to obtain high bonding energies in bonded material using low vacuum bonding at room temperature. A gas plasma treatment prior to bonding in ambient is known to enhance the bonding energy of bonded silicon pairs at low or room temperature. See, for example, G. L. Sun, Q.-Y. Tong, et al., J. de Physique, 49(C4), 79 (1988); G. G. Goetz, Proc. of 1st Intl. Symp. on Semicond. Wafer Bonding: Science, Technol. and Applications, The Electrochem. Soc., 92-7, 65 (1992); S. Farrens et al., J. Electroch. Soc., 142,3950 (1995) and Amirffeiz et al, Abstracts of 5th Intl. Symp. on Semi. Wafer Bonding: Science, Tech. and Appl., The Electrochemical Society, 99-2, Abstract No. 963 (1999). Although these treatments have increased the bond energy obtainable at low or room temperature, they have only been demonstrated with planar silicon wafers or with silicon wafers using a plasma process that results in oxide being grown on the wafers during the plasma process. Moreover, these treatments have only been used to increase the bond energy by charging or damaging the surface. Furthermore, these treatments have not been used or shown to be applicable to deposited dielectrics or other materials. Obtaining low or room temperature bonding with a method that is not only applicable to planar silicon and grown oxide surfaces but further to deposited materials and non-planar surfaces with planarized deposited materials will allow generic materials, including processed semiconductor wafers, to be bonded with minimal damage for manufacturing purposes. Such a method based on etching and chemical bonding is described herein. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is an object of the invention to provide a method for bonding materials at low or room temperature. It is another object of the invention to bond materials by cleaning and activating the bonding surfaces to promote chemical bond formation at about room temperature. It is a further object of the invention to provide a bonding method to bond any solid state material such as processed device or integrated circuit wafers or thermally sensitive or mismatched materials at or about room temperature. It is further object of the invention to provide a bonding method to bond processed device or integrated circuit wafers of different types of devices or different technologies, and transfer a layer of devices or circuits at or about room temperature. It is another object of the invention to enable a direct wafer bonding method that does not require annealing to achieve a required bond strength. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method whereby diverse materials including those with non-planar surfaces and deposited materials can be planarized and bonded. These and other objects are achieved by a method of bonding having steps of forming first and second bonding surfaces, etching the first and second bonding surfaces, and bonding together at room temperature the first and second bonding surfaces after said etching step. The etching may include etching the first and second bonding surfaces such that respective surface roughnesses of the first and second bonding surfaces after said etching are substantially the same as respective surface roughnesses before said etching. The surface roughness may be in a range of 0.1 to 3.0 nm. The bonding surfaces may be the surface of a deposited insulating material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride or a dielectric polymer. The bonding surface may also be the surface of a silicon wafer. Silicon wafers, using either the surface of the wafer or a deposited material on the wafer, may be bonded together. The wafers may have devices or integrated circuits formed therein. The devices and circuits in the wafers bonded together may be interconnected. The wafers may have a non-planar surface or an irregular surface topology upon which a material is deposited to form the bonding surfaces. Forming at least one of the bonding surfaces may include depositing a polishable material on a non-planar surface. Depositing said polishable material may include depositing one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride or a dielectric polymer. The bonding surfaces may be polished using a method such as chemical-mechanical polishing. The surfaces may also be etched prior to the polishing. The etching step may also include activating the first and second bonding surfaces and forming selected bonding groups on the first and second bonding surfaces. Bonding groups may also be formed capable of forming chemical bonds at approximately room temperature, and chemical bonds may be formed between the bonding surfaces allowing bonded groups to diffuse or dissociate away from an interface of the bonding surfaces. The chemical bonds can increase the bonding strength between the bonding surfaces by diffusing or dissociating away said bonding groups. After said etching step, the bonding surfaces may be immersed in a solution to form bonding surfaces terminated with desired species. The species may comprise at least one of a silanol group, an NH 2 group, a fluorine group and an HF group. Also, a monolayer of one of a desired atom and a desired molecule may be formed on the bonding surface. Terminating the surface may include rinsing said bonding materials in an ammonia-based solution after said slightly etching. The ammonia-based solution may be ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride. The method may also include exposing the bonding surfaces to one of an oxygen, argon, NH 3 and CF 4 RIE plasma process. Silicon dioxide may be deposited as to form the bonding surfaces, and etched using the RIE process. The etching process may create a defective or damaged zone proximate to the bonding surfaces. The defective or damaged zone can facilitate the removal of bonding by-products through diffusion or dissociation. The method may also include steps of forming first and second bonding surfaces, etching the bonding surfaces, terminating the bonding surfaces with a species allowing formation of chemical bonds at about room temperature, and bonding the bonding surfaces at about room temperature, or may include steps of forming the bonding surfaces each having a surface roughness in a range of 0.1 to 3 nm, removing material from the bonding surfaces while maintaining said surface roughness, and directly bonding the bonding surfaces at room temperature with a bonding strength of at least 500 mJ/m 2 , at least 1000 mJ/m 2 , or at least 2000 mJ/m 2 . The objects of the invention may also be achieved by a bonded device having a first material having a first etched bonding surface, and a second material having a second etched bonding surface directly bonded to the first bonding surface at room temperature having a bonding strength of at least 500 to 2000 mJ/m 2 . The bonding surfaces may be being activated and terminated with a desired bonding species, and the desired species may include a monolayer of one of a desired atom and a desired molecule on said bonding surface or at least one of a silanol group, an NH 2 group, a fluorine group and an HF group. The bonding surfaces may each have a defective region located proximate to said first and second bonding surfaces, respectively. The first material may include a surface of a first semiconductor wafer having devices formed therein, and the second material may include a surface of a second semiconductor wafer having devices formed therein. Devices in the wafers may be interconnected, and the wafers may be of different technologies. The wafers may also have an integrated circuit formed therein, and devices or circuits in the wafers may be interconnected. One of said first and second wafers may be a device region after removing a substantial portion of a substrate of said one of said first and second wafers. The wafers may have an irregular surface topology. The first material may include a first wafer containing electrical devices and having a first non-planar surface, and the first bonding surface may include a polished and etched deposited oxide layer on said first non-planar surface. The second material may include a second wafer containing electrical devices and having a second non-planar surface, and the second bonding surface may include a polished, planarized and slightly etched deposited oxide layer on the second non-planar surface. The first material may include a first wafer containing electrical devices and having a first surface with irregular topology, and the first bonding surface may include a polished, planarized and slightly etched deposited oxide layer on the first surface. The second material may include a second wafer containing electrical devices and having a second surface with irregular topology, and the second bonding surface may include a polished, planarized and slightly etched deposited oxide layer on the second surface. The bonded device according to the invention may also include a first material having a first etched and activated bonding surface terminated with a first desired bonding species, and a second material having a second etched and activated bonding surface terminated with a second desired bonding species bonded to the first bonding surface at room temperature. | 20040809 | 20080617 | 20050414 | 60812.0 | 1 | GARCIA, JOANNIE A | METHOD FOR LOW TEMPERATURE BONDING AND BONDED STRUCTURE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,621 | ACCEPTED | Medical tele-robotic system | A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. | 1-27 (cancelled) 28 A remote controlled robotic system that is coupled to a broadband network, comprising: a first remote control station coupled to the network; a base station coupled to said remote control station through the broadband network; and, a robot wirelessly coupled to said base station. 29 The system of claim 28, further comprising a second remote control station coupled to said base station, and said robot arbitrates control of said robot between said first and second control stations. 30 The system of claim 28, wherein said robot includes a robot camera and a robot monitor, said remote station includes a remote camera coupled to said robot monitor and a remote monitor coupled to said robot camera. 31 The system of claim 30, wherein said robot includes a holonomic platform attached to a housing. 32 The system of claim 31, further comprising an arm coupled to said housing. 33 The system of claim 32, wherein said arm includes a gripper. 34 The system of claim 31, further comprising a speaker coupled to said housing. 35 The system of claim 31, further comprising a microphone coupled to said housing. 36 The system of claim 31, further comprising a wireless transceiver coupled to said housing. 37 The system of claim 31, further comprising a battery recharger station, a battery that is coupled to said housing and can be coupled to said battery recharger station, and a power management software routine wherein said holonomic platform moves said housing so that said battery is coupled to said battery recharger station. 38 The system of claim 31, wherein said holonomic platform includes a plurality of roller assemblies. 39 The system of claim 31, further comprising a mass storage device that stores a video image. 40 The system of claim 31, wherein said housing includes a drawer that moves between an open position and a closed position. 41 A method for remotely operating a robot to monitor a patient, comprising: transmitting a command to move a robot, through a broadband network from a remote control station to a base station; transmitting wirelessly the command from the base station to the robot; and, moving the robot in response to the command. 42 The method of claim 41, further comprising transmitting a video image from the robot to the remote control station. 43 The method of claim 41, further comprising transmitting a video image from the remote control station to the robot. 44 The method of claim 41, further comprising moving a drawer of the robot to an open position to dispense a drug. 45 The method of claim 42, wherein an existing video image and a pre-existing video image is transmitted to the remote control station from the robot. 46 The method of claim 41, wherein the robot autonomously moves to a battery recharger station. 47 A remote controlled robotic system, comprising: a first remote control station; a second remote control station; and, a robot that contains a controller that arbitrates access control of said robot between said first and second remote control stations. 48 The system of claim 47, wherein said robot includes a robot camera and a robot monitor, said remote station includes a remote camera coupled to said robot monitor and a remote monitor coupled to said robot camera. 49 The system of claim 48, wherein said robot includes a holonomic platform attached to a housing. 50 The system of claim 49, further comprising an arm coupled to said housing. 51 The system of claim 49, wherein said arm includes a gripper. 52 The system of claim 49, further comprising a speaker coupled to said housing. 53 The system of claim 49, further comprising a microphone coupled to said housing. 54 The system of claim 49, further comprising a wireless transceiver coupled to said housing. 55 The system of claim 49, further comprising a battery recharger station, a battery that is coupled to said housing and can be coupled to said battery recharger station, and a power management software routine wherein said holonomic platform moves said housing so that said battery is coupled to said battery recharger station. 56 The system of claim 49, wherein said holonomic platform includes a plurality of roller assemblies. 57 The system of claim 49, further comprising a mass storage device that stores a video image. 58 The system of claim 49, wherein said housing includes a drawer that moves between an open position and a closed position. 59 A method for remotely operating a robot to monitor a patient, comprising: transmitting a first command to move a mobile robot from a first remote control station; transmitting a second command to move the mobile robot from a second remote control station; determining which command has priority; and, moving the mobile robot in response to the transmitted command with priority. 60 The method of claim 59, further comprising transmitting a video image from the mobile robot to the remote control station. 61 The method of claim 59, further comprising transmitting a video image from the remote control station to the mobile robot. 62 The method of claim 59, further comprising moving a drawer of the mobile robot to an open position to dispense a drug. 63 The method of claim 60, wherein an existing video image and a pre-existing video image is transmitted to the remote control station from the mobile robot. 64 The method of claim 59, wherein the robot autonomously moves to a battery recharger station. 65-85 (cancelled) | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The subject matter disclosed generally relates to the field of robotics used in the medical field. 2. Background Information There is a growing need to provide remote health care to patients that have a variety of ailments ranging from Alzheimers to stress disorders. To minimize costs it is desirable to provide home care for such patients. Home care typically requires a periodic visit by a health care provider such as a nurse or some type of assistant. Due to financial and/or staffing issues the health care provider may not be there when the patient needs some type of assistance. Additionally, existing staff must be continuously trained, which can create a burden on training personnel. It would be desirable to provide a system that would allow a health care provider to remotely care for a patient without being physically present. Robots have been used in a variety of applications ranging from remote control of hazardous material to assisting in the performance of surgery. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,458 issued to Wang et al. discloses a system that allows a surgeon to perform minimally invasive medical procedures through the use of robotically controlled instruments. There have also been developed “toy” robots for home use. Such robots typically have a relatively simple movement platform and some type of speech synthesis for generating words and sounds. It would be desirable to provide a robotic system that would allow for remote patient monitoring and assistance. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A robot that may include a camera and a monitor that are attached to a housing. The robot may also have a platform that is attached to the housing and coupled to a controller. The controller may be coupled to a broadband interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an illustration of a robotic system; FIG. 2 is a schematic of an electrical system of a robot; FIG. 3 is a further schematic of the electrical system of the robot; FIG. 4 is an illustration of a robot with an arm in an upward position; FIG. 5 is an illustration of the robot with the arm in a lower position; FIG. 6 is an illustration of a holonomic platform of the robot; FIG. 7 is an illustration of a roller assembly of the holonomic platform; FIG. 8 is an illustration of an arm assembly of the robot; FIG. 9 is an illustration of a gripper assembly of the arm; FIG. 10 is a schematic of a battery recharger for the robot; FIG. 11 is a vector diagram that may be used to compute movement of the robot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Disclosed is a robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers, FIG. 1 shows a robotic system 10. The robotic system 10 includes a robot 12, a base station 14 and a remote control station 16. The remote control station 16 may be coupled to the base station 14 through a network 18. By way of example, the network 18 may be either a packet switched network such as the Internet, or a circuit switched network such has a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or other broadband system. The base station 14 may be coupled to the network 18 by a modem 20 or other broadband network interface device. The remote control station 16 may include a computer 22 that has a monitor 24, a camera 26, a microphone 28 and a speaker 30. The computer 22 may also contain an input device 32 such as a joystick or a mouse. The control station 16 is typically located in a place that is remote from the robot 12. Although only one remote control station 16 is shown, the system 10 may include a plurality of remote stations. Additionally, although only one robot 12 is shown, it is to be understood that the system 10 may have a plurality of robots 12. In general any number of robots 12 may be controlled by any number of remote stations. For example, one remote station 16 may be coupled to a plurality of robots 12, or one robot 12 may be coupled to a plurality of remote stations 16. The robot 12 includes a movement platform 34 that is attached to a robot housing 36. Also attached to the robot housing 36 are a camera 38, a monitor 40, a microphone(s) 42 and a speaker 44. The microphone 42 and speaker 30 may create a stereophonic sound. The robot 12 may also have an antennae 44 that is wirelessly coupled to an antennae 46 of the base station 14. The system 10 allows a user at the remote control station 16 to move the robot 12 through the input device 32. The robot camera 38 is coupled to the remote monitor 24 so that a user at the remote station 16 can view a patient. Likewise, the robot monitor 40 is coupled to the remote camera 26 so that the patient can view the user. The microphones 28 and 42, and speakers 30 and 44, allow for audible communication between the patient and the user. The remote station computer 22 may operate Microsoft OS software and WINDOWS XP or other operating systems such as LINUX. The remote computer 22 may also operate a video driver, a camera driver, an audio driver and a joystick driver. The video images may be transmitted and received with compression software such as MPEG CODEC. FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of the robot 12. The robot 12 may include a high level control system 50 and a low level control system 52. The high level control system 50 may include a processor 54 that is connected to a bus 56. The bus is coupled to the camera 38 by an input/output (I/O) port 58, and to the monitor 40 by a serial output port 60 and a VGA driver 62. The monitor 40 may include a touchscreen function that allows the patient to enter input by touching the monitor screen. The speaker 44 is coupled to the bus 56 by a digital to analog converter 64. The microphone 42 is coupled to the bus 56 by an analog to digital converter 66. The high level controller 50 may also contain random access memory (RAM) device 68, a non-volatile RAM device 70 and a mass storage device 72 that are all coupled to the bus 62. The mass storage device 72 may contain medical files of the patient that can be accessed by the user at the remote control station 16. For example, the mass storage device 72 may contain a picture of the patient. The user, particularly a health care provider, can recall the old picture and make a side by side comparison on the monitor 24 with a present video image of the patient provided by the camera 38. The robot antennae 44 may be coupled to a wireless transceiver 74. By way of example, the transceiver 74 may transmit and receive information in accordance with IEEE 802.11a. The controller 54 may operate with a LINUX OS operating system. The controller 54 may also operate X WINDOWS along with video, camera and audio drivers for communication with the remote control station 16. Video information may be transceived using MPEG CODEC compression techniques. The software may allow the user to send e-mail to the patient and vice versa, or allow the patient to access the Internet. In general the high level controller 50 operates to control the communication between the robot 12 and the remote control station 16. The high level controller 50 may be linked to the low level controller 52 by serial ports 76 and 78. The low level controller 52 includes a processor 80 that is coupled to a RAM device 82 and non-volatile RAM device 84 by a bus 86. The robot 12 contains a plurality of motors 88 and motor encoders 90. The encoders 90 provide feedback information regarding the output of the motors 88. The motors 88 can be coupled to the bus 86 by a digital to analog converter 92 and a driver amplifier 94. The encoders 90 can be coupled to the bus 86 by a decoder 96. The robot 12 also has a number of proximity sensors 98 (see also FIG. 1). The position sensors 98 can be coupled to the bus 86 by a signal conditioning circuit 100 and an analog to digital converter 102. The low level controller 52 runs software routines that mechanically actuate the robot 12. For example, the low level controller 52 provides instructions to actuate the movement platform to move the robot 12, or to actuate an arm of the robot. The low level controller 52 may receive movement instructions from the high level controller 50. The movement instructions may be received as movement commands from the remote control station. Although two controllers are shown, it is to be understood that the robot 12 may have one controller controlling the high and low level functions. The various electrical devices of the robot 12 may be powered by a battery(ies) 104. The battery 104 may be recharged by a battery recharger station 106 (see also FIG. 1). The low level controller 52 may include a battery control circuit 108 that senses the power level of the battery 104. The low level controller 52 can sense when the power falls below a threshold and then send a message to the high level controller 50. The high level controller 50 may include a power management software routine that causes the robot 12 to move so that the battery 104 is coupled to the recharger 106 when the battery power falls below a threshold value. Alternatively, the user can direct the robot 12 to the battery recharger 106. Additionally, the battery may be replaced or the robot 12 may be coupled to a wall power outlet by an electrical cord (not shown). FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the robot 12. The robot 12 may include a holonomic platform 110 that is attached to a robot housing 112. The holonomic platform 110 allows the robot 12 to move in any direction. Although not shown the robot housing 112 may include bumpers. The robot 12 may have an arm 114 that supports the camera 38 and monitor 40. The arm 114 may have two degrees of freedom so that the camera 26 and monitor 24 can be moved from an upper position shown in FIG. 4 to a lower position shown in FIG. 5. The arm 114 may have an end effector 116 such as a gripper that can grasp objects. The robot 12 may include a drawer 118 that can automatically move between a closed position and an open position. The drawer 118 can be used to dispense drugs to a patient. For example, the drawer 118 may include a drug(s) that must be taken at a certain time. The robot 12 may be programmed so that the drawer 118 is opened at the desired time. A nurse or other health care provider may periodically “load” the drawer 118. The robot may also have a battery recharger port 119. Although drugs are described, it is to be understood that the drawer 118 could hold any item. As shown in FIG. 6 the holonomic platform 110 may include three roller assemblies 120 that are mounted to a base plate 122. The roller assemblies 120 are typically equally spaced about the platform 110 and allow for movement in any direction. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a roller assembly 120. Each assembly 120 may include a drive ball 124 that is driven by a pair of transmission rollers 126. The assembly 120 includes a retainer ring 128 and a plurality of bushings 130 that allow the ball 124 to rotate in an x and y direction but prevents movement in a z direction. The transmission rollers 126 are coupled to a motor assembly 132. The assembly 132 corresponds to the motor 88 shown in FIG. 3. The motor assembly 132 includes an output pulley 134 attached to a motor 136. The output pulley 134 is coupled to a pair of ball pulleys 138 by a drive belt 140. The ball pulleys 138 are attached to drive pins 142 that are attached to a transmission bracket 144. The transmission rollers 126 are attached to a transmission bracket 144 by a roller pin 146. The transmission brackets 144 each have a pin 143 that is supported by a part of the housing. Rotation of the output pulley 134 rotates the ball pulleys 138. Rotation of the ball pulleys 138 causes the transmission rollers 126 to rotate and spin the ball 124 through frictional forces. Spinning the ball 124 will move the robot 12. The drive balls 126 are out of phase so that one of the balls 126 is always in contact with ball 124. The roller pin 146 and bracket 144 allow the transmission rollers 126 to freely spin and allow orthoganal directional passive movement when one of the other roller assemblies 120 is driving and moving the robot 12. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of the arm 114. The arm 114 may include a first linkage 150 that is pivotally mounted to a fixed plate 152 of the robot housing 12. The arm 114 may also include a second linkage 154 that is pivotally connected to the first linkage 150 and a third linkage 156 that is pivotally connected to the second linkage 154. The first linkage 150 may be coupled to a first motor 158 and motor encoder 160 by a gear assembly 162. Rotation of the motor 158 will cause a corresponding pivotal movement of the linkage 150 and arm 114. The linkage 150 may be coupled to the fixed plate 152 by a bearing 164. The second linkage 154 may be coupled to a second motor 166 and encoder 168 by a gear assembly 170 and a pulley assembly 172. The pulley assembly 172 may be connected to the gear assembly 170 by a pin 174 that extends through the gear assembly 162 of the first motor 158. The second linkage 154 may be attached to a pin 176 that can spin relative to the first linkage 150. The pulley assembly 172 may have a belt 178 that couples a pair of pulleys 180 and 182 that are attached to pins 174 and 176, respectively. Pin 176 may be coupled to the first linkage 150 by bearings 182. The arm 114 is configured to allow wires 183 to be internally routed through the linkages 150, 154 and 156. The third linkage 156 may be connected to a pin 184 that can spin relative to the second linkage 154. The pin 184 may be coupled to the second linkage 154 by a bearing assembly 186. The third linkage 156 may be structurally coupled to the first linkage 150 by a pair of pulley assemblies 188. The pulley assembly 188 insures a horizontal position of the third linkage 156 no matter what position the first 150 and second 154 linkages are in. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the third linkage 156 is always in a horizontal position. This insures that the camera 26 is always in the same orientation, thus reducing the possibility of disorientation at the remote control station when viewing the patient. The gripper 116 is attached to the third linkage 156. The gripper 116 may include a pair of fingers 190 that are pivotally attached to a base plate 192. The fingers 190 are coupled to a motor 194 and encoder 196 by a gear assembly 198. The base plate 192 is coupled to the third linkage 156 by a bearing assembly 200. The motor 194 can spin the base plate 192 and fingers 192 relative to the third linkage 156. The gripper 116 may further have a push rod 202 that can engage cam surfaces 204 of the fingers 190 to move the gripper fingers 190 between open and closed positions. The push rod 202 may be coupled to a motor 206 and encoder (not shown) by a linkage assembly 208. Actuation of the motor 206 will translate the push rod 202 and move the fingers 190. The motor 206 may have a force sensor that provides force feedback back to the remote control station. The input device of the remote control station may have a force feedback mechanism so that the user feels the force being exerted onto the gripper fingers 190. In operation, the robot 12 may be placed in a home or a facility where one or more patients are to be monitored and/or assisted. The facility may be a hospital or a residential care facility. By way of example, the robot 12 may be placed in a home where a health care provider may monitor and/or assist the patient. Likewise, a friend or family member may communicate with the patient. The cameras and monitors at both the robot and remote control station allow for teleconferencing between the patient and the person at the remote station. The robot 12 can be maneuvered through the home or facility by manipulating the input device 32 at the remote station 16. The robot 12 may also have autonomous movement. For example, the robot 12 may be programmed to automatically move to a patients room at a certain time to dispense drugs in the drawer 118 without input from the remote station 16. The robot 12 can be programmed to monitor and/or assist a patient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Such a monitoring capability is enhanced by the autonomous recharging function of the robot. The robot 10 may be controlled by a number of different users. To accommodate for this the robot may have an arbitration system. The arbitration system may be integrated into the operating system of the robot 12. For example, the arbitration technique may be embedded into the operating system of the high-level controller 50. By way of example, the users may be divided into classes that include the robot itself, a local user, a caregiver, a doctor, a family member, or a service provider. The robot may override input commands that conflict with robot operation. For example, if the robot runs into a wall, the system may ignore all additional commands to continue in the direction of the wall. A local user is a person who is physically present with the robot. The robot could have an input device that allows local operation. For example, the robot may incorporate a voice recognition system that receives and interprets audible commands. A caregiver is someone who remotely monitors the patient. A doctor is a medical professional who can remotely control the robot and also access medical files contained in the robot memory. The family and service users remotely access the robot. The service user may service the system such as by upgrading software, or setting operational parameters. Message packets may be transmitted between a robot 12 and a remote station 16. The packets provide commands and feedback. Each packet may have multiple fields. By way of example, a packet may include an ID field a forward speed field, an angular speed field, a stop field, a bumper field, a sensor range field, a configuration field, a text field and a debug field. The identification of remote users can be set in an ID field of the information that is transmitted from the remote control station 16 to the robot 12. For example, a user may enter a user ID into a setup table in the application software run by the remote control station 16. The user ID is then sent with each message transmitted to the robot. The robot 12 may operate in one of two different modes; an exclusive mode, or a sharing mode. In the exclusive mode only one user has access control of the robot. The exclusive mode may have a priority assigned to each type of user. By way of example, the priority may be in order of local, doctor, caregiver, family and then service user. In the sharing mode two or more users may share access with the robot. For example, a caregiver may have access to the robot, the caregiver may then enter the sharing mode to allow a doctor to also access the robot. Both the caregiver and the doctor can conduct a simultaneous tele-conference with the patient. The arbitration scheme may have one of four mechanisms; notification, timeouts, queue and call back. The notification mechanism may inform either a present user or a requesting user that another user has, or wants, access to the robot. The timeout mechanism gives certain types of users a prescribed amount of time to finish access to the robot. The queue mechanism is an orderly waiting list for access to the robot. The call back mechanism informs a user that the robot can be accessed. By way of example, a family user may receive an e-mail message that the robot is free for usage. Tables 1 and 2, show how the mechanisms resolve access request from the various users. TABLE I Access Medical Command Software/Debug Set User Control Record Override Access Priority Robot No No Yes (1) No No Local No No Yes (2) No No Caregiver Yes Yes Yes (3) No No Doctor No Yes No No No Family No No No No No Service Yes No Yes Yes Yes TABLE II Requesting User Local Caregiver Doctor Family Service Current User Local Not Allowed Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of pending user pending user pending user pending user Notify requesting Notify requesting user Notify requesting user Notify requesting user that system is that system is in use that system is in use user that system is in use Set timeout = 5 m Set timeout = 5 m in use Set timeout Call back No timeout Call back Caregiver Warn current user Not Allowed Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of of pending user. pending user pending user pending user Notify requesting Notify requesting user Notify requesting user Notify requesting user that system is that system is in use that system is in use user that system is in use. Set timeout = 5 m Set timeout = 5 m in use Release control Queue or callback No timeout Callback Doctor Warn current user Warn current user of Warn current user of Notify requesting user Warn current user of of pending user pending user pending user that system is in use pending user Notify requesting Notify requesting Notify requesting user No timeout Notify requesting user that system is user that system is that system is in use Queue or callback user that system is in use in use No timeout in use Release control Set timeout = 5 m Callback No timeout Callback Family Warn current user Notify requesting Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of of pending user user that system is pending user pending user pending user Notify requesting in use Notify requesting user Notify requesting user Notify requesting user that system is No timeout that system is in use that system is in use user that system is in use Put in queue or Set timeout = 1 m Set timeout = 5 m in use Release Control callback Queue or callback No timeout Callback Service Warn current user Notify requesting Warn current user of Warn current user of Not Allowed of pending user user that system is request pending user Notify requesting in use Notify requesting user Notify requesting user user that system is No timeout that system is in use that system is in use in use Callback No timeout No timeout No timeout Callback Queue or callback The information transmitted between the station 16 and the robot 12 may be encrypted. Additionally, the user may have to enter a password to enter the system 10. A selected robot is then given an electronic key by the station 16. The robot 12 validates the key and returns another key to the station 16. The keys are used to encrypt information transmitted in the session. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a battery recharger. The robot port 119 may include a secondary winding 250 that is magnetically coupled to a primary winding 252 of the battery recharger station 106. The primary winding 252 is coupled to an electrical outlet plug 254 by a relay circuit 256, a fuse 258 and a switch 260. The relay 256 is controlled by a recharger controller 262. The recharger controller 262 is connected to a recharger infrared (IR) transceiver 264. The recharger IR transceiver 264 is coupled to a robot IR transceiver 266. The robot IR transceiver 266 is connected to the low level controller 52. The robot 10 may also have an alignment sensor 268 that can sense a target 270 on the station 106. By way of example, the sensor 268 may include an optical emitter and receiver that detects a light beam reflected from the target 270. The controller 52 may also sense a current flow into the battery 104 to determine whether the robot 12 is aligned with the docking station 106. The secondary windings 250 are connected to the battery 104 by a charger circuit 272. The secondary 250 and primary 252 windings may each have wires 274 wrapped about a magnetic core 276. The station 106 may also have an oscillator/chopper circuit (not shown) to increase the voltage magnetically transferred to the secondary winding 250. In operation, the robot 10 is moved to the battery recharger station 106 either autonomously, or by user control. The robot 10 is moved until the sensor 268 is aligned with the target 270. The low level controller 52 then sends a command to the recharger controller 262 through the transceivers 264 and 266. The recharger controller 262 then closes the relay 256 wherein power is transferred to the battery 104 through the windings 250 and 252. When the battery 104 is recharged, or the battery recharging process is interrupted by the user, the low level controller 52 transmits a command to the recharger controller 262 to open the relay 256. The robot 10 then moves away from the recharging station 106. FIG. 11 shows a vector diagram that can be used to compute movement of the robot with the following equations: w 1 = V R 1 ( Sin ∝ 1 Sin θ - Cos ∝ 1 Cos θ ) + Ψ L 1 R 1 ( 1 ) w 2 = V R 2 Sin θ + Ψ L 2 R 2 ( 2 ) w 3 = V R 3 ( Sin ∝ 3 Sin θ + Cos ∝ 3 Cos θ ) + Ψ L 3 R 3 ( 3 ) where, w1=is the drive angular velocity of a first ball 124. w2=is the drive angular velocity of a second ball 124. w3=is the drive angular velocity of a third ball 124. V=is the input linear velocity for the robot. V has components Vx and Vy, where; Vx=|V| cos θ and Vy=|V| sin θ. ψ=is the input angular velocity for the robot. Let the angular velocity vector w=[w1, w2, w3]T. (4) A = [ - Cos ∝ 1 R 1 Sin ∝ 1 R 1 L 1 R 1 O - 1 R 2 L 2 R 2 Cos ∝ 3 R 3 Sin ∝ 3 R 3 L 3 R 3 ] ( 5 ) and the velocity vector: V=[vx, vy, ψ]T (6) W=A•V (7) The angular velocity vector w is calculated from equation (7) and compared with the actual w valves measured by the motor encoder. An algorithm performs an error correction routine to compensate for differences in the actual and desired valves. While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The subject matter disclosed generally relates to the field of robotics used in the medical field. 2. Background Information There is a growing need to provide remote health care to patients that have a variety of ailments ranging from Alzheimers to stress disorders. To minimize costs it is desirable to provide home care for such patients. Home care typically requires a periodic visit by a health care provider such as a nurse or some type of assistant. Due to financial and/or staffing issues the health care provider may not be there when the patient needs some type of assistance. Additionally, existing staff must be continuously trained, which can create a burden on training personnel. It would be desirable to provide a system that would allow a health care provider to remotely care for a patient without being physically present. Robots have been used in a variety of applications ranging from remote control of hazardous material to assisting in the performance of surgery. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,458 issued to Wang et al. discloses a system that allows a surgeon to perform minimally invasive medical procedures through the use of robotically controlled instruments. There have also been developed “toy” robots for home use. Such robots typically have a relatively simple movement platform and some type of speech synthesis for generating words and sounds. It would be desirable to provide a robotic system that would allow for remote patient monitoring and assistance. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A robot that may include a camera and a monitor that are attached to a housing. The robot may also have a platform that is attached to the housing and coupled to a controller. The controller may be coupled to a broadband interface. | 20040806 | 20070116 | 20050127 | 75882.0 | 1 | MARC, MCDIEUNEL | MEDICAL TELE-ROBOTIC SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,650 | ACCEPTED | Medical tele-robotic system | A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. | 1-73. (cancelled) 74. A method for monitoring a patient, comprising: storing a pre-existing video image of a patient; capturing an existing video image of the patient; and, transmitting the pre-existing video image and the existing video image to a remote control station. 75. The method of claim 74, wherein the robot is remotely controlled. 76. A robot system, comprising: a battery recharger station; a robot housing; a battery coupled to said robot housing; a movement platform attached to said robot housing; a camera attached to said robot housing; and, a controller that is attached to said robot housing and coupled to said movement platform, said controller operates a power management software routine that causes said movement platform to move said robot housing so that said battery is coupled to said battery recharger. 77. The robot system of claim 76, further comprising an arm coupled to said robot housing. 78. The robot system of claim 77, wherein said arm includes a gripper. 79. The robot system of claim 76, further comprising a speaker coupled to said robot housing. 80. The robot system of claim 76, further comprising a microphone coupled to said robot housing. 81. The robot system of claim 76, further comprising a wireless transceiver coupled to said robot housing. 82. The robot system of claim 76, wherein said movement platform includes a plurality of roller assemblies. 83. The robot system of claim 76, further comprising a mass storage device that stores a video image. 84. A method for operating a robot, comprising: operating a software routine within a robot to determine whether the robot needs power; and, moving the robot to a battery recharger station when the robot needs power. 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the robot is remotely controlled. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The subject matter disclosed generally relates to the field of robotics used in the medical field. 2. Background Information There is a growing need to provide remote health care to patients that have a variety of ailments ranging from Alzheimers to stress disorders. To minimize costs it is desirable to provide home care for such patients. Home care typically requires a periodic visit by a health care provider such as a nurse or some type of assistant. Due to financial and/or staffing issues the health care provider may not be there when the patient needs some type of assistance. Additionally, existing staff must be continuously trained, which can create a burden on training personnel. It would be desirable to provide a system that would allow a health care provider to remotely care for a patient without being physically present. Robots have been used in a variety of applications ranging from remote control of hazardous material to assisting in the performance of surgery. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,458 issued to Wang et al. discloses a system that allows a surgeon to perform minimally invasive medical procedures through the use of robotically controlled instruments. There have also been developed “toy” robots for home use. Such robots typically have a relatively simple movement platform and some type of speech synthesis for generating words and sounds. It would be desirable to provide a robotic system that would allow for remote patient monitoring and assistance. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A robot that may include a camera and a monitor that are attached to a housing. The robot may also have a platform that is attached to the housing and coupled to a controller. The controller may be coupled to a broadband interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an illustration of a robotic system; FIG. 2 is a schematic of an electrical system of a robot; FIG. 3 is a further schematic of the electrical system of the robot; FIG. 4 is an illustration of a robot with an arm in an upward position; FIG. 5 is an illustration of the robot with the arm in a lower position; FIG. 6 is an illustration of a holonomic platform of the robot; FIG. 7 is an illustration of a roller assembly of the holonomic platform; FIG. 8 is an illustration of an arm assembly of the robot; FIG. 9 is an illustration of a gripper assembly of the arm; FIG. 10 is a schematic of a battery recharger for the robot; FIG. 11 is a vector diagram that may be used to compute movement of the robot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Disclosed is a robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers, FIG. 1 shows a robotic system 10. The robotic system 10 includes a robot 12, a base station 14 and a remote control station 16. The remote control station 16 may be coupled to the base station 14 through a network 18. By way of example, the network 18 may be either a packet switched network such as the Internet, or a circuit switched network such has a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or other broadband system. The base station 14 may be coupled to the network 18 by a modem 20 or other broadband network interface device. The remote control station 16 may include a computer 22 that has a monitor 24, a camera 26, a microphone 28 and a speaker 30. The computer 22 may also contain an input device 32 such as a joystick or a mouse. The control station 16 is typically located in a place that is remote from the robot 12. Although only one remote control station 16 is shown, the system 10 may include a plurality of remote stations. Additionally, although only one robot 12 is shown, it is to be understood that the system 10 may have a plurality of robots 12. In general any number of robots 12 may be controlled by any number of remote stations. For example, one remote station 16 may be coupled to a plurality of robots 12, or one robot 12 may be coupled to a plurality of remote stations 16. The robot 12 includes a movement platform 34 that is attached to a robot housing 36. Also attached to the robot housing 36 are a camera 38, a monitor 40, a microphone(s) 42 and a speaker 44. The microphone 42 and speaker. 30 may create a stereophonic sound. The robot 12 may also have an antennae 44 that is wirelessly coupled to an antennae 46 of the base station 14. The system 10 allows a user at the remote control station 16 to move the robot 12 through the input device 32. The robot camera 38 is coupled to the remote monitor 24 so that a user at the remote station 16 can view a patient. Likewise, the robot monitor 40 is coupled to the remote camera 26 so that the patient can view the user. The microphones 28 and 42, and speakers 30 and 44, allow for audible communication between the patient and the user. The remote station computer 22 may operate Microsoft OS software and WINDOWS XP or other operating systems such as LINUX. The remote computer 22 may also operate a video driver, a camera driver, an audio driver and a joystick driver. The video images may be transmitted and received with compression software such as MPEG CODEC. FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of the robot 12. The robot 12 may include a high level control system 50 and a low level control system 52. The high level control system 50 may include a processor 54 that is connected to a bus 56. The bus is coupled to the camera 38 by an input/output (I/O) port 58, and to the monitor 40 by a serial output port 60 and a VGA driver 62. The monitor 40 may include a touchscreen function that allows the patient to enter input by touching the monitor screen. The speaker 44 is coupled to the bus 56 by a digital to analog converter 64. The microphone 42 is coupled to the bus 56 by an analog to digital converter 66. The high level controller 50 may also contain random access memory (RAM) device 68, a non-volatile RAM device 70 and a mass storage device 72 that are all coupled to the bus 62. The mass storage device 72 may contain medical files of the patient that can be accessed by the user at the remote control station 16. For example, the mass storage device 72 may contain a picture of the patient. The user, particularly a health care provider, can recall the old picture and make a side by side comparison on the monitor 24 with a present video image of the patient provided by the camera 38. The robot antennae 44 may be coupled to a wireless transceiver 74. By way of example, the transceiver 74 may transmit and receive information in accordance with IEEE 802.11a. The controller 54 may operate with a LINUX OS operating system. The controller 54 may also operate X WINDOWS along with video, camera and audio drivers for communication with the remote control station 16. Video information may be transceived using MPEG CODEC compression techniques. The software may allow the user to send e-mail to the patient and vice versa, or allow the patient to access the Internet. In general the high level controller 50 operates to control the communication between the robot 12 and the remote control station 16. The high level controller 50 may be linked to the low level controller 52 by serial ports 76 and 78. The low level controller 52 includes a processor 80 that is coupled to a RAM device 82 and non-volatile RAM device 84 by a bus 86. The robot 12 contains a plurality of motors 88 and motor encoders 90. The encoders 90 provide feedback information regarding the output of the motors 88. The motors 88 can be coupled to the bus 86 by a digital to analog converter 92 and a driver amplifier 94. The encoders 90 can be coupled to the bus 86 by a decoder 96. The robot 12 also has a number of proximity sensors 98 (see also FIG. 1). The position sensors 98 can be coupled to the bus 86 by a signal conditioning circuit 100 and an analog to digital converter 102. The low level controller 52 runs software routines that mechanically actuate the robot 12. For example, the low level controller 52 provides instructions to actuate the movement platform to move the robot 12, or to actuate an arm of the robot. The low level controller 52 may receive movement instructions from the high level controller 50. The movement instructions may be received as movement commands from the remote control station. Although two controllers are shown, it is to be understood that the robot 12 may have one controller controlling the high and low level functions. The various electrical devices of the robot 12 may be powered by a battery(ies) 104. The battery 104 may be recharged by a battery recharger station 106 (see also FIG. 1). The low level controller 52 may include a battery control circuit 108 that senses the power level of the battery 104. The low level controller 52 can sense when the power falls below a threshold and then send a message to the high level controller 50. The high level controller 50 may include a power management software routine that causes the robot 12 to move so that the battery 104 is coupled to the recharger 106 when the battery power falls below a threshold value. Alternatively, the user can direct the robot 12 to the battery recharger 106. Additionally, the battery may be replaced or the robot 12 may be coupled to a wall power outlet by an electrical cord (not shown). FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the robot 12. The robot 12 may include a holonomic platform 110 that is attached to a robot housing 112. The holonomic platform 110 allows the robot 12 to move in any direction. Although not shown the robot housing 112 may include bumpers. The robot 12 may have an arm 114 that supports the camera 38 and monitor 40. The arm 114 may have two degrees of freedom so that the camera 26 and monitor 24 can be moved from an upper position shown in FIG. 4 to a lower position shown in FIG. 5. The arm 114 may have an end effector 116 such as a gripper that can grasp objects. The robot 12 may include a drawer 118 that can automatically move between a closed position and an open position. The drawer 118 can be used to dispense drugs to a patient. For example, the drawer 118 may include a drug(s) that must be taken at a certain time. The robot 12 may be programmed so that the drawer 118 is opened at the desired time. A nurse or other health care provider may periodically “load” the drawer 118. The robot may also have a battery recharger port 119. Although drugs are described, it is to be understood that the drawer 118 could hold any item. As shown in FIG. 6 the holonomic platform 110 may include three roller assemblies 120 that are mounted to a base plate 122. The roller assemblies 120 are typically equally spaced about the platform 110 and allow for movement in any direction. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a roller assembly 120. Each assembly 120 may include a drive ball 124 that is driven by a pair of transmission rollers 126. The assembly 120 includes a retainer ring 128 and a plurality of bushings 130 that allow the ball 124 to rotate in an x and y direction but prevents movement in a z direction. The transmission rollers 126 are coupled to a motor assembly 132. The assembly 132 corresponds to the motor 88 shown in FIG. 3. The motor assembly 132 includes an output pulley 134 attached to a motor 136. The output pulley 134 is coupled to a pair of ball pulleys 138 by a drive belt 140. The ball pulleys 138 are attached to drive pins 142 that are attached to a transmission bracket 144. The transmission rollers 126 are attached to a transmission bracket 144 by a roller pin 146. The transmission brackets 144 each have a pin 143 that is supported by a part of the housing. Rotation of the output pulley 134 rotates the ball pulleys 138. Rotation of the ball pulleys 138 causes the transmission rollers 126 to rotate and spin the ball 124 through frictional forces. Spinning the ball 124 will move the robot 12. The drive balls 126 are out of phase so that one of the balls 126 is always in contact with ball 124. The roller pin 146 and bracket 144 allow the transmission rollers 126 to freely spin and allow orthoganal directional passive movement when one of the other roller assemblies 120 is driving and moving the robot 12. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of the arm 114. The arm 114 may include a first linkage 150 that is pivotally mounted to a fixed plate 152 of the robot housing 12. The arm 114 may also include a second linkage 154 that is pivotally connected to the first linkage 150 and a third linkage 156 that is pivotally connected to the second linkage 154. The first linkage 150 may be coupled to a first motor 158 and motor encoder 160 by a gear assembly 162. Rotation of the motor 158 will cause a corresponding pivotal movement of the linkage 150 and arm 114. The linkage 150 may be coupled to the fixed plate 152 by a bearing 164. The second linkage 154 may be coupled to a second motor 166 and encoder 168 by a gear assembly 170 and a pulley assembly 172. The pulley assembly 172 may be connected to the gear assembly 170 by a pin 174 that extends through the gear assembly 162 of the first motor 158. The second linkage 154 may be attached to a pin 176 that can spin relative to the first linkage 150. The pulley assembly 172 may have a belt 178 that couples a pair of pulleys 180 and 182 that are attached to pins 174 and 176, respectively. Pin 176 may be coupled to the first linkage 150 by bearings 182. The arm 114 is configured to allow wires 183 to be internally routed through the linkages 150, 154 and 156. The third linkage 156 may be connected to a pin 184 that can spin relative to the second linkage 154. The pin 184 may be coupled to the second linkage 154 by a bearing assembly 186. The third linkage 156 may be structurally coupled to the first linkage 150 by a pair of pulley assemblies 188. The pulley assembly 188 insures a horizontal position of the third linkage 156 no matter what position the first 150 and second 154 linkages are in. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the third linkage 156 is always in a horizontal position. This insures that the camera 26 is always in the same orientation, thus reducing the possibility of disorientation at the remote control station when viewing the patient. The gripper 116 is attached to the third linkage 156. The gripper 116 may include a pair of fingers 190 that are pivotally attached to a base plate 192. The fingers 190 are coupled to a motor 194 and encoder 196 by a gear assembly 198. The base plate 192 is coupled to the third linkage 156 by a bearing assembly 200. The motor 194 can spin the base plate 192 and fingers 192 relative to the third linkage 156. The gripper 116 may further have a push rod 202 that can engage cam surfaces 204 of the fingers 190 to move the gripper fingers 190 between open and closed positions. The push rod 202 may be coupled to a motor 206 and encoder (not shown) by a linkage assembly 208. Actuation of the motor 206 will translate the push rod 202 and move the fingers 190. The motor 206 may have a force sensor that provides force feedback back to the remote control station. The input device of the remote control station may have a force feedback mechanism so that the user feels the force being exerted onto the gripper fingers 190. In operation, the robot 12 may be placed in a home or a facility where one or more patients are to be monitored and/or assisted. The facility may be a hospital or a residential care facility. By way of example, the robot 12 may be placed in a home where a health care provider may monitor and/or assist the patient. Likewise, a friend or family member may communicate with the patient. The cameras and monitors at both the robot and remote control station allow for teleconferencing between the patient and the person at the remote station. The robot 12 can be maneuvered through the home or facility by manipulating the input device 32 at the remote station 16. The robot 12 may also have autonomous movement. For example, the robot 12 may be programmed to automatically move to a patients room at a certain time to dispense drugs in the drawer 118 without input from the remote station 16. The robot 12 can be programmed to monitor and/or assist a patient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Such a monitoring capability is enhanced by the autonomous recharging function of the robot. The robot 10 may be controlled by a number of different users. To accommodate for this the robot may have an arbitration system. The arbitration system may be integrated into the operating system of the robot 12. For example, the arbitration technique may be embedded into the operating system of the high-level controller 50. By way of example, the users may be divided into classes that include the robot itself, a local user, a caregiver, a doctor, a family member, or a service provider. The robot may override input commands that conflict with robot operation. For example, if the robot runs into a wall, the system may ignore all additional commands to continue in the direction of the wall. A local user is a person who is physically present with the robot. The robot could have an input device that allows local operation. For example, the robot may incorporate a voice recognition system that receives and interprets audible commands. A caregiver is someone who remotely monitors the patient. A doctor is a medical professional who can remotely control the robot and also access medical files contained in the robot memory. The family and service users remotely access the robot. The service user may service the system such as by upgrading software, or setting operational parameters. Message packets may be transmitted between a robot 12 and a remote station 16. The packets provide commands and feedback. Each packet may have multiple fields. By way of example, a packet may include an ID field a forward speed field, an angular speed field, a stop field, a bumper field, a sensor range field, a configuration field, a text field and a debug field. The identification of remote users can be set in an ID field of the information that is transmitted from the remote control station 16 to the robot 12. For example, a user may enter a user ID into a setup table in the application software run by the remote control station 16. The user ID is then sent with each message transmitted to the robot. The robot 12 may operate in one of two different modes; an exclusive mode, or a sharing mode. In the exclusive mode only one user has access control of the robot. The exclusive mode may have a priority assigned to each type of user. By way of example, the priority may be in order of local, doctor, caregiver, family and then service user. In the sharing mode two or more users may share access with the robot. For example, a caregiver may have access to the robot, the caregiver may then enter the sharing mode to allow a doctor to also access the robot. Both the caregiver and the doctor can conduct a simultaneous tele-conference with the patient. The arbitration scheme may have one of four mechanisms; notification, timeouts, queue and call back. The notification mechanism may inform either a present user or a requesting user that another user has, or wants, access to the robot. The timeout mechanism gives certain types of users a prescribed amount of time to finish access to the robot. The queue mechanism is an orderly waiting list for access to the robot. The call back mechanism informs a user that the robot can be accessed. By way of example, a family user may receive an e-mail message that the robot is free for usage. Tables 1 and 2, show how the mechanisms resolve access request from the various users. TABLE I Access Medical Command Software/Debug Set User Control Record Override Access Priority Robot No No Yes (1) No No Local No No Yes (2) No No Caregiver Yes Yes Yes (3) No No Doctor No Yes No No No Family No No No No No Service Yes No Yes Yes Yes TABLE II Requesting User Local Caregiver Doctor Family Service Current User Local Not Allowed Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of pending user pending user pending user pending user Notifying requesting Notifying requesting user Notifying requesting user Notifying requesting user that system is that system is in use that system is in use user that system is in in use Set timeout = 5 m Set timeout = 5 m use Set timeout Call back No timeout Call back Caregiver Warn current user Not Allowed Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of of pending user. pending user pending user pending user Notify requesting Notify requesting user Notify requesting user Notify requesting user that system is that system is in use that system is in use user that system is in in use. Set timeout = 5 m Set timeout = 5 m use Release control Queue or callback No timeout Callback Doctor Warn current user Warn current user of Warn current user of Notify requesting user Warn current user of of pending user pending user pending user that system is in use pending user Notify requesting Notify requesting Notify requesting user No timeout Notify requesting user that system is user that system is that system is in use Queue or callback user that system is in in use in use No timeout use Release control Set timeout = 5 m Callback No timeout Callback Family Warn current user Notify requesting Warn current user of Warn current user of Warn current user of of pending user user that system is pending user pending user pending user Notify requesting in use Notify requesting user Notify requesting user Notify requesting user that system is No timeout that system is in use that system is in use user that system is in in use Put in queue or Set timeout = 1 m Set timeout = 5 m use Release Control callback Queue or callback No timeout Callback Service Warn current user Notify requesting Warn current user of Warn current user of Not Allowed of pending user user that system is request pending user Notify requesting in use Notify requesting user Notify requesting user user that system is No timeout that system is in use that system is in use in use Callback No timeout No timeout No timeout Callback Queue or callback The information transmitted between the station 16 and the robot 12 may be encrypted. Additionally, the user may have to enter a password to enter the system 10. A selected robot is then given an electronic key by the station 16. The robot 12 validates the key and returns another key to the station 16. The keys are used to encrypt information transmitted in the session. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a battery recharger. The robot port 119 may include a secondary winding 250 that is magnetically coupled to a primary winding 252 of the battery recharger station 106. The primary winding 252 is coupled to an electrical outlet plug 254 by a relay circuit 256, a fuse 258 and a switch 260. The relay 256 is controlled by a recharger controller 262. The recharger controller 262 is connected to a recharger infrared (IR) transceiver 264. The recharger IR transceiver 264 is coupled to a robot IR transceiver 266. The robot IR transceiver 266 is connected to the low level controller 52. The robot 10 may also have an alignment sensor 268 that can sense a target 270 on the station 106. By way of example, the sensor 268 may include an optical emitter and receiver that detects a light beam reflected from the target 270. The controller 52 may also sense a current flow into the battery 104 to determine whether the robot 12 is aligned with the docking station 106. The secondary windings 250 are connected to the battery 104 by a charger circuit 272. The secondary 250 and primary 252 windings may each have wires 274 wrapped about a magnetic core 276. The station 106 may also have an oscillator/chopper circuit (not shown) to increase the voltage magnetically transferred to the secondary winding 250. In operation, the robot 10 is moved to the battery recharger station 106 either autonomously, or by user control. The robot 10 is moved until the sensor 268 is aligned with the target 270. The low level controller 52 then sends a command to the recharger controller 262 through the transceivers 264 and 266. The recharger controller 262 then closes the relay 256 wherein power is transferred to the battery 104 through the windings 250 and 252. When the battery 104 is recharged, or the battery recharging process is interrupted by the user, the low level controller 52 transmits a command to the recharger controller 262 to open the relay 256. The robot 10 then moves away from the recharging station 106. FIG. 11 shows a vector diagram that can be used to compute movement of the robot with the following equations: w 1 = V R 1 ( Sin ∝ 1 Sin θ - Cos ∝ 1 Cos θ ) + Ψ L 1 R 1 ( 1 ) w 2 = V R 2 Sin θ + Ψ L 2 R 2 ( 2 ) w 3 = V R 3 ( Sin ∝ 3 Sin θ + Cos ∝ 3 Cos θ ) + Ψ L 3 R 3 ( 3 ) where, w1=is the drive angular velocity of a first ball 124. w2=is the drive angular velocity of a second ball 124. W3=is the drive angular velocity of a third ball 124. V=is the input linear velocity for the robot. V has components Vx and Vy, where; Vx=|V|cos θ and Vy=|V|sin θ. ψ=is the input angular velocity for the robot. Let the angular velocity vector w=[w1, w2, w3]T. (4) A = [ - Cos ∝ 1 R 1 Sin ∝ 1 R 1 L 1 R 1 O - 1 R 2 L 2 R 2 Cos ∝ 3 R 3 Sin ∝ 3 R 3 L 3 R 3 ] ( 5 ) and the velocity vector: V=[vx, vy, ψ]T (6) W=A•V (7) The angular velocity vector w is calculated from equation (7) and compared with the actual w valves measured by the motor encoder. An algorithm performs an error correction routine to compensate for differences in the actual and desired valves. While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The subject matter disclosed generally relates to the field of robotics used in the medical field. 2. Background Information There is a growing need to provide remote health care to patients that have a variety of ailments ranging from Alzheimers to stress disorders. To minimize costs it is desirable to provide home care for such patients. Home care typically requires a periodic visit by a health care provider such as a nurse or some type of assistant. Due to financial and/or staffing issues the health care provider may not be there when the patient needs some type of assistance. Additionally, existing staff must be continuously trained, which can create a burden on training personnel. It would be desirable to provide a system that would allow a health care provider to remotely care for a patient without being physically present. Robots have been used in a variety of applications ranging from remote control of hazardous material to assisting in the performance of surgery. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,458 issued to Wang et al. discloses a system that allows a surgeon to perform minimally invasive medical procedures through the use of robotically controlled instruments. There have also been developed “toy” robots for home use. Such robots typically have a relatively simple movement platform and some type of speech synthesis for generating words and sounds. It would be desirable to provide a robotic system that would allow for remote patient monitoring and assistance. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A robot that may include a camera and a monitor that are attached to a housing. The robot may also have a platform that is attached to the housing and coupled to a controller. The controller may be coupled to a broadband interface. | 20040806 | 20061128 | 20050127 | 75882.0 | 1 | MARC, MCDIEUNEL | MEDICAL TELE-ROBOTIC SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,675 | ACCEPTED | Networked control system with real time monitoring | A technique for monitoring operational parameters of networked components includes storing data within each component descriptive of the component. The data is polled by a monitoring station and provides a basis for monitor views compiled in real time. The monitor views provide a view of current levels of parameters controlled or monitored by each device, such as on virtual meters. Historical levels of operational parameters may be presented in virtual strip chart output. Textual descriptions of the components are provided, along with listings of key settings. More detailed data may be accessed by links between the monitor views and other user viewable representations for the system and the specific components. | 1. A method for monitoring operational parameters of a system of electrical components, the method comprising the steps of: storing in a memory circuit of each component identity data representative of an identity of the respective component in the system; sensing operational parameters of each component and processing the sensed parameters in the respective component; transmitting the sensed parameters and the identity data of the respective component to a monitoring station; and generating a user viewable monitoring display of the parameters by component based upon the sensed parameters and the identity data. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the identity data represents a node address of the component. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of storing includes storing physical location data in the memory circuit of each component, and wherein the method includes the further step of generating a user viewable physical layout display for the system based upon the physical location data and the identity data, the monitoring display being accessible to a user from the physical layout display. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring display includes at least one virtual meter indicating a level of a selected parameter. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the parameter is selected based upon the identity data. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring display includes at least one virtual historical chart indicating historical levels of a selected parameter. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the parameter is selected based upon the identity data. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring display includes a textual display of operating parameters of the component. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring station is linked to the components via a data network and polls the components over the data network to obtain the sensed parameters and the identity data. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring station accesses a database for the system to obtain data descriptive of the components, and wherein the monitoring display includes a description of the respective component. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the description includes an image of the respective component. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the description includes a textual description of the respective component. 13. A method for monitoring operational parameters of a plurality of networked electrical components, the method comprising the steps of: storing in each component identity data and physical layout data, the identity data representative of an identity of the respective component and the physical layout data representative of a physical disposition of the respective component in the system. sensing operational parameters of the system in each component; transmitting the sensed parameters, the identity data and the physical layout data to a monitoring station; and generating a series of user viewable representations including a system view of a physical layout of the system and monitoring views displaying status of operational parameters for selected components. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the physical layout data includes data representative of physical coordinates of the respective component in the system. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the identity data includes a standardized code for the component type. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the monitoring views include virtual graphical displays of the operational parameters. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the operational parameters depicted in the virtual graphical displays are selected from a set of operational parameters monitored by the respective component. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the operational parameters depicted in the virtual graphical displays are selected automatically based upon the identity data. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the virtual graphical displays include a virtual meter. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the virtual graphical displays include a virtual historical chart of a selected parameter level. 21. The method of claim 13, wherein the monitoring views are accessible from the system view via user actuatable graphical devices. 22. A method for monitoring operational parameters of a plurality of networked electrical component, the method comprising the steps of: storing in a memory circuit of each component identity data representative of an identity of the respective component in the system; sensing operational parameters of each component and processing the sensed parameters in the respective component; transmitting the sensed parameters and the identity data of the respective component to a monitoring station; and generating a series of user viewable monitoring displays of the parameters by component based upon the sensed parameters and the identity data, the monitoring displays including graphical presentations of parameter levels. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the graphical presentations represent levels of parameters selected separately for each respective component. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the parameters represented in the graphical presentations are selected based upon the identity data. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein at least one of the parameters represented in the graphical presentations is user selected. 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the graphical presentations include a virtual meter for a selected parameter level. 27. The method of claim 22, wherein the graphical presentations include a virtual historical chart for a selected parameter level. 28. A method for monitoring operational parameters of a plurality of networked electrical components, the method comprising the steps of: storing component designation data in a memory circuit of each component; sensing operational parameters of each component and processing the sensed parameters in the respective component; transmitting the sensed parameters to a monitoring station; referencing configuration data for each component from a database based upon the component designation data; and generating a series of user viewable monitoring displays of the parameters by component based upon the sensed parameters and the configuration data, the monitoring displays including graphical presentations of parameter levels. 29. The method of claim 28, comprising the further step of storing component location data in each component, and wherein the method includes generating a physical view of a system comprising the components. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein parameters are selected for the graphical presentations based upon the component designation data. 31. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of referencing the configuration data includes accessing data representative of settings for the respective components. 32. The method of claim 28, further comprising referencing historical event data for each component. 33. The method of claim 28, wherein the designation data includes a node address for each component. 34. A system for monitoring a plurality of electrical components, the system comprising: a network link for accessing parameter data from a plurality of networked electrical components; and a monitoring station configured cyclically to access the parameter data via the network link and to generate a user viewable representation of the parameter data including a plurality of virtual meters displaying current and historical levels of selected parameters for each component. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the selected parameters for each component are determined by default from designation data for each component. 36. The system of claim 34, wherein the selected parameters for each component include at least one user selected parameter. 37. The system of claim 34, wherein the user viewable representation includes a display of parameter settings for the respective components. 38. The system of claim 34, wherein the user viewable representation is updated following cyclic access of the parameter data by the monitoring station. 39. The system of claim 34, further comprising a database accessible by the monitoring station, the database including component data descriptive of the components, and wherein the user viewable representation includes descriptive indicia based upon the component data. 40. The system of claim 34, wherein the user viewable representation includes historical event data for each component. 41. A system for monitoring operational parameters in an electrical control network, the system comprising: a plurality of electrical control or monitoring components adapted to control or monitor delivery of electrical power to a load, each component including a memory object storing component designation data; a data network coupled to the components for transmitting parameter data; a monitoring station coupled to the data network for accessing the parameter data from the components and configured to display a series of user viewable representations of the parameter data by component based upon the accessed parameter data and the designation data. 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the monitoring displays including graphical presentations of parameter levels. 43. The system of claim 41, wherein the components include a motor starter. 44. The system of claim 41, wherein the components include a variable frequency motor controller. 45. The system of claim 41, wherein the components include an overload relay. 46. The system of claim 41, wherein the memory object of each component stored physical location data for the respective component in the network, and wherein the monitoring station is configured to generate a physical view of the components based upon the physical location data. 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the user viewable representations of the parameter data are accessible by a user from the physical view. 48. The system of claim 41, wherein the user viewable representations include graphical representations of levels of selected parameters for each component. 49. The system of claim 48, wherein the graphical representations include virtual meters displaying current levels of selected parameters. 50. The system of claim 48, wherein the graphical representations depict historical levels of selected parameters. 51. The system of claim 48, wherein the selected parameters are default parameters based upon a classification of each component. 52. The system of claim 48, wherein at least one of the selected parameters is user selected. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of networked control and monitoring systems, such as those used in industrial automation applications. More particularly, the invention relates to a technique for conducting real time monitoring operations in a control and monitoring system, to display information for a user based upon data collected in real time and descriptive of both operational parameters and particular components and their individual configurations. A wide range of systems are known and have been developed for conducting local and remote monitoring operations in industrial control applications. In conventional systems, gages, meters, and the like were situated at specific locations corresponding to loads to which electrical power was applied. Such loads might include electric motors, valves, actuators, and so forth. Data is collected from the monitoring equipment by visual inspection. Such monitoring devices have also traditionally been provided in centralized control rooms where operators or technicians periodically inspect key parameter levels, typically visually. Increasingly, industrial control systems have been networked to provide for a wide variety of remote sensing and control functionalities. Networked components can be actuated remotely, and sensed parameters can be accessed and downloaded to monitoring and control stations. However, such systems still typically rely upon dedicated readout devices which are adapted to provide visual indications of parameter levels, with little or no configurability for the various components of the networked system. For more advanced systems which may have allowed for monitoring of a number of different components, prior knowledge of the component location, the component function, the component type, the component settings, and so forth were generally needed to adequately access and evaluate sensed parameter signals or operational status feedback. There is a need in the field for improved techniques for remotely monitoring a plurality of components in a networked system in real time. There is a particular need, at present, for a system which provides a straight forward, intuitive real time monitoring feature in which components of various types and configurations can be monitored on a single format and based upon data acquired from the components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a real time monitoring approach for industrial control applications designed to respond to these needs. The approach makes use of components which are adapted to either control or monitor operational parameters of the system, including application of electrical power to loads such as motors. Programmable components include memory objects which are dedicated to storing specific types of information, such as system designation, component designation, component function, component location, and so forth. Based upon the stored data from each component, and upon sensed data from the component, a monitoring station accesses information via a data network and compiles user viewable representations of monitored data. The user may configure the data in various ways, depending upon preferences and any defaults which may be associated with the particular components. The monitoring technique offers the potential to monitor a wide range of components in a standardized format. The format may include textual descriptions of the particular component or components, as well as visual displays or images of the component for facilitating recognition. The representations may also include virtual gages, meters, strip chart readouts, and the like displaying both current levels of key parameters, and historical levels of the parameters over desired periods. The representations may further include textual indications of configuration settings, such as current levels, voltages, time periods for delays, and so forth. The data may be polled in real time and displayed for all of the components, with the particular information displayed in the representations being adapted in accordance with the nature and function of the components in the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical representation of an electrical control and monitoring system including networked programmable components and monitoring stations, remote resources, and additional network components in accordance with aspects of the present technique; FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical representation of certain functional circuitry within a networked component in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical representation of components of a translator module for use with non-networkable or non-programmable, components in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical representation of functional elements included in a monitoring station designed to access data from components in a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 and to display data relating to component status and operating parameters; FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical representation of certain dedicated memory objects included in programmable components of the system of FIG. 1 for storing portions of a database distributed among the components and including data for designating the system, the components, and so forth; FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical representation of functional components in an integrated design, sales, and programming arrangement for implementing a distributed database in a system such as that illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating links between user viewable pages or representations in a monitoring station linked to a control and monitoring system; FIG. 8 is an elevational or physical layout view of a system of the type shown in FIG. 1 in an exemplary embodiment of software running on a monitoring station; FIG. 9 is a device monitoring view accessible from the elevational view of FIG. 8 for certain of the programmable components; FIG. 10 is a view of one of the user viewable representations, such as that of FIG. 9, and illustrating the real time selection of a desired language for textual labels stored and accessible from the system database; FIG. 11 is a spreadsheet view for component operating parameters and settings accessible from the physical view of FIG. 8; FIG. 12 is a view of event logs viewable on a monitoring station and illustrating links to drawings, reports, manuals and spare parts lists in an integrated documentation system; FIG. 13 is a view of support materials, such as manuals accessible from the menu illustrated in FIG. 12; and FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary logic in the design, assembly, programming, and operational phases of the system illustrated in the foregoing figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings, and referring first to FIG. 1, a control and monitoring system 10 is illustrated as including a component assembly 12, and a network 14 for transmitting data to and from components of the assembly. While the component assembly 12 may take many forms, and include devices for accomplishing many different and varied purposes, in a preferred implementation, the component assembly includes electrical control and monitoring equipment for regulating application of electrical power to loads. In particular, the components may include motor starters, motor controllers, variable frequency drives, relays, protective devices such as circuit breakers, programmable logic controllers, and so forth. In the industrial automation field, such component assemblies are commonly referred to as motor control centers (MCC's). In addition to the component assembly and network, system 10 includes a system controller 16 and a monitoring station 18. System controller 16 may, in fact, be defined by various devices both within and external to the component assembly, and may comprise computer systems connected to the component assembly via network 14. Where included in the system, system controller 16 may store programs, routines, control logic, and the like for regulating operation of the components of the system. Monitoring station 18, described in greater detail below, may be local to or separate from system controller 16. The monitoring station permits operational status and parameters to be monitored in real time, and affords programming of certain of the components of assembly 12. It should be noted that while a single assembly 12 is illustrated in the figures and described herein, the component assembly 12 may, in fact, include a range of assemblies, each located near one another or remote from one another in a particular application, interconnected with controller 16 and monitoring station 18 via network 14. Network 14 may also permit data exchange with additional monitoring and control stations. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a field engineer laptop 20 may be coupled to network 14 to produce representations of the system, monitor parameters sensed or controlled by the system, program components of the system, and so forth. Similarly, one or more gateways 22 may be provided which link network 14 to other networks 24. Such networks may use a similar or completely different protocol from that of network 14. The other networks 24 may include various remote devices, as indicated generally by reference numeral 26, which permit remote monitoring and control of components of the system. One or more of the control or monitoring stations in the system may be adapted to be linked to outside elements by wide area networks, as represented generally at reference numeral 28, including the Internet. Thus, monitoring station 18 may access remote resources and monitoring equipment 30 via wide area network 28, as described more fully below. It should be noted that, while reference is made herein to a wide area network 28, other network strategies may be implemented in the system, including virtual private networks, dedicated communications links, and so forth. While any suitable network 14 may be used in the system, in a present embodiment, an industry standard network is employed, referred to commonly under the name DeviceNet. Such networks permit the exchange of data in accordance with a predefined protocol, and may provide power for operation of networked elements. Component assembly 12 comprises a range of components, designated generally by reference numeral 32. The components are situated in an enclosure set 34 which may include a single or a plurality of separate enclosures. The enclosure set 34, in the illustrated embodiment, includes sections 36 in which subunits or sub-assemblies of the component assembly are situated. In practice, the enclosure set may be defined by a large enclosure in which individual panel-mounted subunits are positioned in bays 38. Between each of the sections or bays, wireways 40 serve to channel wiring, including trunk and drop cabling for network 14. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, one or more power busses 42 serve to convey electrical power to the enclosure, which is routed to each of the components to regulate the application of the power to downstream loads, such as electric motors, valves, actuators, and so forth. Components 32 generally include both an operative device, designated generally by the numeral 44, along with network interface circuitry 46, and load-line interface circuitry 48. While reference is made herein, generically, to a component device 44, it should be noted that in an industrial automation context, such devices may include any or all of the power regulation devices mentioned above, as well as others. In general, the devices may serve to regulate any useful industrial process or load, and may be configured to function in cooperation with one another, such as to protect the other components from overcurrent conditions, loss of phase, ground fault, or any other abnormal or unwanted condition. In normal operation, the devices function in accordance with a predetermined routine or program, either stored within the devices themselves, in memory of a programmable logic controller, or in memory of a system controller 16. Moreover, operation of the devices may be regulated in accordance with parameters sensed by the components themselves, or by system sensors. Finally, operation of the devices may be regulated by operator-induced command inputs, including inputs made via a computer interface, push buttons, switches, or in any other suitable manner. The components may be configured for direct connection to the data network 14, or may require connection to the network a translator 50. In the illustrated embodiment to FIG. 1, translator 50 serves to communicate data to and from a downstream device 52 which is not equipped for directly receiving and transmitting data via the network. As noted below, the components preferably include dedicated memory objects which facilitate certain of the monitoring and control functions of the system. Where a downstream device 52 does not include such objects, or is not equipped for data communications in accordance with the network protocol, a translator 50 may, instead, include the necessary memory objects, and serve to take on the identity of the downstream object from the point of view of the data network, translating data from the device in accordance with a second protocol as defined by the device, such as a CAN protocol known as SCANport in a present embodiment. In such cases, the translator 50 includes a device interface 54 which communicates with the downstream device 52 in accordance with the second protocol. Translator 50 may further include input/output interface circuitry 54 for transmitting and receiving information with other devices of the system. While not illustrated in FIG. 1, certain of the components 32 may include similar input and output interface circuitry, permitting them to similarly exchange information with external devices of the system. When positioned in the enclosure set 34, the components, devices, translators, and other elements of the system, may be represented as having specific locations or coordinates 58 and 60. In the illustrated embodiment, coordinate 58 represents a horizontal location of the components from a left-hand side of the enclosure set. Coordinate 60, on the other hand, represents the location of the components from a top side of the enclosure set. As noted below in greater detail, memory objects of each component or translator may store data representative of these coordinates to facilitate their location in the system, as well as to enhance certain of the monitoring and display functions of the system. In addition to coordinates 58 and 60, the components may include physical extent designations, such as size or space factors, designated generally by reference numeral 62, corresponding to the relative extent of a component or a sub-assembly within the enclosure set. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, coordinates 58 and 60, and factors 62 may permit the components to be accurately located and depicted in the system as described below. Monitoring station 18 includes a computer console 64 in which various types of memory supports 66 may be employed, such as magnetic or optical memory devices (e.g., CD ROM's). The computer console 64 is adapted to cooperate with peripheral devices, such as conventional computer monitor 68, and input devices such as a keyboard 70 and mouse 72. Moreover, the console 64 may cooperate with additional peripheral devices, such as a printer 74 for producing hard-copy reports. Certain of the functional circuitry contained within each component 32 is illustrated in FIG. 2. As noted above, each component 32 will include a control or monitoring device 44, such as a conventional device for regulating application of electrical power to a load. The devices, when adapted to regulate power in this way, may include single or multi-phase arrangements, and may operate on mechanical, electro-mechanical or solid state principles. A network interface circuit 46 permits the exchange of data between the component and other devices coupled to network 14 (see FIG. 1). Network interface 46 will be adapted to encode data in accordance with the protocol of the network, such as the DeviceNet protocol mentioned above. The components further include a processor 76 which communicates with the control and monitoring device 44 and the network interface 46 to control operation of the component, and to provide access to and exchange of data representative of states, parameter levels, and so forth, controlled by or monitored by device 44. Processor 76 is associated with a memory circuit 78, which will typically include a solid state, resident, non-volatile memory which is embedded and maintained on-board the component 32. As discussed more fully below, memory circuit 78 includes one or more dedicated objects 80 which are allocated for specific data representative of the system, the component, the component function, the component location, and so forth. Thus, memory objects 80 include sectors or blocks 82, typically each comprising a plurality of bits, for storing code representative of the designated data. Processor 76 may also receive inputs from sensors 84 which are external to device 44. Both device 44 and sensors 84 may serve to sense any suitable operational parameters, such as current, voltage, frequency, speeds, temperatures, and so forth. Similar functional circuitry is included within each translator 50, as illustrated generally in FIG. 3. As with components 32 (see FIG. 1), translators 50 include a processor 76 which cooperates with a network interface circuit 46 to exchange data between the translator and other elements of the system. Processor 76 also operates in conjunction with a device interface 54 which is adapted to exchange data between the translator and a control or monitoring device 52, which is either not programmable as desired in the network or networkable in accordance with the protocol of network 14 (see FIG. 1). Moreover, processor 76 is linked to a memory circuit 78 which stores routines carried out by the processor, as well as dedicated memory objects 80 as described above. Finally, translators 50 may include one or more input/output nodes or terminals 86 for exchanging data with other elements or devices (not shown) and the network. By way of example, input/output nodes 86 may permit linking of the network to various sensors, actuators, and the like. Where desired, as in a present embodiment, translators may accommodate inputs only, or neither inputs nor outputs. Moreover, in a presently preferred embodiment, DIP switches (not shown), allow for selection of one of multiple operating voltages for the translator 50, including 24 VDC, 115 VAC and 230 VAC. Monitoring station 18 may include, as a software platform, any suitable processor or computer workstation. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the computer 64 includes a processor 88, such as a Pentium III processor available from Intel. Processor 88 carries out instructions and manages collection and display of operational parameters in the form of user viewable representations as described below. The processor thus communicates with a network interface 46 in a manner similar to the interfaces included within each component, linking the monitoring station to network 14 (see FIG. 1). Moreover, processor 88 communicates with its associated peripheral devices via a peripheral interface 90. A wide area network interface 92 is included within the monitoring station, and may include any suitable network circuitry, including a dial-up modem, a cable modem, a wireless modem or other network circuit. A memory circuit 94 is provided within computer 64, and may include a range of memory devices, such as solid state memory chips, magnetic disk drives, hard drives, and CD ROM drives. Referring to FIG. 5, a database 96 is stored within computer 64, and, in practice, may be included within one or more of the memory circuits 94. Due to the nature of the database and its functions in the system, however, separate reference is made herein to the database and the information contained therein. As noted below, processor 88 relies upon database 96 for many of the control or monitoring functions, including communication with the system components, programming or reprogramming of the system components, generation of user viewable representations of the system, and so forth. Database 96 serves as the foundation for programming of memory objects within the components and translators of the system. In a present embodiment, the database is established during system design, but may be modified subsequently depending upon system requirements and system redesigns. The database includes entries 98 designating the system, the components in the system, physical and configuration parameters of the components, textual labels for user viewable representations, system settings, events, and so forth as described in greater detail below. The database also serves as the source for data stored within the memory objects of each component and translator. As illustrated in FIG. 5, at least two such objects are preferably included within the components and translators. A first object 100 is configured at the time of manufacturing of the component, or subsequent to manufacturing and during installation of the component in the final system. Such memory objects will preferably include blocks 82 allocated by specific bits for encoding data 104 representative of the component identification. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the block data 104 of object 100 preferably includes code identifying the product itself, the revision number of the product, if any, a manufacturer of the product, a network node designation, and a data exchange baud rate. Again, the code needed to populate each of the allocated blocks 82 may be stored within database 96 and may be altered as needed. In a present embodiment, data downloaded into the components is derived from database 96 by reformatting the data to conform to the allocated blocks 82. A second memory object 102 stores additional data derived from database 96. Such data remains resident within each component or translator following system assembly. The block data 104 of memory object 102 includes code which identifies or designates the system, the components, and physical location or configuration information for the components. Moreover, object 102 preferably includes allocated memory for configuration of input or output nodes coupled to the network via the component. In the illustrated embodiment, object 102 includes code representative of a system identification, a system extent or size, the identification of a section within which the component is located, a size or space factor, a width factor, a device type, a number of input points within the node, a device type for each of the input points, if any, a number of output points in the node, and designations for device types of any outputs, if any. It should be noted that certain components or translators may accommodate inputs only, outputs only, or neither inputs nor outputs. In general terms, the system identification code and system extent or size code is representative of the system in which the components are located. Because many applications may include several such systems, this data aids in monitoring and viewing component information by individual system. The section identifications, space factor and width information, generally corresponding to the coordinates 58 and 60, and to the size factor 62 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, aid in locating the components within the system for physical layout representations as described below. The device type information may include data representative of the physical or wiring configuration of the components, such as code representative of full voltage, non-reversing motor starter, three-phase overload relay, and so forth, by way of example. Finally, the input and output configuration fields are provided in sets, in accordance with the number of inputs and outputs interfaced at the node. As noted above, data which populates each dedicated memory object of the components or translators is preferably stored in the objects during initial configuration, but may be modified subsequent thereto. In accordance with certain aspects of the present technique, an integrated design, sales, and manufacturing system permits the database 96 to be used for a number of purposes throughout the life of the system, from its initial design to its final implementation. FIG. 6 represents functional blocks in a configuration system 106 designed for this purpose. As illustrated in FIG. 6, individual components 32 are designed into the system, and are intended for location within specific sections 36 and bays 38 of the enclosure set. The sections and bays may include translators 50 and their associated downstream devices 52, particularly where the downstream devices are not designed to interface with the system data network, or where the downstream devices do not include the dedicated memory objects described above. The configuration system 106 includes a design module 108 which may comprise software and hardware for developing an initial system design. The design module 108, for example, will typically include one or more computer workstations on which software is provided for producing system layouts and configuration information. The design module accesses additional information, such as pricing information, availability information, configuration data, serial numbers, model numbers, and the like, for generation of database 96. Based upon database 96, a sales solicitation module 110 uses the same database data entries for generation of a sales solicitation proposal 112. In general, proposal 112 will be a textual document (including, where desired, diagrams, schematics and so forth), which sets forth specifications for the components defined in database 96, as well as their implementation within the system. The sales proposal 112 may also include information relating to delivery times, programming, pricing, and so forth. In accordance with the present technique, the database established in accordance with the design set forth by the design module 108, and used by the sales solicitation module 110 for generating proposal 112 then serves to configure the actual objects contained within the components and translators of the system. A configuration tool 114, referred to in the system as a “configurator,” serves to extract data from the database needed to populate each dedicated memory object of the components. As summarized below, the configurator may be linked to the components prior to their assembly in the system, or during their mounting within the individual sections or bays which are subsequently placed within the enclosure set. Thus, the configurator may be linked to the components via a temporary network link to address the memory locations of the objects, and to download the corresponding entries from database 96 into the objects. Alternatively, the configurator may be linked to the components following partial or final assembly of the system, such as through the data network 14 discussed above. The processor of monitoring station 18 (see FIG. 1) executes software for cyclically polling the components of the system via network 14. The software also serves as the basis for generating a series of user viewable representations or screens depicting the system, component configuration information, monitored parameter levels, and so forth. FIG. 7 represents the association of various views available to a user in accordance with a present embodiment of the routine. The routine illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a main menu 116 from which a variety of representations may be accessed. For example, from main menu 116 a user may connect directly to the line-up or component assembly 12 illustrated in FIG. 1, as indicated at reference numeral 118 in FIG. 7. From the main menu or from the lineup connection link, a physical view may be selected as indicated at reference numeral 120. As described more fully below, the physical view provides a dimensionally and dispositionally approximate layout the system and components reconstructed from data acquired from the various components and translators. A spreadsheet view 122 may be selected from either the main menu or the physical view 120. The spreadsheet view, as described below, includes data entries, again drawn from database 96 (see FIG. 6), representative of the components, their identifications, their settings, their locations, and so forth. A monitor view 124 is provided for each component or device. The monitor view, also described below, provides for descriptions of the components, and may include images of the components, as well as graphical displays of current and historical parameter levels. In addition to the menus and views summarized above, the software operative on the monitoring station also preferably affords easy access to a variety of support documentation, from a node point in FIG. 7 represented by reference numeral 126. The support documentation may include electronic files stored at the monitoring station, in resident memory of the monitoring station or in any memory medium (e.g., CD ROM) usable at the monitoring station, but may also include data files stored remote from monitoring station, such as at remote resources as discussed above with FIG. 1. In a present embodiment, a wide range of support documentation may be accessed directly from the user viewable representations. For example, the data files may include system or component drawings 128, manuals 130, reports 132, and parts lists or breakdowns 134. The support documentation is preferably referenced at the creation of the system, such as through database 96 as discussed above. Thereafter, the documentation is stored for ready access via software links through the views accessible on the monitoring station. Thus, the data files for the support documentation may be referenced directly at the monitoring station without interrupting the monitoring or control functions carried out by the processor. It should be noted that the software summarized above with reference to FIG. 7 may include additional or other screens, links, representations, and functionalities. Moreover, the software may be designed to operate in conjunction with additional software for other purposes, and may be multi-tasked with other software, such as browsers, spreadsheet applications, text editing applications, and so forth. FIGS. 8-13 illustrate certain user viewable representations accessible on the monitoring station in accordance with the aspects of a present embodiment. As noted above, an extremely useful feature of the present system is the ability to build, in real time, an approximately accurate physical layout view or representation of the system and components based upon information stored within the dedicated memory objects of the components themselves. FIG. 8 represents a user viewable representation 136 which includes a page or screen 138 viewable on the monitor 68 (see FIG. 1) of the monitoring station. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen includes navigational bars or tools 140, such as virtual buttons which may be selected or actuated by an operator via an input device such as a conventional mouse. A scroll bar 142 is provided for moving between sections or portions of the system illustrated in the representation. A system label 144 designates which system is being viewed, and is based upon the system designation data stored within the memory objects of the components. In the physical representation of FIG. 8, a depiction 146 is provided of the physical layout of the component assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, this depiction is approximately accurate in terms of the relative disposition of the components in the system, their coordinates in the system, and their relative sizes. The relative sizes and locations of the component representations in depiction 146 are based upon data stored within the memory objects of the components. In particular, as noted above, the memory objects of each component or translator include data indicative of the component locations, their sizes, and so forth. Based upon this data, the physical depiction 146 can be reconstructed, even without specific information or preprogramming of the depiction within the monitoring station. Moreover, each component representation in the depiction 146 preferably includes a status indicator 148 for identifying a current status of the respective component. A legend 150 provides the user with a translation of the meaning of each status indicator. Component textual labels 152 are provided for each component representation. The component textual labels are also based upon component data acquired from each component. Again, the component data is stored within the memory objects described above, and is used as a reference for extracting the component textual labels from the database. It will be noted that the representations described herein, including the representation of FIG. 8, include a series of textual labels, such as for the components, their designations, legends, view identifications, and so forth. All such textual labels, designated generally by the reference numeral 154, are preferably stored as entries within database 96 (see FIG. 6) as described more fully below. Thus, in addition to the other functions of the monitoring station, the various representations available on the monitoring station may be viewed in one of a plurality of selectable languages by reference to specific textual labels stored within the database. Moreover, the representations include a series of links 156 which may be accessed by the user in various ways. For example, in a present embodiment, links may be accessed via navigational tools 140, or by selection of specific components in the depiction 146. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, such links may include monitoring representations, component data editing tools, system section editing tools, and documentation. As noted above, several types of documentation or support information may be accessed, such as via additional document links 158. FIG. 9 represents a monitor view for the components of the system accessible from the physical representation of FIG. 8. The monitor representation 160 includes series of features which inform the user of parameter status, component status, component settings, and so forth. In the illustrated embodiment, the monitor representation includes a component designation or label 162, derived from information stored within the memory object of a desired component selectable by the user. Based upon the component identification, the monitor representation 160 presents a textual component description 164 which includes basic information on the component and its operation. An image 166 of the component is provided to aid in visual recognition of the component in the event of needed servicing. The monitor representation 160 of FIG. 9 also includes a range of parameter representations, indicating current levels of operating parameters, as indicated at reference numeral 168, and historical levels, as indicated at reference numeral 170.- The specific parameters represented in the screen are preferably selected based upon the component identification, its operation and function in the system, and defaults stored for the component. In the illustrated embodiment, the current level indications include a series of virtual meters 172 which indicate levels of the default parameters, as indicated at reference numeral 174, or of operator selected parameters, as indicated at reference numeral 176. In the illustrated embodiment, the default parameters include output frequency, while a user selected parameter is bus voltage. Because many of the components of the system are capable of monitoring and controlling a wide range of parameters, key default parameters are selected in advance, depending upon the configuration and function of the respective components, while the operator may override the defaults and select the other parameters from pull down menus, or similar tools. In addition to the indication of current parameter levels, the monitor representation 160 includes displays of historical parameter levels. The historical displays may take any convenient form, and in a present embodiment imitate conventional strip chart output as indicated at reference numeral 178 in FIG. 9. Again, the particular parameters traced in the strip chart output, or any other suitable historical presentation, may include default parameters for the particular component, or operator-selected parameters. The monitor representation 160 may further include textual representations of various settings, configurations, and so forth, for the particular component. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the component includes inputs and outputs, with appropriate interfacing circuitry within the component. The configurations of the inputs and outputs are provided in the memory objects as discussed above. The monitoring station accesses this data and provides information on the inputs and outputs as indicated at reference numeral 180. Finally, the monitor representation illustrated in FIG. 9 includes textual or numerical indications of particular parameter levels, settings, times, frequencies, or any other suitable set points or level indications. As indicated by reference numeral 182, these may include both text and parameter levels, with appropriate textual labels for each. The various views created and displayed in accordance with the present technique include a variety of textual descriptions and labels which may be displayed in various languages as desired by the user. In a present embodiment, the multilingual aspect of the representations is facilitated by the inclusion of language entries for each label, stored within database 96 (see FIG. 6). The user may select a language selection tool from a menu, such as a preference menu of the type illustrated in FIG. 10. Within the menu, a language tab allows the user to select the desired language, and the various language selections may be translated, themselves, into other languages for selection. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, a user selects a desired language, such as Spanish, from a dropdown menu 184. The languages are displayed within the menu, and are selected via an input device, such as a conventional computer mouse. The list of languages, identified by reference numeral 186 in FIG. 10, allows for selection of any desired language for which textual translations are stored within database 96. Once a selection is made, the program automatically begins to draw all textual labels, descriptions, headings, and so forth from the appropriate entries 188 of the database 96. The provision of the multilingual entries translated into the available languages in database 96 offers several distinct advantages. For example, the user may switch languages as desired during operation of the system, and without interrupting other functions of the system, such as real time monitoring and control. Moreover, the languages may be available for building real time views, including the physical view and the monitoring views at various locations accessible via a network interface as described above. A given system may thus be serviced remotely, such as by network connection to a different country or location. Furthermore, the provision of languages in translation as entries within the database permits the software to be provided in a single version and easily upgraded by simply allowing for access to a subsequent series of entries in the database, with corresponding options in the language menu. In addition to the foregoing views, the present technique provides a spreadsheet-type representation or page which may be organized for each component, or for the entire system as illustrated in FIG. 11. In the representation of FIG. 11, the spreadsheet view 190 is referenced by system identification as indicated at reference numeral 144 based upon the information stored within the memory objects of the components of the system. Within the spreadsheet view, textual entries are provided including component designation data 192, also accessed from the individual memory objects of the components. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the component designation data includes a device type, a node address, a vertical section and a unit location, the latter to parameters providing coordinate information for the identified component. Additional component designation data 194 may be viewable in the screen, including, in the illustrated embodiment, information stored within the components and indicative of a hardware, software or wiring configuration. In the illustrated embodiment the unit type, for example, may include textual information referenced from the database and corresponding to function data stored within the memory objects. By way of example, the text “FVNR” may be provided to represent a component which is configured as a full voltage, non-reversing motor starter. Additional such configuration data may include component rating, catalog numbers, and so forth. To facilitate manipulation of the data, and to permit user-selectable displays, a menu 196 may be provided in which a user may select to display or not to display specific system or component data by column. Because the system provided herein is designed to cyclically poll the components for their state and specific operational parameters, events for the individual components or for the entire system may be logged. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary event log 200 stored for the system identified in the window 144 based upon the memory object data stored in the components. The event log may include a range of event types, such as specific faults or abnormal operating conditions, normal operating conditions or events, changes in component settings, and so forth. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the event log includes component designation data 202, referencing each component by the device serial number, again based upon the information drawn from the device memory objects. An event time 204 is provided for each log event. Additional event data, as indicated generally by reference numeral 206 provides an indication of the type of event which occurred. Additional data may be stored within the system and accessed via the event log, such as to provide even further descriptive information on the nature of the log events. As noted above, the present system permits the real time monitoring, physical view construction, event logging, and so forth, with links directly to support documentation. FIG. 13 illustrates a series of windows accessed from the physical view of FIG. 8. As noted above, support documentation may be accessed in the system in any suitable manner, such as via dropdown menus which are accessible from the individual component representations in the physical view. Moreover, such selections may be available through virtual buttons or similar user actuatable features 140 in the various views. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a menu is displayed for the user upon selection of the documentation item from a menu, and specific additional menus may be provided for drawings, reports, manuals, and spare parts. The links to the support documentation are preferably based upon data stored within the various memory objects, particularly the device designation data. The document selection menu 208 is thus displayed, such as for manuals in the illustrated embodiment. Component designation data 210 appears for selection by the user. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the component designation data includes an identification of the component location or coordinates, and the component configuration or function. Support documentation which is available for the component is indicated in an additional window 212. By selecting the links from this window, a user may access manuals for the specific components. As indicated above, the support documentation, including the drawings, reports, manuals, or spare parts lists are preferably stored in a memory medium useable directly in the monitoring station, such as a CD ROM disk or disk set, or in database 96. Certain of the documentation may be stored in systems or workstations external to the monitoring system, however, including in locations remote from the monitoring system and accessible via the data network, local area networks, wide area networks, and so forth. Upon selection of a specific document, the document is displayed, with the software calling the appropriate application for display of the document, including text editing programs, drawing programs, image display programs, and so forth. As noted above, the present technique permits an integrated system for designing, building, and utilizing electrical components in a programmable networked system, such as a motor control center. The technique includes, in the preferred embodiment, a database which is established during the design phase, and which is used as the basis for programming or configuring memory objects stored within the networked components and devices. FIG. 14 summarizes exemplary steps employed throughout this process. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the process, designated generally by the reference numeral 214, includes several phases, including a design and sales phase 216, a manufacturing and configuration phase 218, and a utilization and monitoring phase 220. The first phase 216 begins with the design of the system as summarized at block 222. As noted above, system design may be based upon any suitable software application used for integrating the components into a cooperative system, and for generating any specifications required for verifying the operability of the design. At step 224, the physical and component configuration data is stored within a database. The database 96 is stored at this stage in the logic for use in soliciting sales of the system, and in the subsequent programming. As noted above, the database will serve as a platform for configuring the components, and will effectively be distributed among the components, at least in part, during the component configuration. At step 226 the design is used to generate sales proposal 112, which is also based upon the database. Step 226 may include incorporation of additional data external to the database, such as price information, deliver program (in general any suitable type of availability information), and so forth, for each component of the system. Step 226 produces a sales solicitation proposal 112, or similar document which may be used to establish the system specification, terms, and so forth. Phase 218 in the process includes assembly of the components and subunits of the system, as indicated at step 230. The assembly may proceed by subunit or subassembly, such as in sections or “buckets” in certain types of system. Each subunit may therefore include one or more components which are mounted within the subunit and interconnected with wiring to permit their later incorporation into the system. At step 232 the components of each subunit are configured from database 96, such as by downloading database entries into the memory objects embedded within each component. At step 234 the components and subunits are assembled and installed in the system. In many applications, step 234 will include mounting of the actual components in system enclosure sets, along with any support connections and monitoring systems at a customer location. At step 236 the components may be further configured, such as via the data network described above. It should be noted that component configuration may occur at either step 232 or at step 236, or at both steps, depending upon the desired configuration data and the manner in which it is downloaded into the components. Thus, the configuration of the components may occur prior to assembly, during assembly, such as following partial assembly and subunits, or following system final assembly. Phase 220, involving actual use of the system for monitoring and control purposes, may begin with step 236 in which the components are configured via the data network. Step 236 is also shown as at least partially included in phase 220 because, as summarized above, the memory objects may be designed for reprogramming or reconfiguring during use of the system. Such reconfiguration may be suitable where the component function is modified, inputs or outputs are added to specific components, a component location is changed, and so forth. The system may then function in accordance with a wide range of protocols and system architectures. In the summary of FIG. 14, components are cyclically polled for data as indicated at step 238. As noted above, this polling is done by the monitoring station to acquire component and system operation parameters as well as component designation data. At step 240 the various views discussed above are built by the monitoring station. The views may be built entirely from data accessed from the components, but are preferably also built based upon information accessed from the database as indicated at step 242. By way of example, the database may be used for providing specific language textual labels, component configuration data, settings, and so forth. The views may also incorporate data accessed remotely as indicated at step 244. Such remotely accessed data may include catalog information, drawings, trouble shooting information, or any other suitable data stored remote from the monitoring station and accessible via an appropriate network link. While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown in the drawings and have been described in detail herein by way of example only. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates generally to the field of networked control and monitoring systems, such as those used in industrial automation applications. More particularly, the invention relates to a technique for conducting real time monitoring operations in a control and monitoring system, to display information for a user based upon data collected in real time and descriptive of both operational parameters and particular components and their individual configurations. A wide range of systems are known and have been developed for conducting local and remote monitoring operations in industrial control applications. In conventional systems, gages, meters, and the like were situated at specific locations corresponding to loads to which electrical power was applied. Such loads might include electric motors, valves, actuators, and so forth. Data is collected from the monitoring equipment by visual inspection. Such monitoring devices have also traditionally been provided in centralized control rooms where operators or technicians periodically inspect key parameter levels, typically visually. Increasingly, industrial control systems have been networked to provide for a wide variety of remote sensing and control functionalities. Networked components can be actuated remotely, and sensed parameters can be accessed and downloaded to monitoring and control stations. However, such systems still typically rely upon dedicated readout devices which are adapted to provide visual indications of parameter levels, with little or no configurability for the various components of the networked system. For more advanced systems which may have allowed for monitoring of a number of different components, prior knowledge of the component location, the component function, the component type, the component settings, and so forth were generally needed to adequately access and evaluate sensed parameter signals or operational status feedback. There is a need in the field for improved techniques for remotely monitoring a plurality of components in a networked system in real time. There is a particular need, at present, for a system which provides a straight forward, intuitive real time monitoring feature in which components of various types and configurations can be monitored on a single format and based upon data acquired from the components. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a real time monitoring approach for industrial control applications designed to respond to these needs. The approach makes use of components which are adapted to either control or monitor operational parameters of the system, including application of electrical power to loads such as motors. Programmable components include memory objects which are dedicated to storing specific types of information, such as system designation, component designation, component function, component location, and so forth. Based upon the stored data from each component, and upon sensed data from the component, a monitoring station accesses information via a data network and compiles user viewable representations of monitored data. The user may configure the data in various ways, depending upon preferences and any defaults which may be associated with the particular components. The monitoring technique offers the potential to monitor a wide range of components in a standardized format. The format may include textual descriptions of the particular component or components, as well as visual displays or images of the component for facilitating recognition. The representations may also include virtual gages, meters, strip chart readouts, and the like displaying both current levels of key parameters, and historical levels of the parameters over desired periods. The representations may further include textual indications of configuration settings, such as current levels, voltages, time periods for delays, and so forth. The data may be polled in real time and displayed for all of the components, with the particular information displayed in the representations being adapted in accordance with the nature and function of the components in the system. | 20040806 | 20051220 | 20050127 | 62978.0 | 1 | DESTA, ELIAS | NETWORKED CONTROL SYSTEM WITH REAL TIME MONITORING | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,744 | ACCEPTED | Method and apparatus for increasing effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors | The present invention is a method and apparatus for increasing the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for modifying the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, said signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector. | 1. An apparatus for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising: a video input board of the projector; a light engine of the projector, said light engine receiving video signals and generating a light output for at least one primary color there from; optics for transforming the light output from said light engine to a focused image for projection to a display screen; a variable luminance control mechanism, associated with the optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module, for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a control signal, wherein said variable luminance control mechanism operates in response to the control signal to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adaptive luminance control module comprises: a video receiver for receiving video signals and buffering the signals; a luminance level processor for deriving a characteristic of the buffered video signals and producing a luminance content signal; and an adaptive gamma processor, receiving the luminance content signal from the luminance level processor, for looking-up a modified video signal in response to the buffered video signal and the luminance content signal. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the adaptive luminance control module further comprises a variable luminance controller for receiving the luminance content signal and producing, in response, a control signal including a current, voltage and buffering drive signal to the variable luminance control mechanism that is in proportion to the luminance content signal. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the variable luminance control mechanism comprises an electronically controllable iris system. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the electronically controllable iris system is temperature resistant so as to provide consistent operation over a range of temperatures. 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the electronically controllable iris system is a single iris located at a focal convergence point to vary the general scene illumination level. 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the variable luminance control mechanism further comprises a sensor to produce a signal indicating a characteristic of the variable luminance control mechanism. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the characteristic of the variable luminance control mechanism is a representation of the size of an opening of a variable iris. 9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the variable luminance controller produces an illumination control signal to control a level of illumination provided by a light source. 10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the electronically controllable iris system is responsive to the control signal and operates to alter the position of at least one component therein. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the variable luminance control mechanism comprises: a primary iris system operating in response to the control signal to change the luminance of the light output; and a secondary luminance modulation mechanism that also operates in response to the control signal to change the luminance of the light output. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the secondary luminance modulation mechanism is an iris system. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the secondary luminance modulation mechanism is an electrochromic device. 13. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the electrochromic device is a display including a nanocrystalline film. 14. A method for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising the steps of: receiving video signals from a video input board in the projector; and producing a first signal, using an adaptive luminance control module, to provide control information for a variable luminance control mechanism located within the optical path of the projector and a second signal which is a modified video signal, whereby the variable luminance control mechanism operates to produce a modified light output from said digital image projector. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of: receiving video signals and buffering the signals; deriving a characteristic of the buffered video signals and producing a luminance content signal; and receiving the luminance content signal and looking-up a modified video signal in response to the buffered video signal and the luminance content signal. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of receiving the luminance content signal and producing, in response thereto, a control signal including a current, voltage and buffering drive signal in proportion to the luminance content signal. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the variable luminance control mechanism includes an electronically controllable iris and wherein the method further comprises the step of altering the position of at least one component in the iris in response to the control signal. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the variable luminance control mechanism includes an electrochromic device and wherein the method further comprises the step of altering the transmittance of at least a portion of the electrochromic device in response to the control signal. | PRIORITY CLAIM This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/493,739, filed Aug. 8, 2003, for a “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING EFFECTIVE CONTRAST RATIO AND BRIGHTNESS YIELDS FOR DIGITAL LIGHT VALVE IMAGE PROJECTORS,” by E. Allen, and Provisional Patent Application No. 60/557,620, filed Jun. 27, 2004, for an “IMPROVED OPTICAL SHUTTER WITH ECLIPSE VOICE COIL MOTOR (EVCM),” by T. Strade et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for their teachings. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for increasing effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors, and more particularly to setting the general level of scene illumination removing this control, at least partially, from the duty list of the imager(s) and thereby increasing overall contrast ratio and increasing the available ANSI dynamic for low brightness images/scenes. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY Heretofore, a number of patents and publications have disclosed means for controlling the intensity, contrast or dynamic range of a projection image, the relevant portions of which may be briefly summarized as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,253 to Fielding, issued Jan. 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discusses exemplary projection systems utilizing one or more spatial light modulators (SLMs). U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,422 to Fergason, issued Feb. 10, 1998, discloses a display and method employing a passive light modulator, a source of light, and a control for controlling the intensity of light supplied to the light modulator to provide images of good contrast for both bright and dark scenes. A method of displaying an image, which uses a passive light modulating display apparatus, includes controlling the intensity of light illuminating the display apparatus asia function of a brightness characteristic of the image. US-20040001184A1 by Gibbons et al., published Jan. 21, 2004 (and claiming priority from PCT/US01/21367 filed Jul. 2, 2001), teaches a system for addressing deficiencies of electronic, SLM-employing projectors. It does so using techniques described as being capable of providing images of sufficient overall quality that they may be used in venues instead of, or in addition to, traditional large-format film projectors without disturbing audience perception that the viewed images are of high quality. The publication describes techniques including pre-modulation, luminance compensation, and partial luminance compensation. A data and/or video projector's light valve optical engine is generally a device that uses means of modulating a fixed or variable light source based on either the reflective or transmissive properties of certain imaging panels. These panels may be Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS & SXRD), a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) or any other pixelized imager panel(s) system. Most high-lumen output video projectors use an arc lamp for the illuminating source. In the case of LCD and LCOS versions of imagers the white light produced by such lamps is usually separated into the primary colors of red, green, and blue using dichroic color-separating optics. Arc lamp separated colors are then passed through a polarizing filter to work with polarizing beam splitters. The primary color beams are either passed through the LCD panels (a transmissive technology) or reflected from LCOS panels (a reflective technology). However imperfections in both the means of polarization of the beams and the inability of the imagers to completely block the illumination source results in a reduction of the contrast ratio (CR) of the image. DMD imagers utilize non-polarized light from the illumination source, may or may not contain beam splitters and contain micro-mirrors that direct light through the lens or away from the lens as directed to form the image (another reflective technology). Primarily, diffraction & reflection of light from various planes within the DMD and less than perfect reflectivity of the mirrors themselves results in a reduction of the contrast ratio of the image. For the purposes of this presentation optical components between the illumination source (lamp) and the outermost exit lens are considered the projector's “optical engine.” Optical engines include but are not limited to dichroic beam splitters (where applicable), polarizers (where applicable), imaging panel(s), re-combining optics (where applicable), light tunnels, light collimators, irises, etc. The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus to increase the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for all types of data/video digital light valve image projectors. This concept is partially based on the fact that the contrast ratio dynamic from such devices displaying a “bright” image is limited to a projector's simultaneous contrast capability (commonly measured as ANSI contrast ratio—hereinafter ANSI CR), and the fact that the ON/OFF contrast ratio limits a projector's “dark” image's dynamic to a point much less than a light-valve projector's ANSI CR capability. It is also based on the fact that current light valve projectors (LCD, LCOS, SXRD, DMD) have extremely limited ON/OFF contrast ratios, when compared to standard cathode ray tube (CRT) type projectors, and are in need of this design improvement. CRT type projectors are able to maintain, for the most part, full ANSI CR regardless of the image's general level of illumination due to the variable intensity output capability of their tubes. However, light valve projectors have a steady state of illumination source (i.e. a lamp) that is modulated solely by the imaging device(s). As such it is necessary for the imaging devices, regardless of type (DMD/LCOS/ /SXRD, LCD, etc) within the projector, to generate all of the image's dynamics. Since all these imaging devices “leak” light to varying degrees (i.e., areas intended to be dark or off are not completely dark), this limits the projector's ability to maintain full ANSI CR, particularly at the lower intensity levels resulting in a lack of depth in the image. Attempts have been made in the past to vary a projector lamp's output to boost on/off CR, but these have failed to provide significant improvement due to the limited variable light output range of lamps (maintaining sustained ignition) and the fact that varying the lamp intensity drastically changes the color balance (balance in spectral output) of the lamp, thus limiting most light-valve projectors to one or two illumination levels from their bulbs (current examples: bright and economy-lamp modes). None of the lamp intensity schemes interact in concert with the imager(s) or help to produce better engine contrast ratio yield as the invention described herein does, neither do projectors with simple fixed or manually or electrically adjustable irises. The present invention relies on the technological premise that digital imaging devices perform three basic functions, among others, in order to generate a usable image for display: 1) modulate imager(s) with a source signal to create a recognizable pattern (i.e. an image); 2) set the general level of scene illumination; and 3) “paint” the image to create color(s) with a variety of available techniques. The present invention focuses on the second function set forth above—setting the general level of scene illumination, where this function is removed, at least partially, from the duty list of the imager(s) for the primary purpose of increasing overall contrast ratio and increasing the available ANSI dynamic for low-brightness images/scenes. In order to accomplish this function outside of the typical projection optical imaging engine, one aspect of the invention is intended for implementation in two stages, which are described in more detail below. A first component of the present invention is a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM). The VLCM is, in one embodiment, a special high-speed, temperature-resistant, electronically controllable iris system placed before, after or inside the optical engine of any light-valve projection device. A single (or multiple in some cases) iris system will be located at the point(s) either pre- and/or post-imager(s) within the optical engine that yields the best balance of results. This location will vary from projector to projector depending upon its particular design and on the intended results. In the case of single digital light processing (DLP) chip optical engines, this calls for a single iris system placed post-imager at a focal convergence point located post imager. The purpose of this adjustable iris is to vary the general scene illumination level, as the input signal varies, at a speed that is generally undetectable to the human eye. The main benefit of the luminance control function provided by the iris is extending the ON/OFF contrast ratio well beyond the ability of the imaging devices themselves. In other words, the use of the iris improves the ON/OFF contrast ratio by lowering the scene illumination on dark scenes to a nearly completely off level and thereby reducing the light “leaking” through the optical path of the projector. As will be described below, the use of one, or multiple irises, may also be employed to modulate or compensate for lamp brightness, including changes in or decay of the lamp/illumination source. The addition of an iris does not change the color balance of the illumination (lamp) source or the imager(s); it is spectrally neutral in action. The shape of the iris may also be changed to assist in contrast ratio yields. For example, an oval or “cats eye” shaped iris may lend itself to a better contrast ratio yield than round or multi-sided (polygon) versions. Moreover, the present application contemplates that future implementations could also use extremely fast reacting photosensitive optics that would variably turn darker or lighter to either enhance or replace the mechanical iris method. A second component employed in the present invention is an Adaptive Luminance Control Module (ALCM), which is coupled to the VLCM. The ALCM is a video signal processing system including circuitry and components that will operate and set the variable aperture opening or opacity of the VLCM and provide a corrected video signal to the input of the projector. This electronic luminance processing will follow the video input signal, tracking either the general (average) illumination level or the brightest point(s) in the signal (i.e., peak level detection) or any combination, and will output two different types of signals: 1) The VLCM drive signal. When fed a resultant, processed (analog or digital) signal, the VLCM will set the general scene illumination level. This optimizes both the engine's contrast (both absolute ON/OFF and ANSI CR) and the lumen output for the particular level of illumination that is needed to accurately reproduce the image. The VLCM drive signal is, effectively proportional to the input intensity of the video image (average or peak). The present invention contemplates the possibility that VLCM feedback may be required, and may employ one or more sensing mechanisms or circuits to indicate VLCM position or condition. 2) The image signal. The video output signal, post processing, is passed on to the projector's imager stage input. This image signal is processed and manipulated to take full advantage of the VLCM optical restriction capability. This unique relationship is described below. The processing for the image signal is primarily look-up (gamma) and gain based, along with a “black level clamp”. Output gamma will not track identically to the input signal's gamma; in other words, it will “adapt” to the input signal's illumination dynamics for optimization with the iris. There are various algorithms that will enable the desired functionality and will improve the technology. As used herein, “black level clamp” is a term describing the input to output signal proportion at 0 IRE. In other words, no matter what function the gamma tables and algorithms perform on the video signal; “0” input always equals “0” output. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising: a video input board of the projector; a optical engine of the projector, said optical engine receiving video signals and generating a light output for at least one primary color from; optics for transforming the light output from said light engine to a focused image for projection to a display screen; a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) or processor, for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, said signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal from the projector. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising the steps of: receiving image signals from a video input board in the projector; using an adaptive luminance control module, producing an output signal on a VLCM bus connected to the adaptive luminance control module, said signal providing control information for a variable luminance control mechanism, located within the optical path of the projector; and adjusting the variable luminance control mechanism to produce a corrected light output from the projector. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising: a video input board of the projector; a light engine of the projector, said light engine receiving video signals and generating a light output for at least one primary color there from; optics for transforming the light output from said light engine to a focused image for projection to a display screen; a variable luminance control mechanism, associated with the optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module, for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a control signal, wherein said variable luminance control mechanism operates in response to the control signal to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising the steps of: receiving video signals from a video input board in the projector; and producing a first signal, using an adaptive luminance control module, to provide control information for a variable luminance control mechanism located within the optical path of the projector and a second signal which is a modified video signal, whereby the variable luminance control mechanism operates to produce a modified light output from said digital image projector. One aspect of the invention is based on the discovery that the general level of scene illumination may be adjusted in a video projector to improve the effective contrast ratio. This discovery avoids problems that arise in conventional light projectors due to light leakage, etc. Using aspects of the present invention, overall contrast ratio and the available ANSI dynamic for low-brightness images/scenes may be significantly increased. In order to accomplish this function outside of the typical projection-imaging engine, this aspect is implemented using the ALCP and VLCM described herein. The techniques described herein are advantageous because they can be adapted to any of a number of light projectors. As a result of the invention, it is possible to produce digital light projection systems with improved overall contrast ratios and available ANSI dynamics for low brightness images/scenes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary schematic overviews of a conventional light projection system with the components of the present invention incorporated therein; FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of the adaptive luminance control module in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shutter system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; FIGS. 5 and 6 are orthographic representations of the system of FIG. 4 in alternative scales; FIG. 7 is a simple schematic diagram illustrating a possible application of the present invention; FIGS. 8 and 9 are alternative embodiments of the present invention including aspects of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2; and FIG. 10 is a flow diagram generally illustrating the analysis of a frame in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. As depicted in FIG. 1, a conventional light valve projection display system includes a video input board 16, where video signals are received and processed to produce a plurality of channels (e.g., 3-colors) of color signals. The color signals are then directed to a light engine 12 in which the color signals are used to transform light from a source 14 into a light output on each of the three color channels, the light output then being directed through optics represented by lens 10 for projection onto a screen or display surface 18. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention includes at least two additional components, a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM) 13 and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) or processor 15. In one embodiment, the VLCM 13 is a special high-speed, temperature resistant, electronically controllable iris system placed into the optical path of any light-valve projection device. A single-iris, or in some cases multiple-iris, system will be located either pre- (FIG. 2) or post-imager(s) (FIG. 1) within the optical engine, so as to yield the best balance of results. This location will likely vary from projector to projector depending upon the particular design of the projector. In the case of single digital light processing chip optical engines a single iris system, placed post-imager at the focal convergence point, would be used. The purpose of the adjustable iris is to vary the general scene illumination level as the input signal varies—at a speed that is generally undetectable to the human eye. The primary result is that the ON/OFF contrast ratio is extended well beyond the ability of the conventional imaging devices themselves. For example, by using the iris to lower over-all lower light level for a dark scene the impact of smaller changes in luminance for individual regions of the image will be enhanced—thereby improving the contrast ratio. Further details of an exemplary iris system are described below relative to FIGS. 4-7. The addition of an iris does not change the color balance of the illumination (lamp) source or the imager(s) as it is spectrally neutral in action. As will be appreciated, in a three-chip/iris system (e.g., FIG. 9), where each color may be separately controlled by an iris, there may be a change to color balance if the colors are differently modulated. As an alternative to a mechanical iris as described relative to VLCM 13, the present invention further contemplates the use of extremely fast reacting photosensitive optical components, whereby the components would variably turn darker or lighter to either enhance or replace the mechanical iris as described above. For example, the NanoChromics™ display, provided by NTERA Ltd. may be employed in the control of scene illumination. The NanoChromics™ display is an electrochromic device forming with a nanoporous-nanocrystalline film having a controllable transmittance in response to electrical signals as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,038 to Fitzmaurice, et al., issued Oct. 9, 2001 for an “ELECTROCHROMIC SYSTEM,” the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, a NanoChromics™ display may also be employed as a secondary modulation device, where in addition to a primary ALCM, a secondary modulation device such as the NanoChromics™ display could be used to further control the contrast ratio of a projection system. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ALCMs 813 or 913, 923, individually or in combination, could be employed to provide a secondary modulation source. As depicted in FIG. 1, the adaptive luminance control module or processor 15 is coupled to the VLCM via a bus 17 (VLCM bus) or similar means for transferring data and control signals. The adaptive luminance control module is a video signal processing system operating on a conventional processor or specialized signal processing chip or chipset in accordance with pre-programmed instructions. The ALCM will operate and set the variable aperture opening or opacity of the VLCM(s) and provide a corrected video signal to the input of the projector. In other words, in addition to analyzing the video data to determine the appropriate VLCM settings or characteristics for a projected scene, the ALCM further operates to modify the image signal to the projection system. The electronic processing of the image signal will follow the video input signal to track, for example, the general (average) illumination level or the brightest point(s) in the signal (i.e., peak level detection). In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the processing may include any combination of average or peak level detection, and further including luminance detection by percentage. In any event, the processing will result in the output of at least two types of signals, as follows: 1) a VLCM drive signal; and 2) a processed image signal. For the VLCM drive signal, when fed a resultant, processed (analog or digital) signal, the VLCM will set the general scene illumination level. This optimizes both the engine's contrast (both ON/OFF and it's relationship to ANSI CR) and the lumen output for the particular level of illumination that is needed to accurately reproduce the image. The VLCM drive signal is, effectively proportional to the input intensity of the video image (average or peak or any combination). Furthermore, The present invention further contemplates the possibility that VLCM feedback may be required, and may employ one or more sensors or similar sensing mechanisms or circuits to indicate a VLCM characteristic such as position or condition. Also, as noted above, the video output signal, post processing, is passed on to the projector's input. This image signal will be processed and manipulated to take full advantage of the VLCM optical restriction capability. This unique relationship is described in detail below. The processing for the image signal is primarily gamma look up and gain based, along with a “black level clamp”. Output gamma will not track identically to the input signal's gamma; in other words, it will “adapt” to the input signal's illumination dynamics for optimization with the iris or modulator of the VLCM. There are various algorithms that will enable the desired functionality and will improve the technology, the general nature of which are described generally below and with respect to FIG. 10. As used herein, “black level clamp” is a term describing the input to output signal proportion at zero IRE. In other words, no matter what function the gamma tables and algorithms perform on the video signal; “0” input always equals “0” output. Output gamma will not track identically to the input signal's gamma. In other words, it will “adapt” to the input signal's illumination dynamics for optimization with the iris. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are various algorithms that may be employed to further improve the response of the system. Referring briefly to FIG. 10, depicted therein is a general flow diagram illustrating an exemplary series of processing steps that may be employed to produce the signals or outputs described above. As represented in the figure, the following notation is used: Py represents pixel luminance; PW is the weighted pixel value; Pp is the peak pixel value; and APL an average pixel level. More specifically, for a given frame of video, PRGB represents a pixel in RGB space, which is stored in the frame. Subsequently, the calculation would proceed to determine the Average Picture Level (APL). In one embodiment, the APL is a sum of the luminance across all pixels, which is then divided by the pixel count. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the Weighted Average Pixel Level (APLw) is based on the sum of squares or other multiplier (weighting) scheme as carried out at block 1020, and then divided by pixel count to determine an average at block 1040. As indicated by the LUT (Look-Up Table) in block 1020, a preferred embodiment would include the ability to modify the table or values therein so that any algorithm for weighting could be applied. For the calculation of the peak value as represented by block 1030, the peak may employ a peak luminance, a peak independent component value (e.g., Red, Green, Blue), or even a range of component values (Pr, Pb). The present invention further contemplates the use of other approaches to analyze a frame or scene, including a histogram, where for each possible value of a pixel, the numbers of pixels of that value are counted. Alternatively, motion, cross-correlation or other algorithms may be employed to determine if a frame/scene change has occurred. As another alternative, the spatial distribution/object size may be analyzed, for example: (i) using regional histogram or APL analysis; (ii) using adjacent pixels or blocks; (iii) using size or measure the size of an object in pixels horizontally/vertically; and/or (iv) by taking a contrast image and size inside the contours. Subsequently, using one or more of the results from above analyses the results may be employed to do one or more of the following: Select a LUT based on APL alone to act as a correction to the stored pixel data; Use the peak values to limit which of the LUT's may be selected; Match the histogram to a set of window/threshold curves and use the index of the matched curve to determine the LUT and image correction; Based on the LUT selection pick an IRIS position; or Alternatively select an iris position based on any of the above calculations and select the LUT from the iris position. Furthermore, the following MatLab code represents another alternative method for analyzing and correcting gamma, where three primary operations are carried out: function void = gammacorrection(cr,lightoutput,adjust,suffix); %where cr is the contrast ratio of the system at the stated lightout. adjust is a boolean to decide wether to do the eclipse process. %Please note that most of this design script was written back when a continuously variable iris was the preferred means. %A stepper motor will require a little more work but this analysis still holds. %A stepper motor implementation is slightly more complex and being unique isn't addressed here. %##############Step 1: Gamma design####################### %This step is the system design part. This portion is performed before hand. gamma = 2.35 %This is a compromise gamma for the incoming video. Incoming video is encoded between 2.2 and 2.5. This should work well enough maximageintensity = 2756; %given the algorithm below in step 2 this is the maximum value for a 1280 × 720 white image. %thresholds for image brightness based on the equation shown in step two. These values are pretty much imperically derived. high = 351 %image brightness needed for iris to be fully open. Any image brighter than this will be displayed at full light. low = 10 %image brightness needed for iris to be fully closed. Darker images than this will not close the iris further. %Note: the values I have here are through my own testing. high should be no less than 351 which is either a 75 IRE blue or 75 IRE red image %I expect for a 3:1 contract ratio I expect about 40% of movie images to be higher than the high region, about 20% to be darker than the lower region and 40% to be imbetween %Designing the amount of light contraction in the image. minlight = 1/3 %amount of light at the smallest iris opening as a ratio of full light. In other words we are doing a 3:1 contraction. minstep = .99 %ideally this is the maximum decrease in lightlevel you could perform at each iris position based on Poynton's work. numofluts = ceil(log10(minlight)/log10(minstep)) %number of look up tables required to satisfy minstep. lightlevelsindex = 0:numofluts; %simple index array 0,1,2, up to numofluts. lightlevels = minstep.{circumflex over ( )}lightlevelsindex; %lightlevels corresponding to the LUTs: 1.0, .99, .9801, ..., .333 lightlevels = fliplr(lightlevels) %This puts the lightlevels from darkest to brightest %Note: the above variables assume that we have complete control of the iris. Obviously a stepper motor will have discreet position that might not be .9801 of original light. %The principal of operation is to darken the light source (i.e. close the iris) and digitally brighten the image to compensate % Obviously something has to be compromised and in this case it is the infrequently used upper IRE's on dark images which need to be elegantly “crushed”. unalteredratio = 2.1; %for incoming video, in relation to the missinglevel, this is the portion of the incoming image that we want to preserve unaltered. unalteredlightlevels = 10.{circumflex over ( )}(log10(lightlevels).*unalteredratio) %at each of the light levels this the unaltered %for 50% lightoutput we want to preserve everything from .23 light level down so %.23/.5 = .46 of the mirror dutycycle %.46{circumflex over ( )}(1/2.35) = .7186 of the signal input signal needs to be uncompressed after compensation % RGBratio = 0 : 1/255 : 1; %8bit RGB in terms of percent of full signal RGBintensity = RGBratio.{circumflex over ( )}gamma %De-gamma is applied. Now the RGB values are in a percent of light output. luts = zeros(numofluts+1,256); for i = 1:numofluts dark = RGBintensity <= unalteredlightlevels(i); bright = RGBintensity >= unalteredlightlevels(i); lowintensities = (RGBintensity .*dark)/lightlevels(i); %this expands the RGB levels [intensity,location] = max(lowintensities); %this finds what RGB value that compression has to start at gammacompression = log10(intensity)/log10(RGBratio(location)); highintensities = (RGBratio .* bright).{circumflex over ( )}gammacompression; %this compresses newRGBintensities = lowintensities + highintensities; %combining the bright portion of the table with the dark newRGBratio = newRGBintensities.{circumflex over ( )}(1/gamma); %Now we are back in gamma encoded world luts(i,:)= round(newRGBratio*255); end luts(numofluts+1,:)= 0:255; %a bright image is unaltered so 0 to 255 in equals 0 to 255 out. luts(40,:) luts(numofluts+1,:) lutindex = zeros(1,maximageintensity+1); %As stated below the max image intensity calculation is 2756 lutindex(1:low+1) = 1; %from the low threshold down the brightest lut is chosen and the darkest iris position lutindex(high+1:maximageintensity+1) = numofluts+1; %from the high threshold up the lut is unchanged and the lightest iris position is used lutindexstep = numofluts/(high − low) lutindex(low+1:high+1) = round(lutindexstep*(0:high−low))+1 %adding in the middle ground lightindex = lightlevels(lutindex) %Using the lutindex values we can determine the corresponding lightindex %compensate for less than perfect black %CRatmin = 5000 %CRatmax = 2000 %CRdifference = CRatmin-CRatmax; %CRstepsize = CRdifferencellength(lightlevelsindex); %CRsteps = CRatmax:CRstepsize:CRatmin; %Blacklevels = 1/CRsteps; %minimum percent change %###############Step 2: Applying map###################### %In an actual projector design this step would need to be performed continuously on each frame coming in. Here it is performed on stills for dummy = 1:100 %for all the test images that you want to do control c will take you out at any point. %LOADing image file if (˜exist(‘fid’)) [filename,pathname]=uigetfile(strcat(‘C:\...\*.bmp’),‘Load Data’); fname = strcat(pathname,filename); imin = imread(fname,‘bmp’); %reading in image in three seperate 8 bit arrays - one for R,G, and B elseif (fid <= 0) error(‘Invalid File ID’); end %The intensity equation = G{circumflex over ( )}2*2+B{circumflex over ( )}2+R{circumflex over ( )}2 on the upper three bits while the image is still in 24 bit color. imdouble = double(imin); %changing from unit8 format to double floats which Matlab uses imnormalized = imdouble/255; figure(1) %plotting picture image(imnormalized); if adjust %adjust for the projector would always be on intensity = bitshift(imdouble,−5,8); %bitshifting to only use the top three bits; size(intensity) min(min(min(intensity))) max(max(max(intensity))) intensity(1,1,1) intensity = intensity.{circumflex over ( )}2; %squaring every element in imdouble. intensity(1,1,1) intensity(:,:,2) = bitshift(intensity(:,:,2),1,32); %doubling the intensity of green pixels since they are brighter intensity(2,1,1) intensity = sum(sum(sum(intensity))) %summing up entire image intensity to get value of brightness of the incoming image. %Intensity can range anywhere from 0 for black up to 180633600 for a full white image (7{circumflex over ( )}7*(1+2+1)*1280*720) intensitysmall = bitshift(intensity,−16,12) %this brings the number down to 0 to 2756 and thus the lutindex equals 2757 values. lutneeded = lutindex(intensitysmall+1) % lutindex is an index file which points to which of the roughly 100 or so available LUT's to use lut = luts(lutneeded,:) % getting the necessary 256 value lut output = lut(imdouble+1); % mapping the old RGB values to new RGB values lightneeded = lightindex(intensitysmall+1) % this specifies what light level the iris should be as a ratio of full white. % Ultimately lightneeded would need to be the step number on the stepper motor to get the light correct. % Also at this moment lightneeded is linked 1:1 to lutneeded figure(2) outputnormalized = output/255; image(outputnormalized) end %######Step 3: Simulating/Demonstrating the before and after effect##### %The actual image manipulation stops at step 2. This step is mearly for simulating/demonstrating what an eclipse DLP projector would look like %by using a computer CRT which typically has CR's in the 10000:1 or more range. crindex = cr./lightlevels %This states that the contrast ratio goes up by an equal factor of the amount of light reduced (approximately true) CRTcr = 10000; CRTblacklevel = 1/CRTcr; if ˜adjust %if the no Eclipse gamma adjustment is wanted to show before images outputintensity = imnormalized.{circumflex over ( )}gamma; outputintensity(1,1,1) blacklevel = 1/cr outputintensity = (outputintensity+blacklevel)./(1+blacklevel); outputintensity(1,1,1) outputintensity = outputintensity * lightoutput; outputintensity(1,1,1) outputintensity = outputintensity − CRTblacklevel; %compensating for the computers CRT less than perfect black outputintensity(1,1,1) outputintensity = (outputintensity >= 0).*outputintensity; %this caps the blacklevel no less than 0 outputintensity(1,1,1) outputnormalized = outputintensity.{circumflex over ( )}(1/gamma); outputnormalized(1,1,1) else %if eclipse is wanted to show after images outputintensity = outputnormalized.{circumflex over ( )}gamma; outputintensity(1,1,1) lutneeded cradjusted = crindex(lutneeded) blacklevel = 1/cradjusted outputintensity = (outputintensity+blacklevel)./(1+blacklevel); outputintensity(1,1,1) outputintensity = outputintensity * lightneeded; outputintensity(1,1,1) outputintensity = outputintensity − CRTblacklevel; %compensating for the computers CRT less than perfect black outputintensity(1,1,1) outputintensity = (outputintensity >= 0).*outputintensity; %this caps the blacklevel no less than 0 outputintensity(1,1,1) outputnormalized = outputintensity.{circumflex over ( )}(1/gamma); outputnormalized(1,1,1) end figure(3) image(outputnormalized) filename2 = input(‘press enter to store file (control-c cancels)’,‘s’); %if length(filename) == 1 & filename(1) ˜= ‘n’ fname = strcat(pathname,filename(1:(length(filename)−4)),suffix,‘.jpg’); % imwrite(outputnormalized,fname,‘bmp’); imwrite(outputnormalized,fname,‘jpg’,‘Quality’,100); %end end %This end closes the step 2 and 3 loop for processing multiple images Turning next to FIG. 3, depicted therein is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of the adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) 15 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The ALCM receives electronic video signals as raw video in any one of a plurality of formats (based upon the projector) and processes the video signals into separate and distinct signals that are suitable for electronically driving both an electronic imaging system, such as a typical video and/or data projector's imaging device(s)/driver(s), and the VLCM 13 via bus 17 (e.g., FIG. 2). The resulting signal sent to the electronic imaging system is ultimately combined optically with the output of the light engine and VLCM combination to faithfully reproduce the original electronic video signal. In one embodiment, the ALCM consists of five sub-modules: The video receiver (VR) 60, the adaptive gamma processor (AGP) 64, the luminance level processor (LLP) 62, the video transmitter (VT) 68, and the VLCM controller (VLC) 66. The video receiver 60 sub-module portion of the ALCM performs the task of assuring input signal compatibility and conversion from various sources. The video receiver buffers the multiple-format electronic video input signals in a memory (not shown) and inputs them to a subsequent sub-module, the luminance level processor 62. The electronic video signals, input to the video receiver as raw video signals, may consist of, but are not limited to, composite video, S-video, component video, RGB video, RGBHV video, DVI video, HDMI video, etc. The luminance level processor (LLP), sub-module 62, receives a video signal from the receiver 60 and passes an unaltered video signal to the AGP sub-module 64. It also derives, from this video pass-through signal, a selectable averaged, or peak, signal(s) and sends this information to the AGP in the form of a luminance content signal. It will be appreciated that various signal-sampling methodologies may be employed to sample and determine luminance levels of the video signals, and that any individual or combination of luminance content level detection techniques may be employed by the present invention. For example, a weighted average may be employed where brighter pixels receive greater weighting. The luminance level processor also inputs to the VLCM controller 66, a luminance control signal that is proportional to the luminance content signal sent to the AGP. The luminance content signal input to the AGP represents a percentage equal to or greater than 100% and the luminance control signal to the VLC represents a percentage equal to or less than 100%. In other words, the signals are based about a normative, 100% level. As the LLP 62 instructs the VLCM to restrict the optical throughput it also instructs the AGP 64 to utilize a look-up (gamma) table to increase the video signal the light output of the optical engine by a proportional amount. In this example the actual optical restriction amount and the video signal luminance increase are inverse and proportional. After receiving the electronic video signal from the LLP sub-module 62, the adaptive gamma processor (AGP) sub-module performs the task of re-mapping the input voltage-to-output levels based on a set of defined lookup tables 65. The table to be used for a particular video frame is determined by the luminance content signal from the LLP and the resulting video output signal from the AGP is sent to the video transmitter sub-module 68. In other words, the luminance content signal acts as the table selector or table index, and the individual video signals then select the location or point into the table and the AGP outputs the signal stored in the table at the position pointed to. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of signal processing, that the lookup tables employed may be preprogrammed and stored in memory associated with AGP 64. Moreover, it may be possible to load or select from one or more sets of lookup tables, based upon a user-selected preference or environmental variables such as room lighting. As will be further appreciated, the lookup tables effectively perform a transformation operation, by remapping the signals, and that alternative methods of performing such transformations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to gate arrays and similar programmable devices. Similarly, since existing illumination sources utilize lamps/bulbs whose light output typically decreases with age, the present invention may also be employed to compensate for the output/brightness decay. The look-up tables can be further modified to allow a built-in illumination source (lamp/bulb) lamp output level decay algorithm to be coupled with an indicator of lamp life (e.g., an hour meter, counter, timer, etc.) to provide predicted steady-state illumination over the life of the bulb utilizing the VCLM as the illumination compensation modulator. Another, more accurate, method would utilize a lamp/bulb output sensor to measure the actual output so as to characterize any decay, and thereby enable the ACLM to implement real-time correction information instead of predicted decay values. In any of the alternatives, the ACLM would, in response to an indication of the decay characteristic, adjust the VCLM to compensate for the decay or change in illumination. In other words, referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, for example, a light sensor or life timer (not shown) would provide feedback to the ALCM, which in turn would adjust the VLCM 13 or 913 to open or allow more illumination there through, to compensate for brightness decay. In addition to and in concert with this brightness decay compensating function, the ACLM can be programmed to limit or control brightness so that the system provides almost any specific brightness or maximum illumination level from the projector. For example: a specific projector installation requires a 900 lumen projector due to screen size, screen fabric gain and ambient illumination. A 1500 lumen projector may be utilized and programmed to output maximum of 900 lumens. Due to the present invention's VCLM control capabilities, there are no losses of on/off or ANSI contrast ratios with this function. Furthermore, in this example the ALCM and VLCM modules have as much as 600 available lumens (the unused balance) as an available range to perform the brightness decay compensation. In one embodiment, the AGP lookup tables are based on mathematical formulas with two fixed constants and a variable scale: 100% (average or peak) input signal usually outputs as 100% (average or peak) and a 0% input signal is output at 0%. In-between the 0% and 100% levels are values determined by entries in the lookup (or gamma) tables. These tables are derived from values optimized for contrast ratio yield and consider the specific projector optical engine employed. These lookup tables are graduated on percentages, scales or steps that ultimately correspond to I.R.E. signal levels. The video transmitter (VT) sub-module 68 receives the processed video signal information from the AGP and buffers the signal, for transmission compatibility, into the imager driver system of the particular optical or light engine(s) employed. The variable luminance controller (VLC), sub-module 66, receives the buffered luminance control signal from the LLP 62 and operates (drives) the VLCM directly via the VLCM Control bus 17 (FIG. 1). The VLC provides current, voltage and buffering drive signal to the VLCM that is in proportion to the luminance control signal from the LLP. The VLC may be equipped with a positional feedback sensor and associated circuitry for calibration when a mechanical VLCM is employed, or a thermal, transmissive or similar sensor and feedback circuit when an electronically controllable photo-resistive VLCM is employed. In another embodiment, the present invention further contemplates pre-encoding the data for both the ALCM/VLCM settings and adjustments. For instance, the media on which a movie or similar performance is provided may include pre-encoded data that characterizes desired illumination settings, adjustments, etc. and control circuitry such as the ALCM could sense and receive such data from the media, either as a pre-defined lookup table or as “hints” that are encoded. Although the present invention is intended to operate in real-time, it will be appreciated that the limitations of certain hardware and control circuitry may impose a delay in operation and that in the event of such delay, related processing of data must be similarly delayed so as to remain in synchronization. For example, if a medium included illumination data or hints, the system utilizing such information may need to employ techniques to “look-ahead,” and collect such information so as to avoid delaying output that relies or utilizes the information. Referring next FIGS. 4-6, depicted therein is an exemplary iris-type VLCM. The multi-iris shutter system 100 is driven by a voice coil motor 110. Shutter system 100 is based on magneto-static principals; so as to provide a very efficient flux path (not shown) around an existing frame 120 containing lightweight titanium iris leaves 130 and 132. The inertia forces generated by the displaced coil-leaf systems (130, 132 and coil 136) are preferably balanced in order to reduce the vibrations. The end result is an extremely fast and efficient method to modulate the light levels by rapidly varying the size of an aperture 140 created using multiple irises leaves 130 and 132. Alternative devices to actuate the shutter system include servo and/or stepper motors configured in a way to move the opposing iris leaves back and forth to open and close the aperture. It should be understood that the magnetic circuit could also be totally to one side of the assembly if space permits. Coil 136 is a wound tubular magnet wire, where the impedance of the coil is dependant on the number and size of the turns—for example a terminal resistance of approximately 12 ohms. The coil is supported by a “wish bone” structure 150 that provides added rigidity to the leaf and the coil structure. The slide mechanism introduced in the frame 120 provides a minimum friction while guiding the 0.45 inch movement of the iris leaves based on the size of the opening 140. The total dead mass of the coil 136 is counter balanced by the iris and “wish bone” components. Magnets 160 and 162 are pre-magnetized and assembled into the return path depicted generally by reference numeral 168, using an alignment fixture. The polarity of magnets 160 and 162 is such that they alternate from “North” to “South” as the flux travels through the circuit and generates a non-uniform 5,000 gauss field in the air gap denoted by reference numeral 168. The geometry of the pole structure provides a unique distribution of flux as seen by the VCM coil 136. This is necessary since the velocity profile requires very fast acceleration and decelerations during an 18 msec. cycle. This is part of an electromechanical device that drives the flux from the source “magnet” through the double air gap 168 and back. A low carbon steel alloy can be used since the magnetic saturation allows the flux density to operate around 18,000 gauss without running the risk of saturating the circuit. Leaves 130 and 132 are two ultra thin leaves, each of approximately 0.5 mm in thickness, that can travel a total of approximately 12 mm (0.45 inch) from the center point relative to one another, hence forming an aperture or shutter system with a final shape similar to that of a “Cats Eye” although other shapes can be utilized to effect, differently, the amount of light allowed through for the various positions of the leaves. Although any leaf thickness can be used it will be optimized to provide the best mass for the acceleration necessary to obtain the designed performance. The innovative leaf/blade design allows high intensity light exposure without any distortion or degradation in performance. For increased durability, it will be appreciated that a titanium alloy may be used to form the leaf shapes. Although titanium is employed for its low-weight and high strength and temperature stability, the present invention further contemplates alternative metals, alloys and similar materials. It will be further appreciated that the leaves or other components of the iris assembly may be temperature resistant so as to provide consistent operation over a range of temperatures, for example from about 25° C. to at least about 250° C. The frame 120 provides precise location for the iris, and the leaves slide within 0.58 mm wide grooves 170 in the frame 120. The entire inner surfaces of the grooves require anti-friction treatment to reduce the sliding friction of the leaves. In assembly of the frame within the VCM, it will be appreciated that an alignment tool may be employed to position the frame with respect to the VCM coil. The alignment tool could be used in conjunction with the assembly to center the iris opening on the light path through the system. Alternatively if an offset opening improves the capabilities of the system then that offset position could also be obtained through use of an alignment tool. Referring next to FIG. 7, there is depicted a general schematic illustration of one embodiment of the present invention. In essence the EVCM receives an electronic signal from a digital amplifier 100, or more particularly the VLCM controller 66 described above, that causes the iris leaf to move. The movement is tracked by a digital linear encoder, quadrature encoder, optical linear encoder, or similar sensor, such as an optical infrared sensor, (e.g., in a computer optical mouse). The EVCM can be controlled with precision that permits incremental movements or absolute positioning. The optical sensor 420 will most likely be a consumer product-based design similar to a computer optical mouse tracking system. Flat flexible cable, or a printed circuit traces, would allow for maximum movements of the iris leaves, and faster termination by combining encoder signals, encoder power, two VCM phase current, and ground connections. The control signals from the signal processor 400 will be amplified to power the actuator of shutter system 100 and to drive the coil 136 forward and backward. Although described as a signal processor, the required functionality may be accomplished using any suitable control components, including an operational amplifier or microprocessor for position feedback and such components would be part of the ALCM described above. In summary, the VCM receives an electronic signal from a digital amplifier that causes the iris leaf to move. The movement is tracked by a sensor such that the EVCM can be controlled with precision that permits 50nm incremental moves in less than 18ms. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the iris-type VLCM, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Having described the various components and general operation of an embodiment of the present invention, attention is now directed to an example of the operation of the ALCM 15. Consider a video (frame) signal of 20% average luminance input into the video receiver 60, where it is buffered and sent to the luminance level processor 62, and where each frame is averaged and/or peak detected to determine what processing should be implemented to the signal. The luminance level processor 62 decides the best way to process this particular video frame is by a factor of two; thus, a luminance content signal is derived and sent to the AGP and a proportional luminance control signal is derived and sent to the VLC 66. The luminance content signal directs the AGP 64 to use a particular lookup table. The AGP, using the lookup table, re-maps the video signal from the VR to 40% average luminance by direction of the selected example table and passes the resulting video signal to the video transmitter 68 where it is buffered into the projector's imager(s)/driver(s) which renders an average output level of 40% (i.e. light output capacity of the optical engine). The LLP's inverse and proportional luminance control signal of 50% is sent to the VLC 66, then buffered and sent to the VLCM 36. The VLCM, via optical or other means, restricts the projector's optical engine maximum light output capability by 50% and therefore restores the projector's brightness output to the original signal level's intended 20% average. In this example the contrast ratio yield from the optical engine and VLCM combination under the control of the ALCM (at a 20% video signal) is approximately twice that which would be available from an otherwise identical but unequipped optical engine. To further illustrate the operation of the present invention, the following examples are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. To better understand the yields of this invention, consider a projector using the single chip DLP projector such as a Virtuoso HT720™. The following is assumed for both examples presented below: out-of-the-box the HT720 projector exhibits close to 1000 lumens and a 1200-1 ON/OFF contrast ratio (@ 6500) and an ANSI contrast of about 300 to 350-1. First an alternative embodiment is described, with the VLCM and simpler adaptive processing in the form of automatic tracking of the general illumination levels (average illumination) and the black level clamp: a. Assumption: set VLCM limits range for maximum closure that yields 400-lumens and for a maximum opening that yields 1000 lumens (i.e. no aperture restriction). b. Assumption: the VLCM full open yields a contrast ratio of 1200-1 and in full closure yields 2500-1. This is an accurate number based on several experiment versions and the fact that the projector, when provided with a certain fixed in-between value iris, produces 600 lumens and a contrast ratio of 2000-1. This is the result of the optical engine's contrast ratio increasing substantially as the aperture restricts, but at the cost of less light output. c. In this example, with the VLCM partially closed, the projector yields 2500-1 contrast ratio @ 400 lumens. However, the projector will still be capable of generating an image @ 1000 lumens with the VLCM fully open. The formula for the resulting usable contrast ratio is 2500×2.5=6250-1 contrast ratio. The 2.5× multiplier is derived from the available image brightness increasing from 400 to 1000 lumens: a 2.5-fold increase. As a general rule the real limit for projector contrast ratio with brighter images is represented by the ANSI contrast ratio. What this design accomplishes is that it extends available ANSI CR to much lower general illumination levels. Simply put, ANSI CR is severely limited by ON/OFF contrast ratio at low IRE signals. For example, a 5 IRE signal is actually less than 1% of an imaging device's full luminance output capability. If a typical projector exhibits a contrast ratio of 1200-1, then for a 5 IRE peak scene, the maximum contrast ratio actually available for use in the resulting image is approximately 12-1 (the difference between on/off CR and a 1% peak scene). In the simple example outlined above, the contrast ratio at 5 IRE is improved significantly to approximately 62-1. Since the human eye is sensitive to these very low levels of contrast ratio (anything below 200/300-1 is generally deemed detrimental) the image loses both depth and dynamic. Since both numbers are still below the ANSI capability of the projector it is demonstrable that further improvement may be provided by this invention. In yet another example, an adaptive iris and peak based adaptive processing in the form of automatic tracking of the brightest object (peak illumination detection) in an image and the “black level clamp” is employed: a. Assumption: the VLCM range is set for maximum closure that yields near 100 lumens and for a maximum opening that yields 1000 lumens (again no restriction). b. Assumption: the VLCM, full open, yields contrast ratio of 1200-1 and in full closure around 3500-1 (3500-1 contrast ratio is achievable when a 1000 lumen projector is limited to only 100 lumen maximum output). Again, this is a realistic number based on multiple experiments/observations. c. In this second example, with VLCM closed, the projector yields 3500-1 contrast ratio @ around 100 lumens. However, the projector will still be capable of generating an image @ 1000 lumens with the VLCM set at no restriction (full open). Again, the formula for the resultant usable is contrast ratio =3500דX”. And again, the “X” multiplier is derived from the image brightness increasing from lower lumen yield level to 1000 lumens. If, the resulting optimum iris closure lumen yield is 100 lumens, then the available contrast ratio is 3500×10=35,000-1 In this second example, the contrast ratio at 5 IRE is improved to 350-1 which is now a level that matches/exceeds the unit's ANSI CR capability. In reality it is possible, at best, to equal but never exceed a projector's ANSI CR capability at very low illumination levels. This example yields results similar to what CRT units can generate at this illumination level resulting in a similar depth and dynamics in the image. Dynamic processing in the ALCM compensates for various VLCM modulated brightness levels. It is important to understand the role of the dynamic processing in how it relates to the function of the iris. If the second example above is considered, a 5 IRE peak signal is somewhere within the image, and it would, without gamma re-processing, really be much lower in intensity on the screen due to the VLCM being constricted by a signal from the processor. However the adaptive processing will, in addition to setting the VLCM aperture at about 90% restriction, reinterpret the 5 IRE and output a much higher video signal for the projector; near 100 IRE. This in turn instructs the projector's imager to operate near or at 100% intensity (see ALCM operation example above) and, in turn, overcomes the optical brightness restriction imposed by the VLCM and the peak portion of the image appears as the proper 5 IRE level on the screen. It is this concept; to take a low-brightness signal (peak/average) and apply it as a high-brightness signal (peak/average) to the imager(s) and restrict it back to proper level with the VLCM, which yields the greatest improvement. One might consider this in the following manner: currently light-valve projectors can output lumens right up to their maximum output ability regardless of what is really needed to reproduce the brightest peak in an image or frame. Unless the image calls for a 100 IRE component in the frame, this “excess” light output capacity reduces available contrast ratio due to imperfections in the optical engine. The ALCM/VLVM equipped optical engine in effect produces only enough light to reproduce the average or peak illumination called for in a particular frame or image and no more. Calculating the multiple input to output gamma curves is critical for this system's operation. Mapping and measuring the correct curves is required, and the minimum number of VLCM “stops” required to operate seamlessly require investigation into each type of optical engine to determine the optimum operation. It is further anticipated that there may be some practical limitations of the present invention. For example, few low-level scenes are “somewhat uniform” in illumination. A bright streetlight or car headlight or a flashlight at or near 100 IRE, present in an otherwise very dark scene, would “only” yield a contrast ratio that is native to the projector. However, such “peak” image items are usually presented at something less than 100 IRE and this adaptive system will make the most out of them by boosting these bright items to 100% imager output capacity and by inversely restricting the VLCM the proper amount. In other words, it is possible to artificially decrease the luminance for these bright items because it decreases the instantaneous black level and this can improve the overall image fidelity compared to keeping the higher black level. It is possible with processing to artificially expand, to a degree, the illumination changes between gamma “steps” particularly at lower levels. This can result in increased “depth” perception for low IRE scenes from the projector and better handling of these steps by the projector's imager(s). This will be applicable to any light-valve projector equipped with this technology. Another advantage with this technology is the reduction of DLP “dither.” “Dither” is the result of a time-division scheme to allow DLP equipped projectors the ability to display very-low IRE signals that are beyond the minimum on/off state and time-per-frame capability of the DMD chip(s) micro-mirror's. With the present invention it is no longer necessary, in lower illumination scenes, to drive the DMD to those IRE levels that produce the worst dither states. In other words a 0.1 IRE signal might place the DMD into dither (or time/division) to try and create that low level signal. With this technology an approximately 0.1 IRE signal would be reprocessed as something much higher, up to 1 IRE and be restricted by the iris back to a 0.1 IRE yield on the screen thus reducing the amount of “dithering” in very low illumination scenes. Although generally color separation artifact (commonly called rainbows) neutral when applied to DMD panel optical engines, aspects of the present invention may aid in the reduction of rainbows (time/division color separation artifacts), particularly at lower IRE illumination levels. Another benefit of the invention is the ability of a projector manufacturer to reprioritize the design goals of a projector's optical engine. Almost universally, contrast ratio is sacrificed for brightness as a compromise in optical engine design. With this invention, the consideration of design requirements may be modified to allow brightness and other aspects of image reproduction to be higher in priority and in turn use this invention's capability to boost the contrast ratio without sacrificing brightness. In recapitulation, the present invention is a method and apparatus for increasing effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, said signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector. It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus for increasing effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors. While this invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others. | <SOH> BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY <EOH>Heretofore, a number of patents and publications have disclosed means for controlling the intensity, contrast or dynamic range of a projection image, the relevant portions of which may be briefly summarized as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,253 to Fielding, issued Jan. 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discusses exemplary projection systems utilizing one or more spatial light modulators (SLMs). U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,422 to Fergason, issued Feb. 10, 1998, discloses a display and method employing a passive light modulator, a source of light, and a control for controlling the intensity of light supplied to the light modulator to provide images of good contrast for both bright and dark scenes. A method of displaying an image, which uses a passive light modulating display apparatus, includes controlling the intensity of light illuminating the display apparatus asia function of a brightness characteristic of the image. US-20040001184A1 by Gibbons et al., published Jan. 21, 2004 (and claiming priority from PCT/US01/21367 filed Jul. 2, 2001), teaches a system for addressing deficiencies of electronic, SLM-employing projectors. It does so using techniques described as being capable of providing images of sufficient overall quality that they may be used in venues instead of, or in addition to, traditional large-format film projectors without disturbing audience perception that the viewed images are of high quality. The publication describes techniques including pre-modulation, luminance compensation, and partial luminance compensation. A data and/or video projector's light valve optical engine is generally a device that uses means of modulating a fixed or variable light source based on either the reflective or transmissive properties of certain imaging panels. These panels may be Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS & SXRD), a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) or any other pixelized imager panel(s) system. Most high-lumen output video projectors use an arc lamp for the illuminating source. In the case of LCD and LCOS versions of imagers the white light produced by such lamps is usually separated into the primary colors of red, green, and blue using dichroic color-separating optics. Arc lamp separated colors are then passed through a polarizing filter to work with polarizing beam splitters. The primary color beams are either passed through the LCD panels (a transmissive technology) or reflected from LCOS panels (a reflective technology). However imperfections in both the means of polarization of the beams and the inability of the imagers to completely block the illumination source results in a reduction of the contrast ratio (CR) of the image. DMD imagers utilize non-polarized light from the illumination source, may or may not contain beam splitters and contain micro-mirrors that direct light through the lens or away from the lens as directed to form the image (another reflective technology). Primarily, diffraction & reflection of light from various planes within the DMD and less than perfect reflectivity of the mirrors themselves results in a reduction of the contrast ratio of the image. For the purposes of this presentation optical components between the illumination source (lamp) and the outermost exit lens are considered the projector's “optical engine.” Optical engines include but are not limited to dichroic beam splitters (where applicable), polarizers (where applicable), imaging panel(s), re-combining optics (where applicable), light tunnels, light collimators, irises, etc. The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus to increase the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for all types of data/video digital light valve image projectors. This concept is partially based on the fact that the contrast ratio dynamic from such devices displaying a “bright” image is limited to a projector's simultaneous contrast capability (commonly measured as ANSI contrast ratio—hereinafter ANSI CR), and the fact that the ON/OFF contrast ratio limits a projector's “dark” image's dynamic to a point much less than a light-valve projector's ANSI CR capability. It is also based on the fact that current light valve projectors (LCD, LCOS, SXRD, DMD) have extremely limited ON/OFF contrast ratios, when compared to standard cathode ray tube (CRT) type projectors, and are in need of this design improvement. CRT type projectors are able to maintain, for the most part, full ANSI CR regardless of the image's general level of illumination due to the variable intensity output capability of their tubes. However, light valve projectors have a steady state of illumination source (i.e. a lamp) that is modulated solely by the imaging device(s). As such it is necessary for the imaging devices, regardless of type (DMD/LCOS/ /SXRD, LCD, etc) within the projector, to generate all of the image's dynamics. Since all these imaging devices “leak” light to varying degrees (i.e., areas intended to be dark or off are not completely dark), this limits the projector's ability to maintain full ANSI CR, particularly at the lower intensity levels resulting in a lack of depth in the image. Attempts have been made in the past to vary a projector lamp's output to boost on/off CR, but these have failed to provide significant improvement due to the limited variable light output range of lamps (maintaining sustained ignition) and the fact that varying the lamp intensity drastically changes the color balance (balance in spectral output) of the lamp, thus limiting most light-valve projectors to one or two illumination levels from their bulbs (current examples: bright and economy-lamp modes). None of the lamp intensity schemes interact in concert with the imager(s) or help to produce better engine contrast ratio yield as the invention described herein does, neither do projectors with simple fixed or manually or electrically adjustable irises. The present invention relies on the technological premise that digital imaging devices perform three basic functions, among others, in order to generate a usable image for display: 1) modulate imager(s) with a source signal to create a recognizable pattern (i.e. an image); 2) set the general level of scene illumination; and 3) “paint” the image to create color(s) with a variety of available techniques. The present invention focuses on the second function set forth above—setting the general level of scene illumination, where this function is removed, at least partially, from the duty list of the imager(s) for the primary purpose of increasing overall contrast ratio and increasing the available ANSI dynamic for low-brightness images/scenes. In order to accomplish this function outside of the typical projection optical imaging engine, one aspect of the invention is intended for implementation in two stages, which are described in more detail below. A first component of the present invention is a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM). The VLCM is, in one embodiment, a special high-speed, temperature-resistant, electronically controllable iris system placed before, after or inside the optical engine of any light-valve projection device. A single (or multiple in some cases) iris system will be located at the point(s) either pre- and/or post-imager(s) within the optical engine that yields the best balance of results. This location will vary from projector to projector depending upon its particular design and on the intended results. In the case of single digital light processing (DLP) chip optical engines, this calls for a single iris system placed post-imager at a focal convergence point located post imager. The purpose of this adjustable iris is to vary the general scene illumination level, as the input signal varies, at a speed that is generally undetectable to the human eye. The main benefit of the luminance control function provided by the iris is extending the ON/OFF contrast ratio well beyond the ability of the imaging devices themselves. In other words, the use of the iris improves the ON/OFF contrast ratio by lowering the scene illumination on dark scenes to a nearly completely off level and thereby reducing the light “leaking” through the optical path of the projector. As will be described below, the use of one, or multiple irises, may also be employed to modulate or compensate for lamp brightness, including changes in or decay of the lamp/illumination source. The addition of an iris does not change the color balance of the illumination (lamp) source or the imager(s); it is spectrally neutral in action. The shape of the iris may also be changed to assist in contrast ratio yields. For example, an oval or “cats eye” shaped iris may lend itself to a better contrast ratio yield than round or multi-sided (polygon) versions. Moreover, the present application contemplates that future implementations could also use extremely fast reacting photosensitive optics that would variably turn darker or lighter to either enhance or replace the mechanical iris method. A second component employed in the present invention is an Adaptive Luminance Control Module (ALCM), which is coupled to the VLCM. The ALCM is a video signal processing system including circuitry and components that will operate and set the variable aperture opening or opacity of the VLCM and provide a corrected video signal to the input of the projector. This electronic luminance processing will follow the video input signal, tracking either the general (average) illumination level or the brightest point(s) in the signal (i.e., peak level detection) or any combination, and will output two different types of signals: 1) The VLCM drive signal. When fed a resultant, processed (analog or digital) signal, the VLCM will set the general scene illumination level. This optimizes both the engine's contrast (both absolute ON/OFF and ANSI CR) and the lumen output for the particular level of illumination that is needed to accurately reproduce the image. The VLCM drive signal is, effectively proportional to the input intensity of the video image (average or peak). The present invention contemplates the possibility that VLCM feedback may be required, and may employ one or more sensing mechanisms or circuits to indicate VLCM position or condition. 2) The image signal. The video output signal, post processing, is passed on to the projector's imager stage input. This image signal is processed and manipulated to take full advantage of the VLCM optical restriction capability. This unique relationship is described below. The processing for the image signal is primarily look-up (gamma) and gain based, along with a “black level clamp”. Output gamma will not track identically to the input signal's gamma; in other words, it will “adapt” to the input signal's illumination dynamics for optimization with the iris. There are various algorithms that will enable the desired functionality and will improve the technology. As used herein, “black level clamp” is a term describing the input to output signal proportion at 0 IRE. In other words, no matter what function the gamma tables and algorithms perform on the video signal; “0” input always equals “0” output. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising: a video input board of the projector; a optical engine of the projector, said optical engine receiving video signals and generating a light output for at least one primary color from; optics for transforming the light output from said light engine to a focused image for projection to a display screen; a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) or processor, for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, said signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal from the projector. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising the steps of: receiving image signals from a video input board in the projector; using an adaptive luminance control module, producing an output signal on a VLCM bus connected to the adaptive luminance control module, said signal providing control information for a variable luminance control mechanism, located within the optical path of the projector; and adjusting the variable luminance control mechanism to produce a corrected light output from the projector. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising: a video input board of the projector; a light engine of the projector, said light engine receiving video signals and generating a light output for at least one primary color there from; optics for transforming the light output from said light engine to a focused image for projection to a display screen; a variable luminance control mechanism, associated with the optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module, for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a control signal, wherein said variable luminance control mechanism operates in response to the control signal to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising the steps of: receiving video signals from a video input board in the projector; and producing a first signal, using an adaptive luminance control module, to provide control information for a variable luminance control mechanism located within the optical path of the projector and a second signal which is a modified video signal, whereby the variable luminance control mechanism operates to produce a modified light output from said digital image projector. One aspect of the invention is based on the discovery that the general level of scene illumination may be adjusted in a video projector to improve the effective contrast ratio. This discovery avoids problems that arise in conventional light projectors due to light leakage, etc. Using aspects of the present invention, overall contrast ratio and the available ANSI dynamic for low-brightness images/scenes may be significantly increased. In order to accomplish this function outside of the typical projection-imaging engine, this aspect is implemented using the ALCP and VLCM described herein. The techniques described herein are advantageous because they can be adapted to any of a number of light projectors. As a result of the invention, it is possible to produce digital light projection systems with improved overall contrast ratios and available ANSI dynamics for low brightness images/scenes. | <SOH> BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY <EOH>Heretofore, a number of patents and publications have disclosed means for controlling the intensity, contrast or dynamic range of a projection image, the relevant portions of which may be briefly summarized as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,253 to Fielding, issued Jan. 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discusses exemplary projection systems utilizing one or more spatial light modulators (SLMs). U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,422 to Fergason, issued Feb. 10, 1998, discloses a display and method employing a passive light modulator, a source of light, and a control for controlling the intensity of light supplied to the light modulator to provide images of good contrast for both bright and dark scenes. A method of displaying an image, which uses a passive light modulating display apparatus, includes controlling the intensity of light illuminating the display apparatus asia function of a brightness characteristic of the image. US-20040001184A1 by Gibbons et al., published Jan. 21, 2004 (and claiming priority from PCT/US01/21367 filed Jul. 2, 2001), teaches a system for addressing deficiencies of electronic, SLM-employing projectors. It does so using techniques described as being capable of providing images of sufficient overall quality that they may be used in venues instead of, or in addition to, traditional large-format film projectors without disturbing audience perception that the viewed images are of high quality. The publication describes techniques including pre-modulation, luminance compensation, and partial luminance compensation. A data and/or video projector's light valve optical engine is generally a device that uses means of modulating a fixed or variable light source based on either the reflective or transmissive properties of certain imaging panels. These panels may be Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS & SXRD), a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) or any other pixelized imager panel(s) system. Most high-lumen output video projectors use an arc lamp for the illuminating source. In the case of LCD and LCOS versions of imagers the white light produced by such lamps is usually separated into the primary colors of red, green, and blue using dichroic color-separating optics. Arc lamp separated colors are then passed through a polarizing filter to work with polarizing beam splitters. The primary color beams are either passed through the LCD panels (a transmissive technology) or reflected from LCOS panels (a reflective technology). However imperfections in both the means of polarization of the beams and the inability of the imagers to completely block the illumination source results in a reduction of the contrast ratio (CR) of the image. DMD imagers utilize non-polarized light from the illumination source, may or may not contain beam splitters and contain micro-mirrors that direct light through the lens or away from the lens as directed to form the image (another reflective technology). Primarily, diffraction & reflection of light from various planes within the DMD and less than perfect reflectivity of the mirrors themselves results in a reduction of the contrast ratio of the image. For the purposes of this presentation optical components between the illumination source (lamp) and the outermost exit lens are considered the projector's “optical engine.” Optical engines include but are not limited to dichroic beam splitters (where applicable), polarizers (where applicable), imaging panel(s), re-combining optics (where applicable), light tunnels, light collimators, irises, etc. The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus to increase the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for all types of data/video digital light valve image projectors. This concept is partially based on the fact that the contrast ratio dynamic from such devices displaying a “bright” image is limited to a projector's simultaneous contrast capability (commonly measured as ANSI contrast ratio—hereinafter ANSI CR), and the fact that the ON/OFF contrast ratio limits a projector's “dark” image's dynamic to a point much less than a light-valve projector's ANSI CR capability. It is also based on the fact that current light valve projectors (LCD, LCOS, SXRD, DMD) have extremely limited ON/OFF contrast ratios, when compared to standard cathode ray tube (CRT) type projectors, and are in need of this design improvement. CRT type projectors are able to maintain, for the most part, full ANSI CR regardless of the image's general level of illumination due to the variable intensity output capability of their tubes. However, light valve projectors have a steady state of illumination source (i.e. a lamp) that is modulated solely by the imaging device(s). As such it is necessary for the imaging devices, regardless of type (DMD/LCOS/ /SXRD, LCD, etc) within the projector, to generate all of the image's dynamics. Since all these imaging devices “leak” light to varying degrees (i.e., areas intended to be dark or off are not completely dark), this limits the projector's ability to maintain full ANSI CR, particularly at the lower intensity levels resulting in a lack of depth in the image. Attempts have been made in the past to vary a projector lamp's output to boost on/off CR, but these have failed to provide significant improvement due to the limited variable light output range of lamps (maintaining sustained ignition) and the fact that varying the lamp intensity drastically changes the color balance (balance in spectral output) of the lamp, thus limiting most light-valve projectors to one or two illumination levels from their bulbs (current examples: bright and economy-lamp modes). None of the lamp intensity schemes interact in concert with the imager(s) or help to produce better engine contrast ratio yield as the invention described herein does, neither do projectors with simple fixed or manually or electrically adjustable irises. The present invention relies on the technological premise that digital imaging devices perform three basic functions, among others, in order to generate a usable image for display: 1) modulate imager(s) with a source signal to create a recognizable pattern (i.e. an image); 2) set the general level of scene illumination; and 3) “paint” the image to create color(s) with a variety of available techniques. The present invention focuses on the second function set forth above—setting the general level of scene illumination, where this function is removed, at least partially, from the duty list of the imager(s) for the primary purpose of increasing overall contrast ratio and increasing the available ANSI dynamic for low-brightness images/scenes. In order to accomplish this function outside of the typical projection optical imaging engine, one aspect of the invention is intended for implementation in two stages, which are described in more detail below. A first component of the present invention is a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM). The VLCM is, in one embodiment, a special high-speed, temperature-resistant, electronically controllable iris system placed before, after or inside the optical engine of any light-valve projection device. A single (or multiple in some cases) iris system will be located at the point(s) either pre- and/or post-imager(s) within the optical engine that yields the best balance of results. This location will vary from projector to projector depending upon its particular design and on the intended results. In the case of single digital light processing (DLP) chip optical engines, this calls for a single iris system placed post-imager at a focal convergence point located post imager. The purpose of this adjustable iris is to vary the general scene illumination level, as the input signal varies, at a speed that is generally undetectable to the human eye. The main benefit of the luminance control function provided by the iris is extending the ON/OFF contrast ratio well beyond the ability of the imaging devices themselves. In other words, the use of the iris improves the ON/OFF contrast ratio by lowering the scene illumination on dark scenes to a nearly completely off level and thereby reducing the light “leaking” through the optical path of the projector. As will be described below, the use of one, or multiple irises, may also be employed to modulate or compensate for lamp brightness, including changes in or decay of the lamp/illumination source. The addition of an iris does not change the color balance of the illumination (lamp) source or the imager(s); it is spectrally neutral in action. The shape of the iris may also be changed to assist in contrast ratio yields. For example, an oval or “cats eye” shaped iris may lend itself to a better contrast ratio yield than round or multi-sided (polygon) versions. Moreover, the present application contemplates that future implementations could also use extremely fast reacting photosensitive optics that would variably turn darker or lighter to either enhance or replace the mechanical iris method. A second component employed in the present invention is an Adaptive Luminance Control Module (ALCM), which is coupled to the VLCM. The ALCM is a video signal processing system including circuitry and components that will operate and set the variable aperture opening or opacity of the VLCM and provide a corrected video signal to the input of the projector. This electronic luminance processing will follow the video input signal, tracking either the general (average) illumination level or the brightest point(s) in the signal (i.e., peak level detection) or any combination, and will output two different types of signals: 1) The VLCM drive signal. When fed a resultant, processed (analog or digital) signal, the VLCM will set the general scene illumination level. This optimizes both the engine's contrast (both absolute ON/OFF and ANSI CR) and the lumen output for the particular level of illumination that is needed to accurately reproduce the image. The VLCM drive signal is, effectively proportional to the input intensity of the video image (average or peak). The present invention contemplates the possibility that VLCM feedback may be required, and may employ one or more sensing mechanisms or circuits to indicate VLCM position or condition. 2) The image signal. The video output signal, post processing, is passed on to the projector's imager stage input. This image signal is processed and manipulated to take full advantage of the VLCM optical restriction capability. This unique relationship is described below. The processing for the image signal is primarily look-up (gamma) and gain based, along with a “black level clamp”. Output gamma will not track identically to the input signal's gamma; in other words, it will “adapt” to the input signal's illumination dynamics for optimization with the iris. There are various algorithms that will enable the desired functionality and will improve the technology. As used herein, “black level clamp” is a term describing the input to output signal proportion at 0 IRE. In other words, no matter what function the gamma tables and algorithms perform on the video signal; “0” input always equals “0” output. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising: a video input board of the projector; a optical engine of the projector, said optical engine receiving video signals and generating a light output for at least one primary color from; optics for transforming the light output from said light engine to a focused image for projection to a display screen; a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) or processor, for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, said signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal from the projector. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising the steps of: receiving image signals from a video input board in the projector; using an adaptive luminance control module, producing an output signal on a VLCM bus connected to the adaptive luminance control module, said signal providing control information for a variable luminance control mechanism, located within the optical path of the projector; and adjusting the variable luminance control mechanism to produce a corrected light output from the projector. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising: a video input board of the projector; a light engine of the projector, said light engine receiving video signals and generating a light output for at least one primary color there from; optics for transforming the light output from said light engine to a focused image for projection to a display screen; a variable luminance control mechanism, associated with the optics, for receiving the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module, for receiving signals from said video input board, said adaptive luminance control module producing a control signal, wherein said variable luminance control mechanism operates in response to the control signal to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving the operation of a digital image projector, comprising the steps of: receiving video signals from a video input board in the projector; and producing a first signal, using an adaptive luminance control module, to provide control information for a variable luminance control mechanism located within the optical path of the projector and a second signal which is a modified video signal, whereby the variable luminance control mechanism operates to produce a modified light output from said digital image projector. One aspect of the invention is based on the discovery that the general level of scene illumination may be adjusted in a video projector to improve the effective contrast ratio. This discovery avoids problems that arise in conventional light projectors due to light leakage, etc. Using aspects of the present invention, overall contrast ratio and the available ANSI dynamic for low-brightness images/scenes may be significantly increased. In order to accomplish this function outside of the typical projection-imaging engine, this aspect is implemented using the ALCP and VLCM described herein. The techniques described herein are advantageous because they can be adapted to any of a number of light projectors. As a result of the invention, it is possible to produce digital light projection systems with improved overall contrast ratios and available ANSI dynamics for low brightness images/scenes. | 20040806 | 20070522 | 20050310 | 74368.0 | 10 | KOVAL, MELISSA J | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING EFFECTIVE CONTRAST RATIO AND BRIGHTNESS YIELDS FOR DIGITAL LIGHT VALVE IMAGE PROJECTORS | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,913,818 | ACCEPTED | Four-port ground block for coaxial cable | A four-port coaxial cable ground block is provided with four angularly spaced connection ports disposed for providing sufficient access for convenient connection and tightening of four coaxial cables thereby eliminating the need for use of a plurality of ground blocks in four cable applications. Opposing left and right side ground connections are provided for connection of ground wires thereby providing a common ground point for electrical grounding of a satellite dish all four connected coaxial cables thereby eliminating problems associated with multiple ground wire connections. The four-port ground block provides an improved multi-port ground block for use in connecting and grounding coaxial cable systems, particularly coaxial cables used in connection with DBS satellite dish systems. | 1. (canceled) 2. (canceled) 3. (canceled) 4. A coaxial cable ground block apparatus for interconnecting coaxial cables and a ground wire in a satellite dish installation, said apparatus comprising: an electrically conducting ground block body having a top portion, and bottom portion and opposing left and right flanges projecting proximal said bottom portion, each flange defining an aperture for receiving a fastener for anchoring the ground block body to a surface; said ground block body including first and second grounding points, each of said grounding points including means for connecting a ground wire to said ground block body; and said ground block body including first and second in-line coaxial cable splice connectors disposed proximal said ground block bottom portion and third and fourth in-line coaxial cable splice connectors disposed proximal said ground block top portion, each of said connector having axially opposing externally threaded connection studs; said first and second in-line splice connectors being spaced a first distance apart and generally centered relative to said ground block body; said third and fourth in-line splice connectors being spaced a second distance apart and generally centered relative to said ground block body: said first distance being greater than said second distance such that said first and second; and an area defined between said coaxial cable splice connectors comprising a free area devoid of projecting structures thereby providing access for connection of coaxial cables. 5. (canceled) 6. (canceled) 7. (canceled) 8. A coaxial cable ground block apparatus for interconnecting coaxial cables and a ground wire in a satellite dish installation, said apparatus comprising: an electrically conducting ground block body having a top portion, and bottom portion and opposing left and right flanges projecting proximal said bottom portion, each flange defining an aperture for receiving a fastener for anchoring the ground block body to a surface; said ground block body including first and second grounding points, each of said grounding points including means for connecting a ground wire to said ground block body; and said ground block body including first and second in-line coaxial cable splice connectors disposed proximal said ground block bottom portion and third and fourth in-line coaxial cable splice connectors disposed proximal said ground block top portion, each of said connector having axially opposing externally threaded connection studs; | CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS N/A STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT N/A COPYRIGHT NOTICE A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for electrically grounding a coaxial cable and, more particularly, to a multi-port ground block useful in the electrical connection and grounding of a receiver, such as satellite dish, and a plurality of coaxial cables. 2. Description of Related Art The use of satellite dishes to receive cable TV and radio signals from orbiting satellites has expanded significantly in recent years. Direct Broadcast Satellite (“DBS”) is broadcast by medium and high powered satellites operating in the microwave Ku band. These high powered, high frequency satellites make it possible for the signals to be picked up on a small dish. Digital compression makes it possible to have many channels on a single satellite. The current major DBS systems that are operating in the USA are DIRECTV and DISH Network. The DIRECTV and DISH Network systems both have 18 inch satellite dishes. One of the big advantages of DBS systems is that the small dish does not have to move. Signals received by a satellite dish are often carried from the dish on conventional coaxial cables. In a typical coaxial cable installation, coaxial cable is run from the satellite dish to the approximate point of entry into the building where it is cut and provided with a conventional coaxial connector including a threaded end sleeve. Similarly, a coaxial cable is run from a tuner located within the building through the building wall and provided on its outside end with an identical standard end fitting. Connection between the terminated ends of the main incoming cable and the cable from within the building is made by utilizing a coaxial cable junction block. Conventional junction blocks are metallic devices adapted for in-line connection of coaxial cables. Junction blocks typically include a pair of axially aligned and oppositely extending threaded connector studs to which the respective threaded sleeves of the cable end fittings are attached thereby connecting the two sections of coaxial cable. In addition, dual port junction blocks having a pair of axially aligned and oppositely extending connector studs are used in applications involving multiple coaxial cables. With the use of coaxial cable junction blocks, installers are able to install interior and exterior runs of coaxial cable independently of one another and connect the interior and exterior runs at the junction block. The junction block, however, must be separately attached to the outer wall or other portion of the building and, additionally, a separate grounding connection must be made from the block to a suitable ground, such as an electrical conduit, pipe, or the like. Thus, the installer must drill holes or otherwise provide some means for attachment of the junction block to the building and must additionally repair and attach a separate ground lead between the junction block and the grounded conduit or the like. Providing an appropriate attachment of the junction block to the building may be difficult or objectionable to the owner. In addition, providing a separate grounding connection is also time consuming and requires the use of additional materials. Grounding is the intentional connection to earth's electrical potential (e.g. ground potential) through an electrical connection of low impedance. The purpose of grounding is to assist in preventing the destruction of electrical components, and property damage from superimposed voltage from lightning and voltage transients. In addition, grounding helps in reducing static charges on equipment surfaces there ensuring proper performance of sensitive electronic equipment. One of the primary purposes of grounding communications equipment to the earth is to reduce high voltage from lightning from entering into the building or structure via metal raceways or cables. If the metal parts of communication equipment are not grounded in accordance with the NEC, much of the high energy from the lightning strike will be dissipated within the structure, which can result in equipment and property damage as well as the potential for electric shock. Grounding also helps in reducing the build-up of static charges on equipment and material and establishing a zero voltage reference point to ensure proper performance of sensitive communications equipment. As a result of increased use of coaxial cables in satellite and cable TV applications, and the importance of electrically grounding those systems, the prior art reveals a number of advancements and improvements directed to coaxial cable ground blocks. U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,447, issued to Burnett et al., discloses a ground connection bracket for securing coaxial cables to a grounding surface. The device includes two clamping members connected along a common edge by an integral hinge such that they may be squeezed together around the cables thereby gripping them. Each of the clamping members is composed of a generally flat, rectangular panel and has two parallel side walls extending therefrom along edges perpendicular to the hinge edge. A hole passes through the panel of one of the clamp members to receive a bolt for fastening the bracket to a grounding surface. One or more coaxial cables are inserted between the clamping members so as to extend through the notches. Contacts are disposed on the clamping members to contact conductive portions of the cables and the bracket is secured to the electrical ground. U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,992, issued to Merker et al., discloses a single port device for grounding or electrically bonding a cable television connector and eliminating a jumper wire connection, comprising a television cable connector having a threaded large diameter portion tapering to a threaded small diameter end portion; a planar block of conductive material having various configurations connecting the connector parallel to a ground/bond wire. The block can have a plurality of throughbore sets for grounding/bonding a plurality of cable television connectors. Merker et al. further discloses a multi-port embodiment wherein the ports are aligned in linear space relation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,864, issued to Campbell, discloses a coaxial cable junction block provided with an adjustable mounting strap for direct attachment to a tubular grounding member. The junction block is intended to provide a direct ground connection for the block and attached outer conductors of the interconnected coaxial cable sections, eliminating the need to provide mounting holes in a building side wall or the like, and direct grounding of the cable sections without the need for a separate ground wire connection. U.S. Design Patent Nos. D459,304, and D459,306, each issued to Malin, disclose ornamental designs for a single-port and dual-port ground blocks. U.S. Design Patent No. D459,305, also issued to Malin, discloses an ornamental design for a dual-port ground block wherein the coaxial cable connectors are in spaced linear relation. While the coaxial cable ground blocks disclosed in the background art appear generally suitable for certain applications there remain a number of structural and functional limitations present in the prior art devices. A significant limitation involves the number of coaxial cables that the prior art devices are designed for use with. More particularly, most ground blocks are either single port or dual port, and are thus only capable of use with one or two coaxial cables. Accordingly, a plurality of ground blocks must be used in systems having more than one or two coaxial cables thereby requiring multiple ground wire connections. In addition, the prior art multi-port ground blocks disclosed include ports that are closely spaced and linearly aligned thereby increasing the difficulty of connecting the coaxial cables. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved multi-port ground block adapted to provide easy connection and grounding of four coaxial cables. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a four-port coaxial cable ground block is provided with four angularly spaced connection ports disposed for providing sufficient access for convenient connection and tightening of four coaxial cables thereby eliminating the need for use of a plurality of ground blocks in four cable applications. The four-port ground block further provides opposing left and right side ground connections for connection of a ground wire thereby providing a common ground point for electrical grounding of a satellite dish all four connected coaxial cables thereby eliminating problems associated with multiple ground wire connections. The present invention thus provides an improved multi-port ground block for use in connecting and grounding coaxial cable systems, particularly coaxial cables used in connection with DBS satellite dish systems. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-port ground block for use with coaxial cables. Another object of the present invention is to provide a four-port ground block for use with coaxial cables. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a four-port ground block wherein coaxial cable connection ports are disposed in angularly spaced relation thereby providing clearance for the connection and tightening of four coaxial cables in a compact device. In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the use of two dual-port ground blocks in the connection of four coaxial cables in accordance with the prior art; FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a four-port ground block in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 3 is a front view thereof; FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating use of the four-port ground block in the connection of four coaxial cables and a ground wire; and FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic depicting a DBS satellite dish installation incorporating a four-port ground block in accordance with the present invention connected to four coaxial cables and a satellite dish ground wire to provide signals to four receiver/television sets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts four coaxial cables, referenced as C1-C4, and a satellite dish ground wire G1 connected using a pair of dual port ground blocks in accordance with the prior art. Recent developments in DBS receiving systems have resulted in single dish units capable of providing four output signals to receivers located within residence. As a result, installations must be adapted with sufficient hardware to accommodate four coaxial cables and a ground wire. As illustrated in FIG. 1, installers have responded to the increased number of coaxial cables in DBS installations by providing multiple ground blocks, referenced as GB1 and GB2. FIG. 1 depicts a typical installation in accordance with the prior art wherein two dual-port ground blocks are used to provide an in-line splice of four coaxial cables C1, C2, C3, and C4 at the building exterior prior to attachment of end run cables from the ground blocks to receives housed within the building. The use of two ground blocks GB1 and GB2 increases the complexity of the installation by requiring additional mounting steps and additional ground wire connections. More particularly, the prior art installation requires an additional ground wire bridge, referenced as G2, connecting the two ground blocks. The requirement for additional grounding connections renders the installation burdensome to install and subject to failure of the grounding link. FIGS. 2-4 depict a four-port coaxial cable ground block, generally referenced as 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Ground block 10 includes a main body portion 12 fabricated from an electrically conducting material. Ground block body 12 generally includes a pair of opposed laterally projecting flanges 14 each of which defines an aperture 16 for use in receiving suitable fasteners for anchoring ground block 10 to a mounting surface. Ground block body 12 further includes left and right side ground wire connection points 18, each of which define an aperture 20 and a mating threaded set screw 22 that cooperate to function as connection points for ground wires as further discussed hereinbelow. A further significant improvement present in ground block 10 relates to providing four spaced coaxial cable connection ports with projecting connection studs, referenced as 30, 32, 34, and 36 respectively. More particularly, each of the four connection ports includes axially opposed externally threaded projecting coaxial cable connection studs adapted for connection to a conventional coaxial cable end connector. Each pair of opposing connecting studs preferably comprise an F-81 in-line splice connector, however, any suitable means for connecting to a coaxial cable are considered within the scope of the present invention. A significant aspect of the present invention relates to the position and spacing of the connection studs. Specifically, the connection studs are disposed and angularly spaced for providing sufficient access for convenient connection and tightening of four coaxial cables while eliminating the need for use of a plurality of ground blocks in four cable applications. As best depicted in FIG. 3, ground block 10 includes two connection studs, referenced as 30 and 32, each of which includes axially opposed stud members, as depicted in FIG. 2, which cooperate to provide input and output connection ports. Connection studs 30 and 32 are disposed in lower outboard positions relative to the center of the block and are thus positioned substantially adjacent to ground wire connection points 18. Ground block 10 further includes an additional two connection studs, referenced as 34 and 36, disposed in upper inboard positions. The angular spacing between studs 30 and 34, and similarly between studs 32 and 36, provides additional clearance between adjacent connection studs to allow space for connection and tightening of coaxial cables. The spacing provides a significant advantage over prior art ground blocks wherein connection studs are in liner alignment. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between studs 30 and 32 is approximately 44 millimeters (mm), and the spacing between studs 34 and 36 is approximately 20 mm. In addition, the respective centerline spacing between studs 30 and 34, and similarly between studs 32 and 36, is approximately 18.44 mm, or 12.0 mm lateral spacing and 14.0 mm vertical spacing relative to the view depicted in FIG. 3. The two tiered configuration and angular spacing between the studs maximizes available clearance while minimizing the ground block footprint. As further depicted in FIG. 4, use of the four-port ground block disclosed herein eliminates the requirement for two separate ground blocks connected by a bridge ground wire, as seen in the prior art installation shown in FIG. 1. More particularly, with reference to FIG. 4, ground block 10 is adapted for providing an in-line splice of four coaxial cables on a single ground block structure. In addition, ground block 10 provides left and right side ground wire connection points, one of which functions to receive a ground wire from the satellite dish and the other functions to receive a ground wire from a suitable grounding structure, such as a metal rod inserted directly into the earth. Accordingly, the four-port ground block provides opposing left and right side ground connections for connection of a ground wire thereby providing a common ground point for electrical grounding of a satellite dish and all four connected coaxial cables thereby eliminating problems associated with multiple ground wire connections. The present invention thus provides an improved multi-port ground block for use in connecting and grounding coaxial cable systems, particularly coaxial cables used in connection with DBS satellite dish systems. FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic illustrating use of a four-port ground block 10 in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 5 depicts a DBS satellite dish 50 adapted with four coaxial outputs, each of which is connected to a coaxial cable, referenced as 60, 62, 64, and 66 respectively. Each coaxial cable 60-66 has an opposing end connected to an input stud on a four-port ground block 10 in accordance with the present invention. In addition, satellite dish 50 is connected to a ground wire 68 which has an opposing end connected to a ground wire connection point 18 on ground block 10. Ground block 10 further includes a second ground wire 70 having a first end connected thereto and a second end connected to a grounding stake embedded in the earth, or other suitable grounding point. As noted hereinabove, ground block 10 is preferably anchored to the exterior wall of a structure (not shown) by suitable fasteners 16 disposed through flanges 14. In addition, ground block 10 includes output studs connected to four coaxial output cables, referenced as 80, 82, 84, and 86. Each coaxial output cable is connected to a receiver 90, 92, 94, and 96 respectively. Finally, each receiver is connected to a television, referenced as 100, 102, 104, and 106. The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for electrically grounding a coaxial cable and, more particularly, to a multi-port ground block useful in the electrical connection and grounding of a receiver, such as satellite dish, and a plurality of coaxial cables. 2. Description of Related Art The use of satellite dishes to receive cable TV and radio signals from orbiting satellites has expanded significantly in recent years. Direct Broadcast Satellite (“DBS”) is broadcast by medium and high powered satellites operating in the microwave Ku band. These high powered, high frequency satellites make it possible for the signals to be picked up on a small dish. Digital compression makes it possible to have many channels on a single satellite. The current major DBS systems that are operating in the USA are DIRECTV and DISH Network. The DIRECTV and DISH Network systems both have 18 inch satellite dishes. One of the big advantages of DBS systems is that the small dish does not have to move. Signals received by a satellite dish are often carried from the dish on conventional coaxial cables. In a typical coaxial cable installation, coaxial cable is run from the satellite dish to the approximate point of entry into the building where it is cut and provided with a conventional coaxial connector including a threaded end sleeve. Similarly, a coaxial cable is run from a tuner located within the building through the building wall and provided on its outside end with an identical standard end fitting. Connection between the terminated ends of the main incoming cable and the cable from within the building is made by utilizing a coaxial cable junction block. Conventional junction blocks are metallic devices adapted for in-line connection of coaxial cables. Junction blocks typically include a pair of axially aligned and oppositely extending threaded connector studs to which the respective threaded sleeves of the cable end fittings are attached thereby connecting the two sections of coaxial cable. In addition, dual port junction blocks having a pair of axially aligned and oppositely extending connector studs are used in applications involving multiple coaxial cables. With the use of coaxial cable junction blocks, installers are able to install interior and exterior runs of coaxial cable independently of one another and connect the interior and exterior runs at the junction block. The junction block, however, must be separately attached to the outer wall or other portion of the building and, additionally, a separate grounding connection must be made from the block to a suitable ground, such as an electrical conduit, pipe, or the like. Thus, the installer must drill holes or otherwise provide some means for attachment of the junction block to the building and must additionally repair and attach a separate ground lead between the junction block and the grounded conduit or the like. Providing an appropriate attachment of the junction block to the building may be difficult or objectionable to the owner. In addition, providing a separate grounding connection is also time consuming and requires the use of additional materials. Grounding is the intentional connection to earth's electrical potential (e.g. ground potential) through an electrical connection of low impedance. The purpose of grounding is to assist in preventing the destruction of electrical components, and property damage from superimposed voltage from lightning and voltage transients. In addition, grounding helps in reducing static charges on equipment surfaces there ensuring proper performance of sensitive electronic equipment. One of the primary purposes of grounding communications equipment to the earth is to reduce high voltage from lightning from entering into the building or structure via metal raceways or cables. If the metal parts of communication equipment are not grounded in accordance with the NEC, much of the high energy from the lightning strike will be dissipated within the structure, which can result in equipment and property damage as well as the potential for electric shock. Grounding also helps in reducing the build-up of static charges on equipment and material and establishing a zero voltage reference point to ensure proper performance of sensitive communications equipment. As a result of increased use of coaxial cables in satellite and cable TV applications, and the importance of electrically grounding those systems, the prior art reveals a number of advancements and improvements directed to coaxial cable ground blocks. U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,447, issued to Burnett et al., discloses a ground connection bracket for securing coaxial cables to a grounding surface. The device includes two clamping members connected along a common edge by an integral hinge such that they may be squeezed together around the cables thereby gripping them. Each of the clamping members is composed of a generally flat, rectangular panel and has two parallel side walls extending therefrom along edges perpendicular to the hinge edge. A hole passes through the panel of one of the clamp members to receive a bolt for fastening the bracket to a grounding surface. One or more coaxial cables are inserted between the clamping members so as to extend through the notches. Contacts are disposed on the clamping members to contact conductive portions of the cables and the bracket is secured to the electrical ground. U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,992, issued to Merker et al., discloses a single port device for grounding or electrically bonding a cable television connector and eliminating a jumper wire connection, comprising a television cable connector having a threaded large diameter portion tapering to a threaded small diameter end portion; a planar block of conductive material having various configurations connecting the connector parallel to a ground/bond wire. The block can have a plurality of throughbore sets for grounding/bonding a plurality of cable television connectors. Merker et al. further discloses a multi-port embodiment wherein the ports are aligned in linear space relation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,864, issued to Campbell, discloses a coaxial cable junction block provided with an adjustable mounting strap for direct attachment to a tubular grounding member. The junction block is intended to provide a direct ground connection for the block and attached outer conductors of the interconnected coaxial cable sections, eliminating the need to provide mounting holes in a building side wall or the like, and direct grounding of the cable sections without the need for a separate ground wire connection. U.S. Design Patent Nos. D459,304, and D459,306, each issued to Malin, disclose ornamental designs for a single-port and dual-port ground blocks. U.S. Design Patent No. D459,305, also issued to Malin, discloses an ornamental design for a dual-port ground block wherein the coaxial cable connectors are in spaced linear relation. While the coaxial cable ground blocks disclosed in the background art appear generally suitable for certain applications there remain a number of structural and functional limitations present in the prior art devices. A significant limitation involves the number of coaxial cables that the prior art devices are designed for use with. More particularly, most ground blocks are either single port or dual port, and are thus only capable of use with one or two coaxial cables. Accordingly, a plurality of ground blocks must be used in systems having more than one or two coaxial cables thereby requiring multiple ground wire connections. In addition, the prior art multi-port ground blocks disclosed include ports that are closely spaced and linearly aligned thereby increasing the difficulty of connecting the coaxial cables. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved multi-port ground block adapted to provide easy connection and grounding of four coaxial cables. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with the present invention, a four-port coaxial cable ground block is provided with four angularly spaced connection ports disposed for providing sufficient access for convenient connection and tightening of four coaxial cables thereby eliminating the need for use of a plurality of ground blocks in four cable applications. The four-port ground block further provides opposing left and right side ground connections for connection of a ground wire thereby providing a common ground point for electrical grounding of a satellite dish all four connected coaxial cables thereby eliminating problems associated with multiple ground wire connections. The present invention thus provides an improved multi-port ground block for use in connecting and grounding coaxial cable systems, particularly coaxial cables used in connection with DBS satellite dish systems. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-port ground block for use with coaxial cables. Another object of the present invention is to provide a four-port ground block for use with coaxial cables. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a four-port ground block wherein coaxial cable connection ports are disposed in angularly spaced relation thereby providing clearance for the connection and tightening of four coaxial cables in a compact device. In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. | 20040806 | 20101130 | 20060209 | 75070.0 | H01R13648 | 1 | IMAS, VLADIMIR | FOUR-PORT GROUND BLOCK FOR COAXIAL CABLE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | H01R | 2,004 |
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10,913,875 | ACCEPTED | Wafer for preventing the formation of silicon nodules and method for preventing the formation of silicon nodules | The present invention is directed to a wafer device method for processing same. A wafer for epitaxial deposition is backside sealed with a dopant seal layer (protection layer comprised of silicon dioxide or silicon nitride. Then, a layer of polysilicon is formed coextensively over the dopant seal layer. The polysilicon layer acts as a seed layer for potentially nodule forming gasses present during epitaxial deposition. During CVD epitaxy, the epitaxial layer is deposited on the primary surface with optimal resistivity uniformity. The fugitive gasses from the epitaxial process which diffuse to the wafer periphery and backside deposit as a film on the seed layer instead of in nodules. The polysilicon layer acts as a continuous seed layer which eliminates the preferential deposition at seal layer pinholes or island seed sites. The resulting structure of silicon substrate, dopant seal layer, polysilicon seed layer provides for nodule-free epitaxial deposition without increasing auto-doping and escalating the epitaxial resistivity non-uniformities. Alternatively, the wafer is sealed on the backside and peripheral edges with a dopant seal layer. Then, a layer of polysilicon is formed over the entire extent of the dopant seal layer. CVD epitaxy is performed, growing an epitaxial layer on the front side and depositing a film layer on the back side and peripheral edges of the wafer. The fugitive gasses from the epitaxial process which diffuse to the wafer backside and edge deposit as a film on the seed layer instead of in nodules. The amount of out-gassing is reduced because the peripheral edges of the wafer are covered with the dopant seal layer and since that layer is not exposed to the reaction gases, silicon spur and nodule formation is thwarted. | 1. A semiconductor wafer which resists the formation of backside or edge nodules comprising: a wafer, said wafer having a primary surface and a secondary surface opposite the primary surface; a seed layer; and a protection layer, said protection layer formed between the secondary surface of the wafer and the seed layer. 2. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 1, further comprises: an epitaxial layer, said epitaxial layer grown over said primary surface of said wafer by chemical vapor deposition; and a film layer extending from said epitaxial layer and over at least a portion of said seed layer over the second surface of said wafer, said film layer comprised of fugitive silicon atoms from chemical vapor deposition epitaxy process. 3. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 1, wherein a surface area of said seed layer and a surface area of said protection layer being substantially coextensive. 4. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 2, wherein the wafer is further comprised of a substrate material and a dopant impurity. 5. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 2, wherein the protection layer is comprised of one of silicon oxide, silicon dioxide and silicon nitrate. 6. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 1, wherein the seed layer is comprised of a polysilicon. 7. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 1, wherein said protection layer and seed layer each being formed over a peripheral edge of said wafer. 8. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 7, further comprises: an epitaxial layer, said epitaxial layer grown over said primary surface of said wafer by chemical vapor deposition; and a film layer extending from said epitaxial layer and over at least a portion of said seed layer over the second surface of said wafer, said film layer comprised of fugitive silicon atoms from chemical vapor deposition epitaxy process, said film layer extending over at least a portion of said peripheral edge of said wafer. 9. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 8, wherein the wafer is further comprised of a substrate material and a dopant impurity. 10. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 8, wherein the protection layer is comprised of one of silicon oxide, silicon dioxide and silicon nitrate. 11. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 1, wherein the seed layer is comprised of at least two of silicon, germanium and carbon. 12. A method for forming semiconductor wafer which resists the formation of backside or edge nodules comprising: forming a wafer, said wafer having a primary surface and a secondary surface opposite the primary surface; forming a protection layer on the secondary surface of the wafer; and forming a seed layer on said protection layer and over the secondary surface of the wafer. 13. The method recited in claim 12 further comprises: simultaneously growing an epitaxial layer over said primary surface of said wafer and forming a film layer on at least a portion of the seed layer of the secondary surface. 14. The method recited in claim 12, wherein forming a seed layer over said protection layer further comprises: limiting a surface area of said seed layer to substantially coextend with a surface area of said protection layer. 15. The method recited in claim 12, wherein forming a wafer further comprises: doping a substrate material with an impurity. 16. The method recited in claim 12, wherein the protection layer is comprised of one of silicon oxide, silicon dioxide and silicon nitrate. 17. The method recited in claim 12, wherein the seed layer is comprised of a polysilicon. 18. The method recited in claim 12 further comprises: forming said protection layer over a peripheral edge of said wafer; and forming said seed layer over said peripheral edge of said wafer. 19. The method recited in claim 18 further comprises: simultaneously growing an epitaxial layer over said primary surface of said wafer and forming a film layer on at least a portion of the seed layer of the secondary surface simultaneously and said peripheral edge of said wafer. 20. The method recited in claim 19, wherein forming a wafer further comprises: doping a substrate material with an impurity. 21. The method recited in claim 19, wherein the protection layer is comprised of one of silicon oxide, silicon dioxide and silicon nitrate. 22. The method recited in claim 19, wherein the seed layer is comprised of a polysilicon. 23. The method recited in claim 12, wherein the seed layer is comprised of at least two of silicon, germanium and carbon. 24. The method recited in claim 19, wherein the seed layer is comprised of at least two of silicon, germanium and carbon. 25. The method recited in claim 12 further comprises: simultaneously forming a poly silicon layer over said primary surface of said wafer and forming a film layer on at least a portion of the seed layer of the secondary surface. 26. The method recited in claim 18 further comprises: simultaneously growing a poly silicon layer over said primary surface of said wafer and forming a film layer on at least a portion of the seed layer of the secondary surface simultaneously and said peripheral edge of said wafer. 27. The method recited in claim 25, wherein the seed layer is comprised of at least two of silicon, germanium and carbon. 28. The method recited in claim 26, wherein the seed layer is comprised of at least two of silicon, germanium and carbon. 29. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 1 further comprising: a poly silicon layer, said poly silicon layer formed over said primary surface of said wafer; and a film layer extending from said poly silicon layer and over at least a portion of said seed layer over the second surface of said wafer, said film layer comprised of fugitive atoms from forming the poly silicon layer. 30. The semiconductor wafer recited in claim 7 further comprises: a poly silicon layer, said poly silicon layer grown over said primary surface of said wafer; and a film layer extending from said poly silicon layer and over at least a portion of said seed layer over the second surface of said wafer, said film layer comprised of fugitive atoms from forming the poly silicon layer, said film layer extending over at least a portion of said peripheral edge of said wafer. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to semiconductor wafer manufacturing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wafer for preventing the formation of silicon nodules, the manufacturing of wafers for preventing the formation of silicon nodules. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to epitaxy and a method for producing an epitaxial layer on a wafer with superior dopant uniformity and a nodule-free, smooth underside. 2. Description of Related Art In semiconductor device manufacturing the structure of a lightly doped layer on a heavily doped substrate or wafer is commonly required. This structure provides electrical benefits for designers of integrated logic circuits such as transistor latch-up suppression, and soft-error immunity. In addition, numerous discrete power transistors and diodes are built using this structure type. Epitaxial wafers have been a prime method used in the semiconductor industry for the formation of lightly doped semiconductor layers on heavily doped semiconductor substrates or wafers. Epitaxial wafers also can have the advantage of providing a surface free of defects that can be grown into the substrate during the crystal formation process. The epitaxial growth process for an ideal case is described below as depicted in FIG. 1. As mentioned above, epitaxy involves the deposition of a thin layer of semiconductor material, e.g., silicon, onto the surface of a single crystal semiconductor wafer while maintaining the same crystallographic orientation inherent in the wafer substrate. An epitaxial deposition process which is commonly used in the semiconductor industry is referred to as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), i.e., the growing of an epitaxial layer on a substrate from a gas. Epitaxial deposition occurs in chamber 150 of an epitaxial reactor. This process is a high temperature process in which silicon source gases are reacted on the surface of a wafer to grow epitaxial silicon crystal. Wafer 100 rests on susceptor 160 during epitaxy. In a typical configuration, susceptor 160 may incorporate one or more wafer pockets 162 which are approximately as deep as half of the thickness of wafer 100 and is slightly larger in diameter than wafer 100. Wafer 100 and susceptor 160 is heated to temperatures ranging from 1000 deg. C. to 1200 deg. Celsius (° C.) for the process using infrared lamps or radio frequency power sources. During the CVD process silicon source gas molecules 120 can diffuse around the periphery of wafer 100 and between wafer 100 and susceptor 160. Typical silicon source gases are trichlorosilane and dichlorosilane (depicted in the figure as SiH2Cl2 120). Hydrogen is the carrier gas (H2 122) used to transport the other chemical reactants to deposition chamber 150. The reaction in epitaxial chamber 150 is depicted below. Silicon source gas 120 and dopant gas (not shown) may be also blended with hydrogen carrier gas 122 and injected into chamber 150. An exemplary P type dopant source gas is diborane and N type gas dopant sources are arsene or phosphene. Concentration of these dopants and layer thickness are controlled to produce very uniform electrical characteristics of epitaxial layer 110. The CVD process described above has significant drawbacks when applied to epitaxy as will be explained below. A crystal substrate is manufactured by pulling crystal ingots from molten semiconductor material. The melt from which the ingot is pulled is doped with atoms in order to change the electrical characteristics of the material (e.g., the ingot may be doped with boron which acts as acceptors, or conversely the substrate may be doped with arsenic, phosphorus or antimony which acts as donors). The ingot is then divided into individual wafers by sawing, etching and polishing the semiconductor substrate into the desired shape and thickness. Silicon substrates used for epitaxial deposition often have a silicon oxide layer on the backside to prevent the dopant atoms in the substrate from out-gassing during the high temperature epitaxial process, as shown in FIG. 2A. In the course of CVD, as the epitaxial growth process progresses, the wafer substrate and susceptor are heated at a high temperature in the hydrogen atmosphere of reactor chamber as discussed above. As the primary surface and periphery of the wafer is accepting the epitaxial layer, dopants in the wafer are often discharged into the high temperature vapor of the chamber from the underside or secondary surface of the wafer. The out-gassed dopants in the chamber are trapped within the vapor phase growing the epitaxial layer. These out-gassed dopants result in an “auto-doping” phenomenon and as a consequence, the concentration of dopants in the epitaxial layer becomes non-uniform. If uncontrolled, substrate out-gassing will produce poor resistivity uniformity in the epitaxial layer. The prior art solution to the out-gassing problem is a layer of protection film applied to the secondary surface of a wafer prior to epitaxy as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. Protection layer film 220 is typically comprised of one of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride or the like. These protection layers are commonly deposited in a thermal furnace or deposition reactor, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognized other formation means including growing an oxide protection layer by thermal oxidation. Protection layer 220 is typically between 3000 to 10,000 angstroms (Å) in thickness. Protection layer 220 performs two primary functions: the protection film on the secondary surface of wafer 100 prevents dopant atoms in substrate 100 from out-gassing during the high temperature epitaxy process; and also the protection layer protects substrate 100 from being etched by the high temperature gasses in chamber 150. Without the protection layer on the secondary surface of the wafer, the gaseous hydrogen and deposition byproducts (HCl, Cl2) in the chamber will etch away the substrate adjacent to susceptor 160, thereby releasing even more dopant into chamber 150. Optionally, protection layer 220 can be extended to cover the periphery of wafer 100 in order to seal more surface area of the substrate. Sealing the wafer dopant atoms in the wafer is necessary to prevent the out-gassing dopant atoms from being incorporated into the growing epitaxial layer. If uncontrolled, the substrate dopants released into the chamber from out-gassing will auto-dope the epitaxial layer and generally result in poor resistivity uniformity in the epitaxial layer. However, when forming epitaxial layer 110 on substrate 100, the silicon source gas molecules present in the CVD epitaxy process preferentially deposit on silicon surfaces over silicon oxide or nitride surfaces of protection layer 220. This preferential deposition is due to a reluctance of the silicon source gas molecules to seed on the silicon oxide or nitride surfaces. No initial seed deposition will take place on the silicon oxide or nitride until sufficient gas density is present and sufficient nucleation time has passed. This preferential deposition 220 will cause nodules to form 232 due to pin holes or porosity in protection layer 220 which expose the underlying silicon of substrate 100 and which then acts as a seed site for nodule growth. These needle-like silicon projects, shown in spur projection 222 in FIG. 2C, occur when the source gas enters a pore or pinhole in protection layer 220, causing the silicon to grow abnormally into a needle shaped projection through the protection layer and onto susceptor 160. Another, more common result is the formation of nodules 232 that are attracted by islands of silicon deposition that seed on protection layer 220. These islands of silicon then attract more silicon deposition resulting in nodule formation. Similarly, the formation of spur projection 222 also attract or seed nodule growth. The fugitive gases which lead to the formation of the nodules and spur projections come from the source gases that are injected into the epitaxial reactor for the deposition of the epitaxial layer. A second source for the fugitive gases is the etching of silicon that has deposited on the susceptor prior to or during the epitaxy process. Silicon that has deposited on the susceptor is etched away into the vapor phase by deposition gases and byproducts (Hydrogen, HCl, Cl2). These gaseous silicon molecules then act as a source gas for the formation of nodules on the protection layer. The formation of silicon nodules 232 result in a non-uniform secondary surface that cause particulate problems, abrasion of wafer carriers, poor focus in photolithography processes and the inability to obtain good vacuum on a wafer vacuum-chuck. Spur projections 222 and silicon nodules 232 are prone to separate from the substrate during transfer and handling of the wafer, thereby contribute to generation of unwanted particulate matter. Additionally, during epitaxy the preferential deposition of the source gas on the substrate material over the protection layer material can increase the occurrence epitaxial crowns 234, which are extraordinary growths of epitaxial silicon at the junction of epitaxial layer 110 and protection layer 220. The occurrence of nodules require an extra polishing step, if permissible, subsequent to the epitaxial deposition. Prior art methods for controlling nodule formation during epitaxy required a tradeoff in the severity of the nodules and the effectiveness of the dopant protection layer. One approach is to remove the protection layer near the edge of the wafer to expose the wafer. This portion of the exposed wafer then acts as a seed layer for silicon to deposit on, but as a smooth film layer rather than uneven nodules. This approach has the disadvantage of exposing the wafer (i.e., the seed layer) to the epitaxial chamber which out-gasses dopant during the high temperature epitaxy process and auto-doping the epitaxial layer, thereby impairing epitaxial resistivity uniformity. Another approach is to modify the design of the susceptor pocket 162 with the goal of reducing the amount of fugitive gases that diffuse to the secondary surface of the wafer. In addition the pocket can be modified to reduce the amount of contact between the susceptor and wafer and/or increase the distance between portions of the wafer and the susceptor. Pocket designs that are used to accomplish these goals include providing a step near the pocket edge or forming the pocket with a dish or conical shape. These pocket modifications have the disadvantage of decreasing the thermal coupling of the wafer to the susceptor which can create non-uniform temperature profiles across the wafer which adversely affect the epitaxy process SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is a novel method that eliminates the formation of backside or edge nodules on the protection layer (dopant seal layers) during epitaxial deposition by providing a favorable seed layer over the protection layer. Additionally, the present invention does not result in a reduction of dopant uniformity in the epitaxial because the dopant seal layers are not compromised in reducing the formation occurrence of nodules. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wafer for epitaxial deposition is backside sealed with a dopant seal layer. Then,.a layer of polysilicon is formed coextensively over the dopant seal layer. This polysilicon film can be deposited using common techniques used in silicon wafer manufacturing or semiconductor manufacturing. Typically the seed layer could be 1000 Å to 10,000 Å thick, but as a practical matter need only have a thickness sufficient for attaching fugitive gasses on the backside of the wafer during subsequent processing stages. The polysilicon layer acts as a seed layer for potentially nodule forming source gasses that diffuse to the substrate periphery and backside during epitaxial deposition. During CVD epitaxy, the epitaxial layer is deposited on the primary surface with optimal resistivity uniformity. The fugitive gasses which diffuse to the wafer backside and edge will now deposit on the seed layer as a film instead of in forming as unwanted nodules. The polysilicon layer acts as a continuous seed layer which eliminates the preferential deposition at seal layer pinholes or island seed sites. The resulting structure of silicon substrate, dopant seal layer, polysilicon seed layer provides for nodule-free epitaxial deposition without increasing auto-doping or reducing the epitaxial resistivity uniformities. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wafer for epitaxial deposition is sealed on the backside and peripheral edges with a dopant seal layer. Then, a layer of polysilicon is formed over the entire extent of the dopant seal layer. Here, the amount of out-gassing is still further reduced because the peripheral edges of the wafer are covered with the dopant seal layer and since that layer is not exposed to the reaction gases, silicon spur and nodule formation is thwarted. Moreover, because the amount of out-gassing is even further reduced, auto-doping to the epitaxial layer is correspondingly lessened, as are epitaxial resistivity non-uniformities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features believed characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of the CVD epitaxial growth process for an ideal case as understood in the prior art; FIGS. 2A-2D are cross-sectional diagrams of a wafer undergoing epitaxial layer formation in which a layer of protection film is applied to the secondary surface of a wafer prior to epitaxy as the prior art solution for out-gassing problem; FIG. 3 is a flowchart representing the steps for epitaxial layer formation with low occurrence of silicon nodule formation, while simultaneously reducing auto-doping, resulting in a wafer with epitaxial resistivity uniformity and a smooth backside in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention; FIGS. 4A-4C depict cross-sectional diagrams of process stages wafer 100 at various stages of the present epitaxy method of FIG. 3 and in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing the steps for epitaxial layer formation with low occurrence of silicon nodule formation, while simultaneously substantially reducing auto-doping, resulting in a wafer with epitaxial resistivity uniformity and a smooth backside in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and FIGS. 6A-6C depict a cross-sectional diagrams of wafer 100 during process stages the present epitaxy method of FIG. 5 and in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description. EXPLANATION OF ITEMS 100 wafer (substrate) epitaxial layer 110 epitaxial layer 120 silicon source gas molecule 122 hydrogen carrier gas 124 silicon molecule surface 126 hydrogen chloride 150 reactor chamber 160 susceptor 162 susceptor wafer pocket 220 protective layer on wafer's secondary surface 222 silicon spur projection spur projection as a seed site for nodule growth 232 silicon nodules epitaxial layer from nodules 240 nodule growth on seed site island of silicon, precipitating further nodule growth 410 epitaxial layer 412 film deposition on seed layer from fugitive gasses on wafer's secondary surface 430 seed layer on wafer's secondary surface 610 epitaxial layer 612 film deposition on seed layer from fugitive gasses on wafer's secondary surface 614 film deposition on seed layer from fugitive gasses on wafer's peripheral edges 620 protective layer on wafer's secondary surface 622 protective layer on wafer's peripheral edges 630 seed layer on wafer's secondary surface seed layer on wafer's peripheral edges DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 3 is a flowchart representing the steps for epitaxial layer formation with low occurrence of silicon nodule formation, while simultaneously reducing auto-doping, resulting in a wafer with exceptional epitaxial resistivity uniformity and a smooth backside in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the formation of a single crystal epitaxial layer on the primary surface of the wafer, however it should be understood that this is merely an exemplary embodiment which was selected for accurately describing the presently present invention. The present invention is equally applicable to the formation of other types of surfaces which, during their formation, produce fugitive gasses which disperse as fugitive gasses to the secondary surfaces and form nodules, these surface layers include, for example, poly silicon. FIGS. 4A-4C depict cross-sectional diagrams of process stages wafer 100 at various stages of the present epitaxy method of FIG. 3 and in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4A schematically depicts susceptor 160 for supporting wafer 100 in reaction chamber 150 of a conventional epitaxial reactor. The process begins by providing a substrate wafer for epitaxy with a primary, designed as such for device fabrication, and a secondary surface (or wafer backside) (step 302). Next, dopant seal layer 220 is formed on the secondary surface of wafer 100(step 304). Protection/seal film layer 220 is typically comprised of one of silicon oxide, silicon dioxide and silicon nitride, or the like. Typically the protection layer is silicon oxide. In the industry, these steps are commonly performed by the wafer's manufacturer. These protection layers are commonly deposited in a thermal furnace or deposition reactor, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognized other formation means including growing an oxide protection layer by thermal oxidation. Optimally, secondary surface protection/seal film layer 220 is formed over the entire backside surface of the wafer 100 in order to minimize out-gassing from the wafer. In general, and as known in the art, in order to obtain the secondary surface protective film, a protective layer of an oxide or a nitride is formed on the primary and secondary surfaces of wafer 100 and along its peripheral edges in a diffusion furnace, etc. Unwanted protective film on the primary surface and peripheral edges is then polished or chemically etched off. Furthermore, however, assuming the layer's thickness is within tolerance, polishing may be deferred until the application of the seed layer, in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, the protection layer 220 can be formed only on the secondary and peripheral surfaces eliminating the need for removal on the primary. The thickness of protection layer 220 on the secondary surface is typically between 3000 Å and 10,000 Å, but the precise thickness is determined by a variety of factors such as the type of dopant used and its concentration and the temperature and duration of subsequent processing steps. With the application of layer 220, impurity dopants contained in the wafer are prevented from out-gassing into reaction chamber 150 through the back surface of wafer 100 during epitaxy. Next, seed layer 430 of polysilicon is formed on protection layer 220 as depicted in FIG. 4B (step 306). For maximum effectiveness, seed layer 430 should be coextensive with protection layer 220. The polysilicon layer is commonly deposited in a thermal furnace or deposition reactor as is well known in the relevant art. For instance it is well known in the relevant art to form a polysilicon layer by the thermal decomposition of Silane (SiH4) or deposition of polysilicon from dichlorosilane or trichlorosilane. At this point, the wafer is polished to remove the unnecessary amounts of protection layer 220 and seed layer430, if present, on the primary surface and peripheral edges of wafer 100. Alternatively, seed layer 430 may be formed only on protection layer 220 on the secondary surface after unwanted amounts of protection layer 220 on wafer 100 have been polished or etched away. Here, seed layer 430 is described as being comprised of polysilicon layer, but this is merely an exemplary embodiment chosen for accurately describing the presently present invention. Alternative seed layer 430 may be comprised of any material which acts as a continuous seed layer and thereby eliminates the preferential deposition of fugitive gasses at seal layer pinholes or island seed sites as nodules. Seed layer 430 may also be comprised of other combinations of silicon, germanium and/or carbon, for example SiGe alloy, pure Ge, SiGeC alloy, or the like. Additionally, the type of material chosen for seed layer 430 may also be dependent on the type of gasses diffusing around the periphery of wafer 100 and between wafer 100 and susceptor 160, i.e., the type of material using in seed layer 430 is depending on the type of fugitives gasses which are diffusing to the backside of the wafer and forming nodules. Wafer 100 is now ready for epitaxy (step 308). One advantage of the present invention is that the epitaxial growth process is performed in the conventional manner practiced in the prior art without any modifications to the reaction chamber, such as reshaping susceptor 160 for minimizing contact with wafer 100. As is well understood in the art, epitaxial layer 410 is formed on the primary surface of wafer 100 as depicted in FIG. 4C(step 310). However, fugitive gasses which diffuse to the secondary surface of the wafer, between seed layer 430 and susceptor 160, are now deposited on seed layer 430 as film 412 rather than as silicon nodules (step 312). Likewise, the formation of silicon spurs is also avoided because pore spaces and pinholes in protection layer 220 are further sealed by the polysilicon seed layer 430. The extent of film 412 is determined by the volume of fugitive gases which are present for deposition. Typically, because these fugitive gases are immediately attracted to seed layer 430, the formation of film 412 is constrained to only the outer peripheral extent of seed layer 430, perhaps only 10 mm to 12 mm from the edge of wafer 100. Furthermore, because these results are achieved without decreasing the surface area of protection layer 220 (i.e., for exposing substrate 100 for a seed region), out-gassing is also reduced. A corresponding increase in resistivity uniformity of epitaxial layer 410 is realized. Still further, because the silicon nodules cannot form in regions of protection layer 220 proximate to epitaxial layer 410, the likelihood and severity of epitaxial crown formation on the peripheral edges of epitaxial layer 410 are also decreased. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protection layer is expanded to cover the peripheral edges of the wafer. The surface area of the seed layer is correspondingly increased, coextensive with the protection layer. This embodiment has several advantages over the previously disclosed embodiment, including potentially fewer process steps (i.e., lessening the process complexity), and increased protection to, and sealing of, the substrate wafer (resulting in lower out-gassing amounts and less severe hydrogen etching of the wafer due to the decreased surface area of the wafer exposed to the chamber). FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing the steps for epitaxial layer formation with low occurrence of silicon nodule formation, while simultaneously substantially reducing auto-doping, resulting in a wafer with epitaxial resistivity uniformity and a smooth backside in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 6A-6C depict cross-sectional diagrams of process stages for wafer 100 during the present epitaxy method of FIG. 5 and in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The structure of the components in FIGS. 6A-6C correspond to those shown in FIGS. 4A-4D and corresponding figure elements are labeled identically. In accordance with this embodiment, the process begins by providing a substrate wafer for epitaxy as described above (step 502). Next, protection layer 620 (a dopant seal layer) is formed not only on the secondary surface of wafer 100 (step 504), but also as peripheral edge protection layer 622 on the edges of the wafer(step 506). Again, this layer is typically comprised of one a silicon oxide, silicon dioxide or silicon nitride or the like, conventionally silicon oxide. In contrast with the previous embodiment, after the protection layers are deposited on the primary and secondary wafer sides and along its peripheral edges of wafer 100, only the protection layer on the primary surface need be polished off. Peripheral edge protection layer 622 remains. Alternatively, the protection layer is only formed on the secondary and peripheral surfaces eliminating the need to remove the protection layer from the primary surface. Because wafer manufacturers typically coat the entire wafer with silicon oxide and then polish or chemically etch off unwanted areas of oxide, polishing or etching need only be performed on the primary surface, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment. Seed layer 630 is then formed on protection layer 620 and peripheral edge seed layer 632 is formed on peripheral edge protection layer 622 as depicted in FIG. 6B (step 508). Here again, the intent is to completely cover the protection layer with the seed layer for achieving optimal results. Any portions of protection layer 620 or peripheral edge protection layer 622 left open to the chamber will increase the occurrences of nodule formation and result in abrasion of wafer carriers, poor focus in photolithography processes, inability to obtain good vacuum on a wafer vacuum-chuck and increased particulate matter in the vapor phase epitaxial growth and subsequent process stages. The polysilicon layer is typically formed by the thermal decomposition of Silane (SiH4) or deposition of polysilicon from dichlorosilane or trichlorosilane. Wafer 100 is then polished to remove the unnecessary amounts of protection layer and seed layer, if any, on the primary surface of wafer 100. Epitaxial layer 610 can now be grown on wafer 100 is now ready for epitaxy (step 510), on the primary surface of wafer 100 as depicted in FIG. 6C, while fugitive gasses are now deposited on seed layer 630 as film 612 (step 512)and on peripheral edge seed layer 632 as peripheral edge film 614 rather than as silicon nodules (step 514). A superior quality epitaxial layer is thereby achieved without nodule formation and without decreasing the surface area of protection layer 620 for exposing substrate 100 for a seed region. Thus, out-gassing is not increased because the surface area of protection layer 620 is not compromised as a trade-off for reducing nodule formation, as is the practiced in the prior art. A corresponding increase in resistivity uniformity of epitaxial layer 610 is realized. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention including using wafer substrates other than silicon. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to semiconductor wafer manufacturing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wafer for preventing the formation of silicon nodules, the manufacturing of wafers for preventing the formation of silicon nodules. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to epitaxy and a method for producing an epitaxial layer on a wafer with superior dopant uniformity and a nodule-free, smooth underside. 2. Description of Related Art In semiconductor device manufacturing the structure of a lightly doped layer on a heavily doped substrate or wafer is commonly required. This structure provides electrical benefits for designers of integrated logic circuits such as transistor latch-up suppression, and soft-error immunity. In addition, numerous discrete power transistors and diodes are built using this structure type. Epitaxial wafers have been a prime method used in the semiconductor industry for the formation of lightly doped semiconductor layers on heavily doped semiconductor substrates or wafers. Epitaxial wafers also can have the advantage of providing a surface free of defects that can be grown into the substrate during the crystal formation process. The epitaxial growth process for an ideal case is described below as depicted in FIG. 1 . As mentioned above, epitaxy involves the deposition of a thin layer of semiconductor material, e.g., silicon, onto the surface of a single crystal semiconductor wafer while maintaining the same crystallographic orientation inherent in the wafer substrate. An epitaxial deposition process which is commonly used in the semiconductor industry is referred to as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), i.e., the growing of an epitaxial layer on a substrate from a gas. Epitaxial deposition occurs in chamber 150 of an epitaxial reactor. This process is a high temperature process in which silicon source gases are reacted on the surface of a wafer to grow epitaxial silicon crystal. Wafer 100 rests on susceptor 160 during epitaxy. In a typical configuration, susceptor 160 may incorporate one or more wafer pockets 162 which are approximately as deep as half of the thickness of wafer 100 and is slightly larger in diameter than wafer 100 . Wafer 100 and susceptor 160 is heated to temperatures ranging from 1000 deg. C. to 1200 deg. Celsius (° C.) for the process using infrared lamps or radio frequency power sources. During the CVD process silicon source gas molecules 120 can diffuse around the periphery of wafer 100 and between wafer 100 and susceptor 160 . Typical silicon source gases are trichlorosilane and dichlorosilane (depicted in the figure as SiH 2 Cl 2 120 ). Hydrogen is the carrier gas (H 2 122 ) used to transport the other chemical reactants to deposition chamber 150 . The reaction in epitaxial chamber 150 is depicted below. Silicon source gas 120 and dopant gas (not shown) may be also blended with hydrogen carrier gas 122 and injected into chamber 150 . An exemplary P type dopant source gas is diborane and N type gas dopant sources are arsene or phosphene. Concentration of these dopants and layer thickness are controlled to produce very uniform electrical characteristics of epitaxial layer 110 . The CVD process described above has significant drawbacks when applied to epitaxy as will be explained below. A crystal substrate is manufactured by pulling crystal ingots from molten semiconductor material. The melt from which the ingot is pulled is doped with atoms in order to change the electrical characteristics of the material (e.g., the ingot may be doped with boron which acts as acceptors, or conversely the substrate may be doped with arsenic, phosphorus or antimony which acts as donors). The ingot is then divided into individual wafers by sawing, etching and polishing the semiconductor substrate into the desired shape and thickness. Silicon substrates used for epitaxial deposition often have a silicon oxide layer on the backside to prevent the dopant atoms in the substrate from out-gassing during the high temperature epitaxial process, as shown in FIG. 2A . In the course of CVD, as the epitaxial growth process progresses, the wafer substrate and susceptor are heated at a high temperature in the hydrogen atmosphere of reactor chamber as discussed above. As the primary surface and periphery of the wafer is accepting the epitaxial layer, dopants in the wafer are often discharged into the high temperature vapor of the chamber from the underside or secondary surface of the wafer. The out-gassed dopants in the chamber are trapped within the vapor phase growing the epitaxial layer. These out-gassed dopants result in an “auto-doping” phenomenon and as a consequence, the concentration of dopants in the epitaxial layer becomes non-uniform. If uncontrolled, substrate out-gassing will produce poor resistivity uniformity in the epitaxial layer. The prior art solution to the out-gassing problem is a layer of protection film applied to the secondary surface of a wafer prior to epitaxy as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D . Protection layer film 220 is typically comprised of one of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride or the like. These protection layers are commonly deposited in a thermal furnace or deposition reactor, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognized other formation means including growing an oxide protection layer by thermal oxidation. Protection layer 220 is typically between 3000 to 10,000 angstroms (Å) in thickness. Protection layer 220 performs two primary functions: the protection film on the secondary surface of wafer 100 prevents dopant atoms in substrate 100 from out-gassing during the high temperature epitaxy process; and also the protection layer protects substrate 100 from being etched by the high temperature gasses in chamber 150 . Without the protection layer on the secondary surface of the wafer, the gaseous hydrogen and deposition byproducts (HCl, Cl2) in the chamber will etch away the substrate adjacent to susceptor 160 , thereby releasing even more dopant into chamber 150 . Optionally, protection layer 220 can be extended to cover the periphery of wafer 100 in order to seal more surface area of the substrate. Sealing the wafer dopant atoms in the wafer is necessary to prevent the out-gassing dopant atoms from being incorporated into the growing epitaxial layer. If uncontrolled, the substrate dopants released into the chamber from out-gassing will auto-dope the epitaxial layer and generally result in poor resistivity uniformity in the epitaxial layer. However, when forming epitaxial layer 110 on substrate 100 , the silicon source gas molecules present in the CVD epitaxy process preferentially deposit on silicon surfaces over silicon oxide or nitride surfaces of protection layer 220 . This preferential deposition is due to a reluctance of the silicon source gas molecules to seed on the silicon oxide or nitride surfaces. No initial seed deposition will take place on the silicon oxide or nitride until sufficient gas density is present and sufficient nucleation time has passed. This preferential deposition 220 will cause nodules to form 232 due to pin holes or porosity in protection layer 220 which expose the underlying silicon of substrate 100 and which then acts as a seed site for nodule growth. These needle-like silicon projects, shown in spur projection 222 in FIG. 2C , occur when the source gas enters a pore or pinhole in protection layer 220 , causing the silicon to grow abnormally into a needle shaped projection through the protection layer and onto susceptor 160 . Another, more common result is the formation of nodules 232 that are attracted by islands of silicon deposition that seed on protection layer 220 . These islands of silicon then attract more silicon deposition resulting in nodule formation. Similarly, the formation of spur projection 222 also attract or seed nodule growth. The fugitive gases which lead to the formation of the nodules and spur projections come from the source gases that are injected into the epitaxial reactor for the deposition of the epitaxial layer. A second source for the fugitive gases is the etching of silicon that has deposited on the susceptor prior to or during the epitaxy process. Silicon that has deposited on the susceptor is etched away into the vapor phase by deposition gases and byproducts (Hydrogen, HCl, Cl2). These gaseous silicon molecules then act as a source gas for the formation of nodules on the protection layer. The formation of silicon nodules 232 result in a non-uniform secondary surface that cause particulate problems, abrasion of wafer carriers, poor focus in photolithography processes and the inability to obtain good vacuum on a wafer vacuum-chuck. Spur projections 222 and silicon nodules 232 are prone to separate from the substrate during transfer and handling of the wafer, thereby contribute to generation of unwanted particulate matter. Additionally, during epitaxy the preferential deposition of the source gas on the substrate material over the protection layer material can increase the occurrence epitaxial crowns 234 , which are extraordinary growths of epitaxial silicon at the junction of epitaxial layer 110 and protection layer 220 . The occurrence of nodules require an extra polishing step, if permissible, subsequent to the epitaxial deposition. Prior art methods for controlling nodule formation during epitaxy required a tradeoff in the severity of the nodules and the effectiveness of the dopant protection layer. One approach is to remove the protection layer near the edge of the wafer to expose the wafer. This portion of the exposed wafer then acts as a seed layer for silicon to deposit on, but as a smooth film layer rather than uneven nodules. This approach has the disadvantage of exposing the wafer (i.e., the seed layer) to the epitaxial chamber which out-gasses dopant during the high temperature epitaxy process and auto-doping the epitaxial layer, thereby impairing epitaxial resistivity uniformity. Another approach is to modify the design of the susceptor pocket 162 with the goal of reducing the amount of fugitive gases that diffuse to the secondary surface of the wafer. In addition the pocket can be modified to reduce the amount of contact between the susceptor and wafer and/or increase the distance between portions of the wafer and the susceptor. Pocket designs that are used to accomplish these goals include providing a step near the pocket edge or forming the pocket with a dish or conical shape. These pocket modifications have the disadvantage of decreasing the thermal coupling of the wafer to the susceptor which can create non-uniform temperature profiles across the wafer which adversely affect the epitaxy process | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention is a novel method that eliminates the formation of backside or edge nodules on the protection layer (dopant seal layers) during epitaxial deposition by providing a favorable seed layer over the protection layer. Additionally, the present invention does not result in a reduction of dopant uniformity in the epitaxial because the dopant seal layers are not compromised in reducing the formation occurrence of nodules. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wafer for epitaxial deposition is backside sealed with a dopant seal layer. Then,.a layer of polysilicon is formed coextensively over the dopant seal layer. This polysilicon film can be deposited using common techniques used in silicon wafer manufacturing or semiconductor manufacturing. Typically the seed layer could be 1000 Å to 10,000 Å thick, but as a practical matter need only have a thickness sufficient for attaching fugitive gasses on the backside of the wafer during subsequent processing stages. The polysilicon layer acts as a seed layer for potentially nodule forming source gasses that diffuse to the substrate periphery and backside during epitaxial deposition. During CVD epitaxy, the epitaxial layer is deposited on the primary surface with optimal resistivity uniformity. The fugitive gasses which diffuse to the wafer backside and edge will now deposit on the seed layer as a film instead of in forming as unwanted nodules. The polysilicon layer acts as a continuous seed layer which eliminates the preferential deposition at seal layer pinholes or island seed sites. The resulting structure of silicon substrate, dopant seal layer, polysilicon seed layer provides for nodule-free epitaxial deposition without increasing auto-doping or reducing the epitaxial resistivity uniformities. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wafer for epitaxial deposition is sealed on the backside and peripheral edges with a dopant seal layer. Then, a layer of polysilicon is formed over the entire extent of the dopant seal layer. Here, the amount of out-gassing is still further reduced because the peripheral edges of the wafer are covered with the dopant seal layer and since that layer is not exposed to the reaction gases, silicon spur and nodule formation is thwarted. Moreover, because the amount of out-gassing is even further reduced, auto-doping to the epitaxial layer is correspondingly lessened, as are epitaxial resistivity non-uniformities. | 20040806 | 20070731 | 20060209 | 60763.0 | B32B1304 | 0 | MULPURI, SAVITRI | WAFER FOR PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF SILICON NODULES AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF SILICON NODULES | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | B32B | 2,004 |
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10,914,151 | ACCEPTED | Method and system for processing financial instrument deposits physically remote from a financial institution | A system that includes computer hardware, computer software, apparatus, and methodology that enables individuals, businesses, and all types of organizations (both for profit and non-profit) to capture and securely transmit check images (including, but not limited to, personal checks, business checks, travelers checks, money orders, merchant coupons, food coupons, line of credit checks, etc.), deposit information, and other information from remote locations (i.e., locations that could include the financial institution's remote locations, other financial institution's locations, businesses, private residences, etc.), for the purpose of having those checks credited to the depositing individual's or organization's bank account(s) and having the check images (and/or physical checks) entered into the bank check clearing channels for ultimate delivery to the maker bank for payment out of the maker's account. | 1. A method for deposit processing at a central site a plurality of original checks deposited at a remote site with accompanying deposit information, comprising: the central site receiving deposit information for a plurality of different deposit transactions, with the deposit information for each of the different deposit transactions including a deposit account designation, electronic check data and original check image data for at least one check to be deposited; a computer at the central site comparing at least one deposit parameter that is not an account number to an individual customer limit; sending a notice if the individual customer limit is exceeded; the central site receiving endorsed and/or voided check image data; the central site associating the endorsed and/or voided check image data with the original check image data; and the central site transmitting electronic check data and the original check image data and/or the endorsed and/or voided check image data initially directly or indirectly to a maker bank or a print site. 2. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the deposit parameter is a number of monetary items in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer monetary item limit. 3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the deposit parameter is a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer deposit monetary limit. 4. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the deposit parameter is a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer monetary item limit. 5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the deposit parameter is a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 6. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein there are at least two deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with two deposit parameters selected from the group consisting of a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 7. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein there are at least three deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with three deposit parameters selected from the group consisting of a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 8. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein there are at least four deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with the four deposit parameters comprising a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limits. 9. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the central site is not a bank of deposit for monetary items in the deposit information for a plurality of the monetary items, wherein the deposit account designation for each of a plurality of the checks is to a different remote bank of first deposit; and sending each one of a plurality of the different deposit transactions to a respective different bank of first deposit. 10. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; and if it does, sending check image data to the print site for printing a hard copy of the check and sending the hard copy directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction; and if it does not, sending the check image data directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction. 11. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; if it does, printing at the central site a copy of the check from the check image data and forwarding directly or indirectly the printed check to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction; and if not, sending the check image data directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction. 12. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of determining if a bank of first deposit is a maker bank for the original check; and if it is the maker bank, then determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; if the maker bank does require a hard copy of the check, then causing a hard copy of the check to be printed; and if the maker bank does not require a hard copy of the check, then sending the check image data to the maker bank. 13. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising receiving return check image data for a return check coupled with a reference key for an original deposit transaction. 14. The method as defined in claim 13, further comprising sending the return check image data with the reference key directly or indirectly to the maker bank for re-presentment. 15. A program product for deposit processing at a central site a plurality of original checks deposited at a remote site with accompanying deposit information, the program product comprising: a set of computer usable media having computer readable program code embodied therein to be executed by a computer, the computer readable program code, when executed, causing a machine to perform the following method steps the central site receiving deposit information for a plurality of different deposit transactions, with the deposit information including for each of the different deposit transactions a deposit account designation, electronic check data and original check image data for at least one check to be deposited; the central site comparing at least one deposit parameter that is not an account number to an individual customer limit; sending a notice if the individual customer limit is exceeded; the central site receiving endorsed and/or voided check image data; the central site associating the endorsed and/or voided check image data with the original check image data; and the central site transmitting electronic check data and the original check image data and/or the endorsed and/or voided check image data initially directly or indirectly to a maker bank or a print site. 16. The program product as defined in claim 15, wherein the deposit parameter is a number of monetary items in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer monetary item limit. 17. The program product as defined in claim 15, wherein the deposit parameter is a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer deposit monetary limit. 18. The program product as defined in claim 15, wherein the deposit parameter is a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer monetary item limit. 19. The program product as defined in claim 15, wherein the deposit parameter is a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 20. The program product as defined in claim 15, wherein there are at least two deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with two deposit parameters selected from the group consisting of a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 21. The program product as defined in claim 15, wherein there are at least three deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with three deposit parameters selected from the group consisting of a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 22. The program product as defined in claim 15., wherein there are at least four deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with the four deposit parameters comprising a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 23. The program product as defined in claim 15, wherein the central site is not a bank of deposit for monetary items in the deposit information for a plurality of the monetary items, wherein the deposit account designation for each of a plurality of the checks is to a different remote bank of first deposit; and further comprising program code for sending each one of a plurality of the different deposit transactions to a respective different bank of first deposit. 24. The program product as defined in claim 15, further comprising program code for the steps of: determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; and if it does, sending check image data to the print site for printing a hard copy of the check and sending the hard copy directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction; and if it does not, sending the check image data directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction. 25. The program product as defined in claim 15, further comprising program code for the steps of: determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; if it does, printing at the central site a copy of the check from the check image data and forwarding directly or indirectly the printed check to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction; and if not, sending the check image data directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction. 26. The program product as defined in claim 15, further comprising program code for the step of determining if a bank of first deposit is a maker bank for the original check; and if it is the maker bank, then determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; if the maker bank does require a hard copy of the check, then causing a hard copy of the check to be printed; and if the maker bank does not require a hard copy of the check, then sending the check image data to the maker bank. 27. The program product as defined in claim 15, further comprising receiving return check image data for a return check coupled with a reference key for an original deposit transaction. 28. A system for deposit processing at a central site a plurality of original checks deposited at a remote site with accompanying deposit information, comprising: an electronic storage; and a set of processors that use the electronic storage and include among them the following components a component at a central site receiving deposit information for a plurality of different deposit transactions, with the deposit information including for each of the different deposit transactions a deposit account designation, electronic check data and original check image data for at least one check to be deposited; a component at the central site for comparing at least one deposit parameter that is not an account number to an individual customer limit; a component at the central site for sending a notice if the individual customer limit is exceeded; a component at the central site receiving endorsed and/or voided check image data; a component at the central site for associating the endorsed and/or voided check image data with the original check image data; and a component at the central site for transmitting electronic check data and the original check image data and/or the endorsed and/or voided check image data initially directly or indirectly to a maker bank or a print site. 29. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein the deposit parameter is a number of monetary items in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer monetary item limit. 30. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein the deposit parameter is a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer deposit monetary limit. 31. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein the deposit parameter is a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information and the individual customer limit is a customer monetary item limit. 32. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein the deposit parameter is a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 33. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein there are at least two deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with two deposit parameters selected from the group consisting of a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 34. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein there are at least three deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with three deposit parameters selected from the group consisting of a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 35. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein there are at least four deposit parameters compared against respective individual customer deposit limits, with the four deposit parameters comprising a number of monetary items in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, a total monetary amount of a deposit in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer deposit monetary limit, a monetary amount of a monetary item in the deposit information with the individual customer limit being a customer monetary item limit, and a number of deposits and the individual customer limit is a number of deposits limit. 36. The system as defined in claim 28, wherein the central site is not a bank of deposit for monetary items in the deposit information for a plurality of the monetary items, wherein the deposit account designation for each of a plurality of the checks is to a different remote bank of first deposit; and further comprising a component for sending each one of a plurality of the different deposit transactions to a respective different bank of first deposit. 37. The system as defined in claim 28, further comprising: a component for determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; and a component for, if it does, sending check image data to the print site for printing a hard copy of the check and sending the hard copy directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction; and a component for, if it does not, sending the check image data directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction. 38. The system as defined in claim 28, further comprising: a component for determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; a component for, if it does, printing at the central site a copy of the check from the check image data and forwarding directly or indirectly the printed check to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction; and a component for, if not, sending the check image data directly or indirectly to the maker bank, but not via the bank of first deposit for that deposit transaction. 39. The system as defined in claim 28, further comprising: a component for determining if a bank of first deposit is a maker bank for the original check; and a component for, if it is the maker bank, then determining if the maker bank requires a hard copy of the check; a component for, if the maker bank does require a hard copy of the check, then causing a hard copy of the check to be printed; and a component for, if the maker bank does not require a hard copy of the check, then sending the check image data to the maker bank. 40. The system as defined in claim 28, further comprising a component for receiving return check image data for a return check coupled with a reference key for an original deposit transaction. 41. The system as defined in claim 40, further comprising a component for sending the return check image data with the reference key directly or indirectly to the maker bank for re-presentment. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention The present invention relates to physical financial instrument processing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for remotely processing checks through electronic interaction between the physical location of the instrument and a financial institution. 2. Related Applications The act of depositing or otherwise converting a financial instrument such as a check, draft, or other instrument has generally required the physical presentment of the instrument by the bearer to a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, or other institution authorized to accept and process monetary instruments. Indeed, the depositing and clearing of checks has heretofore involved individuals or organizations physically taking their deposit, such as in the form of a check, to financial institutions or trusted remote institutional branches, otherwise known as the bank of first deposit, where the deposit may be accepted, and credited to the bank customer's account, of course, subject to the check “clearing” with the maker financial institution. Financial institutions have developed methods for reducing the amount of paper flow associated with checks within their organizations, however, their target has not been to reduce processing costs, improve the timeliness of the money collection from other financial institutions, and reduce costs associated with handling, storing and returning paper checks to the maker. Therefore, it would be an advancement to provide a new system centered on electronic information that does not require the use of paper items for any purpose. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an electronic processing system and method that could provide a bearer of a check the convenience to “deposit” a check at a facility, such as a home or office, that is not a traditional bank or bank branch facility. It would also be advantageous to provide a method and system for allowing the remote depositing and processing a check that does not require the physical routing of the actual check in order to accomplish the various post-deposit processing of a check. It would yet be a further advantage to provide a method and system for improving the collection time involved with the funds represented by the check (i.e., reduce credit “float”). It would be a benefit to provide a method and system for reducing expenses associated with the transportation costs involved in sending the checks from the bank of first deposit to the maker financial institution. It would also be a benefit to provide a method and system for reducing the check storage expenses incurred by the bank of first deposit. It would be a further benefit to enable the bank of first deposit to reduce the staffing, facilities (i.e., physical buildings), and equipment required to accept and process physical checks. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been designed to reduce the issues associated with the physical handling of paper items by financial institutions and to improve the collections of associated funds by processing electronic images of checks as opposed to the slower method of sending paper checks through the traditional check clearing routes. Not withstanding the premise for the inventive processes to use electronic images of items to facilitate processing and clearing of items, it would also be desirable for the present invention to accommodate the current use of paper items and all other commonly accepted methods for clearing checks until such time as the use of electronic images becomes a common accepted practice for clearing checks. This new process involves inventive computer-based software that can be used at financial institution locations and locations remote from financial institution offices for capturing deposits, together herein referred to as remote locations. The remote capture system can be used by individuals and businesses (including the financial institution) to capture deposit information and images of the monetary items, such as checks, required for depositing the checks into their deposit accounts at the financial institution. Once this information is captured and validated at the remote site, it is transferred to the financial institution over telecommunications lines (leased lines, switched lines, Internet, etc.) to a receiving computer at the financial institution. The financial institution computer verifies the information received, stores the image of the items, and passes back to the remote site computer information that is used by the remote site computer to endorse, cancel, and item number, and otherwise mark, void, and identify the check. Another image of the check is then created at the remote location showing the endorsements information. This image is then sent to the central site of the financial institution for storage and to be used for research and re-depositing of the check if this becomes necessary. The depositor retains the deposit slips and monetary item(s) at the remote site. As an alternative to the interactive process of passing voiding, endorsing, unique number information back and forth between the central site and the remote site, it will be possible (based on parameters set in the inventive software) to do most of the decision-making on the remote site processor before transmitting the check information to the central site. This can be done by pre-loading the endorsement, voiding, and item numbering information on the remote site processor and/or updating on a regular basis. This allows for checks to be endorsed, voided and item numbered and the image(s) associated with a check deposit to be created and passed to the central site without the need for interactive validation of data between the remote and central sites. In addition to deposits, decisions based on remote site information, the present invention also allows deposits of any number, combination, and dollar amounts of deposit, and checks based upon decisions made regarding the customer by information stored at the central site. This information can be loaded onto the central site and communicated to the remote processor as part of the interactive exchange of data during the process of validating the deposit. Additionally, this information while being pre-loaded on the remote processor can also be updated on a regular basis. Once complete deposit data is received by the central site processor at the bank of first deposit's central site, it is passed to the central site's check processing, deposit, and cash management, etc., systems for processing. As an alternative, if the remote site or central site is being used as a collection center for deposits from other institutions, the deposit information can be passed to the other institutions check processing, deposit, and cash management, etc., systems for processing. The image of the checks can be used to either print the customer statements (for items drawn on the bank of first deposit or routed through the normal check clearing paths (i.e. directly to clearing and correspondent banks or through the FRB electronic clearing process). If the maker or maker bank(s) require physical checks for their internal purposes, a duplicate check is printed by either the bank of first deposit's central site, or the maker bank or by the maker banks FRB. Once received by the maker bank, the check image or duplicate printed check is processed by the maker bank through their computer systems and included as per their policies in their customer statements. Checks returned to the depositor for any reason will take the reverse path back to the depositor. Any re-depositing of items by the original depositor is done using the either the printed duplicate paper item (if there is one) or the original endorsed image created and stored at the bank of first deposit's central site. All transmission of data preferably undergoes digital signature verification and certification and data encryption to ensure privacy and confidentiality of the data being transmitted. In addition, the check images will be stored on a document storage database at the remote site or bank of first deposit as well as Internet enabled and accessible database(s). The information on these database(s) will be available to the depositor and research personnel at the bank of first deposit's central site under security control through remote access such as Internet access. The system includes computer hardware, computer software, apparatus, and methodology that enables individuals, businesses, and all types of organizations (both for profit and non-profit) to capture and securely transmit check images (including, but not limited to, personal checks, business checks, travelers checks, money orders, merchant coupons, food coupons, line of credit checks, etc.), deposit information, and other information from remote locations (i.e., locations that could include the financial institution's remote locations, other financial institution's locations, businesses, private residences, etc.), for the purpose of having those checks credited to the depositing individual's or organization's bank account(s) and having the check images (and/or physical checks) entered into the bank check clearing channels for ultimate delivery to the maker bank for payment out of the maker's account. These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more extensive description of the present invention, including the above-recited features, advantages, and objects, will be rendered with reference to the specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Because these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments, the drawings should not be construed as imposing any limitation on the present invention's scope. As such, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a process of capturing and processing deposits from financial institutions and their branches which can be adapted to incorporate some of the features of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of remotely capturing and processing deposits remote from a financial branch or bank, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram showing the capturing and processing at the remote site or point of check presentment, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates central site processing of image data as captured at the remote site, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 illustrates processing at the maker or payor institution site, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates a processing diagram of the interaction between entities of the present invention; and FIGS. 7a-7i are a process flowchart of check processing of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention is described below with reference to drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing, on the invention, any limitations that may be present in the drawings. The present invention contemplates both methods and systems for remotely accepting a check for deposit and electronically processing the deposit without physically routing the physical paper copy of the check. The embodiments of the present invention may comprise a special purpose or general purpose computer including various computer hardware, the execution unit portion of which may also be known herein as a “processor.” Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon and also known as software. Such computer-readable media can be any available media which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions may also be properly termed “software” as known by those of skill in the art. Although not required, the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers in network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represent examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. An exemplary system for implementing the portions of the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer, including a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The system memory may include read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The computer may also include a magnetic hard disk drive for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to removable optical disk such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer. Program code or software means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, ROM or RAM, including an operating system, one or more application or software programs, other program modules, and program data. The computer may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers having processors. Logical connections may include a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) that are presented here by way of example and not limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet. It should also be pointed out that while the term “check” may be generically used herein, it is contemplated by the inventors that other financial instruments are also contemplated within this meaning and therefore, the use of the term “check” is assumed to have the broader meaning, both in the specification and the claims. Additionally, the term “bank of first deposit” means the financial institution sponsoring the remote site and which owns or employs a central site for processing financial transactions. Referring to FIG. 1, a bank of first deposit 101 receives a check from the bearer to begin processing the instrument. Bank of first deposit 101 actually forwards, in step 113, the physical check(s) to a central site 102 for additional physical processing of the actual check. The physical check is processed at central site 102 using a reader/sorter (not separately shown but included in 102) to acquire information such as the information stored on the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line. This information includes the maker bank number, the account number, a check serial number, etc. The information from the check is then sent to an in-house computer system (included in 102) for posting in steps 114, 115 to the appropriate bearer account(s) 103, 104 in the bank of first deposit 101. If the check is an on us item (i.e. an item that is drawn on the bank that is processing it), the check is retained in a step 117 at storage 105 at bank of first deposit 101, otherwise the check is sent in steps 116 and 119 or, alternatively in step 118 into a maker bank 108 for collection of funds. The check(s) are either sent physically in step 118 directly to maker bank 108 or routed in steps 116 and 119 through a Federal Reserve Banks (FRB) 106 and 107 check clearing processes to a maker bank 108. The path taken by the check is determined by the working agreement that bank of first deposit 101 has with maker bank 108. If maker bank 108 is a member of the local clearing-house association (thereby being a clearing bank), the checks can be exchanged directly with maker bank 108. If the maker bank 108 is a correspondent bank (a bank that has agreed to exchange checks directly with the bank of first deposit) the checks can be sent directly to maker bank 108. All other checks are forwarded in steps 116 and 119 to the FRBS, 106 and 107 for exchange with maker bank 108. If a check is not paid by maker bank 108 for any reason (i.e. it is a forgery, there are not sufficient funds in the makers account to cover the amount of the check, etc.) the check is returned to the depositor using the reverse path. Once the check is received by maker bank 108, the check is processed in step 121 through the maker bank's check capture system 109. Information from the check is then sent in steps 122 and 123 to the maker bank's accounting systems 110 and 111 and the checks are either stored in step 124 at the maker bank's check storage 112, or sent directly to the maker with their check statement. FIG. 2 depicts a high-level processing diagram of the various entities involved in the overall financial processing of the present invention, in accordance with the preferred embodiment. The present invention comprises three primary processing entities: (i) a remote site 197, (ii) a central site 198, and (iii) a maker bank site 199. Each of these sites enlists specific processing techniques which furthers the novel financial instrument processing technique of the present invention. In the present invention, a remote site processor 201 (further detailed in FIG. 3) either autonomously, or under operator/depositor control initially remotely “processes” a check into electronic check data both in the form of image data and informational data which can be further processed and approved at subsequent portions of the overall process. In essence, the remote site provides a processing front-end that electronically interacts via interface 202 with central site 198 through the transfer of electronic check data for review and processing by electronic means at a central site. Remote site 197 performs functions relating to the physical check including scanning, reading, and printing on the checks. Remote site 197 also exchanges image and/or authorization data with the other entities as further described below. Central site 198 of FIG. 2 interacts via interfaces 207, 208 with maker bank site 199 for completing the clearing process relating to the check or related instrument. Central site 198 is comprised of a central site processor 203 which coordinates verification and account interaction. Central site 198 also provides both electronic storage of image and information data as well as providing an interface to maker bank site 199. Central site 198 provides image conversion technology for converting check data from electronic form back to a hard copy check format for processing, printing, and archiving when required by more traditional banking processes. Otherwise, a system 205 may process the image of the check in image format. System 205 prevents the need to reprint the check and send the duplicate check through the check reader sorters. Maker bank site 199 performs more traditional account processing of information received from central site 198 such as from central site Federal Reserve Bank 106. Maker bank site 199 is further comprised of maker bank FRB 107 and maker bank 108 and engages in account processing and statement generation. FIG. 3 depicts the remote site as well as the interaction by a depositor or operator, in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The present invention commences with the presentation of a physical instrument such as a check by a bearer to remote site 197. A remote scanner/reader/printer 309 provides the interface to the bearer for presentment of the check. Remote scanner/reader/printer 309, in the preferred embodiment, is a multifunction device capable of independently performing each of the functions of scanning, reading, and printing upon the check or physical financial instrument. It is also contemplated that individual devices for performing each of these functions, scanning-reading-printing, may be integrated, whether automatically or manually, to perform the combination of functions upon the check. Remote scanner/reader/printer 309 is connected via an interface 310 to remote processor 201. Remote site processor 201, like each of the other processor elements in the present invention, may be comprised of execution-capable devices, and is preferably comprised of a computer, such as a personal, network, or general purpose computer. Remote processor 201 is further coupled to central site processor 203 via an interface transmission or network media 202, which may take the form of one or more of wired or wireless media such as public switched lines, Internet or wide-area network connection, microwave, satellite, digital phone, private leased lines, or any other current or future acceptable communications facility and may further employ include encryption over the interface. Remote site processor 201 executes according to executable instructions such as computer-executable instructions which are figuratively depicted in FIG. 3 as software 313. Software 313 is loaded or interfaces with remote processor 201 via a bus or other physical interface depicted as interface 312. Generally, software 313 is comprised of executable instructions for (i) causing remote site processor 201 to instruct and execute the necessary steps for capturing the check or financial instrument both physically and electronically, (ii) performing requisite data processing on the electronic data from the capturing step, and (iii) exchanging the captured data over interface or media 202 to central site processor 203 when appropriate. While details relating to the processing and method steps executed by remote site processor 201 via software 313 are described below, remote site processor 201 further determines if remote processing decisional information such as comparison information for making decisions on the number of deposits, dollar amount of deposits or dollar amount of monetary items is available on remote site processor 201. If such decisional information is not available at remote site 197, then central site check processing may require additional steps. Remote site processor 201 also determines if the remote processing information needed to void, endorse and itemize number each check 303 is available to remote processor 201 for processing of check 303, according to the method of the present invention. If such remote processing information is available but not current, the remote processing information may be updated by either having the updated information manually entered, for example by way of an operator via a keyboard at terminal 301 attached to remote processor 201, or the updated information may be retrieved by remote processor 201, under the direction of software 313, from central site processor 203. In a preferred embodiment, the updated information may be housed in a data set at central site processor 203 and updated by the bank of first deposit, affiliated with remote site 197 prior to loading to remote site processor 201. Remote site processor 201, executing software 313, then determines if all of the decisions concerning voiding, endorsing, item numbering, number of deposits, number of checks or dollar sizes of deposits or items can be made by remote site processor 201 by checking the remote processing information as pre-defined in remote site processor 201. If the decisions on endorsing, voiding, item numbering, number of deposits, number or dollar amounts of deposits or monetary items can be made by remote site processor 201, then to ensure proper account processing of check 303, a depositor at terminal 301 is lead through a series of instructions to gather deposit information required to ensure credits are made to the appropriate deposit accounts(s). In one preferred embodiment, the deposit information is read, interpreted and entered automatically by reader/scanner/printer 309. In another embodiment, the deposit information is entered manually on, for example, terminal 301 attached to remote site processor 201. Additionally, during the practice of the invention, scanner/reader/printer 309 encodes check 303 with endorsement and voiding information in order to physically “void” check 303, thereby keeping check 303 from being re-transmitted, for example over media 202, or re-deposited at an actual financial institution location for an additional collection. In addition, a unique item identification number may be encoded on check 303 by remote site processor 201 via scanner/reader/printer 309 to aid in tracking data resulting from processing of check 303. The process of the present invention continues when scanner/reader/printer 309 performs the functions of scanning check 303 to create electronic check data comprised of image data, informational data including MICR encoding (using either MICR, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) or other like techniques). Scanner/reader/printer 309 “voids” check 303 by endorsing check 303 and printing tracking data thereon. The electronic image data and informational data such as MICR information of the voided and endorsed check 303 is transferred over interface 310 to remote site processor 201 for processing which includes image integrity verification. When the image integrity is suspect, the integrity is enhance by either rescanning check 303 or, alternatively, by manual intervention by an operator at terminal 301. If check 303 is rescanned, scanner/reader/printer 309 does not reprint the endorsement, voiding and item numbering information on check 303. Once the electronic image data and the MICR encoding for the first check 303 is determined to be readable and accurate, remote site processor 201 determines if this process should be repeated for additional deposits and/or monetary item(s). When remote site processor 201 determines that processing by scanner/reader/printer 309 of individual check(s), under the direction of remote site processor 201 has ended and that the information is complete and ready for transmission via interface/media 202, remote site processor 201 formats the electronic image data and the MICR encoding and adds any additional control information in preparation for transmission to central site processor 203. The physical check 305 is stored in file 305 at the remote site. In addition, the check image is stored on the remote site processor (i.e., magnetic disk, cd rom, etc. not shown on drawing.) Communications between remote site processor 201 and central site processor 203 preferably incorporates digital signature verification/certification performed by process 311 and data encryption performed by process 313 to ensure confidentiality. FIG. 4 depicts the central site processor and the various processes and interfaces associated therewith, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. While the accuracy of electronic check data transferred from remote site processor 201 to central site processor 203 will generally retain its integrity through the transmission, when electronic check data received by central site processor 203, as evaluated and processed by computer-executable instructions or software loaded therein, is incomplete or inaccurate, or if the image data is not readable, central site processor 203 communicates with remote processor 201 giving detailed information to an operator at terminal 301 concerning the need for additional information to restore image information or complete incomplete or inaccurate data. Depending upon the type of missing or otherwise incorrect information, corrected or supplemental information may be supplied by an operator at terminal 301 at remote site 197. It may even be necessary to re-scan check(s) 303 and re-transmit at least portions of the check data including image and/or MICR data to central site processor 203. If check 303 is re-scanned, then endorsement, voiding and item number information are not reprinted on check 303. Once central site processor 203 determines the new check data received for the deposit is accurate and complete, central site processor 203 stores the check image and MICR data of check(s) 303 along with any additional associated information such as time that deposit was captured, who the customer was who captured the deposit, item number, etc. as received from remote site 201. Central site processor 203 confirms receipt of accurate information by sending a notification reply to remote site processor 201 freeing-up remote site processor 201 for further processing of subsequent remote check deposit interactions. In alternate embodiments, central site processor 203 may store image data on an Internet-enabled check image document storage 405 thereby allowing access by the depositor/operator from a terminal such as terminal 301, their designee, or the financial institution of first deposit. It should be pointed out that because of present banking processes, the remote site should still be associated with a chartered financial institution that is authorized to accept the checks from the remote site and process them through normal check clearing paths. The remote site may be a branch extension of the financial institution or may be a person, or other entity with or without a legal relationship to the financial institution that provides the access services to the financial institution. Such an affiliated financial institution is still known as the bank of first deposit. The present embodiment does not propose eliminating the bank of first deposit, only replacing the method used to capture deposits. Central site processor 203 maintains authentication and data integrity at check image document storage 405 through the use of digital signature verification and certification, as well as via data encryption as shown in processes 314 and 315. Referring back to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, if the decisions of endorsing, voiding, item numbering, number of deposits number or checks or dollar amounts of deposits or monetary items cannot be made by remote site processor 201, for example, when the telecommunications line goes down and the decision information cannot be updated on the remote site processor, or when the central site processor is inoperable, or the specific remote site is not authorized to make these decisions (i.e. we will determine and pass that information to the remote site processor when the remote site processor contacts the central site processor prior to accepting deposit information at the remote site), then remote site processor 201 leads a depositor at for example terminal 301 through a series of instructions to gather deposit information required to ensure credits are made to the appropriate deposit accounts(s) 104. This can be done by either using the reader/scanner/printer 309 or by entering the necessary information on the terminal 301 attached to remote processor 201. Then, check 303 is placed into the scanner/reader/printer 309 where the item is scanned, the MICR encoding is read preferably using either MICR or Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques, and an electronic image is created of check 303. The electronic image data and informational data such as MICR information is transferred from scanner/reader/printer 309 onto remote site processor 201 where remote site processor 201 edits and confirms that the electronic check data is readable. If the electronic check data is not readable or correct, the check data is corrected at the direction of remote site processor 201 by either re-scanning check 303 or having a remote site operator manually key the information in using terminal 301 or other interface device attached to remote site processor 201. Once the check data is determined to be readable and accurate, remote site processor 201 then formats the scanned check data and adds additional control information in preparation for transmission to central site processor 203 and the alternate embodiment approach concludes. Returning to FIG. 4, after receipt of valid and accurate check data, if it is determined that the maker bank or maker of the check requires a physical item, the check image is printed in process 401 and then processed through the central site check image capture system 205. If a physical item is not required, the image is sent to the check image capture system 205. In either case, the check image capture system 205 interfaces with the central site 198 deposit systems 103, cash management systems 104, etc. for posting information. The central site then forwards either the printed duplicate check or check image to the maker bank 108. This can be done directly through path 208 if the bank of first deposit's central site 198 has an agreement with maker bank 108 to exchange checks directly, or if the maker bank and the central site bank of first deposit do not have an exchange agreement then through FRBs 106, 107 through path 207. FIG. 5 depicts the various component and processes of the maker bank site, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The maker bank 108 receives either images of the original paper items 303 or printed duplicates of the original paper items 303 either directly from the bank of first deposit's central site through path 208 or from the central site Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) 106 clearing process through path 206 (FIG. 4), 207, 120. Central site FRB 106 will process the check images or paper items through their capture system and forward the images or paper items to the maker bank FRB 107 through path 207. The maker bank FRB then processes the items or images through their check capture system 504 through path 503 and if necessary, (i.e., when paper duplicate of item has not already been printed by the bank of first deposit), print a duplicate of the original check 303 image if a paper item is required by maker bank 108. A maker bank FRB 107 will then forward the printed items or images to the maker bank 108 via communications or transportation path depicted as path 120. Maker bank 108 will then process the image or paper item though their in-house application systems depicted by deposit system 110, print check image process, 509, check system process, and customer statement process 506 through paths 122, 507, 508, 121, 505, and 507. These in house systems are not to be taken as systems that all banks will have or use for this process. They are meant to represent the in house processing by maker banks to post monetary items to their accounting systems and to send the items (either image or printed duplicate of original items) to the check maker. FIG. 6 is an interface diagram depicting a high level description of the interactions between the various components of the present invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, the remote site operator enters deposit information into the remote processor then inserts a draft in a step 601 at the scanner/reader/printer located at the remote site. The scanner/reader/printer reads the item, digitizes and validates the check image information and passes it to the software on the remote site processor in a step 602. The remote site processor software receives the digitized data from the scanner/reader/printer and validates data to ensure that the check information is readable and valid in a step 603. When the image is ready for transmission to the central site. The remote site processor contacts the transmission facility and, incorporating digital signature verification and certification and data encryption software to ensure confidentiality, transmits in a step 604 the item image and control information to the central site. The central site receives the transmitted data and edits and in a step 611 verifies the check data for completeness and content. When the central site has determined the check image and other associated data (relating to both the check image and data, and the deposit information) is complete and accurate and meets the deposit and/or item dollar limits, the central site stores the electronic image of the check and any additional associated information received from the remote site, and then confirms in a step 605 receipt of good information by sending to the remote site information needed to endorse the physical check and to void the physical item to keep it from being re-transmitted or deposited at a physical financial institution location for collection. In addition, a unique item identification number can be transmitted to the inventive software on the remote site processor for printing on the physical checks as a tracking and research mechanism. The invention allows for printing of the unique item number if it is determined by the bank employing the present invention that it is desirable to print the unique item number for tracking and research purposes. After the inventive software on the remote processor receives specific information required to void, endorse, and print the unique item number, the remote site processor and the scanner/reader/printer will pass the check again where the remote site will print in a step 606 the information on the physical item at the locations required by the rules governing automated check processing. The item is also scanned in a step 607 again under the direction of the remote site inventive software and the new image (containing endorsement, voiding and item number information), and associated additional information required by the inventive software for tracking and control purposes, is edited in a step 608 for accuracy and completeness and if correct is then transmitted in a step 609 to the central site by the remote site using the transmission facility set up for this purposes. If the data is not readable or correct, the information is corrected at the direction of the remote site by either re-scanning the item or having the remote site operator key the information in using the terminal attached to the remote site processor. If the item is rescanned at this point, the endorsement, voiding and item number information is not reprinted by the scanner/reader/printer. When the image is ready for transmission to the central site, the remote site processor contacts the transmission facility and, incorporating digital signature verification and certification, and data encryption software to ensure confidentiality, transmits in a step 609 the item image and control information to the central site. The central site receives the transmitted updated image data and edits in a step 613 for completeness and content. If the data is incomplete or inaccurate, or if the image data is not readable, the central site communicates, with the remote processor and gives detailed information to the operator concerning the need for additional information to complete the inaccurate data or image information. Based on the specific need, this information can be supplied using the terminal on the remote site processor or by re-scanning the physical item and re-transmitting it to the central site. In either case, this information is supplied under the direction of the remote site processor. Such additional information is transmitted to the central site processor from the remote site processor. If the physical item is rescanned at this point, the endorsement, voiding and item number information is not reprinted by the scanner/reader/printer. Once the central site determines the new data received for the deposit is accurate and complete, the central site stores in a step 618 the updated image of the physical item (on the database(s) maintained by the bank of first deposit's central site for this purpose) along with any additional associated information received from the remote site, and then confirms receipt in a step 610 of good information by sending a notification to the remote site that the process for that specific deposit is complete unless more items are present in a step 615 and allows for termination of the transmission of information or for the same process to be followed for other items in a step 614 in that deposit or for another deposit in a step 616. In another embodiment of the invention, the central site stores the check image(s) on an Internet enabled documents storage system allowing access by the depositor, their designee, or the central site processing center of the bank of first deposit. The central site for storing check images and associated information preferably employees incorporating digital signature verification and certification, and data encryption to ensure confidentiality. If the check is removed from the scanner/reader/printer prematurely, at any time during the process of capturing and transmitting data from the remote site, the transaction information associated with that check will be considered invalid and not part of the deposit. The depositor will need to re-scan and re-enter data associated with that check. The remote site operator will have the option at the remote site to release deposit information to the central site for processing. This can be done after either a completion of single deposit in step 615 (containing one or more checks) or after completion of all deposits in step 616 (each containing one or more checks) from the remote site. After the deposit(s) from a specific remote site are complete, the central site formats deposit information for processing in the accounting systems of the bank of first deposit's central site in a step 619, including sending the image and other appropriate information for application processing in step 620 (including deposit accounting systems, MICR capture, cash management processing, float processing, etc.,). If an item is an “on us” item, the central site determines that a physical check is required by the maker, that information is relayed to the central site and an identical image or facsimile of the original item can be printed by either the central site processor or by the item capture system in step 619. If the maker bank is a clearing or correspondent bank then the bank of first deposit will determine if the maker bank requires a paper or image item. If the maker bank requires a paper item, then the bank of first deposit's central site will print an exact duplicate of the paper item and route in step 621 the item to the maker bank. The duplicate printed item will generally be as exact as possible based on the quality of the original image. If the maker bank does not require a paper item then the bank of first deposit will route the check image to the maker bank. If the maker bank is not a clearing or correspondent bank, the check data including image will be forwarded in step 621 using the FRB item clearing processes to route the item image to the FRB affiliated with the maker bank. The maker bank FRB determines if the maker bank will accept check data including an image of the item. If the maker bank requires a paper item, the maker bank FRB prints an identical image of the original item with information showing that it is a duplicate and that the bank of first deposit is central site guarantees the item. This duplicated item is then sent in step 621 to the maker bank for the collections of funds. As an alternative, the check image or a printed reproduction of the check can be sent in step 621 to the maker bank from either the bank of first deposit is central site or the maker bank FRB using any other acceptable clearing method or process. Check items that need to be returned, are done so in steps 624 and 625 to the bank of first deposit to be routed back through the same route that was used to clear the item. If a paper item has been created, that item will be returned along with information showing the reason for return. Otherwise, the image will be used for return item purposes until the return item image is returned to the bank of first deposit's central site. At that point, if the remote site processor 201 is able to receive an item image, the image along with the return reason will be passed to the remote site processor 201. If the remote site processor is not capable of receiving check data including an item image, a paper duplicate showing the return reason will be printed either by the central site or by the item capture system under the direction of the central site and sent to the remote site operator 301. The unique item number assigned at capture time by either the central site or the remote site can a be included in all return images and/or returned paper items to enable complete and accurate tracking of all return items Re-deposit may be performed in steps 626, 627, 628 of items facilitated by the remote site prompting the remote site operator with instructions on how to scan and transmit the returned paper item or re-deposit the endorsed image previously captured and stored. The unique item number assigned at capture time by either the central site or the remote site facilitates both options. FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart depicting the specific steps for carrying out the invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In a step 700, the software is loaded or otherwise made available to the remote site processor for execution. Those skilled in the art appreciate the various processes and steps for performing loading of software into a processor such as the remote site processor. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the software for execution on any of the processors may take the form of embedded executable instructions. Query step 900 determines if deposit processing criteria, (e.g., deposit limit and endorsement information) are present at the remote site processor thereby enabling the initial check deposit processing decisions to be performed locally at the remote site processor or, alternatively, when the deposit processing criteria is not local on the remote site processor, processing passes through path 906 to step 701. When query step 900 determines that deposit processing criteria is present at the remote site processor, a query step 910 determines if the information required to determine deposit limits and endorse the item is current on the remote site processor. If this information is present and current on the remote site processor, processing passes through path 911 to step 930 where the remote site operator enters deposit information, as well as the endorsement voiding and item numbering information in process step 931 prior to reading the first monetary item in process step 932 and then proceeding to query step 933. If this information is not present on the remote site processor or if it is not current, then query step 920 determines if this information can be updated by the operator. If the operator cannot update this information, then process step 926 allows for updating the deposit information from the central site processor and then proceeds to process step 930 where the operator begins the remote capture function by entering deposit information. If the operator can update this information, then process step 921 allows for the operator to update the deposit limit and endorsement information and then proceed to process query step 922. Query step 922 determines if the remote site processor can make deposit limit and/or endorsement decisions. If the decision can be made by the remote site processor, then process step 930 allows for the remote operator to enter deposit information, as well as the endorsement voiding and item numbering information in process step 931 prior to reading the first monetary item in process step 932 and then proceeding to query step 933. Query step 933 determines if the current item exceeds the item dollar limit or makes the deposit exceed the deposit dollar limit. If the limits are exceed then the process of entering items for the given deposit in process end 934, and the remote site operator has the option of beginning another deposit or ending the deposit process with the central site processor. If the limits are not exceeded, then process step 935 accounts for the scanned item 932 being edited for accuracy and completeness at the remote location prior to proceeding to query step 936 where it is determined if the data from the scanned item is correct. In query step 936, if the data is correct, then query step 937 determines if there are more items to scan. If there are more items to scan, then process step 940 passes back to process step 930 to allow the remote operator to begin the item capture process over again. If query step 937 determines that there are no more items or deposits to process, then process step 941 prepares the item image data or check data for transmission prior to encrypting the data in process step 942 and digitally signing the data in process step 943. Process step 944 transmits the data image to the central site processor for editing in process step 747. In query step 936, if the data is not correct, then query step 938 determines if the operator can correct the data using a data terminal connected to the remote site processor. If the operator can correct the data, it is done in process step 946 prior to passing through process step 947 and going back to query step 936 to test data image for correctness. In query step 938, if the scanned item image is not correct, process step 948 passes through to process 932 where the item is rescanned. Stepping back to query step 922, if endorsement and deposit limit information cannot be made by the remote site processor, then the remote site operator enters deposit information in process step 701 before scanning the physical monetary item in process step 702 after which the item image is edited in process step 703. In query step 704, if the image data is not correct, the check is returned to process step 702 where it is rescanned and re-edited in step 703. If query step 704 determines the image data is correct, then the data is passed successfully through process step 710 where the image is prepared for transmission to process step 711 where the date is encrypted and step 712 where the digital signature is added in preparation for transmitting the data to the central site in process step 713. Process step 714 receives the transmitted image data and passes it to query step 715 where it is edited for accuracy and completeness. If the data is not accurate or complete, it is passed to process step 720 where the data is corrected by requesting updated information from the remote site processor. If the remote site operator cannot supply correct date via the terminal attached to the remote site processor in query step 721, then the check passes through process step 725 to process step 702 where it is scanned again in preparation for editing and transmitting the corrected image to the central site processor. If the remote site operator is able and authorized to correct the data in query step 721, the data is entered in process step 722 and passed through path 723 to process step 711 where the data is encrypted in preparation for transmitting to the central site processor. If in query step 715 the check image data is complete and accurate, the data is passed to process step 730 where the image is stored in data sets used by the bank for document archival and research as well as in a database that is Internet enabled and available for access and research purposes by the depositing customer and bank of first deposit. After the image is stored, a confirmation of good data receipt is created in process step 731. This confirmation contains necessary endorsement, item numbering and voiding information, which is added to the confirmation record in process steps 732 and 733 prior to the confirmation being sent to the remote site processor. The confirmation record is then data encrypted in process step 734 and a digital signature is added in process step 735 prior to the record being transmitted to the remote processor in process step 736. Upon receipt by the remote processor in process step 737, the endorsement, item numbering and voiding information is printed on the physical check in process step 738 prior to it being re-scanned in process step 739. After a new check image is created showing the necessary endorsement and voiding information in process step 740, the new check image is edited to ensure the scanned check data is correct. If in query step 742, it is determined that the image data is not complete or accurate, the image is passed through process step 750 to process step 739 where the physical check is scanned again. If the check is passed through the reader again at this point, the endorsement information has already been printed and will not be printed again. If in query step 742 it is determined that the check image data is good, the data in prepared for transmission in process step 743 prior to the data being encrypted in process step 743 and digitally signed in process step 745 prior to being transmitted to the central site in process step 746. As the central site receives the transmitted image data in process step 747, the image is edited by the central site software in process step 748 to ensure completeness and accuracy of data. Query step 756 determines quality of data and if the data is not complete or accurate, it is sent to query step 791 where it is determined if the deposit limit and or endorsement information is available on the remote site processor. If this information is available on the remote site processor then the central site processor communicates with the remote site processor through path 794 to determine if the remote site operator can supply the correct image data in query step 938. The process involved in query step 938 was discussed above. If query step 791 determines that the deposit limit and endorsement information is not on the remote processor then query step 795 determines if the remote operator can supply the correct image information. If the operator can supply the correct image information, it is entered in process step 796 and the check image is prepared for transmission in process step 797 and passed to process step 744 (previously discussed) for digital signature and transmission. If in query step 795 the operator cannot correct/update the image information, the check is processed through path 798 to process step 739 (previously discussed) where it is scanned again in preparation for transmitting to central site processor. Stepping back to query step 756, if the data image is complete and accurate the endorsed image of the check is stored in process step 760 in datasets used by the bank for document archival and research as well as in a database in process step 762 that is Internet enabled and available for the depositing customer and bank of first deposit to be able to access for research purposes. The central processor site then sends confirmation of good receipt of data in process step 762 to the remote processor in process step 763. At this point query step 764 at the remote processor determines if the deposit currently being worked on is complete. If the deposit is not complete, then process step 780 returns control to the previously discussed process step 702 where the next item is scanned. If the deposit is complete query step 764 asks the operator in query step 765 if there is another deposit. If there is another deposit to be processed, process step 766 passes through to previously discussed process step 701 where the new deposit process is initiated. If there is not another deposit as determined in query step 765, the remote entry process is completed and the captured deposit and image information is entered into application processing for the bank of first deposit's central site item capture system in process step 771, the deposit systems in process step 772 and the cash management systems in process step 773. In the course of processing a deposit, it is integral to the decision making to understand which banks the deposited items are drawn (i.e. who is the maker bank). Query step 774 determines if the monetary items in the deposit are “on us” items (i.e. items drawn on the bank of first deposit). If the items are “on us,” the system determines, in query step 850, if the check maker requires a paper check. If they do, then a duplicate of the original check is printed in process step 851 and the paper item is sent to the maker of the check. In addition, the image of the item is sent to process step 860 (discussed below) for processing on internal computer accounting systems. In query step 850, if the maker of the check does not require a paper duplicate of the original item, process step 860 passes the checks image through the internal accounting systems to query step 861 where it is determined if the item is payable (i.e., does the check maker have sufficient funds in their account to cover the check, is the maker account still open, etc.). If query step 861 determines the item is payable, the check data is posted to the maker's account and the process ends for that check item in step 863. If query step 861 determines the item is not payable, then process step 870 returns either the printed duplicate of the check or the check image to the original depositor at the remote location. In query step 871, a remote site operator determines if they want to re-deposit the item or return it. If they decide to return the item, this is done in process step 880 and path 881 sends control to previously discussed process end step 863. If query step 871 determines that the item should be re-deposited for collection, query step 872 determines if this is to be done using the duplicate paper item or the original check image. If the return from query step 872 is to be done using the duplicate paper item, then this is done in path 873 where control is sent back to previously discussed process step 764 where the item is deposited using the scanner/reader/printer. If the check return from query step 872 is to be done using the original captured check image for the item, process step 875 allows for the remote operator to initiate this process in a step 875 by entering the unique number assigned to the original check at capture time. This information is sent to the central site processor via process step 876 and control is then passed through path 877 to process step 764 where the item is deposited using the check original check image. Stepping back to query step 774 where it is determined if the item is an on us item, if query step 774 determines that the item in not an “on us” item then query step 800 determines if the maker bank is a clearing bank or a correspondant bank. If the maker bank is a clearing bank or a correspondant bank, then query step 801 determines if the maker bank requires a paper copy of the original check item. If they require a paper duplicate, then a paper duplicate of the original item is printed in process step 802 and sent to the maker bank in path 803 which passes control to process step 805 discussed below. If query step 801 determines that the maker bank does not require a printed duplicate check, the image of the original item drawn on the maker bank is sent to the maker bank in process step 805 and the maker bank sends the item through path 806 to previously discussed process step 861 to determine if the item is payable at the maker bank. Stepping back to query step 800, if the payee bank is not a clearing bank or correspondent bank, process step 810 sends the check image to the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) serving as the clearing entity for the bank of first deposit. That branch of the Federal Reserve Bank forwards the check image to the Federal Reserve Bank serving as the clearing agent for the maker bank. That Federal Reserve Bank determines in query step 811 if the maker bank requires a paper duplicate of the original paper check. If the maker bank requires a paper item, the FRB prints the paper item in process step 812, incorporates the duplicate check in their processing systems as depicted in process step 813 where the item is sent in path 814 to process step 815 where the maker bank receives the paper item. If in query step 811 the maker bank does not require a paper check, the FRB sends the image to the maker bank that receives the image in process step 815 and passes, via path 816, either the check image or printed duplicate of the original check to previously discussed query step 861 to determine if the item is payable by the maker. The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. As properly understood, the preceding description of specific embodiments is illustrative only and in no way restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated solely by the appended claims as follows. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. The Field of the Invention The present invention relates to physical financial instrument processing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for remotely processing checks through electronic interaction between the physical location of the instrument and a financial institution. 2. Related Applications The act of depositing or otherwise converting a financial instrument such as a check, draft, or other instrument has generally required the physical presentment of the instrument by the bearer to a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, or other institution authorized to accept and process monetary instruments. Indeed, the depositing and clearing of checks has heretofore involved individuals or organizations physically taking their deposit, such as in the form of a check, to financial institutions or trusted remote institutional branches, otherwise known as the bank of first deposit, where the deposit may be accepted, and credited to the bank customer's account, of course, subject to the check “clearing” with the maker financial institution. Financial institutions have developed methods for reducing the amount of paper flow associated with checks within their organizations, however, their target has not been to reduce processing costs, improve the timeliness of the money collection from other financial institutions, and reduce costs associated with handling, storing and returning paper checks to the maker. Therefore, it would be an advancement to provide a new system centered on electronic information that does not require the use of paper items for any purpose. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an electronic processing system and method that could provide a bearer of a check the convenience to “deposit” a check at a facility, such as a home or office, that is not a traditional bank or bank branch facility. It would also be advantageous to provide a method and system for allowing the remote depositing and processing a check that does not require the physical routing of the actual check in order to accomplish the various post-deposit processing of a check. It would yet be a further advantage to provide a method and system for improving the collection time involved with the funds represented by the check (i.e., reduce credit “float”). It would be a benefit to provide a method and system for reducing expenses associated with the transportation costs involved in sending the checks from the bank of first deposit to the maker financial institution. It would also be a benefit to provide a method and system for reducing the check storage expenses incurred by the bank of first deposit. It would be a further benefit to enable the bank of first deposit to reduce the staffing, facilities (i.e., physical buildings), and equipment required to accept and process physical checks. | <SOH> SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention has been designed to reduce the issues associated with the physical handling of paper items by financial institutions and to improve the collections of associated funds by processing electronic images of checks as opposed to the slower method of sending paper checks through the traditional check clearing routes. Not withstanding the premise for the inventive processes to use electronic images of items to facilitate processing and clearing of items, it would also be desirable for the present invention to accommodate the current use of paper items and all other commonly accepted methods for clearing checks until such time as the use of electronic images becomes a common accepted practice for clearing checks. This new process involves inventive computer-based software that can be used at financial institution locations and locations remote from financial institution offices for capturing deposits, together herein referred to as remote locations. The remote capture system can be used by individuals and businesses (including the financial institution) to capture deposit information and images of the monetary items, such as checks, required for depositing the checks into their deposit accounts at the financial institution. Once this information is captured and validated at the remote site, it is transferred to the financial institution over telecommunications lines (leased lines, switched lines, Internet, etc.) to a receiving computer at the financial institution. The financial institution computer verifies the information received, stores the image of the items, and passes back to the remote site computer information that is used by the remote site computer to endorse, cancel, and item number, and otherwise mark, void, and identify the check. Another image of the check is then created at the remote location showing the endorsements information. This image is then sent to the central site of the financial institution for storage and to be used for research and re-depositing of the check if this becomes necessary. The depositor retains the deposit slips and monetary item(s) at the remote site. As an alternative to the interactive process of passing voiding, endorsing, unique number information back and forth between the central site and the remote site, it will be possible (based on parameters set in the inventive software) to do most of the decision-making on the remote site processor before transmitting the check information to the central site. This can be done by pre-loading the endorsement, voiding, and item numbering information on the remote site processor and/or updating on a regular basis. This allows for checks to be endorsed, voided and item numbered and the image(s) associated with a check deposit to be created and passed to the central site without the need for interactive validation of data between the remote and central sites. In addition to deposits, decisions based on remote site information, the present invention also allows deposits of any number, combination, and dollar amounts of deposit, and checks based upon decisions made regarding the customer by information stored at the central site. This information can be loaded onto the central site and communicated to the remote processor as part of the interactive exchange of data during the process of validating the deposit. Additionally, this information while being pre-loaded on the remote processor can also be updated on a regular basis. Once complete deposit data is received by the central site processor at the bank of first deposit's central site, it is passed to the central site's check processing, deposit, and cash management, etc., systems for processing. As an alternative, if the remote site or central site is being used as a collection center for deposits from other institutions, the deposit information can be passed to the other institutions check processing, deposit, and cash management, etc., systems for processing. The image of the checks can be used to either print the customer statements (for items drawn on the bank of first deposit or routed through the normal check clearing paths (i.e. directly to clearing and correspondent banks or through the FRB electronic clearing process). If the maker or maker bank(s) require physical checks for their internal purposes, a duplicate check is printed by either the bank of first deposit's central site, or the maker bank or by the maker banks FRB. Once received by the maker bank, the check image or duplicate printed check is processed by the maker bank through their computer systems and included as per their policies in their customer statements. Checks returned to the depositor for any reason will take the reverse path back to the depositor. Any re-depositing of items by the original depositor is done using the either the printed duplicate paper item (if there is one) or the original endorsed image created and stored at the bank of first deposit's central site. All transmission of data preferably undergoes digital signature verification and certification and data encryption to ensure privacy and confidentiality of the data being transmitted. In addition, the check images will be stored on a document storage database at the remote site or bank of first deposit as well as Internet enabled and accessible database(s). The information on these database(s) will be available to the depositor and research personnel at the bank of first deposit's central site under security control through remote access such as Internet access. The system includes computer hardware, computer software, apparatus, and methodology that enables individuals, businesses, and all types of organizations (both for profit and non-profit) to capture and securely transmit check images (including, but not limited to, personal checks, business checks, travelers checks, money orders, merchant coupons, food coupons, line of credit checks, etc.), deposit information, and other information from remote locations (i.e., locations that could include the financial institution's remote locations, other financial institution's locations, businesses, private residences, etc.), for the purpose of having those checks credited to the depositing individual's or organization's bank account(s) and having the check images (and/or physical checks) entered into the bank check clearing channels for ultimate delivery to the maker bank for payment out of the maker's account. These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. | 20040810 | 20081021 | 20050127 | 63103.0 | 9 | SUBRAMANIAN, NARAYANSWAMY | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT DEPOSITS PHYSICALLY REMOTE FROM A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,914,298 | ACCEPTED | Domed food container | A food container preferably for heated food, has a lid member and a base member. The base member has complimentary embossed portions in the bottom of the base member to engage a complimentary indented portion in the top surface of the lid member. The retaining mechanism allows containers to be stacked so as to secure each container while allowing steam to escape from the lid of a container. Also, a fluid return system retains fluid in the container and promotes flow of fluid into the bottom of the container. | 1.-30. (Cancelled) 31. A food container comprising: a lid member, the lid member including a retaining mechanism; a base member including a retaining mechanism complementary with the lid member retaining mechanism; and an interlocking arrangement in the lid member and the base member that secures the base member and the lid member; and wherein steam can escape the food container when the lid member retaining mechanism is engaged to another food container. 32. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein the base member comprises a base bottom, sidewalls, an upper rim, and a series of channels. 33. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein the steam can escape the food container via a steam escape mechanism. 34. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein a shape of the base member retaining mechanism is formed by a plurality of embossed portions and channels. 35. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein a shape of the base member retaining mechanism is formed by a retaining inner area having a flat surface. 36. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein the base member retaining mechanism further comprises a uniform rib in the base member, whereby the rib member contacts an upper surface of the lid member to retain the base member and the lid member. 37. The food container as set forth in claim 31, further comprising at least two complementary base member embossed portions. 38. The food container as set forth in claim 37, wherein the embossed portions comprise a plurality of elevated and incrementally spaced surfaces formed in the base member. 39. The food container as set forth in claim 37, wherein the embossed portions are formed by a base bottom inner surface, a base member embossed portion intermediate surface, and a base member embossed upper surface. 40. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein the lid member further comprises steam escape openings formed in a vented extension of the lid member. 41. The food container as set forth in claim 40, wherein the vented extension in the lid member comprises a vented extension wall and an upper surface. 42. The food container as set forth in claim 41, wherein the steam escape openings are formed by flaps in the vented extension lid member. 43. The food container as set forth in claim 40, wherein a shape of the base member retaining mechanism is formed by a plurality of embossed portions and channels, and wherein a shape of the embossed portions is complementary to the shape of the vented extension of the lid member. 44. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein tabs are formed by cut-outs in an outer edge of the lid member and in an outer edge of the base member. 45. The food container as set forth in claim 31, wherein the lid member retaining mechanism is formed by an embossed surface, a sidewall, and an upper surface. 46. A food container comprising: a lid member, the lid member including a retaining mechanism, wherein the retaining mechanism is formed by an embossed surface, a sidewall, and an upper surface; a base member including a retaining mechanism complementary with the lid member retaining mechanism, a plurality of sidewall ribs forming a sidewall of the base member, and a base member lock rim, and wherein the base member retaining mechanism is formed by a retaining inner area comprising a plurality of embossed portions and channels, a uniform rib, at least two embossed portions comprising a plurality of elevated and incrementally spaced surface having a shape complementary to a vented extension in the lid member; and an interlocking arrangement in the lid member and the base member that secures the base member with the lid member to form the container. 47. A food container comprising: a lid member, the lid member including a retaining mechanism, wherein the lid member retaining mechanism is formed by an embossed surface, a sidewall, and an upper surface; a base member including a retaining mechanism complementary with the lid member retaining mechanism and a base member lock rim and wherein the base member retaining mechanism is formed by a retaining inner area having a flat surface and at least two embossed portions comprising a plurality of elevated and incrementally spaced surface having a shape complementary to a vented extension in the lid member; and an interlocking arrangement in the lid member and the base member that secures the base member with the lid member to form the container. 48. A method of retaining a base member and a lid member of a food container comprising: forming an embossed portion in the upper surface of the lid; forming a protruding portion in the base member having a complementary shape to the embossed portion in the upper surface of the lid; inserting the protruding portion of the base member into the embossed portion of the lid member to form a steam escape mechanism. 49. The method of retaining a base member and a lid member of a food container as set forth in claim 48, wherein the embossed portion in the upper surface of the lid has a uniform shape. 50. A method of retaining a base member and a lid member of a food container, wherein the lid member contains a steam escape means comprising: forming an embossed portion in the upper surface of the lid member; forming vented extension portions in the lid member; forming a protruding portion in the base member having a complementary shape to the embossed portion in the upper surface of the lid; retaining the protruding portion of the base member with the embossed portion of the lid member. 51. A food container comprising: a lid member, the lid member including a vent, the lid member including a lid retaining mechanism, wherein the lid retaining mechanism is formed by an embossed shape in the lid member; a base member including a base retaining mechanism complementary with the embossed shape of the lid retaining mechanism; an interlocking arrangement of the lid member and the base member that secures the lid member with the base member to form the food container; wherein the base member further comprises an embossed channel, a groove, or a combination thereof to provide for the passage of gases, moisture, or mixtures thereof when the base member is stacked on a second lid member having a second vent and a second embossed shape complementary to the base retaining mechanism. 52. A food container comprising: a lid member, the lid member comprising an embossed surface, a sidewall, and an upper surface, the upper surface further comprising openings, slits, or vents; a base member, the base member comprising a plurality of sidewall ribs, an upper rim, a base member lock rim; a bottom surface of the base member comprising a protruding surface complementary to the embossed surface of the lid member; at least one channel in the bottom surface of the base member, wherein the channel is adjacent to the protruding surface, wherein the channel is adjacent to the openings, slits or vents of the lid member when the embossed surface of the lid member receives the protruding surface of the base member. | BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The technical character of the present invention relates in general to food containers used in storing and displaying heated foods and pertains more particularly to chicken roaster containers. The food container of this invention is an improvement over conventional chicken roaster packages in that it features a fluid channel return system and an improved stacking system incorporating a steam escape mechanism in the lid and a retaining mechanism in both the base and in the lid. Food containers similar to the present invention are often used in scenarios where a person will prepare and sell a food item so that it is prepared and immediately ready to eat. When people purchase food contained in the food containers, oftentimes the containers are not kept in a flat surface such that condensation and oils leak from the container. A technical problem recognized with respect to conventional food containers relates to leakage of condensation and oils from the container through the seal area. Interlocking arrangements of conventional food containers do not consistently or effectively retain the liquid or prevent condensation or oil from seeping through the interlocking arrangement of a food container. In addition, with the conventional base and cover combination it is generally necessary to guard against release of steam and hot liquid when removing the cover after heating any food. For example, it is common to place one or more vent openings in the base, the cover, or both in order to allow the escape of steam generated during heating. Conventional food service industry container packaging is often inadequate and does not provide a lid and container that fit together to provide more than minimally acceptable leak resistance. A drawback with conventional food containers includes an inability to provide more than minimally acceptable leak resistance during transportation of the package with heated contents or during the removal of the lid. Existing lid and container combinations exhibit additional drawbacks, such as lack of acceptable effectiveness with respect to segmented containers, particularly if the food container includes a steam escape feature. A drawback to the steam escape feature exists in either the release of too much or too little steam. If too much steam is allowed to escape from the base and cover combination, then dry food may be the result. Likewise, if steam does not escape from a container, then too much condensation may collect within the container, resulting in food that is too moist. Another technical problem associated with conventional food containers relates to the loss of liquid from inside the base and cover combination during heating. The heating of the liquid within the base and cover combination may assist the heating process since at least a portion of the heat absorbed by the liquid is transferred to the food. A reduction of this liquid within the base and cover combination could result in food that is not heated to a desired temperature. Another technical problem associated with conventional food containers is that some containers do not feature a steam escape mechanism. If conventional containers do contain such a mechanism, such a mechanism does not promote or allow containers to be stacked efficiently, such that steam can escape when the containers are assembled and stacked. Another technical problem associated with conventional food containers is that rarely do food containers contain any kind of mechanism to easily separate the lid from the bottom when the food container is assembled. Thus, the foregoing solutions to the problem of excess moisture generated during heating of the food in the base and cover combination potentially creates additional problems related to the manner in which the base and cover combination functions and the manner in which the consumer reacts to the heated food. A desirable solution to this and related problems of heating and palatability of the food would provide a mechanism for the release of some liquid and return it back into the base and cover combination. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a food container with improved performance relative to the performance of other food containers for use in heating or transporting foods. With the food container of this invention, food, as well as the condensation and any oils or other liquid from the food, may be retained within the container without accidental leakage. In addition, when the container is assembled, the containers can be stacked in such a way that will reduce the likelihood that the stack of containers will fall. Moreover, when the containers are assembled and stacked, steam may still escape from the stacked, individual containers. These and other objects and features of the present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of one embodiment thereof and the descriptions of the figures, selected for purpose of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments, including the technical features of the invention for which protection is sought, are illustrated and described herein and include a food container generally comprising a base and a lid, which have the features as herein described. The food container of the present invention addresses the aforementioned technical problems by retaining fluid such as condensation and oil and by promoting the downward flow of the fluid into the base member of the container. When the lid is engaged with the base of the container, the leakage of excess fluid is inhibited by the fluid return system. The fluid return system comprises one or more notches in the upper rim, sidewalls, and a channel in the upper rim of the base member. The positioning of the notches, the location of rib members around the lid member and the base member, and the positioning and variety of heights of the walls in the upper edge rim of the base, promote the retention of fluid within the container. The present invention also overcomes technical problems found in conventional food containers by allowing steam to escape when containers are assembled and stacked. The containers remain restrained by a retaining mechanism formed into the lid and the base. The present invention also provides tabs in both the base and the lid of the container to promote easy removal of the lid from the base. These and other objects and features of the present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of one embodiment thereof, selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the food container of the present invention when the lid member is connected with the base member such that the container is in the assembled state; FIG. 2 is a side view of the food container of the present invention when the container is assembled; FIG. 3 is another side view of the food container of the present invention when the container is assembled, showing the length of the food container; FIG. 4 is plan view of the interior of the base member of the present invention; FIG. 5 is plan view of the exterior or bottom of the base member of the present invention; FIG. 6 is plan view of a complimentary embossed portion in the base member; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the notches that partially form the fluid return channel system of the present invention; FIG. 8 is plan view of the lid member of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a side view of the lid member of the food container; FIG. 10 is another side view of the lid member of the food container, showing the length of the lid member; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 8; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 2; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 2; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the length of two assembled food containers of the present invention when one container is stacked upon the other; and FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional view of two assembled food containers of the present invention when one container is stacked upon the other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, there are shown preferred embodiments for the food container of this invention, including the technical features of the invention for which protection is sought. The food container is described in connection with a chicken roaster where a chicken is prepared and stored in the present invention. The food container has at least two distinguishing features over the prior art, which are a fluid return channel system and a retaining system when containers are stacked. The fluid channel return system comprises a series of channels formed in the upper rim of the base member. The system prevents leakage when the lid member and base member are engaged, and it promotes the downward flow of moisture into the base member. The stacking system features a steam escape feature and a retaining mechanism formed in the lid and the base by a plurality of various height arrangements and a fluid channel return system. The steam escape mechanism allows steam to escape when the containers are stacked and contain either heated or frozen contents. The drawings show the food container or chicken roaster package 10 generally comprising a lid 12 and a base 14. The chicken roaster package 10 includes a fluid return channel system 18, which generally comprises one or more notches 30 and a plurality of sidewall ribs 20 formed in the sidewall 56. The system may also include a lid member lock rim 110. The base member bottom comprises a series of channels and ribs such that the food retained in the container is elevated from residual condensation and oils. Specifically, the base member 14 comprises a base bottom 32, sidewall 56, and an upper rim 98, wherein the fluid return channel system is formed into the upper rim 98 and the sidewalls 56. The base bottom also includes a series of channels including at least two outer edge channels 78. The channels 78 and the returning channel 48 cooperate in the base member of the container to retain of any moisture or fluid from the heated food or the condensation formed from food that is defrosting in the container. Each 78 is formed by rib members 54 and 84. Generally, the rib members comprising the uniform rib member 68 and rib members 84 complimentary embossed portions 34, 66, and the retaining mechanism 36 support a food item. The fluid return channel system is best shown in the embodiment in FIG. 7. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid return channel 30 comprises two undercuts forming a notch 30 having a vertex 120 in the base member upper rim 98 to promote the downward flow of fluid into the base member bottom, wherein each notch 30 is an acute angle formed in the upper edge of the base member 14. It is understood that the fluid return channel may comprise a notch, as shown and described, or another specific shape or indentation in the base member upper rim 98 that would promote the downward flow of liquid or into the base member as well as the retention of any liquid in the base member of the container. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, nine fluid return channels, or notches, 30 are formed into the base member upper rim 98. It is understood by one skilled in the art that any number of these fluid return channels in the base bottom member will promote downward flow of moisture and achieve the desired results of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the notches 30 placed at various intervals and surrounding the base member upper rim 98. FIG. 7 shows a notch 30 that is formed in the base member upper rim 98 of the base member 14, interrupting the continuous formation of the base member rim 98. The base member also includes a retaining mechanism 36, which comprises a series of channels and embossed portions, as shown in FIG. 15. More specifically, a series of embossed portions 86 and a series of channels 88, 90 in between the portions 86 form a uniform shape in the base bottom 32. The uniform shape of the retaining mechanism will be complementary to the shape of the lid member retaining mechanism 38. The elevated uniform shape of the raised portions 86 forms a base member retaining inner area 96. In one preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the plurality of raised portions 86 act as a gripping mechanism for the food item placed in the container. It is understood, however, that the retaining inner area 96 may comprise a flat surface instead of a plurality of raised portions 86. The elevated feature of inner area 96 necessarily forms a base member returning channel 48, and the uniform base rib 68 further comprises the retaining feature. The base member 14 and the lid member 12 are held together by an interlocking arrangement 28. FIG. 12 shows the interlocking arrangement 28 of the present invention where the base member 14 is engaged with the lid member 12 at a point where the fluid channel return notch 30 is not located. At this section of the container, the base member edge lock rim 102 engages lid member lock rim 110. The base member edge lock rim 102 comprises a base member edge lock rim upper portion 104 and base member interior walls 128, 130. The base member interlocking channel 132 comprises opposing interior walls 128, 130 connected by base member edge lock rim upper portion 104. The base member edge lock rim upper portion 104 is formed by the intersection of base member upper interior walls 136, 138. The intersection of base member upper interior walls 136, 138 also forms a base member rim groove 100 in the upper rim 98. When the lid member lock rim 110 engages the base member lock rim 102, a sealed channel 122 is formed. The sealed channel 122 may become filled with excess fluid or condensation from the contents of the container. Base member groove 100, however, extends throughout the entire upper rim 98 of the base member 14 and the vertex 120 of the notch 30 promotes the downward flow of liquid to return the liquid back into the base of the container, thereby achieving one of the objects of the present invention. The lid member lock rim 110 comprises lid member interior sidewalls 116, 158 and lid member lock rim top wall 118, which is connected to each sidewall 116, 158. When the lid member lock rim 110 engages the base member edge lock rim, lid member interior surface 114 contacts base member outer surface 126 at one or more locations. FIGS. 12 and 13 show the lid member engaged with the base member such that the interlocking arrangement 28 provides a mechanism to engage the base 14 with the lid 12. FIG. 12 shows the interior lips 146, 148 contacting the lid member lock rim top wall 118. The interior lip 146 is formed by the intersection of one of base member interior sidewall 130 and base member upper interior wall 136. The surface of corner 146 contacts the lid member inner surface 114, likewise, exterior lip 148 is formed by the intersection of base member interior side wall 128 and base member upper interior side wall 138. The perspective view of FIG. 12 shows the interior lips 146, 148 such that the points of contact generally between the base member base member interlocking means 82 and the lid member interlocking means 80, specifically, the lid member lock rim top wall 118, occur at two locations. The base member outer surface 126 contacts the interior sidewalls 116, 158. These various points of contact generally form the seal of the lid member 12 to the base member 14, and more particularly, form the sealed channel 122 of the base member. Fluid may collect in the sealed channel 122 and fill the channel. The fluid return channel system, however, promotes the flow of any liquid into the container such that the channel 122 should not retain any substantially amount of collected moisture. FIG. 13 shows the section view of the fluid return notch 30 at the vertex 120. In this section of the container, the vertex 120 of the notch 30 generally promotes the flow of liquid from an upper portion of the base member rim 98, specifically in the sealed channel 122 to the bottom of the base. FIG. 13 also shows fluid flow channel 134, which is formed by an opening between the base member upper rim 98 and the lid member lock rim 110 and allows the fluid to flow back into the container. In this embodiment, the base member upper exterior surface 126 is a diagonal portion, which comprises vertex 120 of the notch 30. The base member interlocking channel 132 is formed by the intersection of the two base member interior walls 128, 130. Also, it is shown that the base member edge lock rim 102 and the lid member lock rim 110 contact each other at several locations. First, base member interior wall 128 contacts lid member interior wall 158 and lid member outer edge 140 comes in contact with base member outer edge 142. In addition, exterior lip 148 contacts the lid member inner surface 114 at a lid member lock rim corner 160. The absence of an upper portion of the base member lock rim forms a fluid flow channel 134, which allows and promotes the flow of any excess fluid into the base of the container. The retaining mechanism of the present invention is formed in both the base member 14 and the lid member 12. The retaining mechanism of the base member generally comprises a series of channels and embossed portions, and has a uniform shape so as to effectively retain the lid member 12 of a separate food container located under the base member 14. The base member retaining mechanism 36 comprises a series of embossed portions 86, which form intersecting channels 88, 90. In a preferred embodiment, the raised portions have a square shape and are formed into the base bottom 32, and add a gripping feature to the base member 14. The retaining mechanism 36 is elevated from the base bottom 32, such that fluid in channels 88, 90 flows downward into the retaining channel 48. FIG. 5 shows that the channels are formed in the base member 14 such that channel 88 is at a slightly lower level than channel 90. The level of the channels may vary to promote the downward flow of fluid into the outer edge channels 78, 52. The retaining mechanism 36 may also include a region 92 in approximately the same plane as the channels 88, 90 so that a manufacturer could include a trademark or other type of writing or design in the base member 14. Similarly, writing could be formed into the base member at any desired location. The retaining mechanism 38 of the lid member generally has a complementary uniform shape to the base member retaining mechanism 36 and further comprises an embossed portion 38 in the upper surface 46 of the lid member 12. The embossed portion 38 comprises the lid member upper surface 46, lid member retaining sidewall 44, and embossed retaining surface 42. When the base member 14 of a container is stacked on a lid member 12 of another container, the containers generally come in contact at two or more locations. First, retaining sidewall 44 contacts the base member retaining exterior sidewall 50, and the lid member retaining surface 42 contacts the base member retaining channel 48. In addition, the embossed retaining surface contacts the base member retaining channel 48. Base member inner retaining channel 48 comprises a channel having a uniform shape, which is uninterrupted by any embossed portions or ribs. Also, the lid member upper surface 46 contacts the uniform rib 68. The lid member also contains steam escape openings 16 formed in a vented extension 124 as shown and described herein. The extension 124 is formed in the container and comprises a vented extension wall 108 and an upper surface or platform 106. In a preferred embodiment, the extension wall 108 is rounded. A flap 26 is formed in the upper surface 106, which creates a vented opening 16. The lid member also includes a plurality of ribs 22. The base member also includes at least two complementary base member embossed portions 34, 66 that partially comprise the retaining system. The three layer surface composition of the base member embossed portions 34, 66 is shown in FIG. 6. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the embossed portions 34, 66 have different shapes that correspond with the shape of the food container 10, which is intended to store a chicken. These embossed portions correspond with the vented extension 124 so steam can escape from the openings 16 when a container is stacked on top of another, as shown in FIG. 14. The two embossed portions 34, 66 shown in FIG. 6 comprise a plurality of incremental surfaces and transition portions, wherein each base member embossed portion 34, 66 comprises three surfaces: a base bottom inner surface 56, 68, a base member embossed portion intermediate surface 58, 70, and a base member embossed upper surface 60, 72. Intermediate surfaces 58, 70 comprise the base member uniform rib 68. Transition portions connect the various surfaces, and comprise upper embossed transition portion 62, 74 and a lower embossed transition portion 64, 76. The lower embossed transition portions 64, 76 comprise sidewalls and form part of the base member returning channel 48. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface 72 is at a location higher than the retaining mechanism in the base bottom member 36 of the base 14. Therefore, the food held within the present invention initially contacts the base member embossed portion upper surface 60, 72. Both transition portions 62, 74 and 64, 76 allow and promote the flow of juice and fluid from a chicken, for example, held within the food container 10 to flow to the bottom of the base 14. The three layer embodiment of the base member embossed portion 34 and 66 allows the base member retaining mechanism 36 and the complementary lid member retaining mechanism 38 to effectively remain engaged while steam escapes from the vented lid member openings 16. The lid member flaps 26 may contact the upper surface 60, 72 of the embossed portions 34, 66 when the containers are stacked, as shown in FIG. 14. The present invention also includes one or more tabs in the lid member 12 and in the base member 14. Lid member tabs 24 are formed by cut-outs from the lid member outer edge 140. The lid member tab 24 includes an upper surface 154 and a lower surface 156 that remain exposed. Likewise, a tab 40 in the base member 14 comprises an upper surface 150 and a lower surface 152. The shape of tabs 40 in the rim outer edge 142 are such that the upper surface 150 remains uncovered by the lid member outer edge 140 when the lid member and base member are engaged by the interlocking arrangement 28. In operation, each lid member 12 retains the base member 14 by retaining the base member retaining mechanism 36. The lid member retaining mechanism 38 is formed in the lid member in a shape complementary to the general shape of the base member retaining mechanism 36. The lid member retaining mechanism 38 is formed by an embossed retaining surface 42, a retaining sidewall 44, and upper surface 46. The base member retaining mechanism 36 is formed by a plurality of raised portions 86 that comprise an inner area 96 having a uniform shape. The retaining mechanism also includes a uniform base rib 68, wherein the base rib 68 and the inner retaining area 96 form a retaining channel 48. Generally, the height of lid member sidewall 44 and corresponding base member retaining exterior sidewall 50 have a uniform shape and determines the effectiveness of the retaining mechanism. In one preferred embodiment, the height of the retaining sidewall 44 ranges from ⅛ inch to ½ inch where the engaging mechanism of each the base member and the lid member has a uniform shape; therefore, the height of the respective sidewall is uniform throughout. Accordingly, the engaging mechanism exterior sidewall 50 will range from approximately ⅛ inch to ½ inch, enabling the base member engaging 36 to be effectively retained within the lid member retaining mechanism 38. When the lid member retaining mechanism 38 is engaged with the base member retaining mechanism 36, the lid member flaps 26 may contact the upper surface of the embossed portion 60, 72. Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. It is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The technical character of the present invention relates in general to food containers used in storing and displaying heated foods and pertains more particularly to chicken roaster containers. The food container of this invention is an improvement over conventional chicken roaster packages in that it features a fluid channel return system and an improved stacking system incorporating a steam escape mechanism in the lid and a retaining mechanism in both the base and in the lid. Food containers similar to the present invention are often used in scenarios where a person will prepare and sell a food item so that it is prepared and immediately ready to eat. When people purchase food contained in the food containers, oftentimes the containers are not kept in a flat surface such that condensation and oils leak from the container. A technical problem recognized with respect to conventional food containers relates to leakage of condensation and oils from the container through the seal area. Interlocking arrangements of conventional food containers do not consistently or effectively retain the liquid or prevent condensation or oil from seeping through the interlocking arrangement of a food container. In addition, with the conventional base and cover combination it is generally necessary to guard against release of steam and hot liquid when removing the cover after heating any food. For example, it is common to place one or more vent openings in the base, the cover, or both in order to allow the escape of steam generated during heating. Conventional food service industry container packaging is often inadequate and does not provide a lid and container that fit together to provide more than minimally acceptable leak resistance. A drawback with conventional food containers includes an inability to provide more than minimally acceptable leak resistance during transportation of the package with heated contents or during the removal of the lid. Existing lid and container combinations exhibit additional drawbacks, such as lack of acceptable effectiveness with respect to segmented containers, particularly if the food container includes a steam escape feature. A drawback to the steam escape feature exists in either the release of too much or too little steam. If too much steam is allowed to escape from the base and cover combination, then dry food may be the result. Likewise, if steam does not escape from a container, then too much condensation may collect within the container, resulting in food that is too moist. Another technical problem associated with conventional food containers relates to the loss of liquid from inside the base and cover combination during heating. The heating of the liquid within the base and cover combination may assist the heating process since at least a portion of the heat absorbed by the liquid is transferred to the food. A reduction of this liquid within the base and cover combination could result in food that is not heated to a desired temperature. Another technical problem associated with conventional food containers is that some containers do not feature a steam escape mechanism. If conventional containers do contain such a mechanism, such a mechanism does not promote or allow containers to be stacked efficiently, such that steam can escape when the containers are assembled and stacked. Another technical problem associated with conventional food containers is that rarely do food containers contain any kind of mechanism to easily separate the lid from the bottom when the food container is assembled. Thus, the foregoing solutions to the problem of excess moisture generated during heating of the food in the base and cover combination potentially creates additional problems related to the manner in which the base and cover combination functions and the manner in which the consumer reacts to the heated food. A desirable solution to this and related problems of heating and palatability of the food would provide a mechanism for the release of some liquid and return it back into the base and cover combination. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a food container with improved performance relative to the performance of other food containers for use in heating or transporting foods. With the food container of this invention, food, as well as the condensation and any oils or other liquid from the food, may be retained within the container without accidental leakage. In addition, when the container is assembled, the containers can be stacked in such a way that will reduce the likelihood that the stack of containers will fall. Moreover, when the containers are assembled and stacked, steam may still escape from the stacked, individual containers. These and other objects and features of the present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of one embodiment thereof and the descriptions of the figures, selected for purpose of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Embodiments, including the technical features of the invention for which protection is sought, are illustrated and described herein and include a food container generally comprising a base and a lid, which have the features as herein described. The food container of the present invention addresses the aforementioned technical problems by retaining fluid such as condensation and oil and by promoting the downward flow of the fluid into the base member of the container. When the lid is engaged with the base of the container, the leakage of excess fluid is inhibited by the fluid return system. The fluid return system comprises one or more notches in the upper rim, sidewalls, and a channel in the upper rim of the base member. The positioning of the notches, the location of rib members around the lid member and the base member, and the positioning and variety of heights of the walls in the upper edge rim of the base, promote the retention of fluid within the container. The present invention also overcomes technical problems found in conventional food containers by allowing steam to escape when containers are assembled and stacked. The containers remain restrained by a retaining mechanism formed into the lid and the base. The present invention also provides tabs in both the base and the lid of the container to promote easy removal of the lid from the base. These and other objects and features of the present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of one embodiment thereof, selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings. | 20040809 | 20070717 | 20050113 | 67971.0 | 1 | BRADEN, SHAWN M | DOMED FOOD CONTAINER | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,914,384 | ACCEPTED | Vehicle cargo bed extender | An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and the first mounting station on the vehicle and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station on the vehicle cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first and a second position. In the first position, the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate beyond the rear end of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate. | 1. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed having an inner side, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed having an inner side and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to said first upstanding panel defining a first station surface, a second mounting station fixed with respect to said second upstanding panel defining a second station surface, said extender comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall; a connecting wall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall, said first side wall, said second side wall and said connecting wall cooperating to form a generally U-shaped frame having a first open side and a second open side; a first mount on said first side wall comprising a first interlocking member defining a first mount surface; and a second mount on said second side wall comprising a second interlocking member defining a second mount surface, said first station surface and said first mount surface, and said second station surface and said first mount surface cooperating to secure said extender to said vehicle so that said extender is in an upright position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed with said first open side facing away from said tailgate and said second open side facing toward said tailgate, and wherein one of said first station surface and said first mount surface defines a first opening through which the other of said first station surface and said first mount surface can be manually withdrawn from said inner side of said first panel to disengage said extender from said first panel and one of said second station surface and said second mount surface defines a second opening through which the other of said second station surface and said second mount surface can be manually withdrawn from said inner side of said second panel to disengage said extender from said second panel. 2-6. (Cancelled). 7. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to said first upstanding panel defining a first station surface, a second mounting station fixed with respect to said second upstanding panel defining a second station surface, said extender comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall; a connecting wall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall, said first side wall, said second side wall and said connecting wall cooperating to form a generally U-shaped frame; a first mount secured to said first side wall defining a first mount surface; and a second mount secured to said second side wall defining a second mount surface, said first station surface and said first mount surface, and said second station surface and said first mount surface cooperating to secure said extender to said vehicle so that said connecting wall is in an upright position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed, wherein said tailgate defines a latch to secure said tailgate to at least one of said first upstanding side and said second upstanding side, said vehicle bed extender further comprising at least interlock member secured to one of said walls, sized and shaped to be releasably captured by said latch of said tailgate. 8-10. (Cancelled). 11. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed having an inner side having a lower end and an upper end, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed having an inner side and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to said first upstanding panel defining a first station surface, a second mounting station fixed with respect to said second upstanding panel defining a second station surface, said extender comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall; a connecting wall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall, said first side wall, said second side wall and said connecting wall cooperating to form a generally U-shaped frame having a first open side and a second open side; a first mount on said first side wall comprising a first interlocking member defining a first mount surface; and a second mount on said second side wall comprising a second interlocking member defining a second mount surface, said first station surface and said first mount surface, and said second station surface and said first mount surface cooperating to secure said extender to said vehicle so that said extender is in an upright position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed with said first open side facing away from said tailgate and said second open side facing toward said tailgate, and at least a portion of said side wall extends at least the majority of the distance between said upper end and said lower end of said first panel, and wherein one of said first station surface and said first mount surface defines a first opening through which the other of said first station surface and said first mount surface can be withdrawn from said inner side of said first panel to disengage said extender from said first panel and one of said second station surface and said second mount surface defines a second opening through which the other of said second station surface and said second mount surface can be withdrawn from said inner side of said second panel to disengage said extender from said second panel, wherein said first mount forms a single piece with said portion of said side wall. 12. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to said first upstanding panel, a second mounting station fixed with respect to said second upstanding panel, the vehicle bed extender comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall; a connecting wall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall such that said first side wall, said second side wall, and said connecting wall cooperate to form a generally U-shaped frame; a first mount secured to said first side wall; and a second mount secured to said second side wall, the vehicle bed extender configured such that: said first side wall and said second side wall are positionable between said first side panel and said second side panel, such that said first mounting station of said first side panel engages one of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages the other of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a first mounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed and said extender provides access from above to a space between said first side wall and said second side wall; and said bed extender is configured to be moveable from said first mounting position such that said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned between said first side panel and said second side panel, such that said first mounting station of said first side panel engages one of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages the other of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a second mounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical position over said bed forward of said rear end with said first side wall and said second side wall extending forward toward the connecting wall and said extender provides access from above to a space between said first side wall and said second side wall. 13. The vehicle bed extender of claim 12, wherein when said bed extender is in said first mounting position, said first mounting station of said first side panel engages said first mount of first side wall and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages said second mount of said second side wall, and in said second mounting position said first mounting station of said first side panel engages said first mount of said first side wall and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages said second mount of said second side wall. 14. The vehicle bed extender of claim 13, wherein said first mount is configured to be securable relative to said first mounting station and said second mount is configured to be securable relative to said second mounting station, such that said vehicle bed extender is configured to be securable against release. 15. The vehicle bed extender of claim 12, wherein said bed extender is configurable to be moveable from said first mounting position to said second mounting position by a process including rotating said bed extender about an axis. 16. The vehicle bed extender of claim 12, wherein said bed extender is configured to be moveable from said first mounting position to said second mounting position by a process including separating said first mounting station of said first side panel from said one of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and separating said second mounting station of said second side panel from the other of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall. 17. A vehicle bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to said first upstanding panel, a second mounting station fixed with respect to said second upstanding panel, the vehicle bed extender comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall; a connecting wall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall such that said first side wall, said second side wall, and said connecting wall cooperate to form a generally U-shaped frame; a first mount secured to said first side wall; and a second mount secured to said second side wall, the vehicle bed extender configured such that: said first side wall and said second side wall are positionable between said first side panel and said second side panel, such that said first mounting station of said first side panel, said second mounting station of said second side panel, said first mount, and said second mount cooperate such that said bed extender is in a first mounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed and said extender provides access from above to a space between said first side wall and said second side wall; and said bed extender is configured to be moveable from said first mounting position such that said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned between said first side panel and said second side panel, such that said first mounting station of said first side panel, said second mounting station of said second side panel, said first mount, and said second mount cooperate such that said bed extender is in a second mounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical position over said bed forward of said rear end with said first side wall and said second side wall extending forward toward the connecting wall and said extender provides access from above to a space between said first side wall and said second side wall. 18. The vehicle bed extender of claim 17, wherein when said bed extender is in said first mounting position, said first mounting station of said first side panel engages said first mount of first side wall and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages said second mount of said second side wall. 19. The vehicle bed extender of claim 17, wherein when said bed extender is in said second mounting position, said first mounting station of said first side panel engages said first mount of said first side wall and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages said second mount of said second side wall. 20. The vehicle bed extender of claim 18, wherein said bed extender is configurable to be moveable from said first mounting position to said second mounting position by a process including rotating said bed extender about an axis. 21. The vehicle bed extender of claim 18, wherein said bed extender is configured to be moveable from said first mounting position to said second mounting position by a process including separating said first mounting station of said first side panel from said first mount of said first side wall and separating said second mounting station of said second side panel from said second mount of said second side wall. 22. A method for an individual to mount a vehicle bed extender on a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to said first upstanding panel, a second mounting station fixed with respect to said second upstanding panel, the method comprising: providing a generally U-shaped vehicle bed extender, said vehicle bed extender having a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall, a first mount secured to said first side wall, and a second mount secured to said second side wall; positioning said first side wall and said second side wall between said first side panel and said second side panel, such that said first mounting station of said first side panel engages one of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages the other of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a first mounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed and said extender provides access from above to a space between said first side wall and said second side wall; and moving said bed extender from said first mounting position and positioning said first side wall and said second side wall between said first side panel and said second side panel, such that said first mounting station of said first side panel engages one of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages the other of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, so that said bed extender is in a second mounting position with said connecting wall in a substantially vertical position over said bed forward of said rear end with said first side wall and said second side wall extending forward toward the connecting wall and said extender provides access from above to said space between said first side wall and said second side wall. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein in said first mounting position, said first mounting station of said first side panel engages said first mount of said first side wall and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages said second mount of said second side wall, and in said second mounting position said first mounting station of said first side panel engages said first mount of said first side wall and said second mounting station of said second side panel engages said second mount of said second side wall. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising securing said first mount relative to said first mounting station and securing said second mount relative to said second mounting station, such that said vehicle bed extender is secured against release. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein said moving said bed extender from said first mounting position comprises rotating said bed extender about an axis. 26. The method of claim 22, wherein said moving said bed extender from said first mounting position comprises separating said first mounting station of said first side panel from said one of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall, and separating said second mounting station of said second side panel from the other of said first mount of said first side wall and said second mount of said second side wall. | This invention relates to an improved truck bed extender and, in particular, to a truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/091,623, filed Jul. 2, 1998, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/022,951, filed Feb. 12, 1998. FIELD OF THE INVENTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pick-up trucks are extremely popular. One of their primary advantages is the ability to haul loads in the storage bed located behind the cab of the vehicle. Unfortunately, often the storage bed is of an undesirable configuration for the load being transported. In particular, it is not unusual for the load to be larger than the truck bed, so that the tailgate of the truck needs to be lowered to enable the load to adequately transferred. Unfortunately, this raises the risk that the load will fall out of the back of the truck, or that the load will need to be tied down, taking additional time. For this reason, various truck bed extenders have been developed. These extenders are typically mounted to the truck bed by brackets or hinges. Truck bed extenders often comprise a series of light weight panels designed to be foldable to minimize their impact on storage space when not in use, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,639 to Bianchi. Alternatively, the truck bed extenders may comprise strong, but relatively heavy and nonfoldable units, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,213 to Palmer. Palmer discloses extended side supports secured to the tailgate by brackets or welding and a supplemental tailgate. When the main tailgate is closed, the supplemental tailgate extends over the top of the vehicle's storage bed. It is disclosed that a flexible netting may be secured to the right and left supports so that the netting extends in a vertical plane to form a storage box. There remains, however, a need for an improved truck bed extender. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an improved truck bed extender which is particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. Another aspect of the invention is a method for utilizing a truck bed extender. One aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed, and a tailgate, wherein the first upstanding panel defines a first mounting station and the second upstanding panel defines a second mounting station. The extender has a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mounting mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprising a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and the first mounting station and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate. Advantageously, the first mounting station comprises a first aperture and the second mounting station comprises a second aperture and the first interlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shaped to be received and retained within the first aperture and the second interlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shaped to be received and retained within the second aperture. An important aspect of the invention is that the connecting wall desirably comprises at least two interconnecting sections which are slidable relative one another permitting the horizontal span of the connecting wall to be adjusted to correspond to the particular width of the truck bed. Effective truck bed widths can vary between manufacturers and vary depending on whether a truck bed protector has been installed. Advantageously, the extender's adjustability desirably permits the identical extender to be used with most truck beds, at least in a given size classification. The extender may also comprise a first L-shaped section defining the first side wall and a first portion of the connecting wall and a second L-shaped section defining the second side wall and a second portion of the connecting wall. Advantageously, these L-shaped portions significantly increase the strength and rigidity of the extender, enhancing its ability to withstand bumping by heavy cargo, such as motorcycles, as well as external impact. Yet another important aspect of the invention is at least one buckle secured to one of the walls sized and shaped to be releasably locked to the latch of the vehicle tailgate. Significantly, the buckle provides a supplemental attachment point which minimizes movement and vibration of the extender while driving and is quickly releasable by using the vehicle tailgate's own opening mechanism. Another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having a storage bed. The extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first wall and the second wall and cooperates with the first wall and second wall to form a general U-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second wall and includes a second interlocking member. The extender is securable to the vehicle through cooperation of the first interlocking member and the first mounting station and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station in a first position wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the storage bed and a second position wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate. Yet another important aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having a first side panel defining a first forward mounting station and a first rearward mounting station, and a second panel defining a second forward mounting station and a second rearward mounting station, wherein the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and the second side wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member. The extender is securable to the vehicle through cooperation of: (1) the first interlocking member and the first forward station and the second interlocking member and the second forward station in a first position wherein the first side wall and the second side wall extend forward of the connecting wall and the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced rearward from the front panel, and (2) the first interlocking member and the first rearward station, and the second interlocking member and the second rearward station in a second position wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced rearward from the rear end of the bed over the tailgate. Desirably, the extender is also securable to the vehicle through cooperation of the first interlocking member and the first rearward station and the second interlocking member and the second rearward station in a third position, wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate. As will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art, another aspect of the invention is a method of mounting a truck bed extender on a vehicle. Yet another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed having an inner side, a second upstanding side panel to the opposite side of the bed having an inner side, and a tailgate. A first mounting station fixed with respect to the first upstanding panel defines a first station surface and a second mounting station fixed with respect to a second upstanding panel defines a second station surface. The bed extender comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form generally u-shape frame having a first open side and a second open side. The first mount is on the first sidewall and comprises a first interlocking member defining a first mount surface. The second mount is on the second sidewall and comprises a second interlocking member defining a second mount surface. The first station surface and the first mount surface, and the second station surface and the first mount surface cooperate to secure the apparatus to the vehicle so that the apparatus is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed with the first open side facing away from the tailgate and the second open side facing toward the tailgate. One of the first station surface and the first mount surface defines a first opening through which the other of the first station surface and the first mount surface can be manually withdrawn from the inner side of the first panel to disengage the extender from the first panel. One of the second station surface and the second mount surface defines the second opening through which the other of the second station surface and the second mount surface can be manually withdrawn from the inner side of the second panel to disengage the extender from the second panel. Desirably, the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first position wherein the connecting wall is in a substantially vertical position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed and the first mount cooperates with the first station and the second mount cooperates with the second station to secure the assembly against movement radial to the axis, and a second position wherein the connecting wall is in a nonvertical position and the first mount cooperates with the first station and the second mount cooperates with the second station to permit the assembly to be moved full radially with respect to the axis. Another aspect of the invention is a method for an individual to mount a vehicle bed extender on a vehicle without tools including: ( ) aligning a first mount fixed with respect to the extender with a first space defined by the first station and aligning a second mount fixed with respect to the extender with a second space defined by the second station; ( ) moving the bed extender such that the first mount moves radially through the first space with respect to an axis defined by the first station and the second station and the second mount moves radially with respect to the axis through the second space; and ( ) pivoting the extender about the axis so that the first mount cooperates with the first station and the second mount cooperates with the second station to prevent radial movement of the first mount with respect to the axis and the second mount with respect to the axis. Yet another aspect of the invention is the method for an individual to mount a vehicle bed extender on a vehicle without tools, including: ( ) grasping the bed extender in the first location with one hand; ( ) grasping the bed extender in a second location spaced from the first location with another hand; ( ) while continuing to grasp the extender with the first hand and the second hand, aligning the first mount with a first space defined by the first station and aligning a second mount with a second space defined by the second station; and ( ) while continuing to grasp the extender with the first hand and the second hand, moving the bed extender such that the first mount moves through the first space defined by the first station and the second mount moves through the second space defined by the second station. Yet another aspect of the invention is the truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first standing side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to the first upstanding panel defining a first station surface and a second mounting station fixed with respect to the second upstanding panel defining a second station surface. The extender includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, a first mount secured to the first sidewall, and a second mount secured to the second sidewall. The first sidewall of the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shaped frame. The first mount defines a first mount surface and the second mount defines a second mount surface. The first station surface and the first mount surface, and the second station surface and the first mount surface cooperate to secure the apparatus to the vehicle so that the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed. The tailgate defines a latch to secure the tailgate to at least one of the first upstanding panel and the second upstanding panel. The truck bed extender further includes at least one interlock member secured to one of the walls sized and shaped to be releasably captured by the latch of the tailgate. Desirably, the interlock member comprises a buckle or a cylindrical interlock portion rigidly secured to the connecting wall. Significantly, this stabilizes the tailgate against movement when the vehicle strikes an object, such as a speed bump. Yet another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with the vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed and a tailgate, a first forward mounting station fixed with respect to the first panel, a second forward mounting station fixed with respect to the second panel, a first rearward mounting station fixed with respect to the first panel and a second rearward mounting station fixed with respect to the second panel. The apparatus includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall extending between a first sidewall and the second sidewall, a first mount secured to the first sidewall and the second mounts secured to the second sidewall. The first sidewall, and the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shaped frame. The first mount comprises a first interlocking member and the second mount comprises a second interlocking member. The extender is mountable in a first position wherein the connecting wall is in a substantially vertical position spaced above the tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed, and a second position wherein the connecting wall is in a substantially vertical position forward of the rear end of the bed and spaced above the rear end of the bed. Finally, yet another aspect of the invention is the truck bed extender for use with the vehicle having an open storage bed having an open end, first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed having an inner side having a lower end and an upper end, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed having an inner side and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to the first upstanding panel defining a first station surface, and a second mounting station fixed with respect to the second upstanding panel defining a second station surface. The apparatus includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, a first mount on the first sidewall and a second mount on the second sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shape frame having a first open side and a second open side. The first mount comprises a first interlocking member defining a first mount surface and the second mount comprises a second interlocking member defining a second mount surface. The first station surface and the first mount surface, and the second station surface and the first mount surface cooperate to secure the apparatus to the vehicle so that the apparatus is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed with the first open side facing away from the tailgate and the second open side facing toward the tailgate. One of the first station surface and the first mount surface defines a first opening through which the other of the first station surface and the first mount surface can be withdrawn from the inner side of the first panel to disengage the extender from the first panel. One of the second station surface and the second mount surface defines a second opening through which the other of the second station surface and the second mount surface can be withdrawn from the inner side of the second panel to disengage the extender from the second panel. The first mount forms a single piece with a portion of the wall extending at least the majority of the distance between the upper end and the lower end of the first panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features of the invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the truck bed extender of the present invention mounted on a vehicle in a first position. FIG. 2 is a enlarged partial perspective view of the vehicle and truck bed extender of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the mount of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a belt and buckle locking device of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view illustrating the pivoting of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1 from a first position (shown in phantom) to a second position. FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the truck bed extender and vehicle of FIG. 1 in a second position. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1 illustrating its use as a bench. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the truck bed extender and vehicle of FIG. 1 showing the truck bed extender in a third position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a female element or bracket of a mounting mechanism for the extender, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mount, including a male element, of the mounting mechanism of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a combination mount and strut in accordance with a third preferred embodiment. FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of a male element of the mount and strut of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of an alternative female element or bracket for use with the mounts of FIGS. 12 or 13. FIG. 16 is front elevational view of another alternative female element or bracket for use with the mounts of FIGS. 12 or 13. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a enlarged partial perspective view of a vehicle and alternative bed extender. FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the bed extender of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the bed extender of FIG. 18. FIGS. 21-25 are schematic views illustrating the mounting of the extender of FIG. 18. FIGS. 21a-25a are corresponding schematic views illustrating the position of the bracket and male member during the mounting of the extender of FIG. 18. FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative mount, which avoids the need for drilling of additional holes in the vehicle. FIGS. 27a-27b illustrate an alternative connector having a buckle configuration. FIGS. 28-33 illustrate an alternative connector. FIGS. 34-37 illustrate an alternative holder pair. FIGS. 38-41 illustrate an alternative bracket and combination mount, strut and interlock. FIGS. 42-45 are corresponding schematic views of the bracket, upper holder, latch and interlock of FIG. 38. FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate the mounting of the extender of FIG. 18 using an alternative fastener. FIGS. 48-50 illustrate the alternative fastener of FIGS. 46 and 47. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment of a multi-purpose apparatus or truck bed extender 11 will now be described with reference to the figures. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the truck bed extender 11 is shown mounted on a truck 13 having a cab 15 to the rear of which is a storage bed 17. The storage bed 17 has a front end 19 and a rear end 21. The front end 19 of the storage bed is defined by a front upstanding panel 23 and the sides of the storage bed are defined by a first side upstanding panel 25 and a second side upstanding panel 27. The first side upstanding panel 25 defines a first forward station or aperture 29 and a first rearward aperture 31 (FIG. 3), the purpose and location of which will be discussed in greater detail below. Likewise, the second side upstanding panel 27 defines a second forward aperture (not shown) and a second rearward aperture (not shown). At the rear end 21 of the storage bed 17 is a tailgate 37. The tailgate has a hinge end 39 and a distal end 41. The tailgate 37 defines a planar inner surface 43 extending between the hinge end 39 and distal end 41 of the tailgate. The tailgate 37 further comprises a first lock mechanism (not shown) which mates with a first latch 47 mounted on the rear end of the first upstanding panel 23. A tailgate 37 further includes a second lock mechanism 49 which interlocks with a second latch (not shown) mounted on the second side upstanding panel 27. The first lock mechanism and second lock mechanism 49 are selectably releasable by means of a release actuator (not shown) mounted at the outer surface of the distal end of the tailgate. The truck bed extender 11 includes a frame 53 having a first side wall 55, a second side wall 57 and a connecting wall 59 extending between the first side wall 55 and second side wall 57. The frame 53 and, therefore, the connecting wall 59 define a horizontal span H which is slightly less than the distance between the first side upstanding panel 25 and second side upstanding panel 27 of the truck 13. The frame 53 is formed by a first L-shaped section 61, a second L-shaped section 63 and a plurality of connecting sections 65. Both L-shaped sections 61, 63 comprise a generally L-shaped upper cross-beam 67, a generally L-shaped lower cross-beam 69 and a generally L-shaped middle cross-beam 71. Advantageously, each cross-beam comprises a single piece of 1.5 inch outer diameter, 0.058 inch wall thickness, 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The cross-beams 67, 69 and 71 are advantageously connected by an outer vertical strut 73, an inner vertical strut 75 and a middle vertical strut 77. The struts 73, 75, 77 desirably extend through mating openings in the cross-beams 67, 69, 71 and comprise one inch outer diameter, 0.058 inch wall thickness, 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The use of angled aluminum tubing provides for high strength, low weight and ease of manufacture. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner strut 75 and middle strut 77 are desirably positioned along the connecting wall 59 and the outer strut 73 is desirably positioned along the distal end of the side wall. Advantageously, the inner strut 75 is longer than the other struts and projects downward from the lower crossbeam 69 so as to define an inner strut foot 79. The first L-shaped section 61 and second L-shaped section 63 are connected by the plurality of connecting sections 65. Specifically, there is an upper connecting section, a lower connecting section and a middle connecting section. Desirably, the connecting sections comprise a 7 inch long, 1-⅜ inch outer diameter, 0.058 inch wall thickness, 6061-T6 aluminum tube. The connecting sections are slidable within and, desirably forms a slip-fit with, the first L-shaped section 61 and second L-shaped section 63, and are each desirably locked in place by a pair of locking screws 87. Approximately ⅝ inch from the outer end of each middle crossbeam 71 is a 0.328 inch diameter horizontal bore mounted over the middle crossbeam 71 aligned with the bore is a mount 91 having a body 93 which defines a throughbore. The body has an annular middle portion with generally diametrically opposed cylindrical projections corresponding to the throughbore. The mounts 91 are secured respectively to the first L-shaped section and second L-shaped section so that the throughbores are coaxially aligned. The mount 91 further includes a generally cylindrical male member 95 having a cone-shaped engagement end 97 and an actuating end 99. A handle 101 is threaded on the actuating end 99 and the male member 95 is mounted for reciprocal movement within the body by a spring 103 surrounding the male member within the body 93 of the mount. The precompressed spring desirably has one end biased against the body 93 of the mount and another end which is biased against a washer 105 which is secured against outward movement relative the male member 95 by a C clip 107. Referring now to FIG. 2, a buckle 109 is secured to each of the lower crossbeams 69 by means of a strap 111. As shown in FIG. 4, the buckle 109 is generally rectangular with a narrower upper portion and a wider lower portion. The buckle 109 desirably forms a pair of parallel slots 113 for receiving the strap 111 and a larger opening 115 for mating with one of the lock mechanisms 49 of the vehicle. The installation and operation of the truck bed extender 11 will now be described. When it is desired to ready a vehicle for use with the truck bed extender 11, the truck bed extender 11 can be placed in the desired position on the tailgate 37 so that the distal end of the first side wall 55 and distal end of the second side wall 57 extend along the inner surface of the rear end of the first side upstanding panel 25 and the second side upstanding panel 27, respectively. When the truck bed extender 11 is in the desired position, its width can be adjusted by sliding the first or second L-shaped sections 61 and 63 relative the connecting section 65 and securing it in position by means of one of the locking screws 87. Once the extender 11 has been adjusted so that it has the desired horizontal span H, the handle 101 of each of the mounts 91 can be pressed outward so that the engagement end 97 of the male member 95 presses hard against the respective first side upstanding panel 25 and second side upstanding panel 27 to mark the location for drilling the first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture 35. This approach eliminates difficulties in determining the proper position of the apertures 31 and 35. Once the first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture 35 are drilled into the first side upstanding panel 25 and second side upstanding panel 27, respectively, the truck bed extender 11 is ready for operation. Importantly, no additional brackets or modifications are required, so that when the truck bed extender is not in use, there are no brackets in the way, and virtually no cosmetic change to the appearance of the truck 13. In use, the truck bed extender is simply positioned on the tailgate 37 so that the engagement ends 97 of the mounts 91 extend through the respective first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture (not shown). In this position, the truck bed extender provides a strong, secure retaining device while the openings between the respective crossbeams and struts permit the flow of air to minimize air resistance. If it is desired to remove the truck bed extender 11, the handles 101 secured to each of the male members 95 are simply pulled inward causing engagement ends 97 of the male members 95 to retract from the first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture 35 and the truck bed extender can be removed. The truck bed extender can be further secured against undesired rotation about the mounts 91 by means of the buckle 109 and strap 111, by simply securing the buckles 109 in the first lock mechanism (not shown) and second lock mechanism 49, respectively, of the tailgate 37. Advantageously, the buckles are configured so that they are secured in place by the lock mechanisms and are selectably releasable by the tailgate's own release actuator. Importantly, in the event it is desired to use the truck bed extender 11 to form a rear storage compartment, as shown in FIG. 5, the truck bed extender can be quickly and easily pivoted about the coaxial male members 95 so that the connecting wall 59 is in a vertical position spaced inward from the rear end 21 of the storage bed 17 and, therefore, the tailgate 37. In this position, the truck bed extender 11 provides a convenient open upper-ended storage compartment to secure grocery bags or other items against movement within the truck bed. Advantageously, the truck bed extender 11 is extremely strong, but at the same time lightweight. In addition, because its structural configuration lends itself to construction with a minimum of parts, the extender can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 7, the truck bed extender provides a convenient work or picnic bench when it is removed from the vehicle. Specifically, when the distal ends of the first side wall 55 and second side wall 57 are placed on the ground, one or more individuals can sit on the connecting wall 59. Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, the truck bed extender 11 is also capable of forming a forward storage compartment adjacent the cab 15 of the truck 13. Such a position is often desirable when transporting pets, due to the proximity to the driver and the wind resistance afforded by the cab 15. If it is desired to use the truck bed extender to form such a forward storage compartment, a first forward aperture 29 and a second forward aperture (not shown) are desirably formed in the first side upstanding panel 25 and second side upstanding panel 27, respectively by locating and drilling the apertures in a manner similar to that of the rearward apertures 31 and 35. It is then a simple matter to place the truck bed extender 11 in position so that the first side wall 55 and second side wall 57 extend forward from the connecting wall so that the connecting wall 59 is spaced rearward from the front upstanding panel 23 of the truck 13. Again, removal is easily accomplished by simply pulling the handles 101 inward so that engagement ends 97 the male members 95 are retracted within the mounts 91 so that they are withdrawn from the first forward aperture 29 and second forward aperture (not shown). Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 11, a female member or bracket 120 is illustrated in accordance with a second preferred embodiment. The bracket 120 includes a plurality of screw holes 122 which facilitate mounting the bracket 120 to the panels 25, 27 (FIG. 1) of the truck 13. Preferably, four such brackets 120 are mounted by screws through the screw holes 122 to the panels 25, 27 at positions centered about positions of the forward aperture 29 and rearward aperture 31 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-8). The bracket has an upper edge 124 which defines an aperture or slot with an upper opening and a relatively more narrow lower opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 124 includes a pair of generally horizontal upper surfaces 126. A pair of slanted portions 128 extend inwardly and downwardly from the horizontal portion 126, each terminating at a cusp 129. A lower curved portion 130 extends downwardly from and joins the cusps 129 to one another. Advantageously, the curved portion 130 defines greater than 180° of a circle, and is illustrated defining about 300° of a circle. Accordingly, the slot defined by the upper edge 124 is more narrow at the cusps 129 than at the widest point of the curved portion 130 below. With reference to FIG. 12, a mount 140 is shown, including a body 142 which defines a generally horizontal cylindrical bore. As with the mount 91 of the first embodiment (FIG. 3), a mount 140 can be fitted over each middle crossbeam 71 (FIG. 2) approximately ⅝ inch from the outer end. A male element 144 extends from the body 142. The male element 144, in turn, includes an axle portion 146 and a relatively wider locking portion 148, illustrated as a disk. The axle portion 146 has two generally horizontal, opposed flat sides 150 and two opposed curved sides 152 (one of each shown). The maximum spacing between the opposed flat sides 150 defines a first width of the axle portion 146. The first width is less than the spacing between the cusps 129 on the bracket 120 (FIGS. 9-11). The maximum spacing between the opposed curved sides 152 define a second width between them, where the second width is greater than the spacing between the cusps 129 on the bracket 120. Preferably, the curved sides 152 have the same curvature as the curved portion 130 of the bracket 120 (FIGS. 9-11) with a slightly smaller radius of curvature. The extender of the second preferred embodiment (not shown) will resemble the extender 11 of FIG. 2, except including a mount 140 at the end of each middle cross-beam. Accordingly, the following discussion will refer to components of second preferred embodiment by reference numerals assigned to like components of the first preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-8). In mounting the extender 11 to the truck 13 (which already has brackets 140 mounted thereto), a user can lift the extender 11 with the connecting wall 59 facing up and the side walls 55, 57 extending downwardly. The axle portions 146 are then aligned with the slots of the brackets 140. In this position, the flat sides 150 of the axle portions 146 are generally vertical. The extender 11 is then lowered. Since the first width is narrower than the spacing between the cusps 129 of the bracket 120, each axle portion 146 fits between the cusps 129 of a corresponding bracket 120. The 148 fits into the wider upper opening defined by the horizontal upper surfaces 126. As the extender 11 is lowered, a curved side 152 of the male element 144 contacts the curved portion 130 of the corresponding female element or bracket 120. The extender 11 is then rotated outward or inward about 900 (see FIG. 5). The curved sides 152 of the axle portions 146 mate with and journal within the curved portion 130 of the bracket 120. When thus rotated, the cusps 129 prevent the axles 146 from lifting out of brackets 120, as will be understood by one of skill in the art. To remove the extender 11, the extender 11 must be rotated until the flat sides 150 of the axle portions 146 are approximately vertical, and can slip past the cusps 129 on the brackets 120. Advantageously, the extender 11 of the second preferred embodiment can be installed or removed without retracting any locking mechanism and without scratching the paint on the interior of the truck bed 17. Accordingly, the users hands can be used solely to lift and rotate the extender 11. With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a combination mount and strut 140a is shown with a male element 144a, which can be similar to the male element 144 of FIG. 12. By performing both functions of supporting the cross-beams and mounting the extender, this combination mount and strut 140a can simplify the extender design and reduce part numbers. With reference to FIG. 15, an alternative female mounting element or bracket 120b is shown, including an upwardly extending arm 160, a left screw hole 162, and right screw hole 164 for mounting the bracket 120b to a truck panel 27. It will be understood that a second bracket would be provided in a mirror image of that illustrate for the opposite panel 25 of the truck. The arm 160 is oriented such that a curved portion 130b (in which a male mounting element can journal) is appropriately positioned while the left screw hole 162 aligns with a pre-existing screw hole in the truck panel 25 or 27, such as the lower hole for the tailgate latch mechanism 47. This arrangement advantageously reduces the number of screw holes required to be drilled in the truck panels, while still fixing the bracket 120b in a unique position. Furthermore, it is possible that the arm 160 could be extended further upward, and another screw hole provided in alignment with the upper latch screw of the tailgate latch mechanism 47, thereby eliminating any need for a right screw hole. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrated yet another bracket 120c, having two upper screw holes 166 and one lower screw hole 168. It will be recognized that this arrangement reduces by one the number of screw holes required to be drilled, relative to the bracket 120 of FIGS. 9-11. Referring to FIG. 18, an alternative vehicle bed extender 11b is shown mounted to a truck 13 having a tailgate 37 including a hinge end 39 and a distal end 41 and defining an inner surface 43. The bed extender includes a first side wall 169, a second side wall 170, and a connecting wall 171. As with the extender 11 discussed above, the walls are formed by a first L-shaped section 172 and a second L-shaped section 173 connected by a plurality of straight connecting sections 174. As in the extender 11 of FIG. 1, the sections are formed from L-shaped and straight pieces of tubing. Specifically, each L-shaped section includes a first cross beam 175, a second cross beam 176 and a third cross beam 177. The cross beams and the straight sections 174 are connected by elongate vertical plastic struts. Significantly, the bed extender 11b is shown with a first and a second locking strut which is a combination mount and strut and 78, as previously described in connection with FIG. 13. The extender 11b also includes a first and second latching strut 180 which is a combination interlock and strut, a first and second bumper strut 182 which is a combination bumper and strut, and a first and second simple strut 184. The struts 178, 180, 182 and 184 each define cylindrical openings for receiving the tubular cross beams. The struts 178, 182 and 184 are clamped tightly around the cross beams by means of first, second, and third fasteners 186, 188, and 190, respectively. The first and second latch struts 180 define only two horizontal bores and are secured to only the lower (when the truck bed extender is mounted over the tailgate) two cross members. Each latch strut 180, or connector, defines an outer side 196 defining a mounting surface to which is secured a interlock 200 defining an arm portion 202 and an interlock portion 204. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18-25, the interlock portion 204 forms a cylinder. Significantly, the latch struts 180 and, therefore, the interlock portion 204 is movable toward the front and rear of the tailgate to ensure proper positioning with respect to the existing tailgate locking mechanism. The bumper strut 182 includes a first post 210 extending beyond the upper cross beam 175, which is provided with a first resilient bumper 212 and a second post 214 extending below the lower cross member 177, which is provided with a second bumper 216. Referring to FIG. 20, it will be appreciated that the simple struts 184 are positioned so as to cover the seam 218 between the L-shaped cross beams and the straight connecting sections. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 21-25, the tailgate is provided with a first and second lock mechanism. As both lock mechanisms are mirror images of one another, only the second lock mechanism 222 need be described. The second lock mechanism 222 is positioned within a notch 223 in the tailgate. The lock mechanism 222 includes an interlock portion 224, which is controlled by a release actuator 226. As well known by those of skill in the art, the release actuator 226 typically operates both the first and the second lock mechanisms. Importantly, the locking mechanism described is a standard lock mechanism used on the vehicles to releasably secure the tailgate in an upright position. Thus, no customized lock mechanism is required. Referring again to FIG. 18, a first holder 228 is mounted to the inner surface of the first upstanding panel 25 and a second holder 230 is mounted to the inner surface of the second upstanding panel 27. As the first holder 228 and second holder 230 are identical, only the first holder 228 will be described. The first holder 228 has a body 232 which is straddled by a pair of L-shaped flanges 234, which are used to space the body 232 from the inner surface of the panel 25 and to provide a surface to mount the holder 228 to the panel 25. The holder defines an upper edge 236, which in turn defines a U-shaped slot 238 having an upper open end and a lower closed end. The purpose of the holders 228 and 230 will be described in detail below. Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 21a, the bed extender 11b is shown disconnected from the truck 13. The bed extender 116 is positioned with the connecting wall 171 being horizontal, the open ends of the extender 116 extending downward and the male members of the locking struts 178 being aligned in a vertical plane with the aperture of the bracket 120. Advantageously, the truck bed extender can be easily aligned in this manner by a single person by grasping the bed extender in two locations spaced on either side of the center of gravity of the bed extender. As shown by the arrows in FIGS. 21 and 22, the bed extender is then simply lowered vertically downward until the axle portion fits between the cusps 129 of the bracket 120. Similarly, the locking portion fits into the wide opening defined by the horizontal upper surfaces 126. When the truck bed extender reaches the position shown in FIGS. 22 and 22a, the extender 11b can be rotated outward or inward approximately 90°. The curved sides 152 of the axle portions 146 mate with and journal within the curved portion of the bracket 120. When thus rotated, the cusps prevent the axles 146 from lifting out of the brackets 120, as will be understood by one of skill in the art. FIGS. 23 and 23a show the truck bed extender rotated approximately 60° outward so that the axle portion is secured by the bracket 120. As will be appreciated by FIGS. 23 and 24, as the bed extender 11b rotates downward, portion 204 of the second interlock 200 is received and retained by the interlock portion 224 of the second lock mechanism 222 of the Tailgate. Significantly, the vehicle bed extender is configured such that the only portions of the bed extender 11b in contact with the tailgate 37 are the interlocks 200. That is, as best seen in FIG. 24, when the bed extender is latched to the tailgate with the connecting wall in an upright position, the side walls 169, 170 and the connecting wall 171 are spaced above the tailgate 37. The bumper struts 182 are provided with bumpers only for purposes of cushioning any contact between the connecting wall and the tailgate, in the event the tailgate is jarred such as when the vehicle strikes a speed bump at excessive speed. This positioning of the side walls and connecting walls above the tailgate prevents undesired vibration and rattling. When it is desired to close the tailgate, it is a simple matter to actuate the release actuator 226, thereby releasing the interlock portions 204 permitting the extender 11b to be rotated upward away from the tailgate about the pivot axis defined by the brackets 120 either to (1) a position where the connecting wall is parallel to the truck bed, so that the truck bed extender can be removed, by lifting it upward in the direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. 21, or (2) a position shown in FIGS. 25 and 25a, where the interlock portion 204 of the bed extender is secured within the slot 238 of the holder 230. Again, as the bed extender is secured by the holders 228 and 230 above the vehicle bed, vibration and rattling is minimized. As shown in FIG. 25, in this position, the tailgate can be closed and latched in the usual manner. Referring now to FIG. 26, an alternative bracket 240 is illustrated. Significantly, the bracket 240 can be mounted on the vehicle solely through the use of an existing fastener 254 used to secure a tailgate safety cable 256 to the side panel 25 of the truck. The first bracket 240 includes a first section 242 extending parallel to the length of the truck, a second section 244 extending perpendicular to the first section and a third section 246 extending parallel to the first section and perpendicular to the second section. The first section 242 defines a connector hole 250 for receiving the fastener 254 used to mount the inner end of the tailgate safety cable 256 to the panel. Advantageously, due to the configuration of the first bracket 240, no additional fasteners are required to securely mount the bracket 240 to the vehicle. Significantly, the sections cooperate to prevent the rotation of the bracket about the axis of the connector hole 250 when the bracket 240 is mounted on the vehicle. FIGS. 27a and 27b illustrate an alternative bed extender 11c having a latching strut 260 including an interlock arm 262 having an interlock portion 264 defining a buckle arrangement. This interlock is used in connection with the other major form of standard tailgate locking mechanism, well known to those of skill in the art. Advantageously, the interlock portion 264 provides the only contact between the extender 11c and the tailgate, thereby minimizing vibration and rattling. FIGS. 28-33 illustrate an alternative connector 270 adapted to be secured to only the lower crossbeam of a bed extender 11d. The connector 270 includes a bracket 271 and an interlock having an arm 272 and an interlock portion 274/ The bracket 271 includes a base 276 and a clamp 278 secured to the base by fasteners. As with the latch struts 180, 260 described above, the connector has the advantage of being movable toward the front and rear of the tailgate to ensure proper positioning with respect to the existing tailgate latch mechanism. FIGS. 34-37 illustrate holders 280, 282 mountable to the inner surface of the side panels to mate with and retain the interlock portion of a connector, such as the latch strut 180. FIGS. 38-41 illustrate an alternative bracket 290 and an alternative combination first and second interlock and strut 300 which operates in the same general manner as the bracket and combination interlock and strut illustrated in FIGS. 18-26, with the notable exceptions that the holder is integrally formed with the mount and strut, and the holder is provided with a lock mechanism, as will be described in detail below. Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, the elongate bracket 290 is provided with a screwhole 302 at each end. The bracket includes an upper raised holder portion 304 and a lower raised station portion 306. The upper holder portion 304 and lower station portion 306 are separated by spacing flange 308. An upper mounting flange 310 which defines the upper screwhole 302 is provided above the upper holder portion 304. A lower mounting flange 312 defining the lower screwhole 302 is provided below the lower station portion 306. The lower station portion 306 forms an aperture 316 defined by an upper edge 318. The upper edge 318 includes an arcuate portion 320 which defines a pivot surface and a pair of slanted portions 322 which define a pair of guiding surfaces. As in prior designs, the upper spacing wall 323 of the lower station portion 306 defines an opening for receiving the larger end portion of a male member, as will be described below. The upper holder portion 304 is similarly spaced outward from the flanges 308, 310 and 312. The upper holder portion 304 includes an edge 324 which defines a U-shaped slot 326 having an open end 328 and a closed end 330. A latch 332 is mounted to the upper holder portion 304 by pivot pin 334. As best seen in FIG. 40, the latch 332 has a generally C-shaped body 336 and a release arm or lever 338. The body 336 further defines a mounting hole 340 opposite the release arm 338. Between the release arm 338 and the mounting hole 340 is a generally U-shaped slot 342 including an open end and a closed end. The slot is formed by an edge which defines a locking surface 348 and an engagement surface 350. Referring now to FIG. 41, the combination first and second interlock and strut 300 will now be described. The combination first and second interlock and strut 300 has the same general configuration as the combination interlock and strut 140a illustrated in FIG. 13, with certain exceptions. Specifically, the strut 300 includes three openings 352 to receive the cross beams, and includes a first male member 354 similar to the male element 144 previously described in connection with FIG. 12. The combination first and second interlock and strut 300 differs from the combination interlock and strut of FIGS. 13-14 in that it includes a second male member 356 extending from near the upper end of the combination first and second interlock and strut. The second male member 356 includes a larger disc-shaped outer end portion 358 and a smaller cylindrical middle portion 360. The middle portion 360 defines a cylindrical engagement surface 362. A truck bed extender utilizing the combination first and second interlock and strut 300 and the bracket 290 is operated in a manner very similar to that previously described in connection with the extender, bracket and holder of FIGS. 18-26. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, however, the bracket 290 is mounted on the inside vertical surface of one of the upright panels of the vehicle, such as second panel 27, so that the lower station portion is positioned in the same location as the station portion of the bracket 120. Advantageously, because the upper holder portion and lower station portion are formed as a single piece, the holder portion need not be separately positioned and mounted. Another advantage of this design is illustrated in FIGS. 42-45, which show an enlarged view of that which has already been described in FIG. 38. When the truck bed extender is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 24, in addition to being locked against radial movement about the pivot axis by the lower station portion 306 as shown in FIG. 38, the cylindrical engagement surface 362 of the smaller middle portion 360 of the second male member 356, seen in FIG. 38, enters into the open end 328 of the U-shaped slot 326 and presses against the body 336 of the latch 332. This causes the latch 332 to rotate about the pivot pin 334 as seen in FIGS. 43 and 44 and in phantom in FIG. 38 until the cylindrical engagement surface is locked in place by the latch 332, as illustrated in FIG. 45. Specifically, the locking surface 348 of the body 336 of the latch 332 prevents the cylindrical engagement surface 362 of the second male member 356, as seen in FIG. 38, from being removed through the open end 328 of the slot 326 of the upper holder portion 304. When it is desired to release the lock and rotate the truck bed extender so that it is in the position shown in FIG. 25, the release arm 338 of the latch 332 is pushed toward the upper holder portion 304 which, due to its configuration, causes the latch 332 to pivot about the pivot pin 334 as shown in phantom in FIG. 38. Advantageously, the release of this lock member can be achieved through the use of a single finger. As will be appreciated, this arrangement provides a number of significant advantages. As discussed above, the use of a single piece to define both the holder and station avoid the need for a separate positioning and mounting operation. Further, the use of a separate lock avoids potential wear and tear on the tailgate latch mechanism. Importantly, the automatic nature of the lock ensures that when the truck bed extender is rotated into position over the tailgate, with the connecting wall in a vertical position, the truck bed extender will be locked in place automatically. This essentially eliminates the need for the user to remember to lock the extender into position over the tailgate. Advantageously, the connecting wall of the truck bed extender is locked so as to be spaced above the tailgate avoiding vibration. At the same time, because the extender locks into position, the truck bed extender secures the tailgate against significant upward movement in the event the vehicle rides over a large bump. Again, the particular arrangement is particularly desirable in that only one combination first and second interlock and strut 300 need be used to lock the bed extender in place. The other side can utilize the standard mounting bracket 120. This is desirable not only from an assembly and cost standpoint, but also facilitates the unlocking of the extender. In this regard, it is further significant that the lock mechanism utilized does not need to be retracted to avoid damage to the side panel of a vehicle during the locking operation. FIGS. 46-51 illustrate an alternative lock consisting of a first and second interlock for securing the extender to the tailgate or bed of the truck. As shown in FIG. 46, the first interlock portion or clamp 363 is affixed to the bumper strut 182. The clamp 363 connects to the second interlock portion or latch or bar 364, which is attached to distal end of the tailgate 365 when the extender is in position over the tailgate, as illustrated in FIG. 46. A third interlock portion 364, identical to the second interlock portion, may also be attached to the bed of the truck 366 when the extender is used to form a rear storage compartment as in FIG. 47. FIG. 48 included an enlarged view of the clamp 363. The clamp 363 has an opening 366 to accommodate the bar 364. The opening 366 in the clamp 363 includes a first portion 368 forming a narrow opening and a second portion 367 defining a slot sizable enough to accommodate the bar 364. The clamp 363 is perferably made of a resilient material so that the first portion 368 can expand to allow the bar 364 to enter the receiver slot 367 defined by the second portion. Thus some force must be applied to connect the clamp 363 to the bar 364. FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the clamp 363 and the bar 364. As can be seen, the bar consists of two flat mounting portions 370 that will serve as the attachment points to the tailgate or bed of the truck and a raised portion 369 to which the clamp 363 attaches. FIG. 50 shows that the bar 364 has two holes 371 which allow the bar 364 to be screwed or bolted to a surface. Advantageously, the alternative first 363 and second 364 interlock allow the extender to be secured while in use. This reduces unwanted vibration or noise and should prevent unwanted movement of the extender. Importantly, the extender can be simply secured using this lock by simply pressing down on the extender when it is in position. Similarly, pushing up on the extender will release the fastener. While the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, many variations are possible and those of skill in the art will appreciate various modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Pick-up trucks are extremely popular. One of their primary advantages is the ability to haul loads in the storage bed located behind the cab of the vehicle. Unfortunately, often the storage bed is of an undesirable configuration for the load being transported. In particular, it is not unusual for the load to be larger than the truck bed, so that the tailgate of the truck needs to be lowered to enable the load to adequately transferred. Unfortunately, this raises the risk that the load will fall out of the back of the truck, or that the load will need to be tied down, taking additional time. For this reason, various truck bed extenders have been developed. These extenders are typically mounted to the truck bed by brackets or hinges. Truck bed extenders often comprise a series of light weight panels designed to be foldable to minimize their impact on storage space when not in use, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,639 to Bianchi. Alternatively, the truck bed extenders may comprise strong, but relatively heavy and nonfoldable units, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,213 to Palmer. Palmer discloses extended side supports secured to the tailgate by brackets or welding and a supplemental tailgate. When the main tailgate is closed, the supplemental tailgate extends over the top of the vehicle's storage bed. It is disclosed that a flexible netting may be secured to the right and left supports so that the netting extends in a vertical plane to form a storage box. There remains, however, a need for an improved truck bed extender. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is an improved truck bed extender which is particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. Another aspect of the invention is a method for utilizing a truck bed extender. One aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed, and a tailgate, wherein the first upstanding panel defines a first mounting station and the second upstanding panel defines a second mounting station. The extender has a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mounting mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprising a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and the first mounting station and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate. Advantageously, the first mounting station comprises a first aperture and the second mounting station comprises a second aperture and the first interlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shaped to be received and retained within the first aperture and the second interlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shaped to be received and retained within the second aperture. An important aspect of the invention is that the connecting wall desirably comprises at least two interconnecting sections which are slidable relative one another permitting the horizontal span of the connecting wall to be adjusted to correspond to the particular width of the truck bed. Effective truck bed widths can vary between manufacturers and vary depending on whether a truck bed protector has been installed. Advantageously, the extender's adjustability desirably permits the identical extender to be used with most truck beds, at least in a given size classification. The extender may also comprise a first L-shaped section defining the first side wall and a first portion of the connecting wall and a second L-shaped section defining the second side wall and a second portion of the connecting wall. Advantageously, these L-shaped portions significantly increase the strength and rigidity of the extender, enhancing its ability to withstand bumping by heavy cargo, such as motorcycles, as well as external impact. Yet another important aspect of the invention is at least one buckle secured to one of the walls sized and shaped to be releasably locked to the latch of the vehicle tailgate. Significantly, the buckle provides a supplemental attachment point which minimizes movement and vibration of the extender while driving and is quickly releasable by using the vehicle tailgate's own opening mechanism. Another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having a storage bed. The extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first wall and the second wall and cooperates with the first wall and second wall to form a general U-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second wall and includes a second interlocking member. The extender is securable to the vehicle through cooperation of the first interlocking member and the first mounting station and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station in a first position wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the storage bed and a second position wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate. Yet another important aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having a first side panel defining a first forward mounting station and a first rearward mounting station, and a second panel defining a second forward mounting station and a second rearward mounting station, wherein the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and the second side wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member. The extender is securable to the vehicle through cooperation of: (1) the first interlocking member and the first forward station and the second interlocking member and the second forward station in a first position wherein the first side wall and the second side wall extend forward of the connecting wall and the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced rearward from the front panel, and (2) the first interlocking member and the first rearward station, and the second interlocking member and the second rearward station in a second position wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced rearward from the rear end of the bed over the tailgate. Desirably, the extender is also securable to the vehicle through cooperation of the first interlocking member and the first rearward station and the second interlocking member and the second rearward station in a third position, wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate. As will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art, another aspect of the invention is a method of mounting a truck bed extender on a vehicle. Yet another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed having an inner side, a second upstanding side panel to the opposite side of the bed having an inner side, and a tailgate. A first mounting station fixed with respect to the first upstanding panel defines a first station surface and a second mounting station fixed with respect to a second upstanding panel defines a second station surface. The bed extender comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form generally u-shape frame having a first open side and a second open side. The first mount is on the first sidewall and comprises a first interlocking member defining a first mount surface. The second mount is on the second sidewall and comprises a second interlocking member defining a second mount surface. The first station surface and the first mount surface, and the second station surface and the first mount surface cooperate to secure the apparatus to the vehicle so that the apparatus is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed with the first open side facing away from the tailgate and the second open side facing toward the tailgate. One of the first station surface and the first mount surface defines a first opening through which the other of the first station surface and the first mount surface can be manually withdrawn from the inner side of the first panel to disengage the extender from the first panel. One of the second station surface and the second mount surface defines the second opening through which the other of the second station surface and the second mount surface can be manually withdrawn from the inner side of the second panel to disengage the extender from the second panel. Desirably, the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first position wherein the connecting wall is in a substantially vertical position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed and the first mount cooperates with the first station and the second mount cooperates with the second station to secure the assembly against movement radial to the axis, and a second position wherein the connecting wall is in a nonvertical position and the first mount cooperates with the first station and the second mount cooperates with the second station to permit the assembly to be moved full radially with respect to the axis. Another aspect of the invention is a method for an individual to mount a vehicle bed extender on a vehicle without tools including: ( ) aligning a first mount fixed with respect to the extender with a first space defined by the first station and aligning a second mount fixed with respect to the extender with a second space defined by the second station; ( ) moving the bed extender such that the first mount moves radially through the first space with respect to an axis defined by the first station and the second station and the second mount moves radially with respect to the axis through the second space; and ( ) pivoting the extender about the axis so that the first mount cooperates with the first station and the second mount cooperates with the second station to prevent radial movement of the first mount with respect to the axis and the second mount with respect to the axis. Yet another aspect of the invention is the method for an individual to mount a vehicle bed extender on a vehicle without tools, including: ( ) grasping the bed extender in the first location with one hand; ( ) grasping the bed extender in a second location spaced from the first location with another hand; ( ) while continuing to grasp the extender with the first hand and the second hand, aligning the first mount with a first space defined by the first station and aligning a second mount with a second space defined by the second station; and ( ) while continuing to grasp the extender with the first hand and the second hand, moving the bed extender such that the first mount moves through the first space defined by the first station and the second mount moves through the second space defined by the second station. Yet another aspect of the invention is the truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first standing side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to the first upstanding panel defining a first station surface and a second mounting station fixed with respect to the second upstanding panel defining a second station surface. The extender includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, a first mount secured to the first sidewall, and a second mount secured to the second sidewall. The first sidewall of the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shaped frame. The first mount defines a first mount surface and the second mount defines a second mount surface. The first station surface and the first mount surface, and the second station surface and the first mount surface cooperate to secure the apparatus to the vehicle so that the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed. The tailgate defines a latch to secure the tailgate to at least one of the first upstanding panel and the second upstanding panel. The truck bed extender further includes at least one interlock member secured to one of the walls sized and shaped to be releasably captured by the latch of the tailgate. Desirably, the interlock member comprises a buckle or a cylindrical interlock portion rigidly secured to the connecting wall. Significantly, this stabilizes the tailgate against movement when the vehicle strikes an object, such as a speed bump. Yet another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with the vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed and a tailgate, a first forward mounting station fixed with respect to the first panel, a second forward mounting station fixed with respect to the second panel, a first rearward mounting station fixed with respect to the first panel and a second rearward mounting station fixed with respect to the second panel. The apparatus includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall extending between a first sidewall and the second sidewall, a first mount secured to the first sidewall and the second mounts secured to the second sidewall. The first sidewall, and the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shaped frame. The first mount comprises a first interlocking member and the second mount comprises a second interlocking member. The extender is mountable in a first position wherein the connecting wall is in a substantially vertical position spaced above the tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed, and a second position wherein the connecting wall is in a substantially vertical position forward of the rear end of the bed and spaced above the rear end of the bed. Finally, yet another aspect of the invention is the truck bed extender for use with the vehicle having an open storage bed having an open end, first upstanding side panel to one side of the bed having an inner side having a lower end and an upper end, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side of the bed having an inner side and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect to the first upstanding panel defining a first station surface, and a second mounting station fixed with respect to the second upstanding panel defining a second station surface. The apparatus includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a connecting wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, a first mount on the first sidewall and a second mount on the second sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the connecting wall cooperate to form a generally u-shape frame having a first open side and a second open side. The first mount comprises a first interlocking member defining a first mount surface and the second mount comprises a second interlocking member defining a second mount surface. The first station surface and the first mount surface, and the second station surface and the first mount surface cooperate to secure the apparatus to the vehicle so that the apparatus is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rear end of the bed with the first open side facing away from the tailgate and the second open side facing toward the tailgate. One of the first station surface and the first mount surface defines a first opening through which the other of the first station surface and the first mount surface can be withdrawn from the inner side of the first panel to disengage the extender from the first panel. One of the second station surface and the second mount surface defines a second opening through which the other of the second station surface and the second mount surface can be withdrawn from the inner side of the second panel to disengage the extender from the second panel. The first mount forms a single piece with a portion of the wall extending at least the majority of the distance between the upper end and the lower end of the first panel. | 20040809 | 20060620 | 20050120 | 70588.0 | 4 | PEDDER, DENNIS H | VEHICLE CARGO BED EXTENDER | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,914,510 | ACCEPTED | Filter arrangement; sealing system; and methods | A filter pack includes a filter construction and a sealing system for sealing the construction within a duct or housing. The filter construction has first and second opposite flow faces and is configured for a straight-through flow. The sealing system includes a frame construction and a compressible seal member. The compressible seal member is molded around a portion of the frame construction. The compressible seal member is sufficiently compressible to form a radial seal between and against the frame construction and a surface of a housing when the filter pack is inserted within the housing. | 1-20. (Canceled) 21. An air cleaner comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a removable and replaceable filter element oriented in said housing; said filter element including: (i) a media construction having: first and second ends; a first flow face at the first end; and a second flow face at the second end; (A) the media within said media construction forming a plurality of flutes; each of the flutes extending between a first end positioned adjacent to the first flow face and a second end positioned adjacent to the second flow face; (B) a first set of selected ones of the flutes being open at the first end and closed at the second end; and (C) a second set of selected ones of said flutes being closed at the first end and open at the second end; (ii) a seal member oriented with respect to said media construction to form a releasable, peripherally directed seal between the filter element and an internal annular sealing surface of the housing; (iii) a frame construction mounted on said media construction; (A) said frame construction having a portion extending across one of said first flow face and second flow face; (B) said frame construction supporting said seal member; and (c) a precleaner arrangement oriented upstream of said filter element. 22. An air cleaner according to claim 21 further including: (a) a post-cleaner downstream of said filter element. 23. An air cleaner according to claim 22 wherein: (a) said post-cleaner comprises a layer of media downstream of said filter element. 24. An air cleaner according to claim 21 wherein: (a) said housing includes a cover and a body member; and (b) said precleaner includes a dust ejector. 25. An air cleaner according to claim 21 wherein: (a) said frame construction includes an extension projecting axially from one of the first and second flow faces; (i) said seal member being supported by said extension. 26. An air cleaner according to claim 25 wherein: (a) said frame construction includes a lip member circumscribing and secured to an outer periphery of the media construction; (i) said extension of said frame construction projecting from said lip member. 27. An air cleaner according to claim 21 wherein: (a) said filter element has a circular cross-section. 28. An air cleaner according to claim 21 wherein: (a) the media construction includes a corrugated layer secured to a face sheet and rolled into a coiled construction. 29. An air cleaner according to claim 21 wherein: (a) said filter element has a pair of semi-circular ends joined by segments. 30. A filter element arrangement comprising: (a) a media pack having first and second opposite flow faces; (i) said media pack having a longitudinal axis passing through said first flow face and said second flow face; (ii) said media pack comprises a plurality of flutes; each of said flutes having a first end portion adjacent to said first flow face and a second end portion adjacent to said second flow face; (A) selected ones of said flutes being open at said first end portion and closed at said second end portion; and selected ones of said flutes being closed at said first end portion and open at said second end portion; (b) a sealing system including a frame arrangement and a seal member; (i) said frame arrangement including an extension projecting axially from one of said first and second flow faces and in a same direction as said longitudinal axis; (ii) said seal member being supported by said extension of said frame arrangement; (A) said seal member comprising polyurethane. 31. A filter element arrangement according to claim 30 wherein: (a) said seal member comprises polyurethane having an as molded density of 14-22 lbs/ft3; and (b) the seal member has a cross-sectional configuration of a decreasing outermost dimension. 32. A filter element arrangement according to claim 30 wherein: (a) said media pack includes an outer periphery; and (b) said frame arrangement includes a lip member circumscribing and secured to said outer periphery; (i) said extension of said frame arrangement projecting from said lip member. 33. A filter element arrangement according to claim 30 wherein: (a) said extension comprises a loop construction having an outer radial surface, an opposite inner radial surface, and an end tip; (b) said seal member being oriented against at least said outer radial surface. 34. A filter element arrangement according to claim 30 wherein: (a) said media pack has a circular cross-section. 35. A filter element arrangement according to claim 30 wherein: (a) said media pack has a cross-section including a pair of curved ends joined by segments. 36. A filter element arrangement according to claim 30 wherein: (a) said frame arrangement includes cross braces. 37. A filter element arrangement according to claim 30 wherein: (a) the media pack includes a corrugated layer secured to a face sheet. 38. A filter element arrangement comprising: (a) a media construction having first and second, opposite, ends; a first flow face at the first end; a second flow face at the second end; a plurality of flutes; each of said flutes having a first end adjacent to said first flow face and a second end adjacent to said second flow face; (i) selected ones of said flutes being open at said first end and closed at said second end; and selected ones of said flutes being closed at said first end and open at said second end; (ii) said media construction having a cross-section including a pair of curved ends joined by a pair of segments; and (b) a sealing system secured to the media construction having a seal member; (i) the seal member including a pair of curved ends joined by a pair of segments. 39. A filter element arrangement according to claim 38 wherein: (a) the sealing system includes a frame construction arranged around one of the first and second ends of the media construction; (i) the frame construction including an extension projecting axially from one of the first and second flow faces; (ii) the seal member being positioned on the extension of the frame construction; (iii) the seal member being oriented to form a releasable, peripherally directed, seal with a housing sealing surface, as a result of insertion of the filter element arrangement into sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the housing. 40. A filter element arrangement according to claim 39 wherein: (a) the frame construction includes a brace in extension over one of the first and second flow faces. 41. A filter element arrangement according to claim 40 wherein: (a) said brace is part of a truss system between opposing segments of the frame construction. 42. A filter element arrangement according to claim 39 wherein: (a) said extension of said frame construction projects from a lip member secured to the media construction. 43. A filter element arrangement according to claim 42 wherein: (a) said lip member is part of said frame construction. 44. A filter element arrangement according to claim 42 wherein: (a) said lip member comprises glass reinforced plastic. 45. A filter element arrangement according to claim 38 wherein: (a) the media construction includes a corrugated layer secured to a face sheet and rolled into a coiled construction. 46. A filter element arrangement according to claim 45 wherein: (a) the corrugated layer and face sheet are secured together with a sealant bead. 47. A filter element arrangement according to claim 38 wherein: (a) said seal member comprises polyurethane; and (b) said seal member includes a sealing region having a cross-sectional configuration of a plurality of progressively larger steps. 48. A filter element arrangement according to claim 38 further including: (a) a center core in the media construction; and (b) wherein said seal member comprises polyurethane. 49. A filter element arrangement according to claim 38 wherein: (a) said media construction is oblong-shaped. 50. A filter element arrangement according to claim 38 wherein: (a) said media construction comprises cellulose treated with fine fiber. 51. A filter element arrangement according to claim 38 wherein: (a) said media construction has an axial length of 3-10 inches; (b) the curved ends are semi-circular and have a radius of between 1-5 inches; and (c) the pair of segments have a length of greater than 0.1 inch. 52. A filter element arrangement comprising: (a) a media pack having first and second opposite flow faces; (i) said media pack comprising a plurality of flutes; each of said flutes having a first end portion adjacent to said first flow face and a second end portion adjacent to said second flow face; (A) selected ones of said flutes being open at said first end portion and closed at said second end portion; and selected ones of said flutes being closed at said first end portion and open at said second end portion; and (b) a seal member; (i) the seal member having a sealing region; (ii) the sealing region having a cross-sectional configuration of at least one decreasing dimension; (iii) the sealing region comprising polyurethane; (iv) the seal member configured to form a radially directed seal at the sealing region between the filter element arrangement and a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing. 53. A filter element arrangement according to claim 52 wherein: (a) the media pack includes a corrugated layer secured to a face sheet. 54. A filter element arrangement according to claim 52 wherein: (a) the media pack includes a coiled construction. 55. A filter element arrangement according to claim 52 further including: (a) a frame construction mounted on the media pack; (i) the seal member being mounted on the frame construction. 56. A filter element arrangement according to claim 55 wherein: (a) the frame construction includes an extension projecting axially from one of the first and second flow faces; and (b) the seal member is positioned on the extension of the frame construction. 57. A filter element arrangement according to claim 56 wherein: (a) said frame construction includes a lip member circumscribing and secured to an outer periphery of the media pack; (i) said extension of said frame construction projecting from said lip member. 58. A filter element arrangement according to claim 52 further including: (a) a brace arrangement in extension over one of the first and second flow faces. 59. A filter element arrangement according to claim 56 wherein: (a) the frame construction further includes a brace arrangement in extension over one of the first and second flow faces. 60. A filter element arrangement according to claim 52 wherein: (a) the sealing region includes a cross-sectional configuration of a plurality of progressively larger steps. 61. A filter element arrangement according to claim 52 wherein: (a) said media pack has a cross-section including a pair of curved ends joined by a pair of segments. 62. A filter element arrangement according to claim 52 wherein: (a) said media pack has a round cross-section. 63. A filter element arrangement comprising: (a) a media pack having first and second opposite flow faces; (i) said media pack having a longitudinal axis passing through said first flow face and said second flow face; (ii) said media pack comprising a plurality of flutes; each of said flutes having a first end portion adjacent to said first flow face and a second end portion adjacent to said second flow face; (A) selected ones of said flutes being open at said first end portion and closed at said second end portion; and selected ones of said flutes being closed at said first end portion and open at said second end portion; and (b) a seal member configured to form a seal between the filter element arrangement and a housing, when the filter element is operably installed in a housing; and (c) a brace arrangement in extension over one of the first and second flow faces. 64. A filter element arrangement according to claim 63 wherein (a) an extension projects axially from one of said first and second flow faces and in a same direction as said longitudinal axis. 65. A filter element arrangement according to claim 63 wherein (a) a lip member circumscribes an outer periphery of the media pack. 66. A filter element arrangement according to claim 65 wherein: (a) an extension projects axially from one of said first and second flow faces and in a same direction as said longitudinal axis; and (b) said extension projects from the lip member. 67. A filter element arrangement according to claim 64 wherein: (a) the seal member is positioned on the extension and is oriented to form a releasable, peripherally directed, seal with a housing sealing surface, as a result of insertion of the filter element arrangement into sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the housing. 68. A filter element arrangement according to claims 63 wherein: (a) said media pack has a cross-section including a pair of curved ends joined by a pair of segments. 69. A filter element arrangement according to claim 63 wherein: (a) said media pack has a round cross-section. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/258,481, filed Feb. 26, 1999. The specification of Ser. No. 09/258,481 is incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This disclosure concerns filter constructions for engines and methods of filtering and filter preparation. In particular, the disclosure describes a filter arrangement having a sealing system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gas streams often carry particulate material therein. In many instances, it is desirable to remove some or all of the particulate material from a gas flow stream. For example, air intake streams to engines for motorized vehicles or power generation equipment, gas streams directed to gas turbines, and air streams to various combustion furnaces, often include particulate material therein. The particulate material, should it reach the internal workings of the various mechanisms involved, can cause substantial damage thereto. It is therefore preferred, for such systems, to remove the particulate material from the gas flow upstream of the engine, turbine, furnace or other equipment involved. A variety of air filter or gas filter arrangements have been developed for particulate removal. In general, however, continued improvements are sought. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure describes an engine air flow system. The air flow system comprises a filter element construction including a media pack and a sealing system. In preferred configurations, the sealing system will have a frame arrangement and a seal member, where the frame arrangement includes an extension projecting axially from one of the flow faces of the media pack. In particularly preferred arrangements, the seal member is supported by the extension of the frame arrangement. Filter element constructions are described herein. Preferred filter element constructions will include ones such as those characterized above. Methods of filtering systems, servicing filtration systems, and constructing filter arrangements are described herein. Preferred methods will use filter elements and constructions as characterized above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of one embodiment a filter pack, according to certain principles of this disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of filter media usable in the arrangements of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of one approach to manufacturing a filter pack usable in the arrangements of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic, plan view of one embodiment a sealing system of the filter pack of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic, fragmented, cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 1, depicted sealed in an air cleaner for use; FIG. 6 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the frame of the sealing system of FIG. 4, taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmented schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment the compressible seal member of the sealing system of FIG. 4, according to principles of this disclosure; FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of one embodiment of an air cleaner, in which a filter pack according to principles of this disclosure can be used; FIG. 9 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 8, showing the filter pack depicted in FIG. 1 installed therewithin; FIG. 10 is a schematic, perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a filter pack, according to certain principles of this disclosure; FIG. 11 is a schematic, perspective view of a filter media portion of the filter pack of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a schematic, perspective view of one embodiment of a frame portion for a sealing system of the filter pack depicted in FIG. 10; FIG. 13 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the sealing system usable in the filter pack depicted in FIG. 10, taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 10; FIG. 14 is a schematic, side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an air cleaner, according to principles of this disclosure; FIG. 15 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 14 and taken along the line 15-15 and showing the filter pack of FIG. 10 installed within; FIG. 16 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a system in which air cleaners according to the present disclosure are used; FIG. 17 is an end elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the filter pack depicted in FIG. 1; and FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of another embodiment of the filter pack depicted in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. FIGS. 1-7 Attention is directed to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a filter pack 50. The preferred filter pack 50 depicted includes filter media 55 and a sealing system 60. In preferred constructions, the filter media 55 is designed to remove particulates from a fluid, such as air, passing through the filter media 55, while the sealing system 60 is designed to seal the filter pack 50 against a sidewall of a housing or duct, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. By the term “seal,” it is meant that the sealing system 60, under normal conditions, prevents unintended levels of fluid from passing through a region between the filter pack 50 and the sidewall of the housing or duct; i.e., the sealing system 60 inhibits fluid flow from avoiding passage through the filtering media 55 of filter pack 50. In certain preferred arrangements, the filter media 55 will be configured for straight-through flow. By “straight-through flow,” it is meant that the filter media 55 is configured in a construction 100 with a first flow face 105 (corresponding to an inlet end, in the illustrated embodiment) and an opposite, second flow face 110 (corresponding to an outlet end, in the illustrated embodiment), with fluid flow entering in one direction 114 through the first flow face 105 and exiting in the same direction 116 from the second flow face 110. When used with an inline-flow housing, in general, the fluid will enter through the inlet of the housing in one direction, enter the filter construction 100 through the first flow face 105 in the same direction, exit the filter construction 100 in the same direction from the second flow face 110, and exit the housing through the housing outlet also in the same direction. Although the first flow face 105 is described above as corresponding to an inlet end, and the second flow face 110 is described above as corresponding to an outlet end, the inlet and outlet ends can be reversed. That is, the first flow face 105 depicted in FIG. 1 can correspond to an outlet end, while the second flow face 110 depicted in FIG. 1 can correspond to an inlet end. In FIG. 1, the first flow face 105 and the second flow face 110 are depicted as planar and as parallel. In other embodiments, the first flow face 105 and the second flow face 110 can be non-planar, for example, frusto-conical. Further, the first flow face 105 and second flow face 110 need not be parallel to each other. Generally, the filter construction 100 will be a wound construction. That is, the construction 100 will typically include a layer of filter media that is turned completely or repeatedly about a center point. Typically, the wound construction will be a coil, in that a layer of filter media will be rolled a series of turns around a center point. In arrangements where a wound, coiled construction is used, the filter construction 100 will be a roll of filter media, typically permeable fluted filter media. Attention is now directed to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is schematic, perspective view demonstrating the principles of operation of certain preferred media usable in the filter constructions herein. In FIG. 2, a fluted construction is generally designated at 122. Preferably, the fluted construction 122 includes: a layer 123 of corrugations having a plurality of flutes 124 and a face sheet 132. The FIG. 2 embodiment shows two sections of the face sheet 132, at 132A (depicted on top of the corrugated layer 123) and at 132B (depicted below the corrugated layer 123). Typically, the preferred media construction 125 used in arrangements described herein will include the corrugated layer 123 secured to the bottom face sheet 132B. When using this media construction 125 in a rolled construction, it typically will be wound around itself, such that the bottom face sheet 132B will cover the top of the corrugated layer 123. The face sheet 132 covering the top of the corrugated layer is depicted as 132A. It should be understood that the face sheet 132A and 132B are the same sheet 132. When using this type of media construction 125, the flute chambers 124 preferably form alternating peaks 126 and troughs 128. The troughs 128 and peaks 126 divide the flutes into an upper row and lower row. In the particular configuration shown in FIG. 2, the upper flutes form flute chambers 136 closed at the downstream end, while flute chambers 134 having their upstream end closed form the lower row of flutes. The fluted chambers 134 are closed by a first end bead 138 that fills a portion of the upstream end of the flute between the fluting sheet 130 and the second facing sheet 132B. Similarly, a second end bead 140 closes the downstream end of alternating flutes 136. In some preferred systems, both the first end bead 138 and second end bead 140 are straight along all portions of the media construction 125, never deviating from a straight path. In some preferred systems, the first end bead 138 is both straight and never deviates from a position at or near one of the ends of the media construction 125, while the second end bead 140 is both straight and never deviates from a position at or near one of the ends of the media construction 125. The flutes 124 and end beads 138, 140 provide the media construction 125 that can be formed into filter construction 100 and be structurally self-supporting without a housing. When using media constructed in the form of media construction 125, during use, unfiltered fluid, such as air, enters the flute chambers 136 as indicated by the shaded arrows 144. The flute chambers 136 have their upstream ends 146 open. The unfiltered fluid flow is not permitted to pass through the downstream ends 148 of the flute chambers 136 because their downstream ends 148 are closed by the second end bead 140. Therefore, the fluid is forced to proceed through the fluting sheet 130 or face sheets 132. As the unfiltered fluid passes through the fluting sheet 130 or face sheets 132, the fluid is cleaned or filtered. The cleaned fluid is indicated by the unshaded arrow 150. The fluid then passes through the flute chambers 134 (which have their upstream ends 151 closed) to flow through the open downstream end 152 (FIG. 1) out the fluted construction 122. With the configuration shown, the unfiltered fluid can flow through the fluted sheet 130, the upper facing sheet 132A, or lower facing sheet 132B, and into a flute chamber 134. Typically, the media construction 125 will be prepared and then wound to form a rolled construction 100 of filter media When this type of media is selected for use, the media construction 125 prepared includes the sheet of corrugations 123 secured with the end bead 138 to the bottom face sheet 132B (as shown in FIG. 2, but without the top face sheet 132A). In these types of arrangements, the media construction 125 will include a leading edge at one end and a trailing edge at the opposite end, with a top lateral edge and a bottom lateral edge extending between the leading and trailing edges. By the term “leading edge”, it is meant the edge that will be initially turned or rolled, such that it is at or adjacent to the center or core of the rolled construction. The “trailing edge” will be the edge on the outside of the rolled construction, upon completion of the turning or coiling process. The leading edge and the trailing edge should be sealed between the corrugated sheet 123 and the bottom face sheet 132B, before winding the sheet into a coil, in these types of media constructions 125. While a number of ways are possible, in certain methods, the seal at the leading edge is formed as follows: (a) the corrugated sheet 123 and the bottom face sheet 132B are cut or sliced along a line or path extending from the top lateral edge to the bottom lateral edge (or, from the bottom lateral edge to the top lateral edge) along a flute 124 forming a peak 126 at the highest point (or apex) of the peak 126; and (b) sealant is applied between the bottom face sheet 132B and the sheet of corrugations 123 along the line or path of cut. The seal at the trailing edge can be formed analogously to the process of forming the seal at the leading edge. While a number of different types of sealant may be used for forming these seals, one usable material is a non-foamed sealant available from H.B. Fuller, St. Paul, Minn., identified under the designation HL0842. When using the media construction 125, it may be desired by the system designer to wind the construction 125 into a rolled construction of filter media, such as the filter construction 100 of FIG. 1. A variety of ways can be used to coil or roll the media. Attention is directed to FIG. 3. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the media construction 125 is wound about a center mandrel 154 or other element to provide a mounting member for winding. The center mandrel 154 may be removed or left to plug to act as a core at the center of the cylindrical filter construction 100 (FIG. 1). It can be appreciated that non-round center winding members may be utilized for making other filtering media shapes, such as filter media having an oblong, oval, rectangular, or racetrack-shaped profile. The media construction 125 can also be wound without a mandrel or center core. One method of forming a coreless rolled construction is as follows: (a) the troughs 128 of the first few corrugations of the corrugated sheet 123 spaced from the leading edge are scored from the top lateral edge to the bottom lateral edge (or from the bottom lateral edge to the top lateral edge) to help in rolling the construction 125; for example, the first four corrugations from the leading edge will have a score line cut along the troughs 128; (b) the bead 140 of sealant is applied along the top of the sheet of corrugation 123 along the lateral edge opposite from the lateral edge having end bead 138; (c) the leading edge is initially turned or rolled over against itself and then pinched together to be sealed with the sealant bead 140; and (d) the remaining corrugated sheet 123 having the bottom face sheet 132B secured thereto is coiled or rolled or turned around the pinched leading edge. In other methods, coreless constructions can be made from the media construction 125 by automated processes, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,543,007 and 5,435,870, each incorporated by reference herein. In still other methods, the media construction can be rolled by hand. When using rolled constructions such as the filter construction 100, the system designer will want to ensure that the outside periphery of the construction 100 is closed or locked in place to prevent the filter construction 100 from unwinding. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this. In some applications, the outside periphery is wrapped with a periphery layer. The periphery layer can be a non-porous, adhesive material, such as plastic with an adhesive on one side. When this type of layer is utilized, the periphery layer prevents the filter construction 100 from unwinding and prevents the fluid from passing through the outside periphery of the filter construction 100, maintaining straight-through flow through the filter construction 100. In some applications, the filter construction 100 is secured in its rolled construction by sealing the trailing edge of the media construction 125 with an adhesive or sealant along a line 160 (FIG. 1) to secure the trailing edge to the outside surface of the filter construction 100. For example, a bead of hot-melt may be applied along the line 160. Attention is again directed to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the second flow face 110 is shown schematically. There is a portion at 112 in which the flutes including the open ends 152 and closed ends 148 are depicted. It should be understood that this section 112 is representative of the entire flow face 110. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, the flutes are not depicted in the other remaining portions of the flow face 110. Top and bottom plan views, as well as side elevational views of a filter pack 50 usable in the systems and arrangements described herein are depicted in copending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/101,193, filed Feb. 26, 1999, and entitled, “Filter Element Having Sealing System,” herein incorporated by reference. Turning now to FIG. 9, the filter construction 100 is shown installed in a housing 305 (which can be part of an air intake duct into an engine or turbo). In the arrangement shown, air flows into the housing 305 at 306, through the filter construction 100, and out of the housing 305 at 307. When media constructions such as filter constructions 100 of the type shown are used in a duct or housing 305, a sealing system 60 will be needed to ensure that air flows through the media construction 100, rather than bypass it. Referring now to FIG. 5, showing an enlarged, fragmented view of the filter construction 100 installed in the housing 305, the particular sealing system 60 depicted includes a frame construction 170 and a seal member 250. When this type of sealing system 60 is used, the frame construction 170 provides a support structure or backing against which the seal member 250 can be compressed against to form a radial seal 172 with the duct or housing 305. Still in reference to FIG. 5, in the particular embodiment shown, the frame construction 170 includes a rigid projection 174 that projects or extends from at least a portion of one of the first and second flow faces 105, 110 of the filter construction 100. The rigid projection 174, in the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 5, extends axially from the second flow face 110 of the filter construction 100. The particular FIG. 5 embodiment shows the projection 174 axially projecting above the entire second flow face 110, due to the planar shape of the second flow face 110. In arrangements where the flow face is non-planar, such as frusto-conical, the projection 174 can be designed to project above only a portion of the flow face. For example, in a frusto-conical filter construction, there could be a center portion at or near the core that extends above the projection 174. FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view the particular frame construction 170 depicted in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, the projection 174 shown has a pair of opposite sides 176, 178 joined by an end tip 180. In preferred arrangements, one of the first and second sides 176, 178 will provide a support or backing to the seal member 250 such that a seal 172 can be formed between and against the selected side 176 or 178 and the appropriate surface of the housing or duct. When this type of construction is used, the projection 174 will be a continuous member forming a closed loop structure 182 (FIG. 4). The seal member 250 can engage or be adjacent to either an interior side 184 of the loop structure 182, or the exterior side 186 of the loop structure 182. When engaging the interior side 184 of the loop structure 182, the seal member 250 can be compressed between the projection 174 and a tubular member inserted within the loop, such that the projection 174 and seal member 250 circumscribes the tubular member. This would form a radial seal between and against the outer portion of the tubular member and the interior side 176 of the projection 174 (and the loop structure 182). The seal member 250 can also engage the exterior portion 186 of the loop structure 182. When this type of construction is used, a housing or duct may circumscribe the projection 174 and loop structure 182 including the seal member 250 to form a seal between and against the outer side 178 of the projection 174 and an inner surface of the housing or duct. In certain preferred arrangements, the seal member 250 engages or covers both of the interior side 184 and exterior side 186 of the loop structure 182. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the seal member 250 engages the end tip 180 of the projection 174 as well, such that the seal member 250 covers the projection 174 from the exterior side 186, over the end tip 180, and to the interior side 184. Attention is directed to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. FIG. 4 is a schematic, plan view of the sealing system 60 of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a fragmented, schematic, cross-sectional view of the filter pack 50 of FIG. 1 installed in housing 305; and FIG. 6 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the frame construction 170 of the sealing system 60 of FIG. 4. In general, when using frame constructions 170 such as those described herein, the frame construction 170 will include a frame 205. The frame 205 may be a variety of shapes. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the shape of the frame 205 is generally circular. The frame 205 depicted in FIG. 4 is convenient in that it is arranged and configured for attachment to the second flow face 110 of the filter construction 100. Referring now to FIG. 6, in the particular arrangement depicted, the frame 205 has a band, skirt, or depending lip 251 that is generally circular and has an inside diameter. Preferably, the inside diameter is approximately equal to the outside diameter of the filter construction 100. The depending lip 251 depends or extends down a first distance from a bottom 252 surface of cross braces 210. The depending lip 251 is arranged and configured to extend radially around the second flow face 110 the filter construction 100. Referring now to FIG. 5, in the particular embodiment depicted, the depending lip 251 extends radially around the second flow face 110 of the filter media 100, such that the depending lip 251 extends inboard the first distance of the second flow face 110 of the filter construction 100, defining an overlap region 255. The frame 205 is preferably secured to the filter construction 100. A variety of ways to secure the frame 205 to the filter construction 100 are possible. One particularly preferred way to secure the frame 205 to the filter construction 100 is by use of an adhesive. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the adhesive is oriented in the overlap region 255 between the depending lip 251 and the filter construction 100. Preferably, the adhesive permanently affixes the frame 205 to the filter construction 100 while preventing the fluid from leaking out through the overlap region 255 between the filter construction 100 and the frame 205. In alternative embodiments, the frame 205 may be temporarily attached to the filter construction 100. By the term “temporarily,” it is meant that the frame 205 may be removed from the filter construction 100 without damaging either the sealing system 60 or the filter construction 100. During use of frames 205 of the type depicted herein, inward forces are exerted around the circumference of the frame 205. Cross braces 210 support the frame 205. By the term “support,” it is meant that the cross braces 210 prevent the frame 205 from radially collapsing under the forces exerted around the circumference of the frame 205. Referring again to FIG. 6, the particular projection 174 depicted preferably includes a tip portion 263, or annular sealing support. In the one depicted in FIG. 6, the tip portion 263 is generally circular and is arranged and configured for insertion into a housing or duct. When circular, the tip portion 263 defines an inside diameter. Between the tip portion 263 and the depending lip 251, the frame 205 includes a step 253. The step 253 provides a transition area between the larger inside diameter of the depending lip 251 and the smaller inside diameter of the tip portion 263. When constructed according to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tip portion 263 provides support for the compressible seal member 250. The compressible seal member 250 is preferably constructed and arranged to be sufficiently compressible to be compressed between the tip portion 263 of the frame 205 and a sidewall 260 of a housing or duct. When sufficiently compressed between the tip portion 263 and the sidewall 260, radial seal 172 is formed between the filter pack 50 and the sidewall 260. A variety of ways are possible to secure the seal member 250 to the tip portion 263. One particularly convenient and preferred way is by molding the seal member 250 to engage, cover, or overlap both the outer radial side 270 of the tip portion 263 and the inner radial side 271 of the tip portion 263, including the end tip 180 (FIG. 7). One particular embodiment of this configuration is depicted in FIG. 7. The seal member 250, in FIG. 7, completely covers the tip portion 263. The tip portion 263 of the frame 205 defines a wall or support structure between and against which a radial seal 172 may be formed by the compressible seal member 250. The compression of the compressible seal member 250 at the sealing system 60 is preferably sufficient to form a radial seal under insertion pressures of no greater than 80 lbs., typically, no greater than 50 lbs., for example, about 20-40 lbs., and light enough to permit convenient and easy change out by hand. Preferably, the amount of compression of the compressible seal member 250 is at least fifteen percent, preferably no greater than forty percent, and typically between twenty and thirty-three percent. By “amount of compression” it is meant the physical displacement of an outermost portion of the seal member 250 radially toward the tip portion 263 as a percentage of the outermost portion of the seal member 250 in a resting, undisturbed state and not installed within a duct or subject to other forces. Attention is directed to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic, fragmented view of a particular preferred seal member 250 in an uncompressed state. In the preferred embodiment shown, the seal member 250 is a stepped cross-sectional configuration of decreasing outermost dimensions (diameter, when circular) from a first end 264 to a second end 265, to achieve desirable sealing. Preferred specifications for the profile of the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 7 are as follows: a polyurethane foam material having a plurality of (preferably at least three) progressively larger steps configured to interface with the sidewall 260 (FIG. 5) and provide a fluid-tight seal. The compressible seal member 250 defines a gradient of increasing internal diameters of surfaces for interfacing with the sidewall 260. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the compressible seal member 250 defines three steps 266, 267, 268. The cross-sectional dimension or width of the steps 266, 267, 268 increases the further the step 266, 267, 268 is from the second end 265 of the compressible seal member 250. The smaller diameter at the second end 265 allows for easy insertion into a duct or housing. The larger diameter at the first end 264 ensures a tight seal. In general, for a properly functioning radially sealing structure, the compressible seal member 250 needs to be compressed when the element is mounted in the housing 305 or duct. In many preferred constructions, it is compressed between about fifteen percent and forty percent (often about twenty to thirty-three percent) of its thickness, in the thickest portion, to provide for a strong robust seal yet still be one that can result from hand installation of the element with forces on the order of 80 pounds or less, preferably 50 pounds or less, and generally 20-40 pounds. In general, the filter pack 50 can be arranged and configured to be press-fit against the sidewall 260 of the housing 305 or duct. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the compressible seal member 250 is compressed between the sidewall 260 and the tip portion 263 of the frame 205. After compression, the compressible seal member 250 exerts a force against the sidewall 260 as the compressible seal member 250 tries to expand outwardly to its natural state, forming radial seal 172 between and against the tip portion 263 and the sidewall 260. B. FIGS. 8 and 9 Attention is directed to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of an air cleaner 300. In certain systems, the filter pack 50 is designed to be inserted into a housing 305 of an air cleaner 300. The housing 305 is typically part of ductwork in airflow communication with an air intake system for an engine. As used herein, the term “ductwork” or “duct” will include structures such as pipes, tubes, and air cleaner housings. A variety of housings are usable with the filter pack 50. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the housing 305 includes a body member or a first housing compartment 310 and a removable cover or second housing compartment 315. In some arrangements, the first housing compartment 310 is affixed to an object, such as a truck. The second housing compartment 315 is removably secured to the first housing compartment 310 by a latching device 320. Preferably, the latching device 320 includes a plurality of latches 325. While the housing may have a variety of cross-sectional configurations, in the particular embodiment illustrated, the first and second housing compartments 310, 315 are circular. In the arrangement depicted, the first housing compartment 310 has an outlet region 330. The outlet region 330 is designed to allow the fluid to flow out of the filter assembly 300 during use. Similarly, the second housing compartment 315 has an inlet region 335. The inlet region 335 is designed to allow the fluid to flow into the filter assembly 300 during use. In preferred constructions, the housing 305 will be an in-line housing. As such, the outlet region 330 and inlet region 335 are coaxially aligned, to permit air to flow through the inlet region 335 and flow through the outlet region 330 in the same direction. This can be seen in FIG. 9. The filter pack 50 is preferably constructed and arranged to be press-fit against the sidewall 260 of the housing 305. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 9, the second end 110 of the filter pack 50 with the attached frame 205 and compressible seal member 250 is inserted into the first housing compartment 310. The filter pack 50 is press-fit into the first housing compartment 310 such that the compressible seal member 250 is compressed between and against the tip portion 263 of the frame 205 and the sidewall 260 of the first housing compartment 310, to form radial seal 172 therebetween. During use of the arrangement depicted in FIG. 9, the fluid enters the housing assembly 300 at the inlet region 335 of the second housing compartment 315, in the direction shown at 306. The fluid passes through the filter construction 100. As the fluid passes through the filter construction 100, contaminants are removed from the fluid. The fluid exits the housing assembly 300 at the outlet region 330, in the direction of 307. The compressible seal member 250 of the sealing system 60 forms radial seal 172 to prevent contaminated fluid from exiting the housing assembly 300, without first passing through the filter construction 100. C. FIGS. 17 and 18 It should be appreciated that the filter pack 50 can have additional separators for ensuring that the appropriate degree of filtering is conducted. The separators can be either upstream of the filter pack 50 or downstream of the filter pack 50, depending upon the particular application and the desired results. These separators can take the form of pre-cleaners in some embodiments, or post-cleaners (such as safety filters or secondary filters). In addition, these separators may be in the form of single or multiple layers of filtering media, located either upstream or downstream of the filter construction 100. The filter media used in these applications will typically be selected based upon the degree of filtering desired and the amount of restriction introduced by the filter media. For example, it may be that in certain applications, it is desired to filter out large particles (that is, debris such as leaves, butterflies, clumps of dirt) while introducing little more additional restriction. In this application, a layer of media such as a sieve or screen can be used upstream of the filter construction 100. It may also be desired to introduce an additional amount of filtering just downstream of the filter construction 100. This can be accomplished by a layer (or multiple layers) of media immediately downstream of the filter construction 100. Attention is directed to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the filter pack 50, shown generally at 50′. The filter pack 50′ is configured and constructed analogously as the filter pack 50, illustrated in FIG. 1, with the exception of the first flow face 105′, that corresponds to an upstream or an inlet end 106′. FIG. 17 illustrates an end elevational view of the filter pack 50′. viewing the upstream end 106′. In the particular filter pack 50′ illustrated in FIG. 17, the entire upstream end 106′ is covered by a layer of media 107′ for separating large particles from the gas stream before the gas stream reaches the filter construction 100. Depending upon the application and the desired degree of filtration and restriction, the media 107′ can be of a variety of types. In many typical applications, the media 107′ will be sized to allow for the removal of particles such as butterflies, leaves, large clumps of dirt, and other types of debris. One type of media usable has the following characteristics and properties: polyester material; 50% of the fibers being about 15 denier and 50% of the fibers being about 6 denier by weight; the binder holding the fibers together being oil resistant rubber modified PVC; a basis weight of 6.6 oz/yd2 (224 g/m2); a thickness of about 0.37 inches; a permeability of about 3500 ft/m in a 0.5 in. H2O restriction. As described above, it may also be desirable to introduce separation downstream of the filter construction 100. One example is illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the filter pack 55, as viewed from the second flow face 110″. The filter pack 50″ shown in FIG. 18 is constructed analogously as the filter pack 50 of FIG. 1, with the exception of an additional separator 111″ located downstream of the filter construction 100. While a variety of embodiments are contemplated, in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the separator 111″ is in the form of a layer of media 112″ located downstream of the filter construction 100. The layer of media 112″ can be either immediately adjacent and against the filter construction 100, or it may be located downstream of the frame 205″. In the one illustrated in FIG. 18, the media 112″ is immediately downstream of and against the filter construction 100. That is, the media 112″ is located between the filter construction 100 and the cross braces 210″ of the frame 205″. The type of media 112″ utilized will depend upon the desired degree of filtering and the amount of restriction that is introduced. The media 112″ can be a single layer or multiple layers. In the one illustrated in FIG. 18, the media 112″ includes nonwoven, nonpleated, fibrous depth media 113″. One usable material for depth media 113″ has the following characteristics: 1 layer of 4.0-4.8 oz/yd2 (136-163 g/m2) polyester fiber depth media (mixed fibers); 0.55-0.70″ (14-18 mm) thickness freestate (as measured under 0.002 psi compression); average fiber diameter about 21.0 micron (mass weighted average) or about 16.3 micron (length weighted average); permeability (minimum) 500 ft/min (152 m/min.); free state solidity about 0.6-1.0%, typically about 0.7%. It is contemplated that in certain applications, it will be desired to have a filter pack 50 that includes both an upstream filter 107′ and a downstream filter 111″. D. FIGS. 10-15 Attention is directed to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a filter pack 450. In the construction depicted, the filter pack 450 includes filter media 455 and a sealing system 460. The filter media 455 is designed to remove contaminants from a fluid, such as air, passing through the filter media 455. The sealing system 460 is designed to seal the filter media 455 to a housing or duct. In certain preferred arrangements, the filter media 455 will be configured in a filter construction 470 with a first flow face 471 and an opposite, second flow face 472. Attention is directed to FIG. 11. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the filter construction 470 is configured for straight-through flow. This means, as explained above, that fluid to be filtered will enter the first flow face 471 in a certain direction 477 (FIG. 10) and exit the second flow face 472 in the same direction 478 (FIG. 10). The filter construction 470 can have a variety of configurations and cross-sectional shapes. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the filter construction 470 has a non-circular cross-section. In particular, the FIG. 11 embodiment of the filter construction 470 has an ob-round or “racetrack” cross-sectional shape. By “racetrack” cross-sectional shape, it is meant that the filter construction 470 includes first and second semicircular ends 511, 512 joined by a pair of straight segments 513, 514. In general, the filter construction 470 will be a wound construction. That is, the construction 470 will include a layer of filter media that is turned completely or repeatedly about a centerpoint. In certain preferred arrangements, the wound construction will be a coil, in that a layer of filter media will be rolled a series of turns about a centerpoint. In further preferred arrangements, the filter construction 470 will be a rolled construction, typically a roll of filter media, for example permeable fluted filter media. Many different ways of manufacturing the media construction 470 can be used. In some techniques, a single-faced filter media, such as the filter media 122 illustrated in FIG. 2, is wound about a center mandrel or other structure to provide a mounting member for winding. The center mandrel may be removed or left to plug the center of the filter construction 470. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a center core 454 is illustrated as occupying the center of the coil of filter media 455. In FIGS. 10 and 11, certain portions 475 are depicted showing the flutes, including the open and closed ends. It should be understood that this portion or section 475 is representative of the entire flow face 472 (as well as the first flow face 471). For the sake of clarity and simplicity, the flutes are not depicted in the other remaining portions of the flow face 472. Top and bottom plan views, as well as side elevational views of the filter pack 450 usable in the systems and arrangements described herein are depicted in copending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/101,193, filed Feb. 26, 1999, and entitled, “Filter Element Having Sealing System,” herein and incorporated by reference. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the filter pack 450 includes a sealing system 460. In preferred constructions, the sealing system 460 includes a frame 605 and a seal member 650. While a variety of configurations are contemplated herein, one particularly preferred embodiment of the frame 605 is shown in perspective view in FIG. 12. In the particular arrangement depicted in FIG. 12, the frame 605 has a non-circular, for example, obround and in particular, a racetrack shape and is arranged and configured for attachment to the second end 510 of the filter media 455. In particular, the frame 605 has a band or skirt or depending lip 651 that is generally racetrack shaped. The depending lip 651 depends or extends down a distance from a bottom surface 652 of cross braces 610. The depending lip 651 is arranged and configured to extend radially around the second end 570 of filter construction 470. Referring now to FIG. 10, in the embodiment depicted, the depending lip 651 of the frame 605 extends radially around the second end 510 of the filter construction 470, such that the depending lip 651 extends inboard the distance from bottom surface 652 of cross braces 610 of the second end 510 of the filter construction 470, defining an overlap region 555 (FIG. 15). The frame 605 can be secured to the filter construction 470 in a number of ways. One particularly convenient way is by securing the frame 605 to the filter construction 470 by adhesive. In the specific embodiment illustrated and FIG. 15, the adhesive is placed in the overlap region 555 between the frame 605 and the filter construction 470 as previously described herein. During use of the arrangements depicted, inward forces are exerted around the circumference of the frame 605. Inward forces exerted against the semicircular ends 511, 512 can cause the straight segments 513, 514 to bow or bend. Structure is provided as part of the frame 605 to prevent the straight segments 513, 514 from bowing. While a variety of structures are contemplated herein, in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, cross braces 610 are provided to provide structural rigidity and support to the straight segments 513, 514. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the particular cross braces 610 depicted form a truss system 612 between the opposing straight segments 513, 514. The truss system 612 includes a plurality of rigid struts 614, preferably molded as a single piece with the remaining portions of the frame 605. In certain preferred constructions, the frame 605 is constructed analogously to the frame 205. As such, and in reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the frame 605 includes a tip portion 663. In preferred arrangements, the tip portion 663 acts as an annular sealing support. In the construction depicted, the tip portion 663 has the same cross-sectional configuration as the filter construction 470. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the tip portion is noncircular, specifically, racetrack shaped. In preferred implementations, and in reference to the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 13, between the tip portions 663 and the depending lip 651, the frame 605 includes a step 653. The step 653 provides a transition area between the cross-sectional width of the depending lip 651 and the smaller cross-sectional width of the tip portion 663. In preferred systems, the compressible seal member 650 has structure analogous to the that of the compressible seal member 250 of FIG. 7. Preferably, the filter pack 450 will be installed in a duct or an air cleaner housing. In certain preferred applications, the air cleaner housing will be an in-line housing. FIG. 14 illustrates an air cleaner 670 having one type of in-line housing 672. In FIG. 14, the housing depicted is a two-piece housing including a cover 674 and a body member 676. The cover 674 defines an airflow inlet 678. The body member 676 defines an airflow outlet 680. The housing further includes a pre-cleaner arrangement 679 upstream of the filter pack 450, such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,887,177 and 4,162,906, incorporated by reference herein. In the one depicted, the pre-cleaner arrangement 679 is in the cover 674. The cover 674 includes a dust ejector 681 that expels dust and debris collected in the pre-cleaner 679. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air cleaner 670 of FIG. 14 and showing the filter pack 450 installed therewithin. The compressible seal member 650 is compressed between the sidewall 660 and the tip portion 663 of the frame 605. As the filter pack 450 is press-fit, the compressible seal member 650 is compressed between and against the frame 605 (specifically, in the particular embodiment shown, the tip portion 663) and the sidewall 660. After compression, the compressible seal member 650 exerts a force against the sidewall 660 as the compressible seal member 650 tries to expand outwardly to its natural state, forming a radial seal 685 with the sidewall 660. E. Systems and Methods of Operation The filter constructions and arrangements described herein are usable in a variety of systems. One particular type of system is depicted schematically in FIG. 16 generally at 700. In FIG. 16, equipment 702, such as a vehicle, having an engine 703 with some defined rated air flow demand, for example at least 500 cfm, and typically 700-1200 cfm is shown schematically. The equipment 702 may comprise a bus, an over-the-highway truck, an off-road vehicle, a tractor, or marine application such as a powerboat. The engine 703 powers the equipment 702, through use of an air and fuel mixture. In FIG. 16, air flow is shown drawn into the engine 703 at an intake region 705. An optional turbo 706 is shown in phantom, as optionally boosting the air intake into the engine 703. An air cleaner 710 having a filter construction 712 and a secondary element 713 is upstream of the engine 703 and the turbo 706. In general, in operation, air is drawn in at arrow 714 into the air cleaner 710 and through a primary element 712 and secondary element 713. There, particles and contaminants are removed from the air. The cleaned air flows downstream at arrow 716 into the intake 705. From there, the air flows into the engine 703 to power the equipment 702. F. Change Out and Replacement In certain preferred applications, the filter packs described herein are removable and replaceable from whatever system in which they are installed. For example, the filter pack 50, or filter pack 650, will be installed in an air cleaner housing such as those shown in FIGS. 9 and 15, respectively. After a certain number of hours of use, the media in the filter constructions will become occluded, and the restriction in the filter packs will increase. In preferred applications, the filter packs will be periodically replaced to maintain the appropriate removal of particulates from a fluid, without introducing too high of a restriction. In some applications, the filter constructions herein will include a visual indicator of useful life. Some systems may include a restriction indicator to provide information to the user regarding the appropriate time to change out the filter pack. To service the air cleaner arrangements described herein, the user will need access the filter pack. For example, if the filter pack is installed in an air cleaner housing such as those shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 15, the user will unlatch the cover from the body member, and remove the cover from the body member. This will expose an opening. The user will grasp the filter pack and break the radial seal formed by the filter pack against the sidewall of the housing or duct. In certain systems, the seal member and the housing or duct will be designed such that the user will need to exert a force of no more than about 80 lbs., preferably no more than 50 lbs., and in some applications between 15 and 40 lbs. to break the radial seal and remove the filter pack. The user will then pull the filter pack through the opening formed by the body member. The old filter pack may then be disposed of. In certain preferred systems, the filter pack will be constructed of non-metallic materials, such that it is readily incineratable. For example, in some preferred constructions, the filter pack will comprise at least 95 percent, and typically at least 98 percent nonmetallic materials. To install a new filter pack, the user grasps the filter pack and inserts it through an opening in the duct or housing. The filter pack is inserted into the opening until the seal member is sufficiently compressed against the inner annular wall of the housing to form a radial seal between and against the housing wall and the tip portion of the frame. The cover may then be oriented over the exposed end of the filter pack to close the opening. The cover may then be latched to the body member. G. Example Construction In this section, examples are provided of a set of operating specifications. These are intended as an example. A wide variety of alternate sizes can be used. 1. FIGS. 1-8. The axial length of the filter media 100 of FIG. 2 will be between 3 inches (about 8 cm) and 10 inches (about 25 cm), and in one example would be approximately 6 inches (about 15 cm). The outside diameter of the filter media 100 will be between 3 inches (about 38 cm) and 15 inches (about 38 cm), and in one example would be approximately 10 inches (about 25 cm). The distance (FIG. 5) that the depending lip 251 of the frame 205 (FIG. 5) extends inboard of the second end 110 (FIG. 5) of the filter construction 100 will be between 0.2 inches (about 5 mm) and 1 inch (about 2.5 cm), and in one example would be 0.6 inches (about 1.5 cm). The diameter of the depending lip 251 will be between 3 inches (about 7 cm) and 15 inches (about 38 cm), and in one example would be approximately 10 inches (about 25 cm). The diameter of the tip portion 263 will be between 2.5 inches (about 6 cm) and 14 inches (36 cm), and in one example would be approximately 9.5 inches (about 24 cm). The filter element will provide at least 5 sq. ft and typically 20-130 sq. ft., for example about 45 sq. ft. of media surface area. It will occupy a volume of no greater than about 1 ft3, and typically between 0.03-0.5 ft3, and for example about 0.2-0.4 ft3. 2. FIG. 9 The diameter of the outlet region 330 (FIG. 9) of the first housing compartment 310 (FIG. 9) will be between 3 inches (about 8 cm) and 10 inches (about 25 cm), and in one example would be 7 inches (about 18 cm). The diameter (FIG. 9) of the inlet region 335 (FIG. 9) of the second housing compartment 315 (FIG. 9) will be between 3 inches (about 8 cm) and 10 inches (about 25 cm), and in one example would be 5.8 inches (about 15 cm). 3. FIGS. 10-14 The axial length of the filter construction 470 will be between 3 inches (about 8 cm) and 10 inches (about 25 cm), and in one example would be approximately 6 inches (about 15 cm). The semicircular ends 511, 512 will have a radius of between 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) and 5 inches (about 13 cm), and in one example have a radius of 2.7 inches (about 7 cm). The straight segments 513, 514 will have a length greater than 0.1 inches (about 2.5 mm), and in one example, would be 4.9 inches (about 12 cm). Preferably, the distance that the frame 605 extends inboard of the filter construction 470 will be between 0.2 inches (about 5 mm) and 1 inch (about 2.5 cm), and in one example would be 0.6 inches (about 1.5 cm). The filter element will provide at least 5 sq. ft and typically 20-130 sq. ft., for example about 45 sq. ft. of media surface area. It will occupy a volume of no greater than about 1 ft3, and typically between 0.03-0.5 ft3, and for example about 0.2-0.4 ft3. H. Example Materials In this section, examples are provided of usable materials. The particular choice for any given material will vary, depending on the filtering application. In other words, the particular material selected for the systems usable herein will be decided upon by the system designer based on the system requirements. A variety of materials are possible. The following section provides examples of materials that have been found to be suitable. The media 122 can comprise cellulose. One example of media usable in the system described above is as follows: cellulose media with the following properties: a basis weight of about 45-55 lbs./3000 ft2 (84.7 g/m2), for example, 48-54 lbs./3000 ft2; a thickness of about 0.005-0.015 in, for example about 0.010 in. (0.25 mm); frazier permeability of about 20-25 ft/min, for example, about 22 ft/min (6.7 m/min); pore size of about 55-65 microns, for example, about 62 microns; wet tensile strength of at least about 7 lbs/in, for example, 8.5 lbs./in (3.9 kg/in); burst strength wet off of the machine of about 15-25 psi, for example, about 23 psi (159 kPa). The cellulose media can be treated with fine fiber, for example, fibers having a size (diameter) of 5 microns or less, and in some instances, submicron. A variety of methods can be utilized for application of the fine fiber to the media. Some such approaches are characterized, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,892, column 32, at lines 48-60. More specifically, such methods are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,878,014; 3,676,242; 3,841,953; and 3,849,241, incorporated herein by reference. An alternative is a trade secret approach comprising a fine polymeric fiber web positioned over conventional media, practiced under trade secret by Donaldson Company under the designation ULTRA-WEB®. With respect to the configurations of the filter element and the operation of the sealing system, there is no particular preference for: how the fine fibers are made; and, what particular method is used to apply the fine fibers. Enough fine fiber would be applied until the resulting media construction would have the following properties: initial efficiency of 99.5% average, with no individual test below 90%, tested according to SAE J726C, using SAE fine dust; and an overall efficiency of 99.98% average, according to SAE J726C. The frame 205 (FIG. 5) will be constructed of a material that will provide structural integrity and is not subject to creep. The frame 205 will be constructed of a non-metallic material such that it is environmentally friendly and either recyclable or readily incineratable. The frame 205 can be constructed from most plastics, for example, glass reinforced plastic. One usable reinforced plastic is propylene or nylon. Of course, other suitable materials may be used. The compressible seal member 250 (FIG. 6) can be made from a variety of materials. There is no particular preference, provided that the seal member 250 forms a seal in the proper location under compression. One usable material will be a soft polymeric material, such as foamed urethane. One example usable material includes foamed polyurethane, processed to an end product having an “as molded” density of fourteen to twenty-two pounds per cubic foot. Foamed polyurethanes are available from a variety of sources, such as BASF Corporation of Wyandotte, Mich. One example of a foamed polyurethane comprises a material made with I35453R resin and I305OU isocyanate, which is sold exclusively to the assignee Donaldson by BASF Corporation. The materials should be mixed in a mix ratio of 100 parts I35453 resin to 36.2 parts I305OU isocyanate (by weight). The specific gravity of the resin is 1.04 (8.7 pounds/gallon), and for the isocyanate it is 1.20 (10 pounds/gallon). The materials are typically mixed with a high dynamic shear mixer. The component temperatures should be seventy to ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit. The mold temperatures should be 115-135 degrees Fahrenheit. The resin material I35453R has the following description: (a) Average molecular weight 1) Base polyether polyol=500-15,000 2) Diols=60-10,000 3) Triols=500-15,000 (b) Average functionality 1) total system=1.5-3.2 (c) Hydroxyl number 1) total systems=100-300 (d) Catalysts 1) amine=Air Products 0.1-3.0 PPH 2) tin=Witco 0.01-0.5 PPH (e) Surfactants 1) total system=0.1-2.0 PPH (f) Water 1) total system=0.03-3.0 PPH (g) Pigments/dyes 1) total system=1-5% carbon black (h) Blowing agent 1) 0.1-6.0% HFC 134A. The I305OU isocyanate description is as follows: (a) NCO content—22.4-23.4 wt % (b) Viscosity, cps at 25° C.=600-800 (c) Density=1.21 g/cm3 at 25° C. (d) Initial boiling pt.—190° C. at 5 mm Hg (e) Vapor pressure=0.0002 Hg at 25° C. (f) Appearance—colorless liquid (g) Flash point (Densky-Martins closed cup)=200° C. The above is a complete description of principles of the invention. Many embodiments can be made according to principles of this disclosure. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Gas streams often carry particulate material therein. In many instances, it is desirable to remove some or all of the particulate material from a gas flow stream. For example, air intake streams to engines for motorized vehicles or power generation equipment, gas streams directed to gas turbines, and air streams to various combustion furnaces, often include particulate material therein. The particulate material, should it reach the internal workings of the various mechanisms involved, can cause substantial damage thereto. It is therefore preferred, for such systems, to remove the particulate material from the gas flow upstream of the engine, turbine, furnace or other equipment involved. A variety of air filter or gas filter arrangements have been developed for particulate removal. In general, however, continued improvements are sought. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE <EOH>This disclosure describes an engine air flow system. The air flow system comprises a filter element construction including a media pack and a sealing system. In preferred configurations, the sealing system will have a frame arrangement and a seal member, where the frame arrangement includes an extension projecting axially from one of the flow faces of the media pack. In particularly preferred arrangements, the seal member is supported by the extension of the frame arrangement. Filter element constructions are described herein. Preferred filter element constructions will include ones such as those characterized above. Methods of filtering systems, servicing filtration systems, and constructing filter arrangements are described herein. Preferred methods will use filter elements and constructions as characterized above. | 20040809 | 20071204 | 20050324 | 68076.0 | 2 | PHAM, MINH CHAU THI | FILTER ARRANGEMENT; SEALING SYSTEM; AND METHODS | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,914,630 | ACCEPTED | Stand-up CT scanner | A CT scanner according to the present invention is particularly useful for scanning the spine and extremities, such as knees, and ankles, especially while the patient is in an upright position. The CT scanner generally includes a source and detector that are rotatable about a generally upright axis. The source and detector are also moved along the upright axis during rotation to perform a helical scan. The source and detector are mounted to an inner ring, which is rotatably mounted within an outer ring. The outer ring is fixedly mounted to a carriage that is movable along an upright rail. | 1. A CT scanner comprising: a generally upright rail; a carriage movable along the rail; an x-ray source rotatably mounted to the carriage; and an x-ray detector mounted opposite the source and rotatable with the source. 2. The CT scanner of claim 1 further including an inner ring, the CT scanner further including an outer ring fixedly mounted to the carriage. 3. The CT scanner of claim 2 further including a motor rotatably driving the inner ring relative to the outer ring. 4. The CT scanner of claim 3 further including a motor driving the carriage along the rail. 5. The CT scanner of claim 1 wherein the rail is reconfigurable such that one portion of the rail is not parallel to another portion of the rail. 6. The CT scanner of claim 1 wherein the rail is vertical. 7. The CT scanner of claim 1 wherein the x-ray source is a cone-beam x-ray source. 8. A method for generating an image of a patient including the steps of: a) positioning a patient upright between an x-ray source and a detector; b) rotating the source and the detector generally about the patient; and c) during said step b), taking an x-ray image at each of a plurality of rotational positions. 9. The method of claim 8 further including the step of reconstructing the plurality of x-ray images to form a 3D image. 10. The method of claim 8 further including the step of translating the source and detector vertically during said step b). 11. The method of claim 10 further including the step of translating the source and detector along a first path and then along a second path not parallel to the first path. 12. A CT scanner comprising: an x-ray source rotatable about an upright axis and movable generally in a vertical path; and an x-ray detector mounted opposite the source and rotatable with the source and movable generally along a vertical path. 13. The CT scanner of claim 12 wherein the source and detector are rotatably mounted to a carriage that is movable generally along a vertical path. 14. The CT scanner of claim 13 further including an upright rail, wherein the carriage is movably mounted to the upright rail. | This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/493,289 filed Aug. 7, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to CT scanners and more particularly to a CT scanner that is particularly useful for scanning the spine and extremities, such as knees, and ankles, especially while the patient is in an upright position. Conventional CT scanners require the patient to be horizontal. The scan cannot be obtained while the patient is in a standing position. As a result, for a patient who only experiences back (or hip or knee etc) pain while standing, the doctor cannot analyze the actual conditions under which the patient is experiencing pain (or other symptoms). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A CT scanner according to the present invention is particularly useful for scanning the spine and extremities, such as knees, and ankles, especially while the patient is in an upright position. The CT scanner generally includes a source and detector that are rotatable about a generally upright axis. The source and detector are also moved along the upright axis during rotation to perform a helical scan. The source and detector are mounted to an inner ring, which is rotatably mounted within an outer ring. The outer ring is fixedly mounted to a carriage that is movable along an upright rail. In operation, the patient stands within the inner ring. The inner ring, outer ring and carriage move along the upright rail, while the inner ring rotates within the outer ring. In this manner, the source and detector are moved along helical paths to perform a helical scan. Thus, the CT scan can be performed on a standing patient. The rail may be reconfigurable, e.g. bent to a curve or such that one portion of the rail is not parallel to another portion of the rail. The carriage follows the rail and performs a CT scan along that path. In this manner, the patient may be scanned in a bent position, which maybe the position that causes discomfort or problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages of the present invention can be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a plan view of a CT scanning system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the CT scanning system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the CT scanning system of FIG. 1, with the rail reconfigured to a bent position. FIG. 4 shows an alternate reconfigurable rail. FIG. 5 shows one possible detail of the rail of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 6 shows another possible detail of the rail of FIGS. 1-4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A CT scanning system 20 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the CT scanning system 20 includes an x-ray source 22 and detector 24 that are mounted on diametrically opposing inner surfaces of an inner ring 26 (or spiral). The source 22 is preferably a cone-beam x-ray source 22. The inner ring 26 is rotatably mounted within an outer ring 30. The angular position of the inner ring 26 relative to the outer ring 30 is changed and controlled by at least one motor 31 in a carriage 32, which supports the outer ring 30. The carriage 32, along with the inner and outer rings 26, 30, is mounted on a generally vertical rail 34. At least one motor 35 in the carriage 32 drives the carriage 32 up and down the rail 34 in a controlled manner. The rail 34 may be threaded or notched to facilitate the controlled travel of the carriage 32. The operation of the above devices is controlled by a suitably programmed CPU 36, which may also perform the image storage and image processing necessary for the CT scans. The system 20 may optionally includes a radiation shield 38 substantially enclosing the patient P, the source 22 and the detector 24, but permitting the patient's head to be outside the shield 38. In this manner, the technicians may be able to stay in the room with the patient P during the scanning without receiving unnecessary radiation doses. In use, the patient P stands upright within the rings 26, 30. The technician chooses an area to be scanned (e.g., knees, spine, hip, etc) and indicates the vertical starting and ending points for the scan to the CPU 36. The inner ring 26 then rotates within the outer ring 30 while the carriage 32 lifts (or lowers) the rings 26, 30 vertically along rail 34. In this manner, the source 22 and detector 24 move in a spiral, taking multiple x-ray images in known positions and orientations. The CPU 36 then develops a three-dimensional model of the scanned area of the patient using a reconstruction algorithm based upon the multiple x-ray images. Referring to FIG. 3, the rail 34 is preferably selectively reconfigurable to create alternate paths for the rings 26, 30, source 22 and detector 24. For example, as shown, the rail 34 is preferably bendable or pivotable at a mid-point so that the scan of the patient P can be taken while the patient P is in bent position. Therefore, a scan of the patient P in the exact position that causes pain or other symptoms can be obtained. Alternatively, the rail 34a may comprise several selectively lockable, pivoting components 50, 52 connected by a joint 54 to provide the ability to reconfigure the rail 34 to a plurality of paths for the scan to follow or any mechanical device that could provide a reconfigurable path for the carriage 32 to follow. Multiple rails 34 could also be used. Alternatively, a computer-controlled robot arm could be used to move the carriage 32 and rings 26, 30 along any path that could be set by the technician. As indicated, the rail 34 may be threaded, as shown in FIG. 5, in order to facilitate movement by the carriage 32 (FIGS. 1-3). The motor 35 in the carriage 32 could rotatably drive a threaded member relative to the threads on rail 34 to cause relative translation. Alternatively, the rail 34b could be notched as shown in FIG. 6 to facilitate controlled translation by the motor 35 in the carriage 32 (FIGS. 1-3). A variation of this invention includes advance image reconstruction methods, such as statistical image reconstruction methods (Penalized Weighted Least Squares, Maximum Likelihood, etc.) that would allow lower dosages to be used while still providing images of acceptable quality. Further, since one is interested only in the spine and not in the surrounding organs, one can collimate the X-ray source in such a way that only the spine (and a minimum of the surrounding area) is imaged. While this would generate ‘truncated’ data that would lead to some artifacts in the images the images would still be of sufficient quality for spine imaging. This is particularly true because the spine is such high contrast object relative to the background that the artifacts are not going to affect it as much as they would while trying to image softer tissue. By using the above ideas to reduce the dosage of the scans, the scanner can be used to obtain the scans of the patient in several different positions (standing, bending over, etc . . . ) to really assess the dynamics of the spine/extremity and improve the diagnosis. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and jurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are considered to represent a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally to CT scanners and more particularly to a CT scanner that is particularly useful for scanning the spine and extremities, such as knees, and ankles, especially while the patient is in an upright position. Conventional CT scanners require the patient to be horizontal. The scan cannot be obtained while the patient is in a standing position. As a result, for a patient who only experiences back (or hip or knee etc) pain while standing, the doctor cannot analyze the actual conditions under which the patient is experiencing pain (or other symptoms). | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A CT scanner according to the present invention is particularly useful for scanning the spine and extremities, such as knees, and ankles, especially while the patient is in an upright position. The CT scanner generally includes a source and detector that are rotatable about a generally upright axis. The source and detector are also moved along the upright axis during rotation to perform a helical scan. The source and detector are mounted to an inner ring, which is rotatably mounted within an outer ring. The outer ring is fixedly mounted to a carriage that is movable along an upright rail. In operation, the patient stands within the inner ring. The inner ring, outer ring and carriage move along the upright rail, while the inner ring rotates within the outer ring. In this manner, the source and detector are moved along helical paths to perform a helical scan. Thus, the CT scan can be performed on a standing patient. The rail may be reconfigurable, e.g. bent to a curve or such that one portion of the rail is not parallel to another portion of the rail. The carriage follows the rail and performs a CT scan along that path. In this manner, the patient may be scanned in a bent position, which maybe the position that causes discomfort or problems. | 20040809 | 20070529 | 20050310 | 58120.0 | 1 | ARTMAN, THOMAS R | STAND-UP CT SCANNER | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,914,715 | ACCEPTED | Systems and methods for making margin-sensitive price adjustments in an integrated price management system | The present invention presents systems and methods generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system including: a) selecting products in selected product sets; b) providing pricing data corresponding to the products in selected product sets; c) providing guidance elements for products in selected product sets wherein guidance elements are margin sensitive; d) calculating guidance prices for products based upon guidance elements; e) selecting one of either pricing data or guidance prices; and f) generating a quotation based upon selections made such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into quotations. In some example embodiments, the present invention further includes providing predetermined suggestions for modifying the quotation. | 1. A method of generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system comprising: a) selecting at least one product in a selected product set; b) providing pricing data corresponding to the at least one product in the selected product set; c) providing at least one guidance element for the at least one product in the selected product set wherein the at least one guidance element is margin sensitive; d) calculating a guidance price for the at least one product based upon the at least one guidance element; e) selecting one of either the pricing data or the guidance price; and f) generating a quotation based upon the selection made at e) such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into the quotation. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the product set corresponds to a single shop keeping unit (SKU) that uniquely represents a product in a catalog of products. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the guidance element is selected from any of the following business priorities: business cycle guidance; richness guidance; or deal size guidance. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the guidance element is further weighted relative to selected business priorities. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the guidance element is further delimited by at least one threshold value. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the guidance element is user defined. 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing predetermined suggestions for modifying the quotation. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the suggestions are either upsell suggestions or bundled suggestions. 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the suggestions are configured such that the suggestions are enforced in the quotation. 10. The method of claim 7 wherein the suggestions may be overridden by user input. 11. A computer program product for use in conjunction with a computer system for generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism embedded therein, the computer program product comprising: a) instructions for selecting at least one product in a selected product set; b) instructions for providing pricing data corresponding to the at least one product in the selected product set; c) instructions for providing at least one guidance element for the at least one product in the selected product set wherein the at least one guidance element is margin sensitive; d) instructions for calculating a guidance price for the at least one product based upon the at least one guidance element; e) instructions for selecting one of either the pricing data or the guidance price; and f) instructions for generating a quotation based upon the selection made at e) such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into the quotation. 12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the product set corresponds to a single shop keeping unit (SKU) that uniquely represents a product in a catalog of products. 13. The computer program product of claim 111 wherein the guidance element is selected from any of the following business priorities: business cycle guidance; richness guidance; or deal size guidance. 14. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the guidance element is further weighted relative to selected business priorities. 15. The computer program product of claim 14 wherein the guidance element is further delimited by at least one threshold value. 16. The computer program product of claim 111 wherein the guidance element is user defined. 17. The computer program product of claim 111 further comprising providing predetermined suggestions for modifying the quotation. 18. The computer program product of claim 17 wherein the suggestions are either upsell suggestions or bundled suggestions. 19. The computer program product of claim 17 wherein the suggestions are configured such that the suggestions are enforced in the quotation. 20. The computer program product of claim 17 wherein the suggestions may be overridden by user input. 21. A system of generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system comprising: a) a selection of at least one product in a selected product set; b) pricing data corresponding to the at least one product in the selected product set; c) at least one guidance element for the at least one product in the selected product set wherein the at least one guidance element is margin sensitive; d) a calculated guidance price for the at least one product based upon the at least one guidance element; e) a selection one of either the pricing data or the guidance price; and f) a quotation based upon the selection made at e) such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into the quotation. | RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on ______ by ______ entitled “SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PRICING PRODUCTS”. The content of that application is incorporated herein by reference. Application Ser. No. ______ to ______ is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Apr. 12, 2002 by ______, entitled “RULE-BASED SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING PRICE ADJUSTMENTS IN A PRODUCT CATALOG,” attorney docket number 10953-006-999. The content of that application is incorporated herein by reference. Application Ser. No. ______ to ______ is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Apr. 12, 2002 by ______, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROUPING PRODUCTS IN A CATALOG,” attorney docket number 10953-005-999. The content of that application is incorporated herein by reference. This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on ______ by LEHRMAN, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MARGIN-SENSITIVE PRICE ADUSTMENTS IN AN INTEGRATED PRICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM”. The content of that application is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND At least two goals of creating pricing models are to analyze price behavior and to apply that analysis to real time transactions in order to preserve what are increasingly becoming narrower profit margins in complex transactions. Systems like, for example, SAP™, attempt to manage and control business processes using objective data in order to gain enterprise efficiencies. By manipulating objective data, these systems offer consistent metrics upon which businesses may make informed decisions and policies regarding the viability and direction of their products and services. However, in many cases, the decisions and policies may be difficult to procure as a result of the volume and organization of relevant data and may be difficult to implement as both temporal restraints and approval processes may inhibit rapid deployment of valuable information. For example, referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a simplified graphical representation of an enterprise pricing environment. Several example databases (104-120) are illustrated to represent the various sources of working data. These might include, for example, Trade Promotion Management (TPM) 104, Accounts Receivable (AR) 108, Price Master (PM) 112, Inventory 116, and Sales Forecasts 120. The data in those repositories may be utilized on an ad hoc basis by Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 124, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 128 entities to produce and post sales transactions. The various connections 148 established between the repositories and the entities may supply information such as price lists as well as gather information such as invoices, rebates, freight, and cost information. The wealth of information contained in the various databases (104-120) however, is not “readable” by executive management teams due in part to accessibility and in part to volume. That is, even though data in the various repositories may be related through a Relational Database Management System (RDMS), the task of gathering data from disparate sources can be complex or impossible depending on the organization and integration of legacy systems upon which these systems may be created. In one instance, all of the various sources may be linked to a Data Warehouse 132 by various connections 144. Typically, data from the various sources may be aggregated to reduce it to a manageable or human comprehensible size. Thus, price lists may contain average prices over some selected temporal interval. In this manner, data may be reduced. However, with data reduction, individual transactions may be lost. Thus, CRM 124 and ERP 128 connections to an aggregated data source may not be viable. Analysts 136, on the other hand, may benefit from aggregated data from a data warehouse. Thus, an analyst 136 may compare average pricing across several regions within a desired temporal interval to develop, for example, future trends in pricing across many product lines. An analyst 136 may then generate a report for an executive committee 140 containing the findings. An executive committee 140 may then, in turn, develop policies that drive pricing guidance and product configuration suggestions based on the analysis returned from an analyst 136. Those policies may then be returned to CRM 124 and ERP 128 entities to guide pricing activities via some communication channel 152 as determined by a particular enterprise. As can be appreciated, a number of complexities may adversely affect this type of management process. First, temporal setbacks exist at every step of the process. For example, a CRM 124 may make a sale. That sale may be entered into a sales database 120, and INV database 116, and an AR database 108. The entry of that data may be automatic where sales occur at a network computer terminal, or may be entered in a weekly batch process thus introducing a temporal setback. Another example of a temporal setback is time-lag introduced by batch processing data stored to a data warehouse resulting in weeks-old data that may not be timely for real-time decision support. Still other temporal setbacks may occur at any or all of the transactions illustrated in FIG. 1 that may ultimately render results untimely at best and irrelevant at worst. Thus, the relevance of an analyst's 136 original forecasts may expire by the time the forecasts reach the intended users. Still further, the usefulness of any pricing guidance and product configuration suggestions developed by an executive committee 140 may also have long since expired leaving a company exposed to lost margins. As such, methods of displaying and using predictive structured data, integrating that data into coherent and relevant business policies such as pricing guidance and product configuration suggestions, and deploying those policies in a timely and efficient manner may be desirable to achieve price modeling efficiency and accuracy. In view of the foregoing, Systems and Methods for Margin-Sensitive Price Adjustments in an Integrated Price Management System are disclosed. SUMMARY The present invention presents systems and methods generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system including: a) selecting products in selected product sets; b) providing pricing data corresponding to the products in selected product sets; c) providing guidance elements for products in selected product sets wherein guidance elements are margin sensitive; d) calculating guidance prices for products based upon guidance elements; e) selecting one of either pricing data or guidance prices; and f) generating a quotation based upon selections made such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into quotations. In some example embodiments, the present invention further includes providing predetermined suggestions for modifying the quotation. In other embodiments, a computer program product for use in conjunction with a computer system for generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism embedded therein, the computer program product including: a) instructions for selecting products in selected product sets; b) instructions for providing pricing data corresponding to the products in selected product sets; c) instructions for providing guidance elements for products in selected product sets wherein guidance elements are margin sensitive; d) instructions for calculating guidance prices for products based upon guidance elements; e) instructions for selecting one of either pricing data or guidance prices; and f) instructions for generating a quotation based upon selections made such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into quotations. In some example embodiments, the present invention further includes providing predetermined suggestions for modifying the quotation are presented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a simplified graphical representation of an enterprise level pricing environment; FIG. 2 is a simplified graphical representation of a price modeling environment where an embodiment of the present invention may be utilized; FIG. 3 is a client side flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention for generating a quotation; FIG. 4 is further illustrative of a step 302 (i.e. Generate Vendor Proposal) of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying guidance; FIG. 6 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying configuration suggestion; FIG. 7 illustrates an example vendor proposal in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is further illustrative of a step 318 (i.e. Generate Approved Proposal) of FIG. 3; FIG. 9 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying forecast data; FIG. 10 is an illustrative example of backside guidance hierarchy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a back-side example embodiment of configuring an upsell configuration suggestion; and FIG. 12 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying a bundle suggestion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION As pertains to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a simplified graphical representation of a price modeling environment where an embodiment of the present invention may be utilized. A historical database 204, under the present invention may contain any of a number of records. In one embodiment of the present invention, a historical database may include sales transactions. In other embodiments of the present invention, a historical database may include waterfall records. An analysis of a historical data may then be used to generate a transaction and policy database 208. For example, analysis of a selected group of transactions residing in a historical database may generate a policy that requires or suggests a rebate for any sale in a given region. In this example, some kind of logical conclusion or best guess forecast may determine that a rebate in a given region tends to stimulate more and better sales. A generated policy may thus be guided by historical sales transactions over a desired metric—in this case, sales by region. A policy may then be used to generate logic that will then generate a transaction item. In this manner, a price list of one or many items reflecting a calculated rebate may be automatically conformed to a given policy and stored for use by a sales force, for example. In this example, a rebate may be considered as providing guidance to a sales force. Other guidance factors may be implemented and will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 5. Furthermore, historical data may be used to generate configuration suggestions. Configuration suggestions will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 6. In some embodiments, policies are derived strictly from historical data. In other embodiments, policies may be generated ad hoc in order to test effects on pricing based hypothetical scenarios. In still other examples, executive committee(s) 220, who implements policies, may manually enter any number of policies relevant to a going concern. For example, an executive committee(s) 220 may incorporate forecast data from external sources 224 or from historical data stored in a historical database in one embodiment. Forecast data may comprise, in some examples, forward looking price estimations for a product or product set, which may be stored in a transaction and policy database. Forecast data may be used to generate sales policies such as guidance and suggestion as noted above. Still further, forecast data may be utilized by management teams to analyze a given deal to determine whether a margin corresponding to a deal may be preserved over a given period of time. In this manner, an objective measure for deal approval may be implemented. Thus forecast data, in some examples, may be used either to generate sales policy, to guide deal analysis, or both. Thus, in this manner, policies may be both generated and incorporated into the system. After transactions are generated based on policies, a transactional portion of the database may be used to generate sales quotes by a sales force 216 in SAP 212, for example. SAP 212 may then generate a sales invoice which may then, in turn, be used to further populate a historical database 204. In some embodiments, sales invoices may be constrained to sales quotes generated by a transaction and policy database. That is, as an example, a sales quote formulated by a sales force 216 may require one or several levels of approval based on variance (or some other criteria) from policies (e.g. guidance and suggestion) stored in a transaction and policy database 208. In other embodiments, sales invoices are not constrained to sales quotes generated by a transaction and policy database. Client-Side Operations FIG. 3 illustrates an example method utilizing the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3 is a client side flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention for generating a quotation. Thus, for example, at a step 302, a vendor proposal may be generated. A vendor proposal represents an initial step in a negotiation process that may encompass many transactions. A sample vendor proposal is illustrated in FIG. 7 and will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 7. A vendor proposal generally may contain enough relevant information for the proposal to be properly evaluated by a prospective buyer. Relevant information may include without limitation, account name, user name, general terms, shipping terms, bid type, bid date, pricing, product descriptions, and other generally known terms well known in the art. If a proposal is not accepted at a step 306, then a vendor may continue to generate vendor proposals at a step 302 until an accord is reached or until negotiation is terminated. If a vendor proposal is accepted at a step 306, the method evaluates whether approval is necessary at a step 310. That is, for at least some vendor proposals, an approval process may be necessary depending on the terms of a deal both at a product level and at a product set level for a given time period. If it is determined that approval is not necessary, then the method generates a quote at a step 326 based upon a vendor proposal accepted at a step 306 whereupon the method ends. If approval is determined to be necessary at a step 310, the method determines whether a vendor proposal is approved at a step 314. Approval may be made at any of a number of administrative levels depending on the organizational structure of the business. Approval will be discussed in further detail for FIG. 8 below. If a vendor proposal is approved, the method generates a quote at a step 326 based upon an approved vendor proposal generated at a step 306, whereupon the method ends. If a vendor proposal is not approved, an approved proposal may be generated at a step 318. As with a vendor proposal, an approved proposal may be accepted by a buyer at a step 322. If an approved proposal is accepted at a step 322, the method generates a quote at a step 326 based upon the approved proposal accepted at a step 322 whereupon the method ends. If an approved proposal is not accepted at a step 322, the method may continue to generate a vendor proposal at a step 302 whereupon the method continues until a quote is generated or negotiations are terminated. Step 302—Generate Vendor Proposal FIG. 4 is a client side flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention of generating a vendor proposal. In particular, FIG. 4 is further illustrative of a step 302 (i.e. Generate Vendor Proposal) of FIG. 3. An account proposal may be opened at a step 404. Product configuration information may be entered at a step 408 in accordance with buyer choices. As configuration information is entered, pricing models may be applied to a proposal. In particular, at a step 412, pricing guidance and configuration suggestion may be utilized to compare or adjust pricing. Turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is an example user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 5 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying guidance. A list price may be entered in section 504. A list price may be manually entered by a user or may be automatically entered corresponding to a given configuration and shop keeping unit (SKU) number. Guidance is displayed section 508. In displayed section 508, guidance may be displayed either as a dollar amount or as a percent of total or both. In this example, guidance is automatically generated from a series of back-side decisions that will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 10. A guidance price may then be calculated and displayed in section 512. In order to flexibly meet user needs, an actual selling price may be overridden as displayed in section 516. A user may have options of using the calculated guidance price 524; an override price 528; an override discount 532; or an override margin 540. An override selling price may be displayed when an override is selected. In this example, an override discount 532 has been selected and an override selling price has been calculated and displayed in accordance with that selection. Each of the override fields (528-536) may also contain, for example, an approval field 540. An approval field indicates whether an override parameter may be flagged for approval (see Step 310, FIG. 3). In this example, an approval flag is displayed for an override margin 540. In one example, a user may enter a value into any of the three override fields namely override price, override discount, or override margin. Upon entering a value into any of those fields, the remaining fields may be calculated and displayed. If a margin rule has been violated by the field values (which are different representations of the same value), then a flag may be displayed triggering an approval. Thus, in the example illustrated, an override margin 540 has violated a margin rule triggering a requirement that a quote must be approved before it may be presented to a buyer. FIG. 6 is an example user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying configuration suggestion. A list of configuration suggestions 604 for a selected configuration may be displayed to further enhance proposal generations processes. Each line item of suggestions 604 may correspond to a different configuration described by several descriptors including, but not limited to: a source description 608 that describes a selected configured product; an upsell SKU 612 assigned to a product; an upsell description 616 that describes a product assigned to an upsell SKU; a list price 620 that is the list price of the upsell product; a margin 624 that indicates a margin available for a product; an optional message 628 that gives the user any optional details; an add to configuration checkbox 632 that indicates whether a given product has or will be added to a configuration; an add as option checkbox 636 that indicates whether a given product will be added to an individual line item as an option; and a group field 640 indicating to which group (e.g., a product group) a new line item may be added. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art any number of configuration suggestions may be displayed in a resized window depending on user selections. In the described embodiment, an upsell suggestion is illustrated. In other examples, a bundled suggestion may be displayed. In bundled suggestions, additional products may be available as a part of a bundled product for a given configuration. In this manner, sales staff may be easily and efficiently informed with respect to various options offered by a retailer. Other types of configuration suggestions that may be utilized under the present invention may include without limitation downsell related suggestions, collateral or in kind related suggestions, client related suggestions, demographic related suggestions, or regional related suggestions. Returning to FIG. 4, after pricing has been compared or adjusted to pricing guidance and configuration suggestion, pricing may be selected at a next step 416 whereupon a vendor proposal may be generated at a step 420. An example embodiment of a vendor proposal as contemplated by the present invention is illustrated at FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an example user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates an example vendor proposal in an embodiment of the present invention. A vendor proposal contains sufficient information to enable a user to generate a quotation. Various data sections are included in the present example including, but not limited to: account data 704; proposal indicia data 712; configuration data 716; and margin data 720. In addition, navigation buttons 708 may be utilized to assist a user in accessing relevant information. Account data 704 may contain any number of fields well known in the art to allow sufficient identification of a potential client along with any relevant terms in association with a potential client. Proposal indicia data 712 contains any number of fields well known in the art necessary for internal auditing of a proposal. Configuration data 716 contains any number of fields well known in the art necessary to sufficiently indicate a selected configuration. Configuration data 716 may also contain prospective data where a proposal spans one or more months, quarters, or years. Step 318—Generate Approved Proposal FIG. 8 is a client-side flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention of generating an approved proposal. In particular, FIG. 8 is further illustrative of a step 318 (i.e. Generate Approved Proposal) of FIG. 3. As noted above, a parameter may be flagged for approval. Flagging may be configured to respond in any number of ways including, but not limited to, a value or a Boolean expression. For example, a flag may occur if a selected parameter falls outside of a desired range of values. A margin, in one example, may be input by a user that falls outside of a specified range of values established by management. That margin may then be flagged to be further examined by supervisory staff. In another example, a flag may occur if a selected parameter is indicated by a Boolean expression. For example, it may occur that a certain geographic area may not be sold certain configurations according to a current licensing agreement. In this manner, sales for a selected geographic are may be triggered by a simple Boolean expression as is well known in the art. Thus, in a step 804, a flagged proposal may be received. All flagged parameters may then be inspected at a step 808. That is, an entire proposal history may be examined to determine the nature and type of proposal parameters have been entered. In inspecting flagged proposal items at a step 808, a user may compare and subsequently adjust pricing using guidance, suggestion, and forecasting at a step 812. Guidance and suggestion have been discussed at length above for FIGS. 5-6. As discussed above, pricing guidance and configuration suggestions readily displays relevant proposal information and may assist a user to determine a proposal that may protect sales margins. Forecasting is discussed in further detail below for FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an example user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 9 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying forecast data. As noted above, forecast data may comprise, in some examples, forward looking price estimations for a product or product set, which may be stored in a transaction and policy database. Forecast data may be used to generate sales policies such as guidance and suggestion as noted above. Still further, forecast data may be utilized by management teams to analyze a given deal to determine whether a margin corresponding to a deal may be preserved over a given period of time. In this manner, an objective measure for deal approval may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 9, a number of components may be listed 904 according to any listing criteria including, but not limited to: SKU number, alphanumeric order, component hierarchy, price, quantity, or any other indicator. A forecast portion 900 of a user interface may be displayed as shown. Further, forecast data may be displayed using colors. In this example, an upward change in a forecast cost 908 may be displayed using a first color (e.g., red). In other words, the next value for a given time interval may be colored to indicated the direction of the forecast cost (i.e. upward, stable, and downward). In likewise manner, a stable forecast cost 912 may be displayed using a second color and a downward change in a forecast cost 916 may be displayed using a third color. In this manner a user may readily and visually ascertain any trends in pricing over a given period of time. In some embodiments, one or more months may be displayed. In still other embodiments, only prospective data is displayed. As can be appreciated, by displaying forecast data in graphic fashion, margins may be examined over longer periods of time. By examining forecast data in this manner, concessions in pricing may be made at the time of proposal generation that may not appear to preserve sales margins, but will, in fact, result in a quality deal over time. In the past, this kind of information was not readily available in a price adjustment system as noted above. Further, although the embodiment described displays forecast data only to supervisory staff, forecast data may be further displayed to general sales users under the present invention as contemplated. Returning to FIG. 8, after pricing has been compared or adjusted to pricing guidance, configuration suggestion, and forecast data, pricing may be selected at a next step 816 whereupon an approved proposal may be generated at a step 820. An example embodiment of an approved proposal as contemplated by the present invention is illustrated at FIG. 7 and is discussed in further detail above. Back-Side Operations: Pricing Guidance and Configuration Suggestion The utility of any pricing system is at least partially dependent on the rationale of the underlying logic. As can be appreciated, a logical schema must be flexibly implemented in order to achieve broad efficiencies. Pricing guidance and configuration suggestion examples for users has been described above. Underlying logic for pricing guidance and configuration suggestion is now described. FIG. 10 is an illustrative example of backside guidance hierarchy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, RAD guidance 1002 may describe guidance impact to an account in terms of business stage development by line of business (LOB). For example, businesses may typically be categorized in various states of development by LOB including acquisition 1004 development 1006, retention 1008, and unknown 1010. By LOB refers to the concept that a client may be in one stage of development for one category of products (e.g., laptops) and in another stage of development for a different product line (e.g., servers). An adjustment may be made for each of the relationships depending on business objectives of a company. For example, the following adjustments may be made for a given account group along a given product line: acquisition adjustment −60%; development adjustment −40%; retention adjustment=10%; and unknown adjustment 10%. In this example, adjustments to pricing may be established to reflect a given business objective. That is, acquiring business and new business may be encouraged to buy where pricing is offered at a deep discount (60% and 40% respectively) while retained business and unknown business may be maintained at a lower discount (10% and 10% respectively). Adjustments may be made upward or downward without limitation depending on business objectives. These adjustments may then form the basis for pricing guidance as described in FIG. 5 above. Richness guidance 1012 represents another top level guidance element. Richness guidance 1012 describes guidance impact to an account in terms of configuration richness. That is, a configuration that is rich generally may have more features or may feature more current technology. For example, a rich computer system may contain a current chip set along with extended memory, a large display, large disk capacity, and high video capability while a thin computer system may contain an older, more limited chip set, more limited memory, a small display, small disk capacity, and low video capability. In one embodiment, richness may be subdivided into rich 1014, mainstream 1016, and thin 1018. As noted above, an adjustment may be made for each of the relationships depending on business objectives of a company. Further, as noted above, adjustments may be made upward or downward without limitation depending on the business objectives. Deal size guidance 1020 represents another example top level guidance element. Deal size guidance 1020 describes guidance impact to an account in terms of the size of a particular deal. Deal size may generally be related to a dollar value and may be adjusted by magnitude without limitation depending on a particular buyer. In one embodiment, deal size may be subdivided into small 1022, medium 1024, and large 1026. In one example each subdivision represents a range of values. In other examples each subdivision is marked by a threshold amount. As noted above, an adjustment may be made for each of the relationships depending on business objectives of a company. Further, as noted above, adjustments may be made upward or downward without limitation depending on the business objectives. Guidance element weight 1028 specifies the relative importance of previously described elements RAD guidance 1002, richness guidance 1012, and deal size guidance 1020 when calculating an overall guidance pricing structure. In one embodiment, LOB RAD 1030 corresponds to RAD guidance 1002; richness 1032 corresponds to richness guidance 1012; and deal size 1034 corresponds to deal size guidance 1020. Other guidance elements and corresponding weighting elements are contemplated under the present invention. In one example, weighting is accomplished by entering a percentage of weight for each weight element. Thus, for example, LOB RAD 1030 may be weighted at 30%; richness 1032 at 45%; and deal size 1034 at 25%. In this example, richness will influence overall guidance with LOB RAD and deal size following. As noted above, an adjustment may be made for each of the relationships without limitation depending on business objectives of a company. Product richness 1036 specifies price threshold above and below which a product should be considered ‘rich’ or ‘thin’ as discussed for richness guidance element 1012. In one embodiment a thin threshold value comprises a threshold value below which a product may be considered thin. Typically, the value is a dollar amount corresponding to a product or product set. In like manner, in another example, a rich threshold value comprises a threshold value above which a product may be considered rich. Typically, the value is a dollar amount corresponding to a product or product set. Where the ranges corresponding to a thin threshold value and a rich threshold value are non-overlapping, the difference between values comprises a range of values corresponding to a mainstream richness designation. Where the ranges corresponding to a thin threshold value and a rich threshold value overlap, an error message may be generated. In this manner product richness may be quantified. FIG. 11 is an example user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 11 is a back-side example embodiment of configuring an upsell configuration suggestion. Upsell specifies promotional product up-sell relationships. That is, for a selected product, product set, groups of product sets, or services, corresponding products, product sets, groups of product sets, or services may be configured as upsell suggestions for proposals. For example, a configuration having a four-cell battery may be configured to suggest an eight-cell battery having an increased capacity. One advantage presented by the present invention is that promotional products may be readily and efficiently accessed by sales staff. Another advantage for upselling a product is that margins may be increased. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 a number of fields are displayed (1104-1116) for use in configuring upsell suggestions. A number of qualifying fields are illustrated at section 1104. In this example, suggestions may be qualified by an account group, an industry, or a product group. Typically, suggestions are implemented in a hierarchical architecture; however, in some embodiments a hierarchical architecture need not be utilized. In some embodiments a look up table may be utilized in order to efficiently and accurately make selections. A driver SKU 1106 corresponds to a targeted product, product set, product group, or service. In some embodiments, driver SKUs may be accessed via a look up table. A description 1108 describes, in plain language for example, a product, product set, product group or service corresponding to a selected driver SKU. In the example shown, two driver SKUs and corresponding descriptions are illustrated. However, one or many driver SKUs and corresponding descriptions are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. An upsell SKU 1110 is a selected product SKU associated with a driver SKU 1106. An upsell SKU 1110 may be selected from a lookup table corresponding to associated driver SKUs. In this manner configuration compatibility may be assured since only a list of available and compatible products may be available. As with a driver SKU 1106, an upsell SKU 1110 has a corresponding description 1112. A description 1112 describes, in plain language for example, a product, product set, product group or service corresponding to a selected upsell SKU. In some embodiments a suggested discount 1113 may be entered. A discount for a given upsell product or service may help to further promote selected products or services. A date range represented by start and end dates 1114 may be selected in order to confine a configured suggestion to a desired time frame. Further, a suggestion may be configured to be forced or optional via a force selection box 1116. In an example of a forced suggestion, the effect to a user would be that replacing a driver product with an upsell product would be automatically displayed; however, a user selection would not be mandatory. When force selection box 1116 is not selected, suggestions may not be displayed. Results from suggestion configurations input may then be displayed graphically in section 1118. Any number of configurations may be viewed and sorted in accordance with user preferences. FIG. 12 is an example user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 12 is a client-side example embodiment of displaying a bundle suggestion. Bundle specifies promotional product bundling relationships. That is, for a selected product, product set, groups of product sets, or services, corresponding products, product sets, groups of product sets, or services may be configured as bundled suggestions for proposals. For example, a configuration having a four-cell battery may be configured to suggest an additional eight-cell battery having an increased capacity. One advantage presented by the present invention is that promotional products may be readily and efficiently accessed by sales staff. Another advantage for bundling a product is that margins may be increased. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 a number of fields are displayed (1204-1218) for use in configuring bundling suggestions. A number of qualifying fields are illustrated at section 1204. In this example, products may be qualified by an account group, an industry, or a product group. Typically, suggestions are implemented in a hierarchical architecture; however, in some embodiments a hierarchical architecture need not be utilized. In some embodiments a look up table may be utilized in order to efficiently and accurately make selections. A driver SKU 1206 corresponds to a targeted product, product set, product group, or service. In some embodiments, driver SKUs may be accessed via a look up table. A description 1208 describes, in plain language for example, a product, product set, product group or service corresponding to a selected driver SKU. In the example shown, two driver SKUs and corresponding descriptions are illustrated. However, one or many driver SKUs and corresponding descriptions are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. A bundled SKU 1210 is a selected product SKU associated with a driver SKU 1206. A bundled SKU 1210 may be selected from a lookup table corresponding to associated driver SKUs. In this manner configuration compatibility may be assured since only a list of available and compatible products may be available. As with a driver SKU 1206, a bundled SKU 1210 has a corresponding description 1212. A description 1212 describes, in plain language for example, a product, product set, product group or service corresponding to a selected bundled SKU. In some embodiments a suggested discount 1213 may be entered. A discount for a given bundled product or service may help to further promote selected products or services. A date range represented by start and end dates 1214 may be selected in order to confine a configured suggestion to a desired time frame. Further a suggestion may be configured to be forced or optional via a force selection box 1216. In an example of a forced suggestion, the effect to a user would be that selling a driver product with a bundled product would be automatically displayed; however, a user selection would not be mandatory. When force selection box 1216 is not selected, suggestions may not be displayed. A message box 1218 may be further configured to display a message when a bundled suggestion is presented. Results from suggestion configurations input may then be displayed graphically in section 1220. Any number of configurations may be viewed and sorted in accordance with user preferences. As can be appreciated, the examples described herein detail guidance pricing, configuration suggestion, and forecasting in embodiments of the present invention. Other methods and uses that may be used in combination with guidance pricing, configuration suggestions, and forecasting are contemplated by the present invention. While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, modifications and various substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and systems of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, modifications, and various substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the use of subtitles in this application is for clarity only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>At least two goals of creating pricing models are to analyze price behavior and to apply that analysis to real time transactions in order to preserve what are increasingly becoming narrower profit margins in complex transactions. Systems like, for example, SAP™, attempt to manage and control business processes using objective data in order to gain enterprise efficiencies. By manipulating objective data, these systems offer consistent metrics upon which businesses may make informed decisions and policies regarding the viability and direction of their products and services. However, in many cases, the decisions and policies may be difficult to procure as a result of the volume and organization of relevant data and may be difficult to implement as both temporal restraints and approval processes may inhibit rapid deployment of valuable information. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 is a simplified graphical representation of an enterprise pricing environment. Several example databases ( 104 - 120 ) are illustrated to represent the various sources of working data. These might include, for example, Trade Promotion Management (TPM) 104 , Accounts Receivable (AR) 108 , Price Master (PM) 112 , Inventory 116 , and Sales Forecasts 120 . The data in those repositories may be utilized on an ad hoc basis by Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 124 , and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 128 entities to produce and post sales transactions. The various connections 148 established between the repositories and the entities may supply information such as price lists as well as gather information such as invoices, rebates, freight, and cost information. The wealth of information contained in the various databases ( 104 - 120 ) however, is not “readable” by executive management teams due in part to accessibility and in part to volume. That is, even though data in the various repositories may be related through a Relational Database Management System (RDMS), the task of gathering data from disparate sources can be complex or impossible depending on the organization and integration of legacy systems upon which these systems may be created. In one instance, all of the various sources may be linked to a Data Warehouse 132 by various connections 144 . Typically, data from the various sources may be aggregated to reduce it to a manageable or human comprehensible size. Thus, price lists may contain average prices over some selected temporal interval. In this manner, data may be reduced. However, with data reduction, individual transactions may be lost. Thus, CRM 124 and ERP 128 connections to an aggregated data source may not be viable. Analysts 136 , on the other hand, may benefit from aggregated data from a data warehouse. Thus, an analyst 136 may compare average pricing across several regions within a desired temporal interval to develop, for example, future trends in pricing across many product lines. An analyst 136 may then generate a report for an executive committee 140 containing the findings. An executive committee 140 may then, in turn, develop policies that drive pricing guidance and product configuration suggestions based on the analysis returned from an analyst 136 . Those policies may then be returned to CRM 124 and ERP 128 entities to guide pricing activities via some communication channel 152 as determined by a particular enterprise. As can be appreciated, a number of complexities may adversely affect this type of management process. First, temporal setbacks exist at every step of the process. For example, a CRM 124 may make a sale. That sale may be entered into a sales database 120 , and INV database 116 , and an AR database 108 . The entry of that data may be automatic where sales occur at a network computer terminal, or may be entered in a weekly batch process thus introducing a temporal setback. Another example of a temporal setback is time-lag introduced by batch processing data stored to a data warehouse resulting in weeks-old data that may not be timely for real-time decision support. Still other temporal setbacks may occur at any or all of the transactions illustrated in FIG. 1 that may ultimately render results untimely at best and irrelevant at worst. Thus, the relevance of an analyst's 136 original forecasts may expire by the time the forecasts reach the intended users. Still further, the usefulness of any pricing guidance and product configuration suggestions developed by an executive committee 140 may also have long since expired leaving a company exposed to lost margins. As such, methods of displaying and using predictive structured data, integrating that data into coherent and relevant business policies such as pricing guidance and product configuration suggestions, and deploying those policies in a timely and efficient manner may be desirable to achieve price modeling efficiency and accuracy. In view of the foregoing, Systems and Methods for Margin-Sensitive Price Adjustments in an Integrated Price Management System are disclosed. | <SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention presents systems and methods generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system including: a) selecting products in selected product sets; b) providing pricing data corresponding to the products in selected product sets; c) providing guidance elements for products in selected product sets wherein guidance elements are margin sensitive; d) calculating guidance prices for products based upon guidance elements; e) selecting one of either pricing data or guidance prices; and f) generating a quotation based upon selections made such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into quotations. In some example embodiments, the present invention further includes providing predetermined suggestions for modifying the quotation. In other embodiments, a computer program product for use in conjunction with a computer system for generating margin sensitive pricing quotation in an integrated price adjustment system, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism embedded therein, the computer program product including: a) instructions for selecting products in selected product sets; b) instructions for providing pricing data corresponding to the products in selected product sets; c) instructions for providing guidance elements for products in selected product sets wherein guidance elements are margin sensitive; d) instructions for calculating guidance prices for products based upon guidance elements; e) instructions for selecting one of either pricing data or guidance prices; and f) instructions for generating a quotation based upon selections made such that margin sensitive pricing adjustments are incorporated into quotations. In some example embodiments, the present invention further includes providing predetermined suggestions for modifying the quotation are presented. | 20040809 | 20110322 | 20060209 | 68698.0 | G06F1700 | 1 | NELSON, FREDA ANN | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING MARGIN-SENSITIVE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS IN AN INTEGRATED PRICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | G06F | 2,004 |
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10,914,823 | ACCEPTED | Structure of air-packing device | An air-packing device has an improved shock absorbing capability to protect a product in a container box. The air-packing device is configured by first and second plastic films which are bonded at predetermined portions thereby creating a plurality of air containers, each of the air containers having a plurality of series connected air cells; a plurality of check valves established at inputs of the corresponding air containers for allowing compressed air to flow only in a forward direction; and an air input commonly connected to the plurality of check valves. Through a post heat-seal treatment predetermined edge portions are bonded, thereby creating an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening for loading the product therethrough. | 1. An air-packing device inflatable by compressed air for protecting a product therein, comprising: first and second thermoplastic films superposed with each other where predetermined portions of the first and second thermoplastic films are bonded, thereby creating a plurality of air containers, each of the air containers having a plurality of series connected air cells; a plurality of check valves established at inputs of the corresponding air containers between the first and second thermoplastic films for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction, the check valve being attached to only one of the first and second thermoplastic films; an air input commonly connected to the plurality of check valves to supply the compressed air to all of the series connected air cells through the check valves; and wherein, through a post heat-seal treatment, predetermined edge portions of the air-packing device are bonded with one another after being folded, thereby creating an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening for loading the product therethrough. 2. An air-packing device as defined in claim 1, wherein an air pipe in the check valve is formed by sealed portions which are fixed to one of the first and second thermoplastic films, wherein the seal portions include: an inlet portion which introduces the air into the check valve; a pair of narrow down portions creating a narrow down passage connected to the inlet portion; an extended portion which diverts the air flows coming through the narrow down passage; and a plurality of outlet portions which introduce the air from the extended portion to the air container. 3. An air-packing device as defined in claim 2, wherein reinforcing seal portions are formed close to the inlet portion to reinforce the bonding between the check valve and one of the first and second thermoplastic films. 4. An air-packing device as defined in claim 1, wherein the check valve is comprised of: a check valve film on which peeling agents of predetermined pattern are printed, said check valve film being attached to one of the first and second thermoplastic films; an air input established by one of the peeling agents on the air-packing device for receiving an air from an air source; an air flow maze portion forming an air passage of a zig-zag shape, said air flow maze portion having an exit at an end thereof for supplying the air from the air passage to a corresponding air container having one or more series connected air cells; and a common air duct portion which provides the air from the air input to the air flow maze portion of a current air container as well as to the air flow maze portion of a next air container having one or more series connected air cells; wherein heat-sealing between the first and second thermoplastic films for separating two adjacent air containers is prevented in a range where said peeling agent is printed. 5. An air-packing device as defined in claim 4, wherein said check valves are formed at any desired position on the air-packing device where the air from the check valve flows in both forward and backward directions in the air container to fill all of the series connected air cells therein. 6. An air-packing device as defined in claim 4, wherein an additional film is provided between the check valve film and one of said first and second thermoplastic films. 7. An air-packing device as defined in claim 4, wherein the check valve film is attached to one of said first and second thermoplastic films at any desired locations of the air-packing device. 8. An air-packing device as defined in claim 4, wherein at least the air passage in said air flow maze portion is closed by air tightly contacting the check valve film with one of said first and second thermoplastic films by the air pressure within the air cell when the air-packing device is filled with the compressed air to a sufficient degree. 9. An air-packing device as defined in claim 6, wherein at least the air passage in said air flow maze portion is closed by air tightly contacting the check valve film with said additional film by the air pressure within the air cell when the air-packing device is filled with the compressed air in a sufficient level. 10. An air-packing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said opening for loading the product is configured by two longitudinal ends which meet to one another after the air-packing device being folded. 11. An air-packing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said opening for loading the product is configured by a predetermined portion of one of side edges of the air-packing device which is prohibited from being heat-sealed in said post heat-seal treatment. 12. An air-packing device as defined in claim 11, wherein a film or paint having high heat resistance is provided at said predetermined portion of one of side edges to prohibit said predetermined portion from being heat-sealed in said post heat-seal treatment. 13. An air-packing device as defined in claim 2, wherein said air input and said plurality of check valves are formed at one end of the air-packing device where the air from the air input is supplied to the series connected air cells in a direction toward another end of the air-packing device through the check valves. 14. An air-packing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said predetermined portions for bonding the first and second thermoplastic films include heat-seal lands each being formed at about a center of the air container to define said air cells, said heat-seal lands are folding points of the air-packing device when the air-packing device is inflated after the post heat-seal process. 15. An air-packing device as defined in claim 14, wherein each of said heat-seal lands creates two air flow passages at both sides thereof in said air container thereby allowing the compressed air to flow to the series connected air cells through the two air passages. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a structure of an air-packing device for use as packing material, and more particularly, to a structure of an air-packing device and check valves incorporated therein for achieving an improved shock absorbing capability to protect a product from a shock or impact occurred in a product distribution process. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a distribution channel such as product shipping, a styroform packing material has been used for a long time for packing commodity and industrial products. Although the styroform package material has a merit such as a good thermal insulation performance and a light weight, it has also various disadvantages: recycling the styroform is not possible, soot is produced when it burns, a flake or chip comes off when it is snagged because of it's brittleness, an expensive mold is needed for its production, and a relatively large warehouse is necessary to store it. Therefore, to solve such problems noted above, other packing materials and methods have been proposed. One method is a fluid container of sealingly containing a liquid or gas such as air (hereafter “air-packing device”). The air-packing device has excellent characteristics to solve the problems involved in the styroform. First, because the air-packing device is made of only thin sheets of plastic films, it does not need a large warehouse to store it unless the air-packing device is inflated. Second, a mold is not necessary for its production because of its simple structure. Third, the air-packing device does not produce a chip or dust which may have adverse effects on precision products. Also, recyclable materials can be used for the films forming the air-packing device. Further, the air-packing device can be produced with low cost and transported with low cost. FIG. 1 shows an example of structure of an air-packing device in the conventional technology The air-packing device 20 includes a plurality of air containers 22 and check valves 24, a guide passage 21 and an air input 25. The air from the air input 25 is supplied to the air containers 22 through the air passage 21 and the check valves 24. The air-packing device 20 is composed of two thermoplastic films which are bonded together at bonding areas 23a. Each air container 22 is provided with a check valve 24. One of the purposes of having multiple air containers with corresponding check valves is to increase the reliability, because each air container is independent from the others. Namely, even if one of the air containers suffers from an air leakage for some reason, the air-packing device can still function as a shock absorber for packing the product because other air containers are intact. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the air-packing device 20 of FIG. 1 when it is not inflated showing bonding areas for closing two thermoplastic films. The thermoplastic films of the air-packing device 20 are bonded (heat-sealed) together at bonding areas 23a which are rectangular periphery thereof to air tightly close the air-packing device. The thermoplastic films of the air-packing device 20 are also bonded together at bonding areas 23b which are boundaries of the air containers 22 to air-tightly separate the air containers 22 from one another. When using the air-packing device, each air container 22 is filled with the air from the inlet port 25 through the guide passage 21 and the check valve 24. After filling the air, the expansion of each air container 22 is maintained because each check-valve 24 prevents the reverse flow of the air. The check valve 24 is typically made of two rectangular thermoplastic valve films which are bonded together to form an air pipe. The air pipe has a tip opening and a valve body to allow the air flowing in the forward direction through the air pipe from the tip opening but the valve body prevents the air flow in the backward direction. Air-packing devices are becoming more and more popular because of the advantages noted above. There is an increasing need to store and carry precision products or articles which are sensitive to shocks and impacts often involved in shipment of the products. There are many other types of product, such as wine bottles, DVD drivers, music instruments, glass or ceramic wares, etc. that need special attention so as not to receive a shock, vibration or other mechanical impact. Thus, there is also a need of air-packing devices that match with the particular shape of the product and can easily pack the products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a structure of an air-packing device for packing a product that can minimize a mechanical shock or vibration to the product by covering the whole product. It is another object of the present invention to provide a structure of a check valve for the air-packing device that can reliably prevent reverse flow of the air in the air containers of the air-packing device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structure of a check valve for the air-packing device that can be attached to any positions of the air-packing device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structure of a check valve for the air-packing device that can enable to inflate the air-packing device with relatively low air pressure. In one aspect of the present invention, the air-packing device for protecting a product therein is comprised of first and second thermoplastic films superposed with each other where predetermined portions of the first and second thermoplastic films are bonded, thereby creating a plurality of air containers, each of the air containers having a plurality of series connected air cells; a plurality of check valves established at inputs of the corresponding air containers between the first and second thermoplastic films for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction, the check valve being attached to only one of the first and second thermoplastic films; an air input commonly connected to the plurality of check valves to supply the compressed air to all of the series connected air cells through the check valves. Through a post heat-seal treatment, predetermined edge portions of the air-packing device are bonded with one another after being folded, thereby creating an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening for loading the product therethrough. The first type of check valve is preferably formed by sealed portions which are fixed to one of the first and second thermoplastic films. The seal portions include: an inlet portion which introduces the air into the check valve; a pair of narrow down portions creating a narrow down passage connected to the inlet portion; an extended portion which diverts the air flows coming through the narrow down passage; and a plurality of outlet portions which introduce the air from the extended portion to the air container. Second type of check valve is preferably comprised of: a check valve film on which peeling agents of predetermined pattern are printed, said check valve film being attached to one of the first and second thermoplastic films; an air input established by one of the peeling agents on the air-packing device for receiving an air from an air source; an air flow maze portion forming an air passage of a zig-zag shape, the air flow maze portion having an exit at an end thereof for supplying the air from the air passage to a corresponding air container having one or more series connected air cells; and a common air duct portion which provides the air from the air input to the air flow maze portion of a current air container as well as to the air flow maze portion of a next air container having one or more series connected air cells. Heat-sealing between the first and second thermoplastic films for separating two adjacent air containers is prevented in a range where the peeling agent is printed. The air input and the first type of check valves are formed at one end of the air-packing device where the air from the air input is supplied to the series connected air cells in a direction toward another end of the air-packing device through the check valves. The second type of the check valves are formed at any desired position on the air-packing device where the air from the check valve flows in both forward and backward directions in the air container to fill all of the series connected air cells therein. The opening for loading the product is configured by two longitudinal ends which meet to one another after the air-packing device being folded. Alternatively, the opening for loading the product is configured by a predetermined portion of one of side edges of the air-packing device which -is prohibited from being heat-sealed in said post heat-seal treatment. A film or paint having high heat resistance is provided at the predetermined portion of one of side edges to prohibit the predetermined portion from being heat-sealed in the post heat-seal treatment, thereby creating the opening for loading the product. According to the present invention, the air-packing device can minimize a mechanical shock or vibration to the product when the product is dropped or collided. The sheet form of the air-packing device is folded and the post heat-seal treatment is applied thereto, thereby creating a structure unique to a production to be protected. The check valves in the air-packing device have a unique structure for preventing reverse flows of the air. The air-packing device of the present invention has a relatively simple structure with reliable check valves, it is able to provide a reliable air-packing device at low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of basic structure of an air-packing device in the conventional technology. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the air-packing device 20 of FIG. 1 when it is not inflated for showing bonding areas for closing two thermoplastic films. FIGS. 3A-3C show a basic concept of the air-packing device of the present invention where FIG. 3A is a plan view showing a sheet like shape of the air-packing device and FIGS. 3B and 3C are cross sectional side views of the air-packing device which is folded to create a unique shape to wrap around a product,to be protected. FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views each showing a sheet like structure of the air-packing device before folding and applying a post heat-sealing process for creating generally square shape of the air packing device of FIGS. 6A an 6B, respectively. FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views showing a post-heat sealing process for forming the air-packing devices of FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively, from the sheet like shapes of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views showing examples of structure of the air-packing device in the present invention where the air-packing device of FIG. 6A corresponds to that of FIGS. 4A and 5A and the air-packing device of FIG. 6B corresponds to that of FIGS. 4B and 5B, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan views each showing a sheet like structure of the air-packing device before folding and applying a post heat-sealing process for creating generally cylindrical shape of the air packing device of FIGS. 8A an 8B, respectively. FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views showing examples of structure of the air-packing device in the present invention where the air-packing device of FIG. 8A corresponds to the sheet of FIG. 7A and the air-packing device of FIG. 8B corresponds to the sheet of FIG. 7B. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of detailed structure of the air-packing device of the present invention in the area of the check valve. FIGS. 10A-10B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a bonding structure of the check-valve in the present invention in more detail. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the cross sectional view of the check valve of the present invention for explaining how the two check valve films in pairs are tightly closed when the reverse air flow happens. FIGS. 12A-12D show another example of the check valve of the present invention where FIG. 12A is a plan view showing a structure of a check valve on an air-packing device, FIG. 12B is a plan view showing the check valve including flows of air indicated by dotted arrows when a compressed air is supplied to an air input, FIG. 12C is a plan view showing the heat-seal portions for bonding the check valve sheet to one of plastic films of the air-packing device, and FIG. 12D is a plan view showing the heat-seal portions for bonding the check valve sheet and the two plastic films of the air-packing device. FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view showing an example of inner structure of the check valve in the present invention configured by a single layer film and formed on one of the thermoplastic films of the air-packing device. FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing another example of the inner structure of the check valve in the present invention configured by double layer films and formed on one of the thermoplastic films of the air-packing device. FIG. 15A is a cross sectional view showing the inner structure of a check valve of the present invention and air flows in the air cells of the air-packing device when inflating, and FIG. 15B is a cross section view showing the inner structure of a check valve and the air flows where the air-packing device is fully inflated so that the check valve is closed by the air pressure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The air-packing device of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that although the present invention is described for the case of using an air for inflating the air-packing device for an illustration purpose, other fluids such as other types of gas or liquid can also be used. The air-packing device is typically used in a container box to pack a product during the distribution flow of the product. The air-packing device of the present invention is especially useful for packing a product which is sensitive to shock or vibration such as a personal computer, DVD driver, etc, having high precision mechanical components such as a hard disc driver. Other examples of such products include wine bottles, glassware, ceramic ware, music instruments, paintings, antiques, etc. The air-packing device reliably wraps the product within a space created by folding and applying a post heat-sealing treatment, thereby absorbing the shocks and impacts to the product when, for example, the product is inadvertently dropped on the floor or collided with other objects. The air-packing device of the present invention includes a plurality of air containers each having a plurality of series connected air cells. The air container is air-tightly separated from the other air containers while the air cells in the same air container are connected by the air passages. Each air cell in the air container has a sausage like shape when inflated. More specifically, two or more air cells are connected through air passages to form a set (air container) of series connected air cells. Each set of series connected air cells has a check valve, typically at an input area to supply the air to all of the series connected air cells while preventing a reverse flow of the compressed air in the air cell. Further, two or more such sets (air containers) having series connected air cells are aligned in parallel with one another so that the air cells are arranged in a matrix manner. FIGS. 3A-3C show an example of the air-packing device of the present invention having a plurality of air containers each having plural sets of series connected air cells. FIG. 3A is a plan view showing a sheet like form of the air-packing device before being folded or inflated by the air for packing a particular product. FIG. 3B is a side view of the air-packing device which can be freely changed in shape by folding and heat-sealing so as to wrap a product therein. FIG. 3C is a cross sectional side view of the air-packing device which is inflated by the compressed air after the folding and heat-sealing processes. As shown in FIG. 3A, the air-packing device 30 has multiple sets (air containers) of air containers arranged in parallel with one another where each air container has series connected air cells. As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and as will be described in more detail later, the air-packing device 30 is composed of first and second thermoplastic films and a check valve sheet. Typically, each of the thermoplastic films is composed of three layers of materials: polyethylene, nylon and polyethylene which are bonded together with appropriate adhesive. The first and second thermoplastic films are heat-sealed together at the outer edges 36 and each boundary 37 between the two sets (air containers) of series connected air cells after the check valve sheet is provided therebetween. Further, the first and second thermoplastic films are heat-sealed together at each heat-seal land 33. Therefore, each set (air container) of series air cell is air-tightly separated from the other sets (air containers) of series air cells where each set has multiple air cells 32a-32d which are series connected to one another. At an input of each set of series connected air cells, a check valve 31 is provided to supply the air to the series of air cells 32a-32d through the air passages formed at the sides of the heat-seal lands 33. The check valves 31 are commonly connected to an air input 34. Thus, when the compressed air is supplied to the air input 34, the air cells 32a-32d in each series set will be inflated. Because of the check valves 31 which prohibits the reverse flow of the air, the air cells 32 remain inflated thereafter. Before inflating the air, the air-packing device 30 of the present invention can be folded to match the outer shape of a particular product to be protected. Thus, in the example shown in the side view of FIG. 3B, the air-packing device 30 is so folded to wrap around the product (not shown). Typically, after folding the air-packing device 30, a post heat-seal treatment is applied thereto to bond the upper and lower ends together (FIG. 3A). Thus, after supplying the air, the air-packing device 30 forms an inner space for receiving a product to be protected as shown in the side view of FIG. 3C. Typically, the product packed by the air-packing device 30 is further installed in a container box such as a corrugated carton. Thus, the air-packing device in the container box protects the product from the shock, vibration or other impact that may arise during the distribution process of the product. FIG. 4A is a plan view showing a sheet like structure of the air-packing device before folding and applying a post heat-sealing process for creating a generally square shape of the air-packing device of FIG. 6A. As will be described later, the air-packing device of FIG. 6A has a slit for loading a product therein formed by an upper end and a lower end, i.e., two longitudinal ends of the air-packing device 40a of FIG. 4A. Such a loading slit is formed on an upper (lower) surface of the air-packing device 40a of FIG. 6A by not heat-sealing the upper and lower ends in the post heat-seal process. As shown in FIG. 4A, the air-packing device 40a has many sets of air containers each having a check valve 44 and series connected air cells 42a-42f. An example of structure of the check valve 44 is shown in FIGS. 9, 10A-10B and 11 which will be described in detail later. An air input 41 is commonly connected to all of the check valves 44 so that the air is supplied to each set of air cells 42a-42f through the check valve 44. Similar to the example of FIG. 3, and as will be described in more detail later, the air-packing device 40a is composed of first and second thermoplastic films and a check valve sheet. Typically, each of the thermoplastic films is composed of three layers of materials: polyethylene, nylon and polyethylene which are bonded together with appropriate adhesive. The first and second thermoplastic films are heat-sealed together at the outer edges 46 and each boundary 47 between two sets of series connected air cells after the check valve sheet is inserted therein. The first and second thermoplastic films are also heat-sealed at locations (heat-seal lands) 43a-43e for folding the air-packing device. Thus, the heat-seal lands 43a-43e close the first and second thermoplastic films at their locations but still allow the air to pass toward the next air cells as shown by the arrows at both sides of each heat-seal land 43. Since the portions at the heat-seal lands 43 are closed, each air container 42 is shaped like a sausage when inflated. In other words, the air-packing device 40a can be easily bent or folded at the heat-seal lands 43 to create the shape that fits to the product to be protected. FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a sheet like structure of the air-packing device before folding and applying a post heat-sealing process for creating a generally square shape of the air packing device of FIG. 6B. As will be described later, the air-packing device of FIG. 6B has a slit for loading a product therein formed by incorporating a film for prohibiting the thermal bonding at one edge of the air-packing device 40b of FIG. 4B. Such a loading slit is formed on a side surface of the air-packing device 40b by not heat-sealing a part of the side edge in the post heat-seal process. In this example, elements identical to that of FIG. 4A are denoted by the same reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 4B, the air-packing device 40b has many sets of air containers each having series connected air cells 42a-42d. Check valves 85 are provided on the air-packing device 40b at any desired locations thereof. A film 49 is provided on the side edge 46 to prohibit the bonding of the side edge 46 in the post heat-seal process for forming an opening 48b for loading the product (loading slit). Such a film for prohibiting the bonding can be made of high heat resistance material such as a Teflon film or a Mylar film. Further, a type of paint (peeling agent) that is able to interfere the bonding between the two thermoplastic films can also be used. An example of structure of the check valve 85 is shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, 13-14 and 15A-15B which will be described in detail later. An air input 81 is commonly connected to the first check valve 85 so that the air is supplied to each set of air cells 42-42d. FIG. 5A is a side view of the air-packing device 40a involved in the post-heat sealing process for forming the air-packing device of FIG. 6A from the air-packing device in the sheet like shape shown in FIG. 4A. The sheet form of the air-packing device 40a is folded and the edges 46 are bonded together at both sides through the post heat-seal process. The upper end (edge 46) and the lower end (edge 46) of FIG. 4A are not bonded together in the post heat-seal process. Accordingly, an opening 48a is created which functions as a slit for loading the product. FIG. 5B is a side view of the air-packing device 40b involved in the post-heat sealing process for forming the air-packing device of FIG. 6B from the air-packing device in the sheet like shape shown in FIG. 4B. The sheet form of the air-packing device 40b is folded and the edges 46 are bonded together at both sides as well as between the upper and lower ends of FIG. 4B through the post heat-seal process. During the post heat-seal process, the film 49 for prohibiting the thermal bonding is inserted between the edges 46 at one side. Thus, the edges corresponding to the film 49 are not bonded together in the post heat-seal process. Accordingly, an opening 48b is created which functions as a slit for loading the product. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing an example of structure of the air-packing device 40a in the resent invention corresponding to FIGS. 4A and 5A. The air-packing device 40a of FIG. 6A is formed by supplying the air after the folding and post heat-sealing process of FIG. 5A. The air-packing device 40a has an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening 48a which is a slit for loading the product therethrough. As noted above, the opening 48a is created by not heat-sealing the upper and lower ends of FIG. 4A. In the example of FIG. 6A, the opening 48a is established on the upper (or lower) surface of the air-packing device 40a. FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing an example of structure of the air-packing device 40b in the present invention corresponding to FIGS. 4B and 5B. The air-packing device 40b of FIG. 6B is formed by supplying the air after the folding and heat-sealing process of FIG. 5B. The air-packing device 40b has an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening 48b which is a slit for loading the product therethrough. In the example of FIG. 6B, the opening 48b is established on the side surface of the air-packing device 40b. The opening 48b is created by prohibiting the part of the side edge 46 from the heat-sealing with use of the film 49 as noted above. FIG. 7A is a plan view showing a sheet like structure of the air-packing device before folding and applying a post heat-sealing process for creating a generally cylindrical shape of the air-packing device of FIG. 8A. As will be described later, the air-packing device of FIG. 8A has an opening for loading a product therein formed by an upper end and a lower end, i.e., two longitudinal ends of the air-packing device 50a of FIG. 7A. Such a loading slit is formed on an upper (lower) surface of the air-packing device 50a of FIG. 8A by not heat-sealing the upper and lower ends in the post heat-seal process. As shown in FIG. 7A, the air-packing device 50a has many sets of air containers each having a check valve 54 and series connected air cells 52a-52g. An example of structure of the check valve 54 is shown in FIGS. 9, 10A-10B and 11 which will be described in detail later. An air input 51 is commonly connected to all of the check valves 54 so that the air is supplied to each set of air cells 52a-52g through the check valve 54. Similar to the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, and as will be described in more detail later, the air-packing device 50a is composed of first and second thermoplastic films and a check valve sheet. Typically, each of the thermoplastic films is composed of three layers of materials: polyethylene, nylon and polyethylene which are bonded together with appropriate adhesive. The first and second thermoplastic films are heat-sealed together at the outer edges 56b (but not edges 56a) and each boundary 57 between two sets of series connected air cells after the check valve sheet is inserted therein. The first and second thermoplastic films are also heat-sealed at locations (heat-seal lands) 53a-53f for folding the air-packing device 50a. Thus, the heat-seal lands 53a-53f close the first and second thermoplastic films at their locations but still allow the air to pass toward the next air cells as shown by the arrows at both sides of each heat-seal land 53. Since the portions at the heat-seal lands 53 are closed, each air container 52 is shaped like a sausage when inflated. In other words, the air-packing device 50a can be easily bent or folded at the heat-seal lands 53 to match the shape of the product to be protected. FIG. 7B is a plan view showing a sheet like structure of the air-packing device 50b before folding and applying a post heat-sealing process for creating a generally cylindrical shape of the air packing device 50b of FIG. 8B. As will be described later, the air-packing device of FIG. 8B has an opening (loading slit) 58b for loading a product therein formed by incorporating a film for prohibiting the thermal bonding at one edge of the air-packing device 50b. Such a loading slit is formed on a side surface of the air-packing device 50b of FIG. 8B by not heat-sealing a part of the side edges in the post heat-seal process. In this example, elements identical to that of FIG. 7A are denoted by the same reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 7B, the air-packing device 50b has many sets of air containers each having series connected air cells 52a-52d. Check valves 85 are provided on the air-packing device 50b at any desired locations thereof. A film 59 is provided on the side edge 56 to prohibit the bonding of the side edge 56 in the post heat-seal process for forming the loading slit (opening) 58b. As noted above, a Teflon film or a Mylar film can be used for such a purpose. Further, a type of paint (peeling agent) that interferes the bonding between the two thermoplastic films can also be used. An example of structure of the check valve 85 is shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, 13-14 and 15A-15B which will be described in detail later. An air input 81 is commonly connected to the first check valve 85 so that the air is supplied to each set of air cells 52a-52d. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing an example of structure of the air-packing device 50a in the resent invention corresponding to FIG. 7A. The air-packing device 50a of FIG. 8A is formed by supplying the air after the folding and heat-sealing process of FIG. 7A. The air-packing device 50a has an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening 58a which is a slit for loading the product therethrough. In the example of FIG. 8A, the opening 58a is established on the upper (or lower) surface of the air-packing device 50a. The packing device of FIG. 8A is useful for packing a cylindrically shaped product such as a wine bottle. Preferably, in the post heat-seal process, the side edges 56b are bonded after being folded while other edges 56a are not bonded. As a result, the portion corresponding to the air cells 52a can be inserted in the inner opening of the air-packing device 50a, thereby enabling to pack the neck portion of the wine bottle. FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing an example of structure of the air-packing device 50b in the resent invention corresponding to FIG. 7B. The air-packing device 50b of FIG. 8B is formed by supplying the air after the folding and heat-sealing process. The air-packing device 50b has an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening 58b which is a slit for loading the product therethrough. In the example of FIG. 8B, the opening 58b is established on the side surface of the air-packing device 50b. The opening 58b is created by prohibiting the part of the side edge 56 from being heat-sealed with use of the film 59 in FIG. 7B as noted above. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of detailed structure of the air-packing device of the present invention in the area of the check valve. The following explanation is made for showing the structure of the air-packing device 40a having the check valves 44 in the example of FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A. Basically, the air-packing device 40a is made of three thermoplastic films; first and second air-packing films 91a-91b and a check valve film 92. The check valve film 92 in this example is configured by two thermoplastic films 92a and 92b although a single film is also possible to form a check valve. These thermoplastic films are bonded together by the heat-seal process to produce a sheet of air-packing device 40a as shown in FIG. 4A. Thus, the films at the edges 46 and boundaries 47 shown in FIG. 4A are air-tightly bonded together. Then, as noted above, the post heat-sealing treatment is applied to the air-packing device 40a to create the final form of air-packing device 40a shown in FIG. 6A. FIGS. 10A and 10B show the structure of the check valve 44 of the present invention in more detail. FIG. 10A is a top view of the check valve 44 and FIG. 10B is a cross sectional side view of the check valve 44 taken along the line X-X in FIG. 10A. Further, the cross sectional view of FIG. 10B shows the case where the compressed air is not supplied to the air container (air cells 42) in the air-packing device 40a. In the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, reinforcing seal portions 72 are formed near a check valve inlet 63a. These portions are placed in a manner of contacting each edge of the inlet portion 63a. The seal portions 72 are provided to reinforce a boundary between the guide passage 63 and the air container (air cells 42) so as to prevent the air container from a rupture when it is inflated. In the check valve of the present invention, the reinforcing seal portions 72 are preferable but not-essential and thus can be omitted. In the air-packing device 40a, the two check valve films 92a and 92b are juxtaposed (superposed) and sandwiched between the two air-packing films 91a and 91b near the guide passage 63, and fixing seal portions 71-72, 65 and 67. The fixing seal portions 71-72 are referred to as outlet portions, the fixing seal portion 65 is referred to as an extended (or widened) portion, and the fixing seal portion 67 is referred to as a narrow down portion. These fixing seal portions also form the structure of the check valve 44 and fix the valve to the first air-packing film 91a at the same time. The fixing seal portions 65 are made by fusing the check valve films 92a and 92b only with the first air-packing film 91a. The check valve 44 is made of the two check valve films (thermoplastic films) 92a-92b by which an air pipe (passage) 78 is created therebetween. How the air passes through the check valve 44 is shown by arrows denoted by the reference numbers 77a, 77b and 77c in FIG. 10A. The compressed air is supplied from the guide passage 63 through the air pipe 78 to the air container (air cells 42). In the check valve 44, the regular air relatively easily flows through the air pipe 78 although there exist the fixing seal portions 65, 67 and 71-72. However, the reverse flow of the air in the valve will not pass through the air pipe 78. In other words, if the reverse flow occurs in the air pipe 78, it is prevented because of a pressure of the reverse flow itself. By this pressure, the two surfaces of check valve films 92a and 92b which face each other, are brought into tight contact as shown in FIG. 11 as will be explained later. As has been described, in FIGS. 10A-10B, the fixing seal portions 65, 67 and 71-72 also work for guiding the air to flow in the check valve 44. The fixing seal portions are comprised of the portions 71a, 72a, 65a and 67a which bond the two check-valve films 92a and 92b together, and the portions 71b, 72b, 65b and 67b which bond the first air-packing film 91a and the first check valve film 92b together. Accordingly, the air pipe 78 in the check valve 44 is created as a passage formed between the two check valve films 92a-92b. Further in FIG. 10A, the fixing seal portions 67 are composed of two symmetric line segments extended in an upward direction of the drawing, and a width of the air pipe 78 is narrowed down by the fixing seal portions (narrow down portions) 67. In other words, the regular flow can easily pass through the air pipe 78 to the air cell 42 when passing through the wide space to the narrow space created by the narrow down portions 67. On the other hand, the narrow down potions 67 tend to interfere the reverse flow from the air cells 42 when the air goes back through the narrow space created by the narrow down portions 67. The extended portion 65 is formed next to the narrow down portions 67. The shape of the extended portion 65 is similar to a heart shape to make the air flow divert. By passing the air through the extended portion 65, the air diverts, and the air flows around the edge of the extended portion 65 (indicated by the arrow 77b). When the air flows toward the air cells 42 (forward flow), the air flows naturally in the extended portion 65. On the other hand, the reverse flow cannot directly flow through the narrow down portions 67 because the reverse flow hits the extended portion 65 and is diverted its direction. Therefore, the extended portion 65 also functions to interfere the reverse flow of the air. The outlet portions 71-72 are formed next to the extended portion 65. In this example, the outlet portion 71 is formed at the upper center of the check valve 44 in the flow direction of the air, and the two outlet portions 72 extended to the direction perpendicular to the outlet portion 71 are formed symmetrically. There are several spaces among these outlet portions 71 and 72. These spaces constitute a part of the air pipe 78 through which the air can pass as indicated by the arrows 77c. The outlet portions 71-72 are formed as a final passing portion of the check valve 44 when the air is supplied to the air container (air cells 42) and the air diverts in four ways by passing through the outlet portions 71-72. As has been described, the flows of air from the guide passage 63 to the air cells 42 is relatively smoothly propagated through the check valve 44. Further, the narrow down portions 67, extended portions 65 and outlet portions 71-72 formed in the check valve 44 work to interfere the reverse flow of the air. Accordingly, the reverse flow from the air cells 42 cannot easily pass through the air pipe 78, which promotes the process of supplying the air in the air-packing device. FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view showing an effect of the check valve 44 of the present invention. This example shows an inner condition of the check valve 44 when the reverse flow tries to occur in the air-packing device when it is sufficiently inflated. First, the air can hardly enter the air pipe 78 because the outlet portions 71 and 72 work against the air such that the reverse flow will not easily enter in the outlet portions. Instead, the air flows in a space between the second air-packing film 91b and the second check valve film 92a as indicated by the arrows 66, and the space is inflated as shown in FIG. 11. By this expansion, in FIG. 11, the second check valve film 92a is pressed to the right, and at the same time, the first check valve film 92b is pressed to the left. As a result, the two check valve films 92a and 92b are brought into tight contact as indicated with the arrows 68. Thus, the reverse flow is completely prevented. Another example of the check valve of the present invention is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12A-12D, 13-14 and 15A-15B. FIGS. 12A-12D are plan views of the check valve-used in the air-packing devices 40b and 50b of the present invention described above. FIG. 12A shows a structure of a check valve 85 and a portion of the air-packing device 40b. The air-packing device 40b having the check valves 85 is comprised of two or more rows of air cells 83 which are equivalent to the air cells 42a-42d in FIG. 4B. As noted above, typically, each row of air container has a plurality of series connected air cells 83 although only one air cell is illustrated in FIG. 12A. Before supplying the air, the air-packing device 40b is in a form of an elongated rectangular sheet made of a first (upper) thermoplastic film 93 and a second (lower) thermoplastic film 94. To create such a structure, each set of series air cells are formed by bonding the first thermoplastic film (air packing film) 93 and the second thermoplastic film (air packing film) 94 by the sealing line (boundary line) 82. Consequently, the air cells 83 are created so that each set of series connected air cells can be independently filled with the air. A check valve film 90 having a plurality of check valves 85 is attached to one of the thermoplastic films 93 and 94 as shown in FIG. 12C. When attaching the check valve film 90, peeling agents 87 are applied to the predetermined locations on the sealing lines 82 between the check valve film 90 and one of the thermoplastic films 93 and 94. The peeling agent 87 is a type of paint having high thermal resistance so that it prohibits the thermal bonding between the first and second thermoplastic films 93 and 94. Accordingly, even when the heat is applied to bond the first and second thermoplastic films 93 and 94 along the sealing line 82, the first and second thermoplastic films 93 and 94 will not adhere with each other at the location of the peeling agent 87. The peeling agent 87 also allows the air input 81 to open easily when filling the air in the air-packing device 40b. When the upper and lower films 93 and 94 made of identical material are layered together, there is a tendency that both films stick to one another. The peeling agent 87 printed on the thermoplastic films prevents such sticking. Thus, it facilitates easy insertion of an air nozzle of the air compressor into the air inlet 81 when inflating the air-packing device. The check valve 85 of the present invention is configured by a common air duct portion 88 and an air flow maze portion 86. The air duct portion 88 acts as a duct to allow the flows of the air from the air port 81 to each set of air cells 83. The air flow maze portion 86 prevents free flow of air between the air-packing device 40b and the outside, i.e., it works as a brake against the air flows, which makes the air supply operation easy. To achieve this brake function, the air flow maze portion 86 is configured by two or more walls (heat-seals) 86a-86c. Because of this structure, the air from the common air duct portion 88 will not straightly or freely flow into the air cells 83 but have to flow in a zigzag manner. At the and of the air flow maze portion 86, an exit 84 is formed. In the air-packing device 40b incorporating the check valve 85 of the present invention, the compressed air supplied to the air input 81 to inflate the air cells 83 flows in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 12B. The plan view shown in FIG. 12B includes the structure of the check valve 85 identical to that of FIG. 12A and further includes dotted arrows 89 showing the flows of the air in the check valve 85 and the air cells 83. As indicated by the arrows 89, the air from the check valve 85 flows both forward direction and backward direction of the air-packing device 40b. Thus, the check valve 85 can be formed at any locations of the air-packing device 40b. Further, the check valve 85 requires a relatively low pressure of the air compressor when it is attached to an intermediate location of the air-packing device 40b. In FIG. 12B, when the air is supplied to the air input 81 from the air compressor (not shown), the air flows toward the exit 84 via air duct portion 88 and the air flow maze portion 86 as well as toward the next adjacent air cell 83 via the air duct portion 88. The air exited from the exit 84 inflates the air cell 83 by flowing both forward and backward directions (right and left directions of FIG. 12B) of the air-packing device 40b. The air transferred to the next air cell flows in the same manner, i.e., toward the exit 84 and toward the next adjacent air cell 83. Such operations continue from the first air cell 83 to the last air cell 83. In other words, the air duct portion 88 allows the air to flow to either the present air cell 83 through the air flow maze portion 86 and to the next air cell 83. FIGS. 12C-12D show an enlarged view of the check valve of the present invention for explaining how the check valves 85 are created on the air-packing device 40b. As noted above, the check valve film 90 is attached to either one of the thermoplastic film 93 or 94. The example of FIGS. 12C and 12D show the case where the check valve film 90 is attached to the upper (first) thermoplastic film 93. The thick lines in the drawings indicate the heat-seal (bonding) between the thermoplastic films. The air-packing device of the present invention is manufactured by bonding the second (lower) thermoplastic film 94, the check valve film 90, and the first (upper) thermoplastic film 93 by pressing the films with a heater. Since each film is made of thermoplastic material, they will bond (welded) together when heat is applied. In this example, the check valve film 90 is attached to the upper thermoplastic film 93, and then, the check valve film 90 and the upper thermoplastic film 93 are bonded to the lower thermoplastic film 94. First, as shown in FIG. 12C, the check valve film 90 is attached to the upper thermoplastic film 93 by heat-sealing the two films at the portions indicated by the thick lines. Through this process, the peeling agents 87 applied in advance to the check valve film 90 is attached to the upper thermoplastic film 93 by the bonding lines 79a and 79b to create the air duct portions 88. Further, the air flow maze portions 86 are created by the bonding lines 86a-86c, etc. At the end of the maze portion 86 is opened to establish the air exit 84. Then, as shown in FIG. 12D, the check valve film 90 and the upper thermoplastic film 93 are attached to the lower thermoplastic film 94 by heat-sealing the upper and lower films at the portions indicated by the thick lines 82. Through this process, each air cell 83 is separated from one another because the boundary between the two air cells is closed by the sealing line (boundary line) 82. However, the range of the sealing line 82 having the peeling agent 87 is not closed because the peeling agent prohibits the heat-sealing between the films. As a result, the air duct portion 88 is created which allows the air to flow in the manner shown in FIG. 12B. FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional front view showing an example of inner structure of the check valve 85a of the present invention configured by a single layer film and formed on a thermoplastic film of the air-packing device. As described in the foregoing, the common air duct portion 88 and the air flow maze portion 86 are created between the check valve film 90 and one of the upper and lower thermoplastic films 93 and 94. In this example, the check valve film 90 is attached to the upper thermoplastic film 93 through the heat-sealing in the manner described with reference to FIG. 12C. The air flow maze portion 86 has a maze structure such as a zig-zaged air passage to cause resistance to the air flow such as reverse flow. Such a zig-zaged air passage is created by the bonding (heat-sealed) lines 86a-86c. Unlike the straight forward air passage, the maze portion 86 achieves an easy operation for inflating the air-packing device by the compressed air. Various ways for producing the resistance of the air flow are possible, and the structure of the maze portion 86 shown in FIGS. 12A-12D and 13 is merely one example. In general, the more complex the maze structure, the less area of the maze portion 86 is necessary to adequately produce the resistance against the air flow. FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing another example of the inner structure of the check valve 85b in the present invention configured by double layer films and formed on one of the thermoplastic films of the air-packing device. In this example, an addition film 95 is provided between the upper thermoplastic film 93 and the check valve film 90. The additional film 95 and the check valve film 90 forms the check valves 85b. The additional film 95 is so attached to the upper thermoplastic film 93 that the space between the upper thermoplastic film 93 and the additional film 95 will not transmit air. The advantage of this structure is the improved reliability in preventing the reverse flows of air. Namely, in the check valve of FIG. 13, when the air is filled in the air cell 83, the upper thermoplastic film 93 of the air cell having the check valve 85 is curved. Further, when a product is loaded in the air-packing device, the surface projection of the product may contact and deform the outer surface of the air cell having the check valve therein. The sealing effect created by the check valve can be weakened because of the curvature of the air cell. The additional film 95 in FIG. 14 mitigates this problem since the film 95 is independent from the upper thermoplastic film 93. FIG. 15A and 15B are cross section views showing the inside of the air cell having the check valve 85. FIG. 15A shows the condition wherein the compressed air is being introduced into the air-packing device 40b through the check valve 85. FIG. 15B shows the condition where the air-packing device 40b is filled with air to an appropriate degree so that the check valve 85 is operated to effectively close by the inside air pressure. The dotted arrows 89 indicate the flow of air in FIGS. 15A and 15B. As shown in FIG. 15A, when the air is pumped in from the air input 81 (FIGS. 12A-12B), the air will flow toward each air cell. While a part of the air flows toward the next row of air cells, the remaining air goes into the present air cell to inflate the air cell. The air will flow into the air cell due to the pressure applied from the air source such as an air compressor. The air goes through the air flow maze portion 86 and exits from the exit 84 at the end of the maze portion 86. All of the air cells will eventually be filled with the compressed air. As shown in FIG. 15B, when the air cell having the check valve 85 is inflated to a certain extent, the inner pressure of the air will push the check valve film 90 upward so that it touches the upper thermoplastic film 93. FIG. 15B mainly shows the air flow maze portion 36 of the check valve 35 to show how the check valve 85 works. When the inner pressure reaches a sufficient level, the check valve film 90 air-tightly touches the upper thermoplastic film 93, i.e., the check valve 85 is closed, thereby preventing the reverse flows of the air. As has been described above, according to the present invention, the air-packing device can minimize a mechanical shock or vibration to the product when the product is dropped or collided. The sheet form of the air-packing device is folded and the post heat-seal treatment is applied thereto, thereby creating a structure unique to a production to be protected. The check valves in the air-packing device have a unique structure for preventing reverse flows of the air. The air-packing device of the present invention has a relatively simple structure with reliable check valves, it is able to provide a reliable air-packing device with low cost. Although the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In a distribution channel such as product shipping, a styroform packing material has been used for a long time for packing commodity and industrial products. Although the styroform package material has a merit such as a good thermal insulation performance and a light weight, it has also various disadvantages: recycling the styroform is not possible, soot is produced when it burns, a flake or chip comes off when it is snagged because of it's brittleness, an expensive mold is needed for its production, and a relatively large warehouse is necessary to store it. Therefore, to solve such problems noted above, other packing materials and methods have been proposed. One method is a fluid container of sealingly containing a liquid or gas such as air (hereafter “air-packing device”). The air-packing device has excellent characteristics to solve the problems involved in the styroform. First, because the air-packing device is made of only thin sheets of plastic films, it does not need a large warehouse to store it unless the air-packing device is inflated. Second, a mold is not necessary for its production because of its simple structure. Third, the air-packing device does not produce a chip or dust which may have adverse effects on precision products. Also, recyclable materials can be used for the films forming the air-packing device. Further, the air-packing device can be produced with low cost and transported with low cost. FIG. 1 shows an example of structure of an air-packing device in the conventional technology The air-packing device 20 includes a plurality of air containers 22 and check valves 24 , a guide passage 21 and an air input 25 . The air from the air input 25 is supplied to the air containers 22 through the air passage 21 and the check valves 24 . The air-packing device 20 is composed of two thermoplastic films which are bonded together at bonding areas 23 a. Each air container 22 is provided with a check valve 24 . One of the purposes of having multiple air containers with corresponding check valves is to increase the reliability, because each air container is independent from the others. Namely, even if one of the air containers suffers from an air leakage for some reason, the air-packing device can still function as a shock absorber for packing the product because other air containers are intact. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the air-packing device 20 of FIG. 1 when it is not inflated showing bonding areas for closing two thermoplastic films. The thermoplastic films of the air-packing device 20 are bonded (heat-sealed) together at bonding areas 23 a which are rectangular periphery thereof to air tightly close the air-packing device. The thermoplastic films of the air-packing device 20 are also bonded together at bonding areas 23 b which are boundaries of the air containers 22 to air-tightly separate the air containers 22 from one another. When using the air-packing device, each air container 22 is filled with the air from the inlet port 25 through the guide passage 21 and the check valve 24 . After filling the air, the expansion of each air container 22 is maintained because each check-valve 24 prevents the reverse flow of the air. The check valve 24 is typically made of two rectangular thermoplastic valve films which are bonded together to form an air pipe. The air pipe has a tip opening and a valve body to allow the air flowing in the forward direction through the air pipe from the tip opening but the valve body prevents the air flow in the backward direction. Air-packing devices are becoming more and more popular because of the advantages noted above. There is an increasing need to store and carry precision products or articles which are sensitive to shocks and impacts often involved in shipment of the products. There are many other types of product, such as wine bottles, DVD drivers, music instruments, glass or ceramic wares, etc. that need special attention so as not to receive a shock, vibration or other mechanical impact. Thus, there is also a need of air-packing devices that match with the particular shape of the product and can easily pack the products. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a structure of an air-packing device for packing a product that can minimize a mechanical shock or vibration to the product by covering the whole product. It is another object of the present invention to provide a structure of a check valve for the air-packing device that can reliably prevent reverse flow of the air in the air containers of the air-packing device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structure of a check valve for the air-packing device that can be attached to any positions of the air-packing device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structure of a check valve for the air-packing device that can enable to inflate the air-packing device with relatively low air pressure. In one aspect of the present invention, the air-packing device for protecting a product therein is comprised of first and second thermoplastic films superposed with each other where predetermined portions of the first and second thermoplastic films are bonded, thereby creating a plurality of air containers, each of the air containers having a plurality of series connected air cells; a plurality of check valves established at inputs of the corresponding air containers between the first and second thermoplastic films for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction, the check valve being attached to only one of the first and second thermoplastic films; an air input commonly connected to the plurality of check valves to supply the compressed air to all of the series connected air cells through the check valves. Through a post heat-seal treatment, predetermined edge portions of the air-packing device are bonded with one another after being folded, thereby creating an inner space for packing a product therein and an opening for loading the product therethrough. The first type of check valve is preferably formed by sealed portions which are fixed to one of the first and second thermoplastic films. The seal portions include: an inlet portion which introduces the air into the check valve; a pair of narrow down portions creating a narrow down passage connected to the inlet portion; an extended portion which diverts the air flows coming through the narrow down passage; and a plurality of outlet portions which introduce the air from the extended portion to the air container. Second type of check valve is preferably comprised of: a check valve film on which peeling agents of predetermined pattern are printed, said check valve film being attached to one of the first and second thermoplastic films; an air input established by one of the peeling agents on the air-packing device for receiving an air from an air source; an air flow maze portion forming an air passage of a zig-zag shape, the air flow maze portion having an exit at an end thereof for supplying the air from the air passage to a corresponding air container having one or more series connected air cells; and a common air duct portion which provides the air from the air input to the air flow maze portion of a current air container as well as to the air flow maze portion of a next air container having one or more series connected air cells. Heat-sealing between the first and second thermoplastic films for separating two adjacent air containers is prevented in a range where the peeling agent is printed. The air input and the first type of check valves are formed at one end of the air-packing device where the air from the air input is supplied to the series connected air cells in a direction toward another end of the air-packing device through the check valves. The second type of the check valves are formed at any desired position on the air-packing device where the air from the check valve flows in both forward and backward directions in the air container to fill all of the series connected air cells therein. The opening for loading the product is configured by two longitudinal ends which meet to one another after the air-packing device being folded. Alternatively, the opening for loading the product is configured by a predetermined portion of one of side edges of the air-packing device which -is prohibited from being heat-sealed in said post heat-seal treatment. A film or paint having high heat resistance is provided at the predetermined portion of one of side edges to prohibit the predetermined portion from being heat-sealed in the post heat-seal treatment, thereby creating the opening for loading the product. According to the present invention, the air-packing device can minimize a mechanical shock or vibration to the product when the product is dropped or collided. The sheet form of the air-packing device is folded and the post heat-seal treatment is applied thereto, thereby creating a structure unique to a production to be protected. The check valves in the air-packing device have a unique structure for preventing reverse flows of the air. The air-packing device of the present invention has a relatively simple structure with reliable check valves, it is able to provide a reliable air-packing device at low cost. | 20040810 | 20070123 | 20060216 | 98976.0 | B65D8102 | 1 | MOHANDESI, JILA M | STRUCTURE OF AIR-PACKING DEVICE | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | B65D | 2,004 |
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10,914,880 | ACCEPTED | Oven including smoking assembly in combination with one or more additional food preparation assemblies | An oven is disclosed having a first food preparation apparatus in the form of a convection heat source and/or a steam production assembly and/or a radiating heat source, and a second food preparation apparatus in the form of a smoking assembly. The oven can operate at least one of the food preparation apparatus simultaneously with the smoking assembly or separately from the smoking assembly. | 1. An oven capable of preparing food product utilizing a first and second food preparation process, the oven comprising: a heating cavity defining an interior including an apparatus for supporting food product disposed therein, and a door providing selective access to the interior; a first food preparation assembly operable to prepare raw food product using at least one of 1) radiating heat in combination with a rotisserie assembly, 2) steam, and 3) forced air convection; and a smoking assembly configured to deliver heat to an aromatic smoke producing media that emits smoke into the heating cavity in response to the delivered heat; wherein the oven is capable of operating the first food preparation assembly simultaneously with the smoking assembly or separately from the smoking assembly. 2. The oven as recited in claim 1, wherein the first food preparation assembly comprises an air mover that forces incoming air across a heating element to produce heated air that is delivered to the interior of the heating cavity. 3. The oven as recited in claim 2, wherein the heating element comprises a resistive member that produces heat upon receiving an electric current to produce the heated air. 4. The oven as recited in claim 2, wherein the heating element comprises a heat exchanging tube delivering combustion gasses from a burner to produce the heated air. 5. The oven as recited in claim 2, wherein the food preparation assembly further comprises a steam producing assembly capable of delivering a liquid across the heating element that evaporates the liquid into steam that is delivered to the interior of the heating cavity. 6. The oven as recited in claim 5, wherein the steam producing assembly comprises a fluid supply source coupled to a conduit that delivers fluid from the source to the air mover. 7. The oven as recited in claim 6, wherein the steam producing assembly further comprises an atomizer that receives the fluid from the conduit and directs the fluid over the heating element under centrifugal forces provided by rotation of the air mover. 8. The oven as recited in claim 7, wherein the fluid comprises water. 9. The oven as recited in claim 1, wherein the first food preparation assembly comprises a steam producing assembly including a housing containing a fluid and a heating element operable to evaporate the fluid into a steam that is directed into the interior of the heating cavity. 10. The oven as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotisserie assembly further comprises a rotatable spit assembly disposed in the cavity capable of bringing supported food into momentary proximity with a radiating heating element. 11. The oven as recited in claim 1, wherein the smoking assembly comprises an ignition member extending into a container that houses the aromatic media and contains at least one vent for emitting the produced smoke. 12. The oven as recited in claim 11, wherein the ignition member produces heat in response to an electric current sufficient to cause the media to produce smoke. 13. The oven as recited in claim 11, wherein the ignition member produces a momentary spark or flame sufficient to cause the media to produce smoke. 14. The oven as recited in claim 11, further comprising a cradle mounted to a cavity wall that supports the container such that the ignition member extends into the container. 15. The oven as recited in claim 1, further comprising a closed venting system that drains liquids producing during food preparation from the interior while preventing gasses from escaping from the interior when the interior is pressurized below a threshold. 16. The oven as recited in claim 15, wherein gasses are vented from the interior when the interior is pressurized to a level greater than the threshold. 17. The oven as recited in claim 15, further comprising a condensation tank that cools and liquefies some of the gasses prior to removing the liquefied gas from the cavity. 18. A method for preparing food product utilizing a first and second food preparation process, the steps comprising: (A) providing a heating cavity defining an interior including an apparatus for supporting food product disposed therein and a door providing selective access to the interior; (B) providing a first food preparation assembly operable to prepare raw food product using at least one of radiating heat in combination with a rotisserie assembly, steam, and forced air convection; and (C) providing a smoking assembly configured to deliver heat to an aromatic smoke producing media that emits smoke into the heating cavity; and (D) operating the first food preparation assembly either simultaneously with the smoking assembly or separately from the smoking assembly. 19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein step (D) further comprises the step of moving incoming air across a heating element to produce heated air that is delivered to the interior of the heating cavity. 20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein step (D) further comprising the step of delivering current to a resistive member to produce the heated air. 21. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein step (D) further comprises delivering combustion gasses to a heat exchanging tube to produce the heated air. 22. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein step (D) further comprises delivering a liquid across the heating element that evaporates the liquid into steam that is delivered to the interior of the heating cavity. 23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein step (D) further comprises delivering fluid from a fluid supply source to the air mover. 24. The method as recited in claim 23, wherein step (D) further comprises delivering the fluid to an atomizer that directs the fluid over the heating element under centrifugal forces provided by rotation of the air mover. 25. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein step (D) further comprises evaporating a fluid into a gas inside a container and directing the gas into the interior of the heating cavity. 26. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein step (D) further comprises rotating the rotisserie assembly to bring supported food into momentary proximity with a radiating heating element. 27. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein step (C) further comprises providing an ignition member extending into a container that houses the aromatic media and contains at least one vent for emitting the produced smoke. 28. The method as recited in claim 27, wherein step (D) further comprises delivering electric current to the ignition member to produces heat sufficient to cause the media to produce smoke. 29. The method as recited in claim 27, wherein step (D) further comprises producing a momentary spark or flame sufficient to cause the media to produce smoke. 30. The method as recited in claim 27, wherein step (C) further comprises supporting the container with a cradle mounted to a cavity wall such that the ignition member extends into the container. 31. The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising draining liquids producing during food preparation from the interior while preventing gasses from escaping from the interior when the interior is pressurized below a threshold. 32. The method as recited in claim 31, further comprising venting gasses from the interior when the interior is pressurized to a level greater than the threshold. 33. The method as recited in claim 31, further condensing some of the gasses prior to removing the liquefied gas from the cavity. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/493,697, filed Aug. 8, 2003, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a cooking apparatus, and in particular to a commercial oven capable of performing multiple food preparation processes. Conventional steamers are suitable for preparing various food types by introducing steam into a cooking chamber to cook the food via convection. In particular, a water supply is typically introduced in the cooking chamber and delivered to one or more heating elements that evaporate the water into steam. A fan in the heating cavity circulates the steam throughout the cooking cavity. Alternatively, if a water supply is not used, the heating elements can be used to cook the food product via forced air convection. Foods suitable to be prepared by steam and convection include vegetables as well as meat, poultry, and fish products. It should be appreciated that the term “meat” is used herein to refer generally to meat, poultry, fish, and the like for the purposes of clarity and convenience. Conventional smokers are typically used to introduce flavored smoke into a cooking chamber, which will permeate the meat with a distinctive taste. Smokers can be used to either fully cook raw meat product, complete cooking a meat product that has been partially cooked previously in, for example a steamer or convection oven, or merely add additional flavor to a meat product that has already been fully cooked. Conventional smokers are currently available as regular smokers and pressure smokers. A regular smoker provides a smoke generator in the cooking chamber. The smoke generator includes wood chips or other flavor producing ingredients that may be charred upon activation of an igniter. Regular smokers operate generally at or slightly above atmospheric pressure. A pressure smoker is one whose cooking chamber is connected to a smoke producing unit via a supply tube. The smoker unit thus produces smoke in large quantities, and introduces the smoke into the cooking chamber via the supply tube at a rate sufficient to maintain the pressure inside the cooking chamber at a predetermined level, for example 3 PSI. It should thus be appreciated that the elevated internal pressure of a pressure smoker can cook raw meat product significantly faster than a regular smoker. However, regardless of the type of smoker used to prepare a raw meat product, the food preparation can consume a significant length of time that is impractical in some circumstances. If one wishes to reduce the cooking time, while producing a prepared meat product having smoked flavor, the raw meat product would first be prepared or partially prepared in a steamer or convection oven. The meat product would then be transferred into a conventional smoker to complete the food preparation sequence. This, however, is a tedious and cumbersome process. Furthermore, conventional smokers do not provide a mechanism for preparing food products that are not desired to be smoke-flavored, such as vegetables. It is thus desirable to provide an oven that is suitable for cooking raw food products using a heat source capable of preparing raw meat product faster than smoking alone (e.g., convection, steam, or radiation) while simultaneously being capable of introducing flavored smoke to the food product being cooked. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides an oven capable of preparing food product utilizing a first and second food preparation process. The oven includes a heating cavity defining an interior including an apparatus for supporting food product disposed therein. A door provides selective access to the interior. A first food preparation assembly is operable to prepare raw food product using at least one of 1) radiating heat in combination with a rotisserie assembly, 2) steam, and 3) forced air convection. A smoking assembly is also provided and configured to deliver heat to an aromatic smoke producing media that emits smoke into the heating cavity in response to the delivered heat. The oven is capable of operating the first food preparation assembly simultaneously with the smoking assembly or separately from the smoking assembly.; The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration, and not limitation, a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, however, and reference must therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a commercial oven constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the oven schematically illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic illustration of various components of the oven illustrated in FIG. 2 illustrating a smoker assembly and a forced air convection assembly constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment; FIG. 4 is a more detailed illustration of the components of the oven illustrated in FIG. 3 further including a steam producing assembly; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoker tray constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment, configured in an open position; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the smoker tray illustrated in FIG. 5 containing smoke-producing aromatic media; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a smoker tray illustrated in FIG. 6 in a closed position and mounted onto a tray support and igniter apparatus constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a boilerless convection heating assembly using resistive coil heating elements in combination with a steam producing assembly constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the heating assembly illustrated in FIG. 8 including a plate disposed in a closed position; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a convection heating assembly similar to the assembly of FIG. 8 but using heat exchangers receiving heated air from gas burners in accordance with an alternate embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the oven illustrated in FIG. 1 having a rotisserie assembly installed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a motor that drives the spit assembly illustrated in FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a coupling that engages the motor illustrated in FIG. 12; FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a disc that is connected to the coupling illustrated in FIG. 13; FIG. 14B is another perspective view of the disc illustrated in FIG. 14A; FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the disc illustrated in FIGS. 14A-B; FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a power transfer shaft that transfers power between a drive disc and a driven disc of the spit assembly; FIG. 17 is a sectional side elevation view of the shaft illustrated in FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the cooking chamber illustrating a bearing that engages the driven end of the power transfer shaft illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17; FIG. 19 presents various views of an angled spit that form a part of the preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a spit assembly having a plurality of angled spits and dual pronged spits mounted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the assembled spit assembly illustrated in FIG. 20 having a plurality of baskets mounted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the upper wall of the cooking chamber illustrating the radiation heating elements of the rotisserie assembly; FIG. 23A is a perspective view of an oven including a steam-producing water tank constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 23B is a schematic side elevation view of the water tank illustrated in FIG. 23A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, a commercial oven 20 includes a left side wall 22 and opposing right side wall 24 that are connected to their upper and lower ends by an upper wall 26 and a base 28. Side walls 22 and 24 and upper and lower walls 26 and 28 are connected at their front and rear ends to a front end wall 30 (including a door 39) and rear end wall 32, respectively. Oven 20 encases a generally rectangular cooking chamber 34 whose interior 36 defines a heating cavity. Heating cavity 36 is generally defined by front and rear oven walls 30 and 32, respectively, and right side wall 24. The left end of heating cavity 36 is bound by an internal left side wall 38 that extends parallel to outer left side wall 22. Left cavity side wall 38 is offset from left oven side wall 22 by a sufficient distance in order to provide a housing 41 for various oven controls and electronics 45, including among other things timer and temperature controls to operate a cooking sequence in accordance with the present invention. The front end of heating cavity 36 is defined by door 39 which is hingedly connected to right side wall 24, that and can be opened and closed via a traditional handle 40 to provide access to the heating cavity 36. A transparent panel 42 is embedded within door 39 to enable visible access to the heating cavity 36 when the door is closed. A plurality of racks 44 is supported by a corresponding plurality of rack supports 47 extending inwardly from left and right side walls 24 and 38. Racks extend horizontally between side walls 24 and 38, and support food product 46 to be prepared that is delivered into cavity 36, and facilitate removal of the food product from cavity 36 upon completion of the cooking sequence. A drain assembly 43 extends downwardly from base 28 and enables excess moisture and grease produced as food product 48 is cooked during operation to be expelled from heating cavity 36. Oven 20 can be supported by a support stand 50 including a plurality of vertical legs 52 that extend downwardly from base 28 and terminate at feet 54 that rest on a surface, such as a kitchen floor 56. Support stand 50 further includes a plurality of upper rails 58 connecting the upper ends of legs 36 proximal base 28. A flat rectangular plate 60 can be connected to the lower ends of legs 52 at a location slightly upwardly of feet 54. Plate 60 and rails 58 enhance the stability of support stand 50. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, oven 20 includes a smoker assembly 62 operable to introduce flavored smoke into heating cavity 36 to be absorbed by food product 46. Smoker assembly 62 can be used alone to cook raw food product, or can be used with a convection heat source, including forced air and/or steam, and/or a radiation heat source as will be described in more detail below. Referring now also to FIGS. 3-7, smoker assembly 62 extends into heating cavity 36 preferably from rear wall 32. Specifically, smoker assembly 62 includes a pair generally cylindrical side-by-side heating elements 88 extending outwardly from rear wall 32. Heating elements 88 can include a resistive coil that generates heat in response to the introduction of an electric current, and delivers the heat to an aromatic smoke producing media. Alternatively, heating elements 88 can be capable of producing a momentary spark or flame sufficient to ignite a combustible aromatic media. Smoker assembly 62 further includes a horizontally disposed cradle 87 in the form of a U-shaped bar 86 extending outwardly from rear wall 32 and into heating cavity 36. Cradle 87 is mounted to wall 32 at a position such that heating elements 88 is disposed slightly above cradle 87, and laterally centered between the side members of bar 86. Smoker assembly 62 includes a smoking media tray 64 having a base 66, upstanding side walls 68 and end walls 70 and 71 that collectively define an internal cavity 72 having an open upper end. Side walls 68 also extend slightly outwardly from base 66, and fit inside cradle at their lower ends. A cover 74 is hingedly attached to the upper end of one of the end walls 70 (or alternatively side walls 68) and is sized to selectively open and close the cavity 72. A handle 76 extends outwardly from end wall 71 such that cover 74 swings away from handle 76 when the cavity 72 is opened. A plurality of smoke vents 78, in the form of elongated apertures extending through side walls 68 and end wall 71, enable smoke to be released from tray 64 during operation. A pair of round apertures 80 extends through end wall 70 and is sized to receive heating elements 88. Referring now also to FIG. 6, a aromatic smoke producing media, such as wood chips 84 (which can be flavored as desired), is disposed in tray 64. Wood chips 84 are the type that char and emit flavored smoke when exposed to fire or extreme heat. Chips 84 produce a higher volume of smoke when wet or damp, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. During operation, tray 64 is placed in cradle 87 such that heating elements 88 extend through corresponding apertures 80. Wood chips are placed in tray 64 and wetted with water, if desired, either before or after tray is placed in cradle 87. Cradle cover 74 is then closed. Accordingly, when power is supplied to heating elements 88 (e.g., via controls 45), the temperature of the heating elements increases, thereby imparting heat to the wood chips 74 which, in turn, char and produce flavored smoke that is expelled via smoke vents 78 into cavity 36. The smoke can be produced for as long as desired until the food product has been prepared as desired. Advantageously, tray 64 can be easily removed from cavity 36 once the smoking process has been completed or if, for instance, one desires to prepare a food product, such as vegetables, via a non-smoking food preparation method enabled by oven 20, such as convection and/or radiation. Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, the present invention recognizes that oven 20 can include, along with smoker assembly 62, a convection heating assembly 90 that is configured to rapidly cook food product 46 concurrently with, or separately from, activation of smoker assembly 62. Heating assembly 90 is mounted onto left side wall 38, and specifically in a rectangular recess formed in wall 38, and includes a radial fan 98 having blades 100 that rotate about a hub 102 under power supplied to a fan motor 103 disposed in housing 41. A heating element in the form of an electric resistive coil 96 defines a loop that surrounds fan blades 100. Accordingly, during operation, heating assembly 90 can be used to cook a food product via convection by supplying a current to resistive coil 96 while rotating fan blades 100 to disperse the heated air throughout heating cavity 36. A temperature sensor 97 is mounted to wall 38 at a location proximal coils 96 and is sensed by controls 45 to adjust the power supply to coils 96 and regulate the temperature in heating cavity 36. The present invention further recognizes that heating assembly 90, in addition to preparing food via forced air convection, can cook food product 46 by circulating steam inside cavity 36. Accordingly, a steam producing assembly 92 is provided for introducing a fluid such as water to the heating elements 46 during operation of heating assembly 90. Coils 96 vaporize the water into steam, which is circulated throughout the heating cavity 36 by rotating fan 98. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 8 in particular, steam producing assembly 92 operates in combination with a pressure compensation tank 124 disposed proximal the intersection between left side wall 22 and upper wall 26. Tank 124 serves multiple purposes, including venting excess pressure that accumulates in cavity 36 during food preparation, as is described in more detail below. Assembly 92 includes a fluid intake line 122 having a first end connected to a fluid source, such as a conventional faucet or the like, a main body portion extending through left side wall 22, and a second end connected to an inlet 125 formed in a side wall of pressure compensation tank 124. Fluid flow through intake line 122 is controlled by a solenoid valve 126 that is activated by controls 45 to inject water into pressure compensation tank 124 as needed. A water flow regulator 128 is coupled to intake line 122 at a location downstream of valve 126, and defines an internal throughway having a diameter sized less than that of line 122 to meter the water flow rate when valve 126 is open. Water thus flows at a predetermined flow rate into inlet 125 of pressure compensation tank 124. A pressure compensation tank inlet 127 is formed in the base of the pressure compensation tank 124, and accommodates the inlet end of a fluid delivery line 112. Delivery line 112 further includes a main body portion extending through any suitable wall, such as side wall 38, rear wall 32, or front wall 30, and into heating cavity 36, and defines an outlet end disposed proximal fan hub 102. Conduit 112 thus enables water to travel from tank 124 to fan 98, where it is forced across heating elements 96 and vaporized into steam as will now be described. In particular, a water atomizer 116 of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,045, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein, is disposed at the hub 102 of fan 98 and therefore rotates during fan operation. Atomizer 116 includes four adjoined rectangular side walls 114 that define an open outer end 117 receiving the outlet end of fluid delivery line 112. An elongated slot 118 extends through atomizer 116 at each interface between adjacent side walls 114 such that water entering the atomizer 116 via line 112 is slung through slots 118 under centrifugal forces generated during fan rotation. The water exiting atomizer 116 is directed over heating elements 96 that vaporize the water into steam that is circulated through cavity 36. Referring also to FIG. 9, heating assembly 90 further includes a cover 104 that is hingedly attached to side wall 38, and that can be opened and closed to provide access to the components of heating assembly 90. A plurality of apertures 108 extends through cover 104 that provide avenues for steam and heated air to flow into cavity 36 for the purposes of heating food product 46. Furthermore, because cover 104 does not span laterally the entire distance of recess 94, a pair of vertically extending gaps 106 are disposed between the cover 104 and left side wall 38 on both lateral sides of fan 98 to provide additional airflow outlets. A grill 105 is axially aligned with fan hub 102 that presents openings extending through cover to provide an air intake for fan 98. Cover 104 further includes a horizontal slot that accommodates fluid delivery line 112. Referring now to FIG. 10, the present invention anticipates that heating assembly 90 can use resistive coils 96 in the manner described above to heat food product 46, or alternatively can rely on a gas burner to supply the necessary heat for convection or steam cooking. A gas burner (not shown) can thus be provided at any desirable location having an outlet conduit in fluid communication with a plurality of heating elements 96 in the form of vertical heat exchanging tubes that largely surround fan 98 and receive hot combustion gasses from the gas burner. As fan 98 rotates, air from cavity 36 enters assembly 90 through grill 105 and is forced across heating elements 96, becomes heated, and is directed towards food product 46. Heating assembly 90 illustrated in FIG. 10 can also provide a steamer as described above. Specifically, fluid delivery line 112 includes an intake section (not shown in FIG. 10) connected to an outlet section 112B that extends through cover 104. Outlet section 112B extends through grill 105 to deliver water to hub 102. A water dispersion apparatus 116′ receives the water from outlet section 112B and flings the received water towards fan blades 100, which forces the water over heating elements 96 to produce steam as described above. Accordingly, during operation, fan blades 100 rotate to draw air into the fan 98 via intake grill 105. Water is additionally supplied to atomizer 116 via fluid delivery line 112. The delivered water is expelled radially outwardly from atomizer 116 or via slots 118 (or alternative suitable apparatus) as the fan 98 rotates, and directed via fan blades 100 towards heating elements 96 before being expelled into the heating cavity 36 via air outlets 108 as steam that heats the food product 46. The heating elements 96 may be resistive elements or heat exchangers receiving the output of gas burners. It should be appreciated that convection heating assembly 90 is capable of cooking food product 46 via convection both alone and in combination with smoker assembly 62. It should be appreciated that either of the steam producing apparatus described above can be used with either heating assembly 90 illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 8-10. It should be further appreciated that convection assembly 90 can exist without steam producing assembly 92 and heat food product 46 using hot air rather than steam. Referring again to FIG. 4, the components and operation of pressure compensation tank 124 will be described in more detail. Specifically, tank 124 includes a tank overflow outlet 130 that extends through a tank sidewall at a location above tank inlet 125. Conduit inlet 127 terminates inside tank 124 at a vertical location between overflow outlet 130 and tank inlet 125. The water level 134 of pressure compensation tank 124 is thus disposed between the inlet end of conduit 112 and overflow outlet 130 during normal operation. Accordingly, additional water added to tank 124 flows into conduit 112 and travels to the convection assembly 90 to be vaporized into steam and delivered to the food product 46 as described above. If the flow rate of water entering tank 124 exceeds the flow rate of water to convection assembly 92, the water level will rise to a level above inlet to conduit 112 and even with overflow outlet 130. The excess water will then drain into overflow conduit 132 via overflow outlet 130, and flow into a condensation tank 138 located below heating cavity 36. Condensation tank 138 defines a generally rectangular housing having an open upper end that receives excess moisture, grease, and the like that is produced when preparing food product 46, via a conduit 146 coupled to drain 43 and extending below oven base 28. A fluid supply tube 149 is connected at one end to a cool water source, and connected at its opposite end to an inlet formed in the base of tank 138 to supply cool water to the tank during operation. A drain assembly outlet 148 extends upwardly through the bottom of condensation tank 138 a sufficient distance such that the terminal end of outlet 148 is disposed slightly above the terminal end of conduit 146. A water level 150 is thus produced in tank 138 that ensures that the outlet of conduit 146 is submersed. Advantageously, a closed system is therefore provided that prevents flavor-filled gasses and smoke produced during a food preparation sequence from flowing out of heating cavity 36 during normal operation. It should be appreciated, however, that drainage could alternatively be achieved in accordance with conventional techniques and allow gasses to escape, thereby creating an open system. Condensation tank 138 further includes a water temperature sensor 152 and a steam temperature sensor 154. Water temperature sensor 152 includes a probe 156 extending into tank 138 at a level below the inlet to conduit 148 such that it is submersed in water. Steam temperature sensor 154 includes a probe 158 extending into tank 138 at a level above the inlet to conduit 148 and a gas bypass tube 160 extending from a location inside cavity 36 that terminates at a location proximal probe 158. Steam in cavity therefore flows along bypass tube 160 and is brought into contact with probe 158 to enable a steam temperature measurement for cavity 36. When the water temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold (between 70 C and 80 C, and more preferably 76 C in accordance with the preferred embodiment), controls 45 inject additional cool water into tank 138 via a conventional valve (not shown) disposed in intake tube 149. As a result, steam that is brought into proximity of the water inside tank 138 will condense and drain through conduit 148 as a liquid. If the steam temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold (between 80 C and 100 C, and more preferably 90 C in accordance with the preferred embodiment), controls 45 actuate valve 126 to discontinue water supply to steam producing assembly 92 until the steam temperature falls below a predetermined threshold. Additionally, controls can automatically decrease the power supplied to heating elements 96 until the steam temperature falls below the predetermined threshold. Tank 138 further enables venting of excess pressure generated inside cavity 36 during operation. Specifically, as steam, smoke, and other gasses accumulate in heating cavity 36 during a food preparation sequence, the pressure of cavity 36 correspondingly accumulates. Once the cavity pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressurized steam, smoke, and other gasses flow through conduit 146 and momentarily displace the water in tank 138. Some of the gasses (i.e., steam) condenses in the tank 138 and exits tanks 138 via conduit 148 as water, while the remaining gasses follow the path of least resistance of conduit 132. The gasses then flow into pressure compensation tank 124, through an outlet channel 144, and exit the oven at a vent 136 formed in the upper surface of tank 124. It should be appreciated that the tank pressure required to begin venting is primarily determined based on the depth between the terminal ends of conduits 146 and 146, and hence the water level in condensation tank 138. Outlet channel 144 is defined by a pair of vertical baffles 140 extending down from the upper surface of tank 124 to a distance below water level 134 to assist in pressure dissipation. Channel 144 is further defined by a horizontal baffle 142 disposed between outlet 130 and vent 136. Horizontal baffle 142 extends from the right side wall of tank 124 to a location short of baffles 140. Accordingly, gas outlet channel 144 extends from overflow outlet 130, around horizontal baffle 142, and towards vent 136. Referring now to FIGS. 23A-B, the present invention recognizes that an alternative to steam assembly 92 can be provided by including a steam generating water tank 135 that is either located external to the oven 20, or mounted inside cabinet 41. In particular, water tank 135 is formed in left side wall 22 (or alternatively rear wall 32) and includes a door 147 that can be opened in the direction of Arrow A to provide access to the interior of tank 135. Water tank 135 includes a supply input 137 that receives water from an external faucet (not shown) and a drain 139 for expelling excess water as necessary. A heating element, such as resistive coil 141 extends into tank 135 proximal the base and is operable to heat the stored water to boiling temperature. A steam conduit 143 extends from the upper wall of tank 135 and directs the generated steam into cavity 36 and, optionally, towards fan 98 to assist in steam circulation. It should be understood that water tank 135 can be used to replace steam assembly 92 in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. It should be further appreciated that steam-producing water tank 135 can be provided in oven 20 in combination with pressure compensation tank 124 in the manner described above to maintain a closed food preparation system. It should also be appreciated that steam-producing water tank 135 can be provided in combination with smoker assembly 62. Oven 20 can thus include convection heating assembly 90, alone or in combination with steam producing assembly 92 and/or tank 135, and smoker assembly 62, any one of which being selectively operable to prepare food product 46, both alone and in combination. Referring now to FIG. 11, the present invention recognizes that oven 20 can include a rotisserie assembly 160 capable of preparing food product 46 using a radiation heat source in accordance with an alternate embodiment. While only the rotisserie assembly 160 is illustrated, the present invention anticipates that assembly 160 can be installed in oven 20 along with either or all of convection heating assembly 90, steam producing assembly 92 and/or tank 135, and smoker assembly 62. Rotisserie assembly 160 includes a motor 162 (See FIG. 12) that drives a spit assembly 164. Referring also to FIG. 22, assembly 160 includes a radiating heat source 166 disposed directly above spit assembly 164 and supported by upper wall 26 inside heating cavity 36. Heat source 166 includes a plurality of rectangular ceramic disks that surrounds traditional resistive coils. The bottom of the coil (when positioned as installed in the heating cavity 36) is essentially coated with a ceramic material which has been found to emit infrared heat that is less scattered compared to coils that are not embedded in ceramic. The food product is thus browned more uniformly than conventionally achieved. The coils are connected via electrical leads to control 45, and emit heat in response to an electrical current. The ceramic heaters are preferably of the type commercially available from OGDEN Corp, located in Arlington Heights, Ill. or Chromalox, Inc. located in Pittsburgh, Pa. The motor 162 and heating source 166 are operated via controls 45. A temperature sensor 168 (See FIG. 18) is mounted onto the right side wall 24 for sensing the temperature in heating cavity 36. The temperature may be displayed at the user controls 45, which includes a set of outputs as understood by a skilled artisan. Referring also to FIGS. 20 and 21, rotisserie assembly 160 further includes a spit assembly 164 having a plurality of spits (collectively identified as 170) that can span between side walls 24 and 38 of the cavity 36. Specifically, spits 170 span between a pair of support discs 172 and are suitable for supporting food product 46 such as chicken, turkey, duck, and the like. Discs 172 are rotated under power supplied by motor 162. The construction of spit assembly 164 will now be described. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a rotating output shaft 174 extends outwardly from motor 162 and through left side wall 38 of the heating cavity 36 when installed in the oven 20. The outer end of shaft 174 includes an elongated groove 176 that bifurcates the shaft. Referring to FIG. 13, a coupling 178 is provided that interfaces with output shaft 174. Coupling 178 includes a cylindrical mounting plate 180 and a shaft portion 182 extending outwardly from the mounting plate to form a motor connector 181. A bore 184 is formed in the outer end 186 of the shaft portion 182. Opposing apertures 188 and 190, extend through shaft portion 182 proximal the terminal end, either or both of which may receive a dowel 192. The inner diameter of outer end 186 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of output shaft 174, such that the output shaft 174 is received by outer end 186. Specifically, dowel 192 engages groove 176 to interlock the coupling 178 with the output shaft 174, such that coupling 178 rotates along with output shaft 174 during operation. The mounting plate portion 180 of coupling 178 includes a plurality of apertures 194 extending axially therethrough. Referring now to FIGS. 14A-B and 15, disc 172 includes an annular outer ring portion 198 and a pair of intersecting perpendicular ribs 200 that are connected at their outer ends to ring portion 198. Ribs 200 intersect at a hub 202 which is centrally disposed on disc 172. A pair of discs 172 are provided in accordance with the preferred embodiment, one of which being disposed at the drive end of the spit assembly 164, the other of which being disposed at the driven end of the assembly. Coupling 178 is mounted onto the outer surface of hub 202 via bolts (not shown) extending through apertures 194 such that dowel 192 faces outwardly and engages the motor 162 as described above. A shaft connector 204 extends from hub 202 in a direction opposite from the direction of coupling 178 extension. Connector 204 is generally cylindrical, and defines an outer end that defines a flat axially extending engagement surface 206 as described above with reference to motor shaft 174. Outer end of surface 206 is connected to a round member 208 that is in the shape of a half-cylinder. Referring now to FIGS. 16, 17, and 19, a power transfer shaft 210 includes a first end 212 disposed proximal the motor, and a second distal end 214 opposite the first end 212 that is disposed remote from the motor and proximal the right side wall 24 of heating cavity 36. The shaft 210 is symmetrical with respect to both ends 212 and 214, hence only proximal end 212 is described herein. Specifically, a connector 216 is disposed at the outer end that includes an axially extending flat surface 218 formed in a half-cylindrical surface 220. The flat surface 218 is configured to engage flat surface 206 of connector 204, such that the connector 204 and connector 216 rotate together when connected. A collar 220 is disposed on shaft 210 having an internal bore shaped to mate with the outer surface of the cylindrical joint formed between connectors 204 and 216. Collar 220 is thus slid over the joint to secure the connector 216 to the coupling 204. End 212 presents a radial groove 222 that is disposed inwardly of the collar 220 (once placed in engagement with the joint) as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. A locking ring 224 is slid into engagement with the groove 222 to prevent the collar 220 from sliding out of engagement during operation. Distal end 214 is also joined to connector 204 of a disc 172 in the manner described Referring to FIG. 18, the coupling 178 that is connected to the driven end of shaft 210 is further connected to a cylindrical bearing 226 extending into the heating cavity 36 from right side wall 24. Bearing 226 includes a rotating connector member defining a groove that receives dowel 192 to lock the coupling 178 to the bearing 226 with respect to rotational motion. Referring to FIGS. 20-21 spit assembly can be conveniently assembled and disassembled as desired. During assembly, the couplings 178 are first mounted onto hubs 202 of discs 172 in the manner described above. The shaft portions 182 of couplings 178 are then connected to motor 162 and bearing 226, respectively. The shaft 210 is then installed, such that ends 212 and 214 are connected to the shaft connectors 204 as described above. The spit assembly 164 may be disassembled by reversing the assembly process, for instance when it is desired to clean the heating cavity 36. Referring also to FIGS. 19-21, spit assembly 164 is illustrated having various spits 170 extending between the discs 172 that are selectively usable depending on the food product to be prepared. In particular, a first angled spit 228 (FIG. 19) includes a pair of elongated axially extending flat walls 230 that join at an axially extending apex 232 to assume the general shape of an elongated bracket. Walls 230 define a pointed end 232 that is disposed at one end of spit 228. A mounting pin 234 extends outwardly from the pointed end 232. The other end of the spit 228 includes a pair of mounting pins 234 extending outwardly (one from each wall 230). A second dual-prong spit 236 (FIG. 20) includes a pair of cylindrical skewer rods 238 that are joined by a rib 240 at one end. A mounting pin 234 extends outwardly from either end of each rod 238. The mounting pins 234 are disposed remote from rib 240 may be pointed to assist in piercing uncooked food product. Mounting pins 234 of spit 236 are spaced apart the same distance as mounting pins 234 of spit 228. A third spit is a basket 239 (FIG. 21) that includes an axially elongated base 240 integrally connected to opposing side walls 242 that are angled outwardly with respect to the base. A pair of opposing end walls 244 closes the basket 239. Food product sits in the basket 239 during operation. A slot or plurality of slots (not shown) extends axially between the base 240 and side walls 242 to assist in the drainage of grease that is produced during the preparation of the food product. A mounting flange 246 extends upwardly from each end wall 244, and supports a mounting pin 234 that extends outwardly from the flange 246. Mounting pins 234 enable rotation of the corresponding spit 170. Discs 172 define a plurality of spit mounting locations 248 located at the outer ring portion 198 and radially offset from each other (seven illustrated). Each mounting location 248 includes two pairs of apertures designed to receive mounting pins 234. In particular, a first pair of apertures 250 includes first and second radially aligned apertures 252 and 254, respectively. First aperture 252 is disposed radially inwardly with respect to second aperture 254. A second pair of apertures 256 includes tangentially aligned apertures 258 and 260. Apertures 258 and 260 are designed to receive mounting pins 234 of the dual-pronged ends of spits 228 and 236. Apertures 252 and 254 are designed to receive mounting pins 234 of the single-pronged ends of spits 228 and 239. Advantageously, for larger food product, spit 228 may be orientated with the single mounting pin 234 of the pointed end 232 in the radially outer aperture 254. In this first configuration, the apex 234 points radially inwardly to position the food product away from the radiating heat elements, as will be described below. Alternatively, for smaller food product, mounting pin 234 of the pointed end 232 may be positioned in the radially inner aperture 252 such that apex 232 faces outwardly, thereby positioning the food product closer to the radiating heat elements. Sufficient clearance exists such that one end of the spits may be translated close to the corresponding disc 172 to free the mounting pins 234 at the other end of the spit from the opposite disc 172. Accordingly, spits may be easily attached to and removed from assembly 164. Oven 20 thus advantageously incorporates a convection heat source 90 alone or in combination with a steam production assembly 92 (with or without tank 135) that can be used to cook raw food product along with, or separately from, a radiation heat source 176 that browns the food being prepared. Any of heating assemblies 90, 92, or 176 can be used in combination with, or separately from, smoker assembly 62 to add additional smoked flavor to food product 46. Advantageously, food product 46 may be heated via convection, steam, and/or radiation while at the same time activating smoker assembly 62. Accordingly, the length of time necessary to prepare the food product 46 is significantly less than conventional smoking assemblies, and is more convenient that cooking a raw food product in a first oven, then transferring the food product to a smoker oven. Furthermore, the food product 46 is not being handled twice, thereby reducing the likelihood that the food will become contaminated. Moreover, the food product 46 will absorb a larger amount of flavorful smoke when it is raw (and being cooked) as opposed to when it has been cooked before introducing flavored smoke. The food product 46 can also be prepared via only convection, steam and/or radiation in situations where smoking is not desired. All of these food preparation operations can be initiated using controls 45 as appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art. It should further be appreciated that oven 20 is more versatile than conventional ovens in that a meat product can be prepared using any of the heating methods described above in combination with smoker 62. However, once the meat is fully prepared and removed from cavity 36, the smoke is also expelled and oven 20 can then be used to prepare food product that does not require smoking, for example vegetables, without exposing the vegetables to the smoke that was produced during the previous cooking cycle. Oven 20 can therefore prevent the transfer of smoke flavor between cooking cycles. It should furthermore be appreciated that steam assembly 92 can be activated to produce steam when it is desired to clean cavity 36. It should be appreciated that controls 45 include timers and temperature controls to automatically initiate various cooking sequences at various temperatures for predetermined lengths of time. The timer and temperature controls can be applicable to any of the heating assemblies described herein, and furthermore can operate different heating assemblies either simultaneously or concurrently. The above description has been that of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to apprise the public of the various embodiments that may fall in the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates generally to a cooking apparatus, and in particular to a commercial oven capable of performing multiple food preparation processes. Conventional steamers are suitable for preparing various food types by introducing steam into a cooking chamber to cook the food via convection. In particular, a water supply is typically introduced in the cooking chamber and delivered to one or more heating elements that evaporate the water into steam. A fan in the heating cavity circulates the steam throughout the cooking cavity. Alternatively, if a water supply is not used, the heating elements can be used to cook the food product via forced air convection. Foods suitable to be prepared by steam and convection include vegetables as well as meat, poultry, and fish products. It should be appreciated that the term “meat” is used herein to refer generally to meat, poultry, fish, and the like for the purposes of clarity and convenience. Conventional smokers are typically used to introduce flavored smoke into a cooking chamber, which will permeate the meat with a distinctive taste. Smokers can be used to either fully cook raw meat product, complete cooking a meat product that has been partially cooked previously in, for example a steamer or convection oven, or merely add additional flavor to a meat product that has already been fully cooked. Conventional smokers are currently available as regular smokers and pressure smokers. A regular smoker provides a smoke generator in the cooking chamber. The smoke generator includes wood chips or other flavor producing ingredients that may be charred upon activation of an igniter. Regular smokers operate generally at or slightly above atmospheric pressure. A pressure smoker is one whose cooking chamber is connected to a smoke producing unit via a supply tube. The smoker unit thus produces smoke in large quantities, and introduces the smoke into the cooking chamber via the supply tube at a rate sufficient to maintain the pressure inside the cooking chamber at a predetermined level, for example 3 PSI. It should thus be appreciated that the elevated internal pressure of a pressure smoker can cook raw meat product significantly faster than a regular smoker. However, regardless of the type of smoker used to prepare a raw meat product, the food preparation can consume a significant length of time that is impractical in some circumstances. If one wishes to reduce the cooking time, while producing a prepared meat product having smoked flavor, the raw meat product would first be prepared or partially prepared in a steamer or convection oven. The meat product would then be transferred into a conventional smoker to complete the food preparation sequence. This, however, is a tedious and cumbersome process. Furthermore, conventional smokers do not provide a mechanism for preparing food products that are not desired to be smoke-flavored, such as vegetables. It is thus desirable to provide an oven that is suitable for cooking raw food products using a heat source capable of preparing raw meat product faster than smoking alone (e.g., convection, steam, or radiation) while simultaneously being capable of introducing flavored smoke to the food product being cooked. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one aspect, the present invention provides an oven capable of preparing food product utilizing a first and second food preparation process. The oven includes a heating cavity defining an interior including an apparatus for supporting food product disposed therein. A door provides selective access to the interior. A first food preparation assembly is operable to prepare raw food product using at least one of 1) radiating heat in combination with a rotisserie assembly, 2) steam, and 3) forced air convection. A smoking assembly is also provided and configured to deliver heat to an aromatic smoke producing media that emits smoke into the heating cavity in response to the delivered heat. The oven is capable of operating the first food preparation assembly simultaneously with the smoking assembly or separately from the smoking assembly.; The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration, and not limitation, a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, however, and reference must therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention. | 20040809 | 20070102 | 20050310 | 71421.0 | 1 | PELHAM, JOSEPH MOORE | OVEN INCLUDING SMOKING ASSEMBLY IN COMBINATION WITH ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL FOOD PREPARATION ASSEMBLIES | SMALL | 0 | ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,915,034 | ACCEPTED | Wireless building control architecture | On a first level of the wireless building automation architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct wireless communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy is provided by receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration. Where a problem is detected, such as a fire, corrective action begins within the immediate region of the sensor generating an alarm signal. The corrective action occurs without routing the alarm signal to upper levels of control processes or across different systems. The alarm signal is also propagated to upper level control systems for generating appropriate responses in other zones. To provide the different zones and avoid interference, the transmit power of the sensors and actuators is controlled as a function of two or more other devices. | 1. A control system for wireless building automation control, the control system comprising: a first wireless network in a building having first wireless communications protocol; and a second wireless network in the building having a second wireless communications protocol, the first wireless communications protocol different than the second wireless communications protocol; wherein the first wireless network is operable to control, free of communications with the second wireless network, building components in response to sensors, and wherein the first wireless network is also operable to control the building components in response to data from the second wireless network. 2. The control system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless communications protocol has a first bandwidth and the second wireless communications protocol has a second bandwidth, the first bandwidth less than the second bandwidth. 3. The control system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless network comprises a first plurality of first processors and the second wireless network comprises a second plurality of second processors, the second processors having a greater processing power and storage capacity than the first processors. 4. The control system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless network implements local area control processes and wherein the second wireless network implements control processes for a plurality of local areas. 5. The control system of claim 4 wherein the first wireless network implements control processes for rooms and wherein the second wireless network implements control processes for one of a wing of the building, a floor of the building, the building and combinations thereof, the second wireless network including aggregate communications corresponding to a plurality of sensors, actuators or combinations thereof, and the first wireless network excluding aggregate communications corresponding to the plurality of sensors, actuators and combinations thereof, the communications of the first wireless network corresponding to individual sensors or actuators. 6. The control system of claim 1 wherein at least one processor of the second wireless network wirelessly communicates with the first wireless network, processors of the first wireless network only capable of communication pursuant to the first communications protocol. 7. The control system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless network comprises wirelessly paired building actuators and sensors operable without further control and the second wireless network comprises controllers operable to override the operation of the paired building actuators and sensors. 8. The control system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless network comprises a plurality of actuators and sensors, each of the sensors operable to process control information specific only to the sensor, each of the actuators operable to process control information specific only to the actuator, each of the actuators responsive to a wireless output of at least on of the sensors. 9. The control system of claim 8 wherein each of the sensors is operable to wirelessly output data representing a comparison of a respective set value to a sensed value, the output data being independent of a type of actuator, and wherein each of the actuators is operable to determine a setting as a function of the output data of at least one of the sensors and the type of actuator. 10. The control system of claim 1 wherein the second wireless network is operable to instruct a redirection of first wireless network sensor data to the second wireless network, the building components responsive to communications from the second wireless network. 11. The control system of claim 10 wherein the first network controls the building components in response to the sensors in response to a communications failure with the second wireless network. 12. The control system of claim 1 wherein the second wireless network is operable to dynamically assign control processing among a plurality of components and to instruct components of the first wireless network to be responsive to the dynamically assigned control processing. 13. The control system of claim 1 wherein a transmit power of a component of the first wireless network is responsive to communications from the second wireless network. 14. The control system of claim 1 wherein the first wireless network is operable to control building components in a first area without communications from the second wireless network, wherein the second wireless network is operable to instruct control of building components in a second area different than the first area in response to control of the building components in the first area by the first network, and wherein the first network is operable to control the building components in the second area as a function of the instructed control from the second wireless network. 15. A method for wireless building automation control, the method comprising: (a) wirelessly controlling building actuator outputs in response to sensor inputs without an intervening controller; (b) performing the wireless communications of (a) pursuant to a first communications protocol; and (c) wirelessly controlling the building actuator outputs with the intervening controller in response to sensor inputs, the building actuator outputs operating free of the intervening controller in a first time period and being in response to the intervening controller in a second, different time period. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: (d) communicating with the intervening controller with a second communications protocol different than the first communications protocol; wherein the control of the building actuator outputs of (c) is responsive to wireless communication from the sensors pursuant to the first communications protocol and information of the communications of (d). 17. The method of claim 16 wherein (b) comprises performing the wireless communications directly between actuator outputs and sensor inputs with a first bandwidth and (d) comprises communicating with a second bandwidth, the first bandwidth less than the second bandwidth. 18. The method of claim 15 wherein (a) comprises implementing local area control processes and wherein (c) comprises implementing control processes for a plurality of local areas. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the local area control processes comprise room control processes; wherein (c) comprises overriding the room control processes with control processes for one of a wing of the building, a floor of the building, the building and combinations thereof. 20. The method of claim 16 wherein (b) comprises communicating for individual sensors or actuators and wherein (d) comprises communicating data being an aggregate corresponding to a plurality of sensors, actuators or combinations thereof. 21. The method of claim 15 wherein (a) and (b) are performed for wirelessly paired building actuators and sensors operable without further control and wherein (c) comprises overriding the operation of the paired building actuators and sensors. 22. The method of claim 15 wherein (a) comprises: (a1) processing control information specific only to a sensor on the sensor; (a2) transmitting an output of the sensor to an actuator; and (a3) processing control information specific only to the actuator on the actuator. 23. The method of claim 15 further comprising: (d) redirecting data from the sensor inputs to the intervening controller. 24. The method of claim 23 wherein (d) comprises redirecting the data in response to a communications failure. 25. The method of claim 15 further comprising: (d) dynamically assign control processing among a plurality of components, one of the components being the intervening controller; and (e) instructing the building actuator outputs to be responsive to the dynamically assigned control processing. 26. The method of claim 15 further comprising: (d) setting a transmit power of at least one of the sensor inputs as a function of a signal received at a plurality of other devices. 27. The method of claim 15 wherein (a) comprises controlling the building actuator outputs in a first area without communications from the intervening controller; further comprising: (d) controlling building actuator outputs in a second area different than the first area in response to control of the building actuator components in the first area, the control in the second area being performed with the intervening controller. 28. A control system for wireless building automation control, the control system comprising: a sensor arrangement having a sensor, a sensor processor and a radio frequency transmitter; an actuator arrangement having an actuator, an actuator processor and a radio frequency receiver, the sensor arrangement spaced from the actuator arrangement such that the radio frequency receiver is operable to receive information from the radio frequency transmitter; and a control algorithm distributed on both the sensor processor and the actuator processor; wherein the portion of the control algorithm on the sensor processor is specific to the sensor and the portion of the control algorithm on the actuator processor is specific to the actuator, the sensor processor being free of control algorithms for other devices; and wherein the control algorithm is operable to control, free of input from an external controller, a parameter as a function of the sensor and the actuator. 29. The control system of claim 28 wherein the sensor processor, with the portion of the control algorithm on the sensor processor, is operable to generate a request as a function of a comparison of a first set point with a signal input by the sensor, and wherein the actuator processor, with the portion of the control algorithm on the actuator processor, is operable to determine an adjustment as a function of the request. 30. The control system of claim 28 further comprising: a first wireless network comprising the sensor and actuator arrangements, the first wireless network operable pursuant to a first wireless communications protocol; and a second wireless network operable pursuant to a second wireless communications protocol different than the first wireless communications protocol; wherein the control algorithm is operable in a first mode free of control from the second wireless network and in a second mode as a function of control from the second wireless network. 31. A method for wireless building automation control, the method comprising: (a) performing a sensor control process on a sensor, the sensor control process specific to the sensor without control processes for other sensors and other actuators; (b) wirelessly transmitting an output from the sensor responsive to the sensor control process; (c) receiving the output at an actuator; (d) performing an actuator control process on the actuator as a function of the output, the actuator control process specific to the actuator without control processes for other sensors and other actuators; wherein the sensor and actuator control processes are operable without control from any external controller. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein (a) comprises generating the output as a function of a comparison of a first set point with a measured signal, and wherein (d) comprises determining an adjustment specific to the actuator as a function of the output. 33. The method of claim 28 wherein the sensor and actuator comprise a first wireless network; further comprising: (e) performing (b) and (c) pursuant to a first wireless communications protocol of the first wireless network; (f) receiving the output at a second wireless network operable pursuant to a second wireless communications protocol different than the first wireless communications protocol; (g) operating the sensor and actuator in a first mode free of control from the second wireless network and in a second mode as a function of control from the second wireless network. 34. A system for wireless building automation control, the system comprising: a first building control system device having a transmitter; second and third building control system devices having second and third receivers, respectively; and a control processor operable to set a transmit power of the transmitter as a function of information from the second and third receivers. 35. The system of claim 34 wherein the first building control system device comprises one of a sensor arrangement, an actuator arrangement, a controller and combinations thereof and wherein the second and third building control system devices each comprise one of a sensor arrangement, an actuator arrangement, a controller and combinations thereof. 36. The system of claim 35 wherein the first building control system device comprises a sensor arrangement and the second building control system device comprises an actuator arrangement. 37. The system of claim 34 wherein the control processor comprises a processor of the first building control system device. 38. The system of claim 34 wherein the control processor comprises a processor remote from the first, second and third building control system devices. 39. The system of claim 34 wherein the control processor is operable to limit the transmit power for reception by the second building control system device and avoid reception by the third building control system device. 40. The system of claim 39 wherein the control processor is operable to limit the transmit power for reception by a closest controller. 41. The system of claim 39 wherein the control processor is operable to increase the transmit power for reception by both the second and third building control systems. 42. A method for wireless building automation control, the method comprising: (a) transmitting a radio frequency signal from a first building control system device; (b) attempting receipt of the radio frequency signal at second and third building control system devices; and (c) setting a transmit power of the transmitter as a function of information from the second and third building control system devices. 43. The method of claim 42 wherein (a) comprises transmitting from one of a sensor arrangement, an actuator arrangement, a controller and combinations thereof and wherein (b) comprises attempting receipt by the second and third building control system devices each comprising one of a sensor arrangement, an actuator arrangement, a controller and combinations thereof. 44. The method of claim 43 wherein (a) comprises transmitting from a sensor arrangement and wherein (b) comprises attempting receipt at an actuator arrangement. 45. The method of claim 42 wherein (c) comprises determining the transmit power at the first building control system device. 46. The method of claim 42 wherein (c) comprises determining the transmit power at a processor remote from the first, second and third building control system devices. 47. The method of claim 42 wherein (c) comprises limiting the transmit power for reception by the second building control system device and to avoid reception by the third building control system device. 48. The method of claim 47 wherein (c) comprises limiting the transmit power for reception by a closest controller. 49. The method of claim 47 wherein (c) comprises increasing the transmit power for reception by both the second and third building control systems. 50. A method for wireless building automation control, the method comprising: (a) wirelessly transmitting from a sensor within a room of a building an alarm signal; (b) receiving the alarm signal directly from the sensor at an actuator associated with the room; (c) operating the actuator in response to the alarm signal; (d) wirelessly propagating the alarm signal outside the room and within the building; and (e) responding to the alarm signal differently in another room. 51. The method of claim 50 wherein (a) comprises transmitting a fire alarm signal. 52. The method of claim 50 wherein (a) comprises transmitting a security signal. 53. The method of claim 50 wherein (b) comprises receiving the alarm signal free of routing through a controller remote from the sensor and the actuator. 54. The method of claim 50 wherein (c) comprises triggering an alarm. 55. The method of claim 50 wherein (c) comprises altering air flow. 56. The method of claim 50 wherein (c) comprises operating a door mechanism. 57. The method of claim 50 wherein (d) comprises routing the alarm signal from the room to the other room, and wherein (e) comprises operating another actuator in the other room in response to the alarm signal. 58. The method of claim 50 wherein (a), (b) and (c) comprise responding to a problem directly between input and output devices within the room without authorization from a controller located outside the room and wherein (d) and (e) comprise propagating the alarm signal to other rooms for an appropriate response as a function of the spatial relationship of the other rooms to the room. 59. A device for wireless building automation control, the device comprising: a processor; a first transceiver connected with the processor, the first transceiver operable for wireless communication with building control sensors, building control actuators or combinations thereof; and a second transceiver connected with the processor, the second transceiver operable for wireless communication different than the wireless communication of the first transceiver. 60. The device of claim 59 wherein the second transceiver is operable for wireless communication with a building control controller. 61. The device of claim 59 wherein the first transceiver is operable in a first channel and the second transceiver is operable in a second channel different than the first channel. 62. The control system of claim 1 wherein the second wireless network is responsive to sensor data forwarded from the first wireless network by an actuator arrangement. 63. The method of claim 15 wherein (c) comprises controlling the building actuator outputs in response to the sensor inputs forwarded by an acuator arrangement. 64. The method of claim 31 further comprising: (e) transmitting by the actuator the output from the sensor to an external controller. | BACKGROUND The present invention relates to building automation systems. In particular, a wireless building control architecture implements automation of building systems. Building automation systems include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, security systems, fire systems, or other systems. The systems are typically formed from distributed components wired together. HVAC systems may be formed with up to three separate tiers or architectural levels. A floor level network provides general control for a particular floor or zone of a building. Controllers of the floor level network provide process controls based on sensor inputs to operate actuators. For example, a temperature sensor is read. An adjustment of a damper, heating element, cooling element or other actuator is determined by a separate controller based on a set point and the measured temperature. Other basic control functions for room comfort may be provided, such as by using single input, single output feedback loops employing proportional-integral-derivative methods. The building level network integrates multiple floor level networks to provide consistent control between various zones within a building. Panels or other controllers control distribution systems, such as pumps, fans or other central plants for cooling and heating. Building level controllers may communicate among themselves and also access floor level controllers for obtaining data. The management level network integrates control of the building level networks to provide a high level control process of the overall building environment and equipment. The controllers, such as a personal computer, provide supervisory and management of the building automation system. Single or dual level architectures may also be provided. Wired building automation systems have substantial installation costs. Controllers on a floor level network are bound through installed wiring between sensors and actuators. In addition to the cost of installing wiring between the various devices, the maintenance and establishment of a network hierarchy also introduces additional cost. Further wiring connects floor level controllers to building level controllers and building level controllers to management level controllers. Further wiring adds additional costs and complication for networking. If a device within the system fails, the physical location of the device is determined manually, such as by following wiring runs from a controller reporting failure to a failed component. Manual maintenance may be expensive. Changes to the system may require additional wiring or rerouting of wiring, adding further costs. To reduce costs associated with wiring, wireless architectures for building automation systems have been proposed. Wireless standards provide single tier networks or multiple tier networks for implementing a single building automation process. For example, a multi-tier wireless network emulates current wired building automation systems. A controller wirelessly communicates with sensors and associated actuators. The lower level sensors and actuators provide mere input and output functions controlled by controllers. As another example, a hub and spoke control in proposed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/672,527 titled “Building Control System using Integrated MEMS Devices”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. A controller may be integrated with an actuator, a sensor or combinations thereof. An additional layer or tier uses wireless communications for management of local functions as well as management of building wide subsystems, such as chiller or building fan. IEEE 802.15.4 standardizes wireless integrated building automation systems. Reduced function devices (RFD) with limited processing power communicate with full function devices. Full function devices (FFD) provide pier-to-pier wireless communication for controlling other reduced function devices. The standard contemplates a hub and spoke configuration between an RFD and associated FFDs while using peer-to-peer communication between FFDs. BRIEF SUMMARY By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described below include methods and systems for wireless building automation control. The wireless architecture maximizes control capabilities and optional or available communications paths. On a first level of the wireless architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used, and the output from the sensor is wirelessly communicated to an actuator. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy may be provided by also receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed, such as during a communications failure or to implement a control process accounting for a larger region of operation than individual communication between sensors and actuators on the lower level tier. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration. Where a problem is detected, such as a fire, corrective action begins within the immediate region of the sensor generating an alarm signal. The corrective action occurs without routing the alarm signal to upper levels of control processes or across different systems. The alarm signal is also propagated outward through the network to upper level control systems for generating appropriate responses in other zones. To provide the different zones and avoid interference, the transmit power of the sensors and actuators is controlled as a function of two or more other devices. For example, a signal strength is set to provide reception of the signals at more than one device for communication redundancy, but to limit reception by more distant devices to avoid interference with communications for that distant device. In a first aspect, a control system is provided for wireless building automation control. A first wireless network in a building has a first wireless communications protocol. A second wireless network in the building has a second wireless communications protocol different than the first wireless communications protocol. The first wireless network is operable in control, free of communications with the second wireless network, building components in response to sensors. The first network is also operable to control the building components in response to data from the second wireless network. In a second aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. Building actuator outputs are wirelessly controlled in response to sensor inputs without an intervening controller. The wireless communications for control of outputs are performed pursuant to a first communications protocol. The building actuator outputs may also be wirelessly controlled with an intervening controller in response to sensor inputs. The building actuator outputs operate free of the intervening controller in one time period and operate in response in the intervening controller in a different time period. In a third aspect, a control system is provided for wireless building automation control. A sensor arrangement includes a sensor, a sensor processor and a radio frequency transmitter. An actuator arrangement includes an actuator, an actuator processor and a radio frequency receiver. The sensor arrangement is spaced from the actuator arrangement such that the radio frequency receiver is operable to receive information from the radio frequency transmitter. A control algorithm is distributed on both the sensor processor and the actuator processor. The portion of the control algorithm on the sensor processor is specific to the sensor and the portion of the control algorithm on the actuator processor is specific to the actuator. The sensor processor is free of control algorithms for other devices. The control algorithm is operable to control, free of input from an external controller, a parameter as a function of the sensor and the actuator. In a fourth aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. A sensor control process is performed on a sensor. The sensor control process is specific to the sensor without control processes for other sensors or other actuators. An output is wirelessly transmitted from the sensor responsive to the sensor control process. The output is received at an actuator. The actuator performs a control process as a function of the output. The actuator control process is specific to the actuator without control processes for other sensors or other actuators. The sensor and actuator control processes are operable without control from any external controller. In a fifth aspect, a system is provided for wireless building automation control. A first building control system device has a transmitter. Second and third building control systems devices have receivers. A control processor is operable to set a transmit power of the transmitter as a function of information from both the second and third receivers. In a sixth aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. A radio frequency signal is transmitted from a building control system device. Additional building system control devices attempt receipt of the radio frequency signal. A transmit power of the transmitter is set as a function of information from the other devices. In a seventh aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. An alarm signal is wirelessly transmitted from a sensor within a room of the building. The alarm signal is directly received from the sensor at an actuator associated with the room. The actuator operates in response to the alarm signal. The alarm signal is wirelessly propagated outside the room and within the building. The alarm signal is responded to differently in another room. In an eighth aspect, a device is provided for wireless building automation control. A first transceiver connects with a processor. The first transceiver is operable for wireless communication with building control sensors, building control actuators or combinations thereof. A second transceiver connects with the processor. The second transceiver is operable for wireless communication different than the wireless communication of the first transceiver. The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. Further aspects and advantages of the invention are discussed below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments and may later be claimed independently or in combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a multi-tier wireless building automation control system architecture; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a sensor arrangement; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an actuator arrangement; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a controller; FIG. 5 is a top plan view of one embodiment of distribution of components of the wireless network of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of one embodiment of a method for control in a wireless building automation system; and FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram of one embodiment of a method for setting a transmit power in a wireless architecture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Wireless building automation control is provided for safety, environmental, security, hazard, combinations thereof or other building systems. The control processes for automation are distributed. For example, control processes are distributed between two tiers or levels of the architecture. Associations between the controllers, sensors and actuators may be modified and updated with changing needs of the system. A further distributed control is provided by allowing for direct or peer-to-peer communication between devices on a lowest level, such as sensors and actuators. Using a two-tier architecture, one level provides for high speed, or high bandwidth communications of aggregate collections of sensors or actuator data, video or other high bandwidth data or long range communications. A lower level associated with point-to-point communications may have a lower bandwidth for communicating between specific sensors and actuators. Control processes are distributed to the controllers, sensors and actuators as appropriate for the particular operations of each device, such as using an object oriented control distribution. The sensor reports information appropriate or specific to the sensor, such as reporting the result of a comparison of a measured value to a desired or set point value. Actuators use the output sensor data to provide a response appropriate for the actuator. Controllers monitor the process or action of sensors and actuators without control in one mode of operation. In another mode of operation, the controllers override the sensor and/or actuators to alter processing based on a regional or larger area control process. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a control system 10 for wireless building automation control. The control system 10 includes two different wireless networks 12, 14 for use in a building. One of the wireless networks 12 is a high level control network, and the other wireless network 14 is a lower level operations network. Interfaces, routers and bridges are provided for implementing wireless network 12, 14. While shown as a common bus or interconnection structure, each of the networks 12, 14 may be associated with a plurality of different links between components with some or no redundancy in any of various patterns. Additional, different or fewer wireless networks may be provided. For example, one network is wired and another network is wireless, one or both wireless networks include wired components, or the networks may be distributed amongst only one, three or more levels. Each network operates pursuant to different wireless communications protocols. For example, the lower level network 14 operates pursuant to the 802.15.4 communications protocols, but Bluetooth, proprietary, standard, now known or later developed wireless communication protocols may be used. The high level network 14 operates pursuant to the 802.11x protocol (e.g., 802.11a 802.11b, 802.11c . . . 802.11g), but wifi, computer network, Ethernet, proprietary, standard, now known or later developed protocols may be used. 802.15.4 and 802.11x provide medium access control and a physical interface to wireless medium. Any now known or later developed network and transport algorithms may be used. Communication, transport and routing algorithms are provided on the appropriate devices. Any packet size or data format may be used. The bandwidth for any given communications of the lower level network 14 is less than for the higher level network 12. For example, the protocol of the lower level network 14 is adapted for small data packets transmitted over short distances as compared to the higher level network adapted for larger data packets at higher rates and for longer distances. In alternative embodiments, the same communications protocol is used for both the higher level and lower level networks 12, 14. Differences in transmit power, packet structure, bandwidth, baud rates, routing, interference avoidance, data format, distances of transmission and reception, or other network characteristics may distinguish the high level network protocol from a lower network protocol. For example, the high and low level wireless networks 12, 14 operate pursuant to a same or different collision avoidance. Any of time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing spread spectrum, code division multiplexing, dynamic collision avoidance or other now known or later developed wireless interference schemes may be used. In one embodiment, the high level wireless network 12 uses CDMA interference avoidance. The low level wireless network 14 uses collision avoidance by transmitting when a channel is clear with or without frequency modulation. Routing is performed within either or both of the networks 12, 14 using any protocol, such as a MESH routing, token, or a protocol provided by Dust Networks. For example, time division multiplexing is used to assign infrequent contact times between bound components and allow for sleeping or reduced function of components at other times for saving battery life. Different frequencies, codes or other communications differences may be used for different groups of components, such as by floor, by type (e.g., HVAC versus security or temperature versus air flow) or by other zones. By dividing up portions of the network, the communications processing load on the network may be minimized. Communications between the different nodes on the network may then be performed by adjusting a transmit and/or receive function for communication with the node of interest. By providing differences in communications for different zones, different customers in the same building may be isolated using the same wireless network. Different types of systems may be isolated from each other as well. Alternatively, the systems or customers are integrated and operate together. The low level wireless network 14 includes a plurality of building control system devices or processors 16, 18, 20. For example, sensor arrangements 16 communicate with actuator arrangements 20 pursuant to a communications protocol for the low level wireless network 14. Paired or larger groupings of actuator arrangements 20 and sensor arrangements 16 are operable together using point-to-point or peer communications without further control by other controllers. Other processors or building devices 18 operating on the lower level network 14 include personal computers, panels, monitors, or other devices. For example, the device 18 is an actuator for controlling a building wide component, such as a chiller, boiler, building intake vent, or building air flow out take vent. A paired or grouped sensor arrangement 16 and actuator arrangements 20 are dynamically, automatically or manually associated with each other. For example, a sensor arrangement 16 within a room is bound to a actuator arrangement 20 associated with the room, such as for temperature sensing within the room to control a damper and/or heating or cooling elements associated with air flowing into the room. The low level network 14 controls major or building wide equipment, individual spaces or local input and output points. In one embodiment, sensor arrangements 16, other devices 18 and/or the actuator arrangements 20 operate as full function devices of 802.15.4 allowing for dynamically assigned communications with different devices over a single or multiple communications path but without the ability to route routing communications from other devices. Reduced functionality devices of 802.15.14 are provided with the increased capability of direct communication with each other and the ability to address other devices for routing to the other device. For example, a temperature sensor arrangement 16 is provided with a plurality of network address locations to receive temperature information. The temperature sensor arrangement 16 communicates directly with an actuator arrangement 20 for implementing local control processes. Transmissions addressed to other devices, such as one or more of the controllers 22 are also transmitted. The receiving controller 22 then routes the signals to the desired or addressed controller 22. The assigned addresses may be dynamically programmed by one or more controllers 22 or are established during installation or manufacturing. By avoiding routing functions, less memory, less processing, less power and cheaper cost sensor arrangement 16 may be provided. FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a sensor arrangement 16. The sensor arrangement 16 includes a sensor 30, a sensor processor 32 and a transmitter 34. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided, such as providing a plurality of different or the same types of sensors. The components of the sensor arrangement 16 are connected together on a same circuit board, in a same housing, connected with a same power source or otherwise arranged for operation together. In one embodiment, the sensor 30 is spaced from the processor 32, such as connecting through a length of wire. The sensor 30 is a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, fire sensor, smoke sensor, occupancy sensor, air quality sensor, gas sensor, CO2 or CO sensor or other now known or later developed sensors, such as an oxygen sensor for use in hospitals. Micro-electro-mechanical sensors or larger sensors for sensing any environmental condition may be used. In one embodiment, the sensor 30 includes a suit of sensors for sensing multiple environmental conditions. The processor 32 is a general processor, digital signal processor, control processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, analog circuit, digital circuit, combinations thereof or other now known or later developed device for implementing a control process on a signal measured by the sensor 30. The processor 32 has a processing power or capability and associated memory corresponding to the specific sensor 30 or corresponding to the needs of one of a plurality of different types of sensors 30 with a maximum desired processing power, such as an 8 or 16 bit processor. By minimizing the processor requirements and associated memory, the cost of the sensor arrangement 16 may be reduced. The processor 32 implements a control process algorithm specific to the sensor arrangement 16. Other control processes are either not stored on the sensor arrangement 16 or are stored but unused due to a specific configuration. The transmitter 34 is a radio frequency transmitter. In one embodiment, the transmitter 34 is part of a transceiver such that control information from other components may be received by the sensor arrangement 16 to alter the implemented control process or the transmission of data. The transmitter 34 is responsive to the processor 32 or other logic for increasing or decreasing transmitted power. Alternatively, a set transmit power is used. The transmitter 34 is responsive to the processor 32 or other logic for changing a frequency, data format, interference avoidance technique or other transmission or reception property either automatically or in response to control signals. FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of an actuator arrangement 20. The actuator arrangement 20 includes a receiver 36, an actuator processor 38 and an actuator 40. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided, such as additional actuators 40 within the actuator arrangement 20. The components of the actuator arrangement 20 are positioned on the same circuit board, within a same housing, adjacent to each other, or spaced from each other. For example, the actuator 40 is a mechanical or electromechanical device attached in a separate housing to the processor 38 and the receiver 36. As shown in FIG. 5, the actuator arrangement 20 is spaced from sensor arrangement 16 such that the radio frequency receiver 36 of the actuator arrangement 20 is operable to receive information from the radio frequency transmitter 34 of the sensor arrangement 16. The actuator arrangement 16 is placed within a room or associated with a room. For example, the actuator arrangement 20 is positioned above a ceiling of a room or in a hallway near the room for controlling a damper, heating element, cooling element, sprinkler, alarm or other device. The receiver 36 is a radio frequency receiver. In one embodiment, the receiver 36 is a transceiver for transmitting acknowledgments or other data. The receiver 36 is operable to receive information at different frequencies, different formats, or other transmitting characteristics. The actuator processor 38 is a general processor, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, analog circuit, digital circuit, combinations thereof or other now known or later developed device for implementing a control process appropriate for the actuator 40. The actuator processor 38 is of a similar processing power and memory capability as the sensor processor 32, but it may be larger or smaller. The actuator processor 38 implements a control process specific to the actuator 40 in the actuator arrangement 20. The actuator processor 38 is free of control processes for other devices, such as remotely spaced devices, sensors or other actuators. Communications protocols are also implemented by the actuator processor 38 or a separate processor, such as a protocol for measuring a received signal and transmitting a response. The algorithm may be responsive to other input signals, such as from a remotely spaced controller. Other control processors, such as for different actuator structures, may be stored in a memory but unused after configuration of the processor 38 for operation with a specific actuator 40. The actuator 40 is a valve, relay, solenoid, speaker, bell, switch, motor, motor starter, damper, pneumatic device, combinations thereof or other now known or later developed actuating devices for building automation. For example, the actuator 40 is a valve for controlling a flow of fluid or gas in a pipe. As another example, the actuator 40 is a relay or other electrical control for opening and closing doors, actuating lights, or starting/stopping motors. As yet another example, the actuator 40 is a solenoid to open or close a door or damper, such as for altering air flow. The lower level wireless network 14 implements local area control processes in a programmable powerful processing control language (PPCL) or other language. For example, control processes for each specific room or other region within a floor or building are implemented by the lower level wireless network 14. Building components in an area may be automatically controlled without communication from the high level wireless network 12. Since the controls are room and/or function specific, the communications of the lower level wireless network 14 are specific to the particular functions. The communications may exclude aggregate communications corresponding to packets for a plurality of sensors, actuators or combinations thereof. Each communication corresponds to individual or groups of sensor arrangements 16, actuator arrangements 20 or other devices 18. Building components are controlled in response to sensors and free of communications with the high level wireless network 12. The control is implemented by distributing a control algorithm in an object oriented approach or specific to the device using the control algorithm. Rudimentary control algorithms are partitioned into device specific pieces for implementation by the specific devices 16, 18, 20. For example, a control algorithm is distributed on both a sensor processor 32 and an actuator processor 38 for performing a single or multiple functions. The portion of the control algorithm corresponding to a specific device 16, 18, 20 is then operated or implemented at the specific device without the need of further control. For example, a temperature within a room is controlled using a temperature sensor arrangement 16 and one or more corresponding actuator arrangements 20. One actuator arrangement 20 may be used for controlling air flow or a damper, and a different actuator arrangement 20 used for controlling a heating or cooling element. The control algorithm for the temperature function with in the room is distributed on the different sensor arrangement 16 and actuator arrangements 20. The portion of the control algorithm on the sensor processor 32 is specific to the sensor 30. For example, a measured or sensed value is compared with a manually provided, programmed in or network provided set point. The sensor arrangement 18 outputs a result of the comparison, such as information indicating that the temperature is too high or too low and by how many degrees. Different types of temperature sensors may output the same information for use by any of various different types of actuators. The sensor arrangement 16 in this corresponding control algorithm outputs information specific to the sensing function without information indicating an act to be performed. Alternatively, information corresponding to an act to be performed may be output, such as an indication of a damper function relative to a heating or cooling element function. The portion of the control algorithm implemented by the actuator processor 36 receives the temperature information output by the temperature sensor arrangement 16. The control algorithm is specific to the actuator, such as determining an adjustment as a function of the needed or desired temperature change. Different actuators 40 may be associated with different types or amounts of adjustments to provide a given temperature change. The portion of the control algorithm specific to the actuator 40 allows determination of the appropriate adjustment without having to program other elements of the network 10 with specific characteristics of a given actuator 40. Where more than two actuators are associated with a same room and same function, such as temperature adjustment, the corresponding actuator arrangements 20 may operate independently of each other. Alternatively, the actuators arrangements 40 have control processes that receive inputs from other actuator arrangements for automatically determining network or distributed adjustments for achieving the desired temperature change. Other control functions may similarly be implemented by distributed control processes with device specific processing. Any input or sensing function within a feedback loop is performed by a sensor arrangement 16, such as determining a difference from a desired set point. If a sufficient magnitude of difference exists, the difference of value is transmitted. Alternatively, a command is transmitted for specific operation by a specific type of device. An actuating device 20 receives the difference value and implements a control process to bring the function within the desired operating condition. Other functions controlled with distributed control processing include fire detection, such as a smoke detector or temperature sensor for actuating an alarm or actuating control of air flow. Temperature, gas or air flow sensors may be used to actuate air flow, door position, window shade position or other motors or actuators. An occupancy sensor may be used to trigger lighting or other temperature controls. Any other now known or later developed combination of sensing by one or more senses and performing actions by one or more actuators may be used. The low level wireless network 14 includes a plurality of actuator arrangements 20 and sensor arrangements 16. Each of the devices 16, 18 and 20 are operable to process control information specific only to the device. The sensor arrangements 16 and actuator arrangements 20 are free of control algorithms for other devices. Within a room or other area, one or multiple functions are implemented by the distributed control processes, such as security, hazard, HVAC or other automated systems. Information from a given sensor arrangement 16 may be used by different systems, such as a temperature sensor arrangement 16 being used for both HVAC as well as hazard or fire systems. The temperature sensor arrangement 16 is operable to output a same type of data for each of the different systems or different types of data. The same actuator arrangement 20 may be operable in response to different sensor arrangements 16 or different systems, such as a door release or damper actuator being responsive to an HVAC temperature sensor as well as a fire system smoke detector. To implement a control function or process, the distributed control processes are bound together. Sensor arrangements 16 are bound to actuator arrangements 20. For example, a particular sensor arrangement 16 is bound to a particular actuator arrangement 20 within a room. Other sensor arrangements 16 and actuators 20 in other rooms, or the same room may likewise be bound together. Pairs, triplets or other groupings of various devices 16, 18, 20 are bound together. In one embodiment, the binding is implemented by network address. For example, a sensor arrangement 16 transmits information addressed to a specific actuator arrangement 20. Alternatively, particular frequency or spread spectrum coding is used. An actuator device 20 identifies a transmission as being from a specific sensor arrangement 16. In alternative embodiments, bound devices 16, 18, 20 are operated through time division multiplexing, such as a specific sensor arrangement 16 transmitting at a same time as a specific actuator arrangement 20 is operable to receive transmitted information. The binding is programmed by network communications, such as a controller 22 implementing the binding. The bindings are generated in response to user input after installation of a system. Alternatively, each of the specific devices 16, 18, 20 on the lower level network 14 are individually programmed, created, manufactured or otherwise set with a desired binding. In alternative embodiments, the devices 16, 18, 20 on the lower level network 14 are self-binding, such as identifying a closest device of a particular type for binding. The binding connections may then be adjusted or altered as needed. Multiple bindings may be provided for any given device 16, 18, 20 of the lower level network 14. For example, a binding is assigned with a primary status with a backup binding assigned. Using acknowledgments of transmissions, a device 16, 18, 20 may recognize when there is a failure of communications, switching to the backup binding. Once sensor arrangement 16 may be bound to two actuator arrangements 20, one operating as a primary actuator and the other as a back up actuator. Similarly, an actuator arrangement 20 may be bound to multiple sensor arrangements 16 in a primary and backup configuration. As yet another example, multiple bindings are provided for implementing a given function. The bindings may be arranged in a serial communications process, such as from one sensor arrangement 16 to a first actuator arrangement 20 and then to a second actuator arrangement 20. Alternatively, a parallel or combination of parallel and series binding connections are provided. The components of the lower level network 14 are operable to control the various functions free of input from separate controllers, such as the controllers 22 of the high level network 12. In another mode of operation, the control processes are implemented with input from the controllers 22. For example, the controllers 22 implement region wide or other modification of local processes. As another example, the devices 16, 18, 20 of the lower level network 14 implement local control only after communications failure with the higher level network 12. Alternatively, control by the higher level network 12 is provided only as needed or to override any local control. In one mode, a parameter is controlled as a function of sensors and actuators without control of the function by an external controller 22, but in another mode, communications from an external controller 22 are used to control the function and associated devices 16, 18, 20. The high level wireless network 12 includes controllers 22, management processor or computer 26, and/or other devices 24. Additional, different or fewer devices 22, 24, 26 may be used. The devices 22, 24 and 26 are distributed throughout a building for interacting with the lower level wireless network 14, each other and users of the system 10. For example, FIG. 5 shows various controllers 22 spaced throughout a floor of a building for transmitting to and receiving from devices 16, 18, 20 of the low level wireless network 14. The devices 22, 24 and 26 of the high level wireless network 12 include processors for implementing various control functions with or without input or outputs points of building control. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the controllers 22. The controllers 22 include one or more processors 42 and two transceivers 44, 46. Additional, different or fewer devices may be provided, such as providing a single transceiver operable to transmit and receive pursuant to one or two different communications protocols. One transceiver 44 is operable for connecting with the lower level network 14. The transceiver 44 is operable to send and/or receive information to and/or from any of the sensor arrangements 18, actuator arrangements 20, or other devices 18. Information from various ones of the devices 16, 18 and 20 may be received at the same or different times by the transceiver 44 for aggregate processing and routing by the processor 42. The transceiver 44 is also operable to transmit information to multiple or specific ones of the devices 16, 18, 20. For example, binding associations, control instructions, communications settings or other information is transmitted. Similarly, the transceiver 46 is operable to transmit and receive information to and from other controllers 22, or other devices 24 and 26 of the high level wireless network 12. The transceiver 46 is operable to transmit large data packets corresponding to routing of aggregate information. Similar data packets may be received for routing or use by the controller 22. The processor 42 is an application specific integrated circuit, general processor, digital signal processor, control processor, field programmable gate array, analog circuit, digital circuit, combinations thereof or other now known or later developed device for monitoring, controlling and/or routing. In one embodiment, the processor 42 is a full function device pursuant to the 802.15.4 standard implanting a programmable power process language application. The processor 42 has a greater processing power and storage capacity than processors of the devices 16, 18 and 20 of the lower level network. For example, the processor 42 is a 16, 32 or 64 bit processor. In alternative embodiments, the processor 42 is of a same or smaller size than one or more of the devices 16, 18, 20 of the lower level wireless network 14. While individual packets of data from the lower level wireless network 14 may be routed or processed by the processor 42, the processor 42 is also operable to route or perform aggregate processing on multiple packets or a packet from multiple data sources. The processor 42 routes data from the devices 16, 18, 20 of the lower level network 14 to devices 22, 24 or 26 of the higher level network. For example, raw data is routed for use by monitoring, reporting or region-specific control by other controllers 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the controllers 22 and other components of the high level wireless network 12 may have a greater spacing than components of the low level network 14. More than one controller 22 may be positioned to receive data from a same device 16, 18, 20 of the lower level wireless network 14. The devices 22, 24 and/or 26 are located in mechanical rooms or building infrastructure outside of occupied spaces, but may be located elsewhere in the building. The communications capability of the high level wireless network 12 is configured or provided for longer distance transmissions than on the lower level wireless network 14. In alternative embodiments, the controller 22 causes data to be routed over the lower level wireless network 14. The management computer 26 coordinates activities of the various controllers 22. The management computer 26 is a personal computer, application-specific processor, workstation, panel or other device for receiving user input or programming for control of the system 10. The other devices 24 may be inputs, such as from a utility, or outputs, such as printers or display monitors. In one embodiment, one or more of the other devices 24 is a high bandwidth sensor or actuator arrangement. For example, the other device 24 is a video camera or a video monitor. The increased bandwidth of the high level wireless network 22 is used to provide the high bandwidth video data. Both levels of the network 12, 14 are then used for interacting between the sensor or actuator device in other sensors and actuator arrangements 16, 20 of the lower level wireless network 14. For example, a video camera is turned on or moved to image in response to actuation by an actuator arrangement 20 or sensing by a sensor arrangement 16. For security use, the sensing of an opening or closing door may activate the other device 24 through communications through multiple levels of the network 10. As another example, actuation of a door release or sensing of a fire may also cause activation of the video camera. The controllers 22 are operable to override operation of the bound actuator arrangements 20 and sensor arrangements 16. Individual controllers 22 or networks of the controllers 22 implement control processes for a plurality of local areas, such as a plurality of rooms. The control processes may be implemented for a wing of the building, a floor of the building, an entire building, other areas or combinations thereof. The areas are larger than the local areas addressed by specific bindings of devices 16, 18, 20 of the lower level wireless network 14. Alternatively, the areas are the same size or smaller. By implementing control processes for a plurality of local areas, the controller 22 is operable to receive or transmit aggregate communications corresponding to a plurality of sensors, actuators or both. The aggregate communications are provided in a single data package structure as compiled by the same or another controller 22. Alternatively, raw data is received from other controllers 22 acting as routers. In overriding local control, the higher level wireless network 12 and controllers 22 are operable to instruct redirection of data, such as sensor data from the sensor arrangement 16 to the higher level wireless network 12. Alternatively, transmissions from sensor arrangement 16 are monitored by the controllers 22 without redirection or changing bindings. As another alternative, the sensor and/or actuator arrangements 16, 20 request control input from one or more controllers 22. For example, an actuator arrangement 20 receives one or more transmissions from a sensor arrangement 16. The actuator arrangement 20 forwards the transmitted information alone or in aggregate to a controller 22. The controller 22 outputs control instructions for the actuator arrangement 20 or another device or uses the transmitted information without further control output. The actuator arrangement 20 either performs the actuator specific control process without input from the controller 22, later receives control input from the controller 22 for later operation or waits until control input from the controller 22 is received. The controllers 22 may output instructions or information for the actuator or sensor arrangements 20, 16 to control the processes for building components. By dynamically assigning control processing among the various components of the high level wireless network 12 and the low level wireless network 14, dynamic control processing is provided amongst any combinations of devices. The control processing is distributed across components 16, 18, 20 of the low level network 14 as well as between the devices 22, 24, 26 of the high level wireless network 12. By distributing control processing for a region with the controllers 22, region wide control processes may be used to influence, override or alter the local control processing implemented as discussed above by the low level wireless network 14. For example, one or more controllers 22, other devices 24 or management computer 26 provide control processes for peak demand limiting. Peak demand limiting is used to control an overall power usage by a building, such as controlling power used by chillers, boilers, air handlers, lighting, or other building components. For example, in response to a required or requested limitation on power demands, a controller 22 or other device 24, 26 may instruct one or more sensor arrangements 16 to adjust a set point for temperature maintenance. Alternatively or additionally, an actuator device 20 or one of the other devices 24 of the higher level network 12 are operated to control a system, such as by shutting down or limiting operation of one of multiple cooling or heating plants. Another example of regional control is for variable volume and pressure control. Overall operation of a fan is based on room pressures sensed in multiple rooms. An example of regional processing are reporting for a wing, floor, building or other region. Another example for overall or aggregate control processing is providing an overall control, such controlling different zones in response to security or hazard situations. Any use of data from multiple sensors and/or actuators, such as data from multiple rooms or other aggregates of data outside of or different than the bindings established for the lower level wireless network 14, are performed by one or more controllers 22. By causing control processes for sensor arrangements 16 or actuator arrangements 20 to alter or perform differently, the controllers 22 and the associated control processes of the high level wireless network 12 are used to operate, override or influence local control processes. Processing redundancy is provided by having multiple controllers 22. Where one controller 22 fails or communications with the controller 22 fails, the control processing implemented by the failed controller 22 may be transferred to a different controller 22. Processing may alternatively be transferred for load balancing, resource balancing or scheduled maintenance. The new address associated with the transfer to a different controller 22 is communicated to the network components in need of the information, such as transferring the address to other controllers 22 for routing, or sensor or actuator arrangements 16, 20 for addressing data intended for a specific location. The control process implemented by the high level wireless network 12 may be hierarchal, such as having the management processor 26 or one or more of the controllers 22 implement control processes for controlling the various controllers 22. Data and processing may be redirected to the appropriate controller 22 or management computer 26 for implementing an even higher level control process. For example, more complex or more integrated building processes are performed on higher performance units. As another example, results from different control processes are input to yet another control process. Similarly, the controllers 22 may instruct the sensor arrangement 16 or actuator arrangement 20 to provide outputs different than used for the functional control of a building automation. For example, the sensor arrangement 16 is instructed to output a sensed temperature rather than the need for and magnitude of a temperature change. The controllers 22 are operable to assign bindings and/or reassign bindings. Dynamic binding between any of the sensor arrangements 16, actuator arrangements 20 or other devices 18 with one or more controllers 22 is dynamically controlled. A binding is created as needed for implementing a particular control function or process. Other bindings may subsequently be created between different devices or with different controllers 22 as needed, such as for implementing different control functions. The regional or other integrated or aggregate control is provided in one embodiment by causing a sensor arrangement 16 to transmit to a controller 22, and the controller 22 or a different controller 22 to then provide information to an actuator arrangement 20. For example, a paired binding is disrupted to provide different combinations of devices to operate with each other. The controller 22 may include information from other sources, such as adjusting a room temperature as a function of the temperatures of adjacent rooms. The controller 22 implements processes for a region, to provide an average temperature within a wing, floor or other region. The controller 22 may override local functions or alter bindings. Similarly, a controller 22 may be assigned to specific devices 16, 18, 20 of the lower level wireless network 14. A backup controller 22 may also be assigned for use during a communications failure. Alternatively or additionally, the devices 16, 18, 20 of the lower level wireless network 14 are provided with a default binding for local control without communications from any controllers 22. Upon a communications failure with the controllers 22, the local or default bindings are implemented to provide a rudimentary or fail-safe control. FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a method for wireless building automation control. The method is implemented using the system 10 described above for FIG. 1 or different systems. Additional, different or fewer acts may be provided, such as providing addition local processes 50, additional region processing 62 or different transmit and receive schemes. In act 50, one or more local functions are implemented. Building outputs are wirelessly controlled in response to sensor inputs without an intervening controller. Controllers associated with the sensors and actuators perform the automation without a separate controller for managing or providing control instructions for the building automation or environment function. In the local process of act 50, room level or other local area level processes are implemented. One or a plurality of different functions for controlling a building environment or providing other automated responses within a building are provided within the local process. The local process may be programmed or established in response to control instructions, but is operable subsequently without further control instructions from a separate or intervening controller. Different or the same local processes are provided for different areas, such as for different rooms. The same or different control algorithms may be used for each of the different local areas. Within a building, one, two or many more different local area processes may be performed. In act 52, a sensor control process is performed on a sensor. The sensor control process is specific to the sensor and avoids implementing control processes for other sensors or actuators. The control process processes sensed or measured information based on the type of sensor and outputs data appropriate for the type of sensor with units and information common to any of various specific sensors of a same type. For example, a mercury-based temperature sensor converts the sensed mercury position or level into an indication of a specific temperature or an indication of an amount of difference in temperature from a set point. A micro-electromechanical temperature sensor, such as a bi-metal beam with electrical conductivity sensing, converts a current, voltage or capacitance into a temperature value. Mercury and micro-electromechanical measurements may have different values, but the resulting compared or determined output is the same for each of the two different sensors due to the control process. The common units or output allows for the switching of different sensor structures to operate with the same actuators. During maintenance or replacement of sensors, replacement of the actuators is avoided since the actuators are operable with the common output. In act 54, the output from the sensor is wirelessly transmitted. The output from the sensor is responsive to the control process of the sensor as well as the transmit format, transmit power, binding or other communication characteristic. Using an interference control mechanism and desired transmit power, the output is provided to a desired component or plurality of components. For example, one or more actuators receives the output data. One or more controllers may also receive the transmission for monitoring the local process. In act 56, the output is received at an actuator for local control without an intervening controller. Based on address assignment or other information indicating a binding, the actuator receives the data from a particular sensor and may discard signals from other sensors. The wireless communications performed in acts 54 and 56 are performed pursuant to a communications protocol. In one embodiment, wireless communications are performed directly between actuator outputs and sensor inputs. The communication is free of routing by a controller or other structure. In alternative embodiments, one or more sensors, actuators, controllers or other structure routes data without or with alteration between a sensor and actuator. The communications provide a desired bandwidth, such as a bandwidth minimized to save power but maximized to provide the needed standardized communication. The communications allow for wirelessly paired or otherwise grouped building actuators and sensors to be operable without further control. In act 58, the actuator control process is performed on the actuator as a function of the output from the sensor. The standardized sensor output is converted to information for the specific structure of the actuator being used. For a given type of actuator, more than one structure may be available. The control process alters the standardized output into a setting or adjustment signal specific to the actuator. The control process of the actuator is specific to the actuator without including control processes for other sensors or other actuators. The actuator control process is performed for only controlling the given actuator. In alternative embodiments, control processes for other sensors or actuators are included on the actuator. In addition to the actuator control process, communications processes are implemented on the actuator for receiving information and/or communicating status information. For example, every time the actuator makes an adjustment, an indication of the adjustment is output for monitoring by a controller or for use by other actuators or sensors. The output is in a standard or common format for the type of actuator. Alternatively or additionally, information specific to the actuator structure used is output. The control processes for the sensor and actuator implemented in acts 52 and 58 are performed without control in real time from an external controller. An external controller may have previously programmed a set point or other function of either the sensor or actuator, but the sensor and actuator are operable to function free of further control. A default may be provided for performing building automation function free of any or initial control. In one mode, the local process 50 is operated free of control from another controller or another wireless network. Acts 60, 62 and 64 represent processes in a different mode where the sensor and actuator operate as a function of control from a controller or other wireless network. The controller or other wireless network is used to implement new control, regional control, override control, or other alterations in control. In act 60, information from one or more local processes or signal processors are received. For example, a transmission of a sensor intended for a specific actuator is monitored at a different location. Act 60 also represents receiving information pursuant to a different communications protocol, such as receiving information from a management computer or other controllers. Aggregate data corresponding to a plurality of sensors, actuators or combinations thereof is communicated pursuant to the different communications protocol. A larger bandwidth is used for providing the aggregate information. The information is aggregated within a single packet structure or format or is provided as separate packets from a plurality of information sources. Different controllers may implement different control functions and communicate pursuant to the second communications protocol. In act 64, information is transmitted to a local process. Information responsive to an intervening controller with zero, one or more other communications pursuant to a different protocol is used to generate control instructions. The control instructions are then provided to the actuator process 58, to the sensor process 52 or other process of the local processing in act 50. The output of the building actuators then respond to the wireless communication from the sensors in act 52 and/or information from the communications on a different network or pursuant to a different communications protocol. In act 62, a regional or other process is implemented. The process allows wireless control of building actuator outputs with an intervening controller in response to sensor inputs. For example, a regional control process for a plurality of local areas is performed. Where needed, a room control or other local control process is overridden with the control process for a wing of the building, a floor of the building, the building, a plurality of local areas or combinations thereof. By overriding the operation of paired or other grouped building actuators and sensors, the controller intervenes in the local process. In other modes of operation, the controller merely monitors or originally establishes the local process without any intervening control in a building automation function. In addition to controlling building automation functions, a regional process or other controller may alter the bindings or other communication properties. For example, data from sensor inputs are redirected to an intervening controller by establishing a binding between the controller and the sensor. The binding between the sensor and the actuator is also redirected so that the actuator receives data from the intervening controller or another controller and not the sensor. For example, redirection is performed in response to a communication failure. As another example, redirection is provided for dynamically implementing different control processes at different times. The control processing is dynamically assigned among a plurality of different components, such as components including an intervening controller or components without an intervening controller. As different regional control processes operate to affect a given function, different intervening controllers or dynamic assignments may be performed. Where a communications failure with one or more intervening controllers occurs, a different intervening controller may be bound to a given actuator or sensor. Alternatively, the actuator and sensor default to operation together without an intervening controller. Other controllers monitoring network traffic or bindings may note a communications failure. The communications failure is provided to a monitoring or reporting algorithm. The components associated with a failure may be identified and replaced with minimum efforts. FIG. 5 shows one example of a distribution of components for building automation within a building, floor or region. Different schemes may be used to avoid interference for communications from any of the various components. In one embodiment, transmit power for the sensor arrangements 16, actuator arrangements 20 or other devices 18 of the lower level wireless network 14 shown in FIG. 1 is minimized to avoid interference. The transmit power is set as a function of other building system control devices, such as two or more other building system control devices. The transmit power of one of the components is responsive to communications from the controllers 22 or other devices 24 of the high level wireless network 12. For example, a sensor arrangement 16 has a variable transmit power that is controlled in response to communications from one or more controllers 22. Alternatively or additionally, the transmit power of one of the components or devices 16, 18, 20 is set in response to information from other devices 16, 18, 20 on the same lower level wireless network. Devices 16, 18, 20 from a lower level wireless network 14 or devices 22, 24 or 26 from the higher level wireless network 12 may be used. For example, one or more of the receiver devices is an actuator arrangement 20. The signals or lack of signals at the two or more receivers is communicated to a control process. The control process is located at one of the receivers, such as at a controller or at an actuator. Alternatively, the control process is located at the device transmitting to establish a transmit power. In yet another embodiment, the control process is a separate controller or device than either of the transmitter or receivers. A distributed control process may be used as well. The control process determines the transmit power of the transmitter as a function of information from two or more receivers. The control processor is operable to set a transmit power to avoid interference. For example, the transmit power is set to provide consistent or reliable reception at one device while minimizing the signal provided to another device, such as device spaced further away or on another side of a wall. By avoiding reception at the other device, less interference with signals meant for the other device may occur. The control process may limit the transmit power for reception by a closest controller and minimize reception by other controllers. For redundant communications, the transmit power may be increased or reduced for reception by multiple devices. For example, an actuator and back up actuator are both operable to receive transmitted signals. As another example, a controller and a back up controller are operable to receive transmitted signals while minimizing the reception of signals at yet another or further spaced away controller or actuators. FIG. 7 shows one method for determining a transmit power. The acts of FIG. 7 are implemented using the system and components of FIG. 1 or a different system or components. Additional, different or fewer acts may be provided, such as attempting to receive at third, fourth or other numbers of receivers. The transmit power of at least one sensor input, sensor arrangement or other component is set as a function of signals received or attempted to be received at a plurality of other devices. In act 70, a radio frequency signal is transmitted from a building control system device. The signal is transmitted with a default transmit power, such as a maximum or minimum transmit power. A sensor arrangement, actuator arrangement, controller, combinations thereof or other device transmits the radio frequency signal. In acts 72 and 74, the receipt of the frequency signal is attempted at two or more different building control system devices, such as associated with two different locations. For example, a sensor arrangement, actuator arrangement, controller, combinations thereof or other devices are used for receiving or attempting receipt of the radio frequency signal. The receive signal is measured, such as measuring an amplitude or signal-to-noise ratio of the receive signal strength. The measured information is then communicated to a control process for setting the transmit power. In act 76, the transmit power of the transmitter is determined as a function of the information from the other building control system devices. Using a one calculation or an iterative approach, the transmit power is set in response to a single transmission or a plurality of transmissions, respectively. The measured signal strength is used to increase or decrease the transmit power to avoid interference and/or increase communications redundancy. By limiting the transmit power, transmissions with reliable communications may be received at one device but not received or received with lesser signal strength at another device, avoiding or limiting interference at the other device. The desired reception may be for any of likely bound devices, such as a controller and back up controller, an actuator and a back up actuator, and a sensor and back up sensor. By setting the transmit power to provide reliable signal strength at any of various or likely bound components, redundant communications may be provided. By limiting the signal strength, other nodes or bound groupings may operate using a same signal format, frequency or time slot. Parallel communications outside of a transmitter's sphere of influence may allow for higher network throughput. Any level of reliability for reception may be used, such as 90 percent, 95 percent or 100 percent. Less reliable settings may be used, such as where an acknowledgment signal may be provided for requesting retransmission until accurate information is received. The controllers 22 or other devices of an upper level wireless network 12 are also configured for limited transmission range. Alternatively, the devices are configured for maximum transmission range. The same transmit power process or different transmit power processes may be used. In one embodiment, the transmit power of each controller is set to provide for reliable reception of transmitted information at at least two other controllers 22 on a same floor or on different floors. Distributed control processing on the local level as well as between the local and regional areas may allow for more immediate response to problems and/or provide for different responses in different locations. Controllers or other devices of the upper level wireless network 12 instruct control of building components in different areas in different ways. In response to control of building components in a local area, such as by a sensor arrangement 16 and actuator arrangement 20 without interference by other controllers, the controller 22 may cause an actuator 20 in a different area to perform a function. For example, the adjustment of a damper or air flow in one room without interference from a controller may be monitored and used to control the air flow in an adjacent room to counteract pressure differential or to derive more consistent temperature adjustments. The monitoring controller or other controller interferes in the local control process of the other room to provide the adjustment. A problem may be identified locally and dealt with locally. For example, a sensor senses a fire or smoke. This alarm triggers an immediate threat signal. Actuators corresponding to a valve for releasing water, a door release for closing a fire door, a damper for altering air flow or other actuators may respond without interference from a controller to the sensed fire. The output devices or actuators within the room are operated without authorization from a controller located outside of the room. The alarm signal may be monitored by a controller and propagated to other controllers or other actuators. For example, a controller receives the alarm signal and causes an alarm to sound in a different area in the same or different way. A less threatening alarm is sounded in a remote area to indicate that a concern may exist in the building but that the concern is not of immediate threat to the area. The propagated signal may alternatively or additionally be used for adjusting other actuators, such as fire door and air flow in adjacent or remote areas as a function of the spatial relationship to the area associated with the generated alarm or problem. As an alternative to a fire problem, a security problem may be identified. The immediate response within a local area may be the locking of doors, triggering of a security camera, moving of a security camera or activation of an audio system. The propagated signal from the local area is used to trigger actuators in other locations, such as switching a security guard monitor to view information from a location where the alarm signal was generated. Transmitted fire, security or other signals from a sensor within a room of a building is received directly from the sensor at an actuator associated with the room. The alarm signal is received free of routing through a controller remote to the sensor and the actuator for more immediate response. Alternatively, routing within the room or even externally to the room may occur. While the invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention. | <SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention relates to building automation systems. In particular, a wireless building control architecture implements automation of building systems. Building automation systems include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, security systems, fire systems, or other systems. The systems are typically formed from distributed components wired together. HVAC systems may be formed with up to three separate tiers or architectural levels. A floor level network provides general control for a particular floor or zone of a building. Controllers of the floor level network provide process controls based on sensor inputs to operate actuators. For example, a temperature sensor is read. An adjustment of a damper, heating element, cooling element or other actuator is determined by a separate controller based on a set point and the measured temperature. Other basic control functions for room comfort may be provided, such as by using single input, single output feedback loops employing proportional-integral-derivative methods. The building level network integrates multiple floor level networks to provide consistent control between various zones within a building. Panels or other controllers control distribution systems, such as pumps, fans or other central plants for cooling and heating. Building level controllers may communicate among themselves and also access floor level controllers for obtaining data. The management level network integrates control of the building level networks to provide a high level control process of the overall building environment and equipment. The controllers, such as a personal computer, provide supervisory and management of the building automation system. Single or dual level architectures may also be provided. Wired building automation systems have substantial installation costs. Controllers on a floor level network are bound through installed wiring between sensors and actuators. In addition to the cost of installing wiring between the various devices, the maintenance and establishment of a network hierarchy also introduces additional cost. Further wiring connects floor level controllers to building level controllers and building level controllers to management level controllers. Further wiring adds additional costs and complication for networking. If a device within the system fails, the physical location of the device is determined manually, such as by following wiring runs from a controller reporting failure to a failed component. Manual maintenance may be expensive. Changes to the system may require additional wiring or rerouting of wiring, adding further costs. To reduce costs associated with wiring, wireless architectures for building automation systems have been proposed. Wireless standards provide single tier networks or multiple tier networks for implementing a single building automation process. For example, a multi-tier wireless network emulates current wired building automation systems. A controller wirelessly communicates with sensors and associated actuators. The lower level sensors and actuators provide mere input and output functions controlled by controllers. As another example, a hub and spoke control in proposed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/672,527 titled “Building Control System using Integrated MEMS Devices”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. A controller may be integrated with an actuator, a sensor or combinations thereof. An additional layer or tier uses wireless communications for management of local functions as well as management of building wide subsystems, such as chiller or building fan. IEEE 802.15.4 standardizes wireless integrated building automation systems. Reduced function devices (RFD) with limited processing power communicate with full function devices. Full function devices (FFD) provide pier-to-pier wireless communication for controlling other reduced function devices. The standard contemplates a hub and spoke configuration between an RFD and associated FFDs while using peer-to-peer communication between FFDs. | <SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY <EOH>By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described below include methods and systems for wireless building automation control. The wireless architecture maximizes control capabilities and optional or available communications paths. On a first level of the wireless architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used, and the output from the sensor is wirelessly communicated to an actuator. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy may be provided by also receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed, such as during a communications failure or to implement a control process accounting for a larger region of operation than individual communication between sensors and actuators on the lower level tier. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration. Where a problem is detected, such as a fire, corrective action begins within the immediate region of the sensor generating an alarm signal. The corrective action occurs without routing the alarm signal to upper levels of control processes or across different systems. The alarm signal is also propagated outward through the network to upper level control systems for generating appropriate responses in other zones. To provide the different zones and avoid interference, the transmit power of the sensors and actuators is controlled as a function of two or more other devices. For example, a signal strength is set to provide reception of the signals at more than one device for communication redundancy, but to limit reception by more distant devices to avoid interference with communications for that distant device. In a first aspect, a control system is provided for wireless building automation control. A first wireless network in a building has a first wireless communications protocol. A second wireless network in the building has a second wireless communications protocol different than the first wireless communications protocol. The first wireless network is operable in control, free of communications with the second wireless network, building components in response to sensors. The first network is also operable to control the building components in response to data from the second wireless network. In a second aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. Building actuator outputs are wirelessly controlled in response to sensor inputs without an intervening controller. The wireless communications for control of outputs are performed pursuant to a first communications protocol. The building actuator outputs may also be wirelessly controlled with an intervening controller in response to sensor inputs. The building actuator outputs operate free of the intervening controller in one time period and operate in response in the intervening controller in a different time period. In a third aspect, a control system is provided for wireless building automation control. A sensor arrangement includes a sensor, a sensor processor and a radio frequency transmitter. An actuator arrangement includes an actuator, an actuator processor and a radio frequency receiver. The sensor arrangement is spaced from the actuator arrangement such that the radio frequency receiver is operable to receive information from the radio frequency transmitter. A control algorithm is distributed on both the sensor processor and the actuator processor. The portion of the control algorithm on the sensor processor is specific to the sensor and the portion of the control algorithm on the actuator processor is specific to the actuator. The sensor processor is free of control algorithms for other devices. The control algorithm is operable to control, free of input from an external controller, a parameter as a function of the sensor and the actuator. In a fourth aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. A sensor control process is performed on a sensor. The sensor control process is specific to the sensor without control processes for other sensors or other actuators. An output is wirelessly transmitted from the sensor responsive to the sensor control process. The output is received at an actuator. The actuator performs a control process as a function of the output. The actuator control process is specific to the actuator without control processes for other sensors or other actuators. The sensor and actuator control processes are operable without control from any external controller. In a fifth aspect, a system is provided for wireless building automation control. A first building control system device has a transmitter. Second and third building control systems devices have receivers. A control processor is operable to set a transmit power of the transmitter as a function of information from both the second and third receivers. In a sixth aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. A radio frequency signal is transmitted from a building control system device. Additional building system control devices attempt receipt of the radio frequency signal. A transmit power of the transmitter is set as a function of information from the other devices. In a seventh aspect, a method is provided for wireless building automation control. An alarm signal is wirelessly transmitted from a sensor within a room of the building. The alarm signal is directly received from the sensor at an actuator associated with the room. The actuator operates in response to the alarm signal. The alarm signal is wirelessly propagated outside the room and within the building. The alarm signal is responded to differently in another room. In an eighth aspect, a device is provided for wireless building automation control. A first transceiver connects with a processor. The first transceiver is operable for wireless communication with building control sensors, building control actuators or combinations thereof. A second transceiver connects with the processor. The second transceiver is operable for wireless communication different than the wireless communication of the first transceiver. The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. Further aspects and advantages of the invention are discussed below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments and may later be claimed independently or in combination. | 20040809 | 20101228 | 20060209 | 90633.0 | H04L1226 | 3 | AJIBADE AKONAI, OLUMIDE | WIRELESS BUILDING CONTROL ARCHITECTURE | UNDISCOUNTED | 0 | ACCEPTED | H04L | 2,004 |
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10,915,575 | ACCEPTED | Light emitting panel assemblies | Optical assemblies include a light emitter having at least one layer of a transparent film, sheet or plate through which light emitted by the light emitter passes. A pattern of deformities of well defined shape on or in at least one side of the film, sheet or plate control an output ray angle distribution of light emitted by the assemblies to suit a particular application. The film, sheet or plate causes a change in color or color correction in the light emitted by the assemblies. | 1. An optical film assembly comprising at least a light emitter and at least one layer of film, wherein light emitted from at least one surface of the light emitter passes through the film, a pattern of deformities of well defined shape that are projections or depressions on or in at least one side of the film for controlling an output ray angle distribution of light emitted by the assembly to suit a particular application, at least some of the deformities having at least two surfaces that come together to form a ridge, said film and deformities being colored to effect a change in color or color correction in the light emitted from the light emitter. 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the predetermined angular distribution is normal to the substrate. 3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the change in color or color correction causes a color shift in the light emitted from the light emitter. 4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the film is a single layer. 5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the film is a single material. 6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the material is polycarbonate. 7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the deformities are molded, etched, embossed, thermoformed or hot stamped onto or into the film. 8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the deformities are prismatic or lenticular grooves. 9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the deformities are quite small in relation to the length and width of the film. 10. A backlight assembly comprising a light emitter having at least one light emitting area, a separate transparent sheet or film overlying the light emitting area with an air gap therebetween, a pattern of deformities on at least one side of the sheet or film, the deformities varying at different locations on the sheet or film to direct the light that is emitted by the light emitter such that the light will pass through a liquid crystal with low loss, wherein the separate transparent sheet or film also causes a change in color or color correction in the assembly. 11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the deformities vary in one or more of size, shape, placement, density, angle, height, depth and type. 12. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the deformities vary randomly in one or more of size, shape, placement, density, angle, height, depth and type. 13. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the deformities are depressions. 14. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the deformities are projections. 15. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the film or sheet has a coating or surface treatment to cause light to pass through the liquid crystal with low loss. 16. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the deformities are prismatic or lenticular. 17. An optical assembly comprising at least a light emitter, at least one layer of a transparent film, sheet or plate, and a display, wherein light emitted from at least one surface area of the light emitter passes through the film, sheet or plate, a pattern of deformities of well defined shape that are projections or depressions on or in at least one side of the film, sheet or plate for controlling an output ray angle distribution of light emitted by the assembly to suit a particular application, the structure of the film, sheet or plate being a single material, wherein the film, sheet or plate causes a change in color or color correction in the light emitted by the assembly. 18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the film, sheet or plate is colored or tinted. 19. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the material is polycarbonate. 20. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the material is acrylic. 21. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the film, sheet or plate is formed by molding, etching, stamping, thermoforming or stamping. | CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/784,527, filed Feb. 23, 2004, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/256,275, filed Feb. 23, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,481, dated Mar. 30, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/778,089, filed Jan. 2, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,838, dated Jun. 27, 2000, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/495,176, filed Jun. 27, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,751, dated Mar. 25, 1997. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally, as indicated, to light emitting panel assemblies each including a transparent panel member for efficiently conducting light, and controlling the light conducted by the panel member to be emitted from one or more light output areas along the length thereof. Light emitting panel assemblies are generally known. However, the present invention relates to several different light emitting panel assembly configurations which provide for better control of the light output from the panel assemblies and for more efficient utilization of light, which results in greater light output from the panel assemblies. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member having a light transition area in which at least one light source is suitably mounted for transmission of light to the light input surface of the panel member. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light source is desirably embedded, potted or bonded to the light transition area to eliminate any air gaps, decrease surface reflections and/or eliminate any lens effect between the light source and light transition area, thereby reducing light loss and increasing the light output from the panel assembly. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the panel assemblies may include reflective or refractive surfaces for changing the path of a portion of the light, emitted from the light source, that would not normally enter the panel members at an acceptable angle that allows the light to remain in the panel members for a longer period of time and/or increase the efficiency of the panel members. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light emitting panel members include a pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions which provide a desired light output distribution from the panel members by changing the angle of refraction of a portion of the light from one or more light output areas of the panel members. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the light source may include multiple colored light sources for supplying light to one or more light output areas, and for providing a colored or white light output distribution. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the panel assemblies include a transition area for mixing the multiple colored lights, prior to the light entering the panel members, in order to effect a desired colored or white light output distribution. The various light emitting panel assemblies of the present invention are very efficient panel assemblies that may be used to produce increased uniformity and higher light output from the panel members with lower power requirements, and allow the panel members to be made thinner and/or longer, and/or of various shapes and sizes. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the annexed drawings: FIGS. 1 through 3 are schematic perspective views of three different forms of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance with this invention; FIG. 4a is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a light output area of a panel assembly showing one form of pattern of light extracting deformities on the light output area; FIGS. 4b, c and d are enlarged schematic perspective views of a portion of a light output area of a panel assembly showing other forms of light extracting deformities formed in or on the light output area; FIG. 5 is an enlarged transverse section through the light emitting panel assembly of FIG. 3 taken generally on the plane of the line 5-5 thereof; FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of another form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention; FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention; FIG. 9 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic top plan view of still another form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention; FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the light emitting panel assembly of FIG. 10; FIG. 11a is a fragmentary side elevation view showing a tapered or rounded end on the panel member in place of the prismatic surface shown in FIGS. 10 and 11; FIG. 12 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention; FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevation view of the light emitting panel assembly of FIG. 12; and FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views of still other forms of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance with this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in detail to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, there is schematically shown one form of light emitting panel assembly 1 in accordance with this invention including a transparent light emitting panel 2 and one or more light sources 3 which emit light in a predetermined pattern in a light transition member or area 4 used to make the transition from the light source 3 to the light emitting panel 2, as well known in the art. The light that is transmitted by the light transition area 4 to the transparent light emitting panel 2 may be emitted along the entire length of the panel or from one or more light output areas along the length of the panel as desired to produce a desired light output distribution to fit a particular application. In FIG. 1 the light transition area 4 is shown as an integral extension of one end of the light emitting panel 2 and as being generally rectangular in shape. However, the light transition area may be of other shapes suitable for embedding, potting, bonding or otherwise mounting the light source. Also, reflective or refractive surfaces may be provided to increase efficiency. Moreover, the light transition area 4 may be a separate piece suitably attached to the light input surface 13 of the panel member if desired. Also, the sides of the light transition area may be curved to more efficiently reflect or refract a portion of the light emitted from the light source through the light emitting panel at an acceptable angle. FIG. 2 shows another form of light emitting panel assembly 5 in accordance with this invention including a panel light transition area 6 at one end of the light emitting panel 7 with sides 8, 9 around and behind the light source 3 shaped to more efficiently reflect and/or refract and focus the light emitted from the light source 3 that impinges on these surfaces back through the light transition area 6 at an acceptable angle for entering the light input surface 18 at one end of the light emitting panel 7. Also, a suitable reflective material or coating 10 may be provided on the portions of the sides of the light transition areas of the panel assemblies of FIGS. 1 and 2 on which a portion of the light impinges for maximizing the amount of light or otherwise changing the light that is reflected back through the light transition areas and into the light emitting panels. The panel assemblies shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 include a single light source 3, whereas FIG. 3 shows another light emitting panel assembly 11 in accordance with this invention including two light sources 3. Of course, it will be appreciated that the panel assemblies of the present invention may be provided with any number of light sources as desired, depending on the particular application. The panel assembly 11 of FIG. 3 includes a light transition area 12 at one end of the light emitting panel 14 having reflective and/or refractive surfaces 15 around and behind each light source 3. These surfaces 15 may be appropriately shaped including for example curved, straight and/or faceted surfaces, and if desired, suitable reflective materials or coatings may be provided on portions of these surfaces to more efficiently reflect and/or refract and focus a portion of the light emitted for example from an incandescent light source which emits light in a 360° pattern through the light transition areas 12 into the light input surface 19 of the light emitting panel 14. The light sources 3 may be mechanically held in any suitable manner in slots, cavities or openings 16 machined, molded or otherwise formed in the light transition areas of the panel assemblies. However, preferably the light sources 3 are embedded, potted or bonded in the light transition areas in order to eliminate any air gaps or air interface surfaces between the light sources and surrounding light transition areas, thereby reducing light loss and increasing the light output emitted by the light emitting panels. Such mounting of the light sources may be accomplished, for example, by bonding the light sources 3 in the slots, cavities or openings 16 in the light transition areas using a sufficient quantity of a suitable embedding, potting or bonding material 17. The slots, cavities or openings 16 may be on the top, bottom, sides or back of the light transition areas. Bonding can also be accomplished by a variety of methods that do not incorporate extra material, for example, thermal bonding, heat staking, ultrasonic or plastic welding or the like. Other methods of bonding include insert molding and casting around the light source(s). A transparent light emitting material of any suitable type, for example acrylic or polycarbonate, may be used for the light emitting panels. Also, the panels may be substantially flat, or curved, may be a single layer or multi-layers, and may have different thicknesses and shapes. Moreover, the panels may be flexible, or rigid, and may be made out of a variety of compounds. Further, the panels may be hollow, filled with liquid, air, or be solid, and may have holes or ridges in the panels. Each light source 3 may also be of any suitable type including, for example, any of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,897,771 and 5,005,108, assigned to the same assignee as the present application, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the light sources 3 may be an arc lamp, an incandescent bulb which also may be colored, filtered or painted, a lens end bulb, a line light, a halogen lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a chip from an LED, a neon bulb, a fluorescent tube, a fiber optic light pipe transmitting from a remote source, a laser or laser diode, or any other suitable light source. Additionally, the light sources 3 may be a multiple colored LED, or a combination of multiple colored radiation sources in order to provide a desired colored or white light output distribution. For example, a plurality of colored lights such as LEDs of different colors (red, blue, green) or a single LED with multiple colored chips may be employed to create white light or any other colored light output distribution by varying the intensities of each individual colored light. A pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions may be provided on one or both sides of the panel members or on one or more selected areas on one or both sides of the panel members, as desired. FIG. 4a schematically shows one such light surface area 20 on which a pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions 21 is provided. As used herein, the term deformities or disruptions are used interchangeably to mean any change in the shape or geometry of the panel surface and/or coating or surface treatment that causes a portion of the light to be emitted. The pattern of light extracting deformities 21 shown in FIG. 4a includes a variable pattern which breaks up the light rays such that the internal angle of reflection of a portion of the light rays will be great enough to cause the light rays either to be emitted out of the panel through the side or sides on which the light extracting deformities 21 are provided or reflected back through the panel and emitted out the other side. These deformities or disruptions 21 can be produced in a variety of manners, for example, by providing a painted pattern, an etched pattern, a machined pattern, a printed pattern, a hot stamped pattern, or a molded pattern or the like on selected light output areas of the panel members. An ink or printed pattern may be applied for example by pad printing, silk screening, ink jet, heat transfer film process or the like. The deformities may also be printed on a sheet or film which is used to apply the deformities to the panel member. This sheet or film may become a permanent part of the light panel assembly for example by attaching or otherwise positioning the sheet or film against one or both sides of the panel member similar to the sheet or film 27 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 in order to produce a desired effect. By varying the density, opaqueness or translucence, shape, depth, color, area, index of refraction, or type of deformities 21 on an area or areas of the panels, the light output of the panels can be controlled. The deformities or disruptions may be used to control the percent of light emitted from any area of the panels. For example, less and/or smaller size deformities 21 may be placed on panel areas where less light output is wanted. Conversely, a greater percentage of and/or larger deformities may be placed on areas of the panels where greater light output is desired. Varying the percentages and/or size of deformities in different areas of the panel is necessary in order to provide a uniform light output distribution. For example, the amount of light traveling through the panels will ordinarily be greater in areas closer to the light source than in other areas further removed from the light source. A pattern of light extracting deformities 21 may be used to adjust for the light variances within the panel members, for example, by providing a denser concentration of light extracting deformities with increased distance from the light source 3 thereby resulting in a more uniform light output distribution from the light emitting panels. The deformities 21 may also be used to control the output ray angle distribution of the emitted light to suit a particular application. For example, if the panel assemblies are used to provide a liquid crystal display backlight, the light output will be more efficient if the deformities 21 cause the light rays to emit from the panels at predetermined ray angles such that they will pass through the liquid crystal display with low loss. Additionally, the pattern of light extracting deformities may be used to adjust for light output variances attributed to light extractions of the panel members. The pattern of light extracting deformities 21 may be printed on the light output areas utilizing a wide spectrum of paints, inks, coatings, epoxies, or the like, ranging from glossy to opaque or both, and may employ half-tone separation techniques to vary the deformity 21 coverage. Moreover, the pattern of light extracting deformities 21 may be multiple layers or vary in index of refraction. Print patterns of light extracting deformities 21 may vary in shapes such as dots, squares, diamonds, ellipses, stars, random shapes, and the like, and are desirably 0.006 square inch per deformity/element or less. Also, print patterns that are 60 lines per inch or finer are desirably employed, thus making the deformities or shapes 21 in the print patterns nearly invisible to the human eye in a particular application thereby eliminating the detection of gradient or banding lines that are common to light extracting patterns utilizing larger elements. Additionally, the deformities may vary in shape and/or size along the length and/or width of the panel members. Also, a random placement pattern of the deformities may be utilized throughout the length and/or width of the panel members. The deformities may have shapes or a pattern with no specific angles to reduce moiré or other interference effects. Examples of methods to create these random patterns are printing a pattern of shapes using stochastic print pattern techniques, frequency modulated half tone patterns, or random dot half tones. Moreover, the deformities may be colored in order to effect color correction in the panel members. The color of the deformities may also vary throughout the panel members, for example to provide different colors for the same or different light output areas. In addition to or in lieu of the patterns of light extracting deformities 21 shown in FIG. 4a, other light extracting deformities including prismatic surfaces, depressions or raised surfaces of various shapes using more complex shapes in a mold pattern may be molded, etched, stamped, thermoformed, hot stamped or the like into or on one or more areas of the panel member. FIGS. 4b and 4c show panel areas 22 on which prismatic surfaces 23 or depressions 24 are formed in the panel areas, whereas FIG. 4d shows prismatic or other reflective or refractive surfaces 25 formed on the exterior of the panel area. The prismatic surfaces, depressions or raised surfaces will cause a portion of the light rays contacted thereby to be emitted from the panel member. Also, the angles of the prisms, depressions or other surfaces may be varied to direct the light in different directions to produce a desired light output distribution or effect. Moreover, the reflective or refractive surfaces may have shapes or a pattern with no specific angles to reduce moiré or other interference effects. As best seen in the cross sectional view of FIG. 5, a back reflector (including trans reflectors) 26 may be attached or positioned against one side of the panel member 14 of FIG. 3 using a suitable adhesive 28 or other method in order to improve light output efficiency of the panel assembly 11 by reflecting the light emitted from that side back through the panel for emission through the opposite side. Additionally, a pattern of light extracting deformities 21, 23, 24 and/or 25 may be provided on one or both sides of the panel member in order to change the path of the light so that the internal critical angle is exceeded and a portion of the light is emitted from one or both sides of the panel. Moreover, a transparent film, sheet or plate 27 may be attached or positioned against the side or sides of the panel member from which light is emitted using a suitable adhesive 28 or other method in order to produce a desired effect. The member 27 may be used to further improve the uniformity of the light output distribution. For example, the member 27 may be a colored film, a diffuser, or a label or display, a portion of which may be a transparent overlay that may be colored and/or have text or an image thereon. If adhesive 28 is used to adhere the back reflector 26 and/or film 27 to the panel, the adhesive is preferably applied only along the side edges of the panel, and if desired the end edge opposite the light transition areas 12, but not over the entire surface area or areas of the panel because of the difficulty in consistently applying a uniform coating of adhesive to the panel. Also, the adhesive changes the internal critical angle of the light in a less controllable manner than the air gaps 30 (see FIG. 5) which are formed between the respective panel surfaces and the back reflector 26 and/or film 27 when only adhered along the peripheral edges. Additionally, longer panel members are achievable when air gaps 30 are used. If adhesive were to be used over the entire surface, the pattern of deformities could be adjusted to account for the additional attenuation in the light caused by the adhesive. Referring further to FIG. 2, the panel assembly 5 shown therein also includes molded posts 31 at one or more corners of the panel 7 (four such posts being shown) which may be used to facilitate mounting of the panel assembly and providing structural support for other parts or components, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel as desired. FIG. 6 shows another form of light emitting panel assembly 32 in accordance with this invention including a panel member 33, one or more light sources 3, and one or more light output areas 34. In addition, the panel assembly 32 includes a tray 35 having a cavity or recess 36 in which the panel assembly 32 is received. The tray 35 may act as a back reflector as well as end edge and/or side edge reflectors for the panel 33 and side and/or back reflectors 37 for the light sources 3. Additionally, one or more secondary reflective or refractive surfaces 38 may be provided on the panel member 33 and/or tray 35 to reflect a portion of the light around one or more corners or curves in a non-rectangular shaped panel member 33. These secondary reflective/refractive surfaces 38 may be flat, angled, faceted or curved, and may be used to extract a portion of the light away from the panel member in a predetermined pattern. FIG. 6 also shows multiple light output areas 34 on the panel member that emit light from one or more light sources 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of still another form of light emitting panel assembly 40 in accordance with this invention including a panel member 41 having one or more light output areas 42 and one or more light transition areas (mixing areas) 43 containing a plurality of light sources 3 at one or both ends of the panel. Each transition area mixes the light from one or more light sources having different colors and/or intensities. In this particular embodiment, each of the light sources 3 desirably employs three colored LEDs (red, blue, green) in each transition mixing area 43 so that the light from the three LEDs can be mixed to produce a desired light output color that will be emitted from the light output area 42. Alternatively, each light source may be a single LED having multiple colored chips bonded to the lead film. Also, two colored LEDs or a single LED having two colored chips may be used for a particular application. By varying the intensities of the individual respective LEDs, virtually any colored light output or white light distribution can be achieved. FIG. 8 shows yet another form of light emitting panel assembly 45 in accordance with this invention including a light emitting panel member 46 and a light source 3 in a light transition area 48 integral with one end of the panel member. In this particular embodiment, the panel member 46 is three-dimensionally curved, for example, such that light rays may be emitted in a manner that facilitates aesthetic design of a lighted display. FIG. 9 schematically shows another form of light emitting panel assembly 50 in accordance with this invention, including a panel member 51 having multiple light output areas 52, and mounting posts and/or mounting tabs 53. This particular panel assembly 50 may serve as a structural member to support other parts or components as by providing holes or cavities 54, 55 in the panel member 51 which allow for the insertion of modular components or other parts into the panel member. Moreover, a separate cavity or recess 56 may be provided in the panel member 51 for receipt of a correspondingly shaped light transition area 57 having one or more light sources 3 embedded, bonded, cast, insert molded, epoxied, or otherwise mounted or positioned therein and a curved reflective or refractive surface 58 on the transition area 57 and/or wall of the cavity or recess 56 to redirect a portion of the light in a predetermined manner. In this way the light transition area 57 and/or panel member may be in the form of a separate insert which facilitates the easy placement of the light source in a modular manner. A reflector 58 may be placed on the reflective or refractive surface of the cavity or recess 56 or insert 57. Where the reflector 58 is placed on the reflective or refractive surface of the cavity or recess 56, the cavity or recess may act as a mold permitting transparent material from which the transition area 57 is made to be cast around one or more light sources 3. FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically show another form of light emitting panel assembly 60 in accordance with this invention including a panel member 61 having one or more light output areas 62. In this particular embodiment, an off-axis light transition area 63 is provided that is thicker in cross section than the panel member to permit use of one or more light sources 3 embedded or otherwise mounted in the light transition area that are dimensionally thicker than the panel member. Also, a three-dimensional reflective surface 64 (FIG. 11) may be provided on the transition area 63. Moreover, a prism 65 (FIG. 11) or tapered, rounded, or otherwise shaped end 66 (FIG. 11a) may be provided at the end of the panel opposite the light sources 3 to perform the function of an end reflector. The light sources 3 may be oriented at different angles relative to each other and offset to facilitate better mixing of the light rays 67 in the transition area 63 as schematically shown in FIG. 10 and/or to permit a shorter length transition area 63 to be used. FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically show still another form of light emitting panel assembly 70 in accordance with this invention which includes one or more light transition areas 71 at one or both ends of the panel member 72 each containing a single light source 73. The transition area or areas 71 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 collect light with multiple or three-dimensional surfaces and/or collect light in more than one plane. For example each transition area 71 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 has elliptical and parabolic shape surfaces 74 and 75 in different planes for directing the light rays 76 into the panel member at a desired angle. Providing one or more transition areas at one or both ends of the panel member of any desired dimension to accommodate one or more light sources, with reflective and/or refractive surfaces on the transition areas for redirecting the light rays into the panel member at relatively low angles allows the light emitting panel member to be made much longer and thinner than would otherwise be possible. For example the panel members of the present invention may be made very thin, i.e., 0.125 inch thick or less. FIG. 14 schematically illustrates still another form of light emitting panel assembly 80 in accordance with this invention including a light emitting panel 81 and one or more light sources 3 positioned, embedded, potted, bonded or otherwise mounted in a light transition area 82 that is at an angle relative to the panel member 81 to permit more efficient use of space. An angled or curved reflective or refractive surface 83 is provided at the junction of the panel member 81 with the transition area 82 in order to reflect/refract light from the light source 3 into the body of the panel member 81 for emission of light from one or more light emitting areas 84 along the length of the panel member. FIG. 15 schematically illustrates still another form of light emitting panel assembly 90 in accordance with this invention including a light transition area 91 at one or both ends of a light emitting panel member 92 containing a slot 93 for sliding receipt of an LED or other suitable light source 3. Preferably the slot 93 extends into the transition area 91 from the back edge 94, whereby the light source 3 may be slid and/or snapped in place in the slot from the back, thus allowing the transition area to be made shorter and/or thinner. The light source 3 may be provided with wings, tabs or other surfaces 95 for engagement in correspondingly shaped recesses or grooves 96 or the like in the transition area 91 for locating and, if desired, securing the light source in place. Also, the light source 3 may be embedded, potted, bonded or otherwise secured within the slot 93 in the light transition area 91 of the panel member 92. Light from a secondary light source 97 may be projected through the panel member 92 for indication or some other effect. The various light emitting panel assemblies disclosed herein may be used for a great many different applications including for example LCD back lighting or lighting in general, decorative and display lighting, automotive lighting, dental lighting, phototherapy or other medical lighting, membrane switch lighting, and sporting goods and apparel lighting or the like. Also the panel assemblies may be made such that the panel members and deformities are transparent without a back reflector. This allows the panel assemblies to be used for example to front light an LCD or other display such that the display is viewed through the transparent panel members. Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates generally, as indicated, to light emitting panel assemblies each including a transparent panel member for efficiently conducting light, and controlling the light conducted by the panel member to be emitted from one or more light output areas along the length thereof. Light emitting panel assemblies are generally known. However, the present invention relates to several different light emitting panel assembly configurations which provide for better control of the light output from the panel assemblies and for more efficient utilization of light, which results in greater light output from the panel assemblies. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member having a light transition area in which at least one light source is suitably mounted for transmission of light to the light input surface of the panel member. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light source is desirably embedded, potted or bonded to the light transition area to eliminate any air gaps, decrease surface reflections and/or eliminate any lens effect between the light source and light transition area, thereby reducing light loss and increasing the light output from the panel assembly. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the panel assemblies may include reflective or refractive surfaces for changing the path of a portion of the light, emitted from the light source, that would not normally enter the panel members at an acceptable angle that allows the light to remain in the panel members for a longer period of time and/or increase the efficiency of the panel members. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light emitting panel members include a pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions which provide a desired light output distribution from the panel members by changing the angle of refraction of a portion of the light from one or more light output areas of the panel members. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the light source may include multiple colored light sources for supplying light to one or more light output areas, and for providing a colored or white light output distribution. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the panel assemblies include a transition area for mixing the multiple colored lights, prior to the light entering the panel members, in order to effect a desired colored or white light output distribution. The various light emitting panel assemblies of the present invention are very efficient panel assemblies that may be used to produce increased uniformity and higher light output from the panel members with lower power requirements, and allow the panel members to be made thinner and/or longer, and/or of various shapes and sizes. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. | 20040810 | 20080129 | 20050113 | 98727.0 | 1 | SEMBER, THOMAS M | LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,915,638 | ACCEPTED | Semiconductor component and method of manufacture | An insulated gate semiconductor device (100) having reduced gate resistance and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device (100). A gate structure (112) is formed on a major surface (104) of a semiconductor substrate (102). Successive nitride spacers (118, 128) are formed adjacent the sidewalls of the gate structure (112). The nitride spacers (118, 128) are etched and recessed using a single etch to expose the upper portions (115A, 117A) of the gate structure (112). Source (132) and drain (134) regions are formed in the semiconductor substrate (102). Silicide regions (140, 142, 144) are formed on the top surface (109) and the exposed upper portions (115A, 117A) of the gate structure (112) and the source region (132) and the drain region (134). Electrodes (150, 152, 154) are formed in contact with the silicide (140, 142, 144) of the respective gate structure (112), source region (132), and the drain region (134). | 1-19. (canceled) claim 20. A semiconductor component, comprising: a semiconductor material of a first conductivity type and having a major surface; a gate structure over a portion of the major surface, the gate structure having a top surface and first and second sides; a first nitride spacer adjacent the first side of the gate structure, the first nitride spacer spaced apart from the gate structure by an oxide layer having a thickness of less than 100 Angstroms; a first doped region in the semiconductor material and aligned to the first nitride spacer; a second nitride spacer adjacent the first nitride spacer; a second doped region in the semiconductor material and aligned to the second nitride spacer; and a third doped region in the semiconductor material and aligned to the second side of the gate structure. 21. The semiconductor component of claim 20, further comprising a third nitride spacer adjacent the second side of the gate structure, the third nitride spacer spaced apart from the gate structure by the oxide layer having a thickness less than 100 Angstroms. 22. The semiconductor component of claim 21, further including a fourth nitride spacer adjacent the third nitride spacer. 23. The semiconductor component of claim 22, further including silicide along a portion of the first side and a portion of the second side of the gate structure and silicide on the top surface of the gate structure. 24. The semiconductor component of claim 23, wherein the first nitride spacer is spaced apart from the second nitride spacer by a first portion of a thermally grown oxide layer and wherein the third nitride spacer is spaced apart from the fourth nitride spacer by a second portion of the thermally grown oxide layer. 25. The semiconductor component of claim 23, wherein the third doped region is adjacent the third nitride spacer and further including a fourth doped region, the fourth doped region adjacent the fourth nitride spacer. 26. A semiconductor component having sidewall spacers, comprising: a semiconductor material having a gate structure disposed thereon, the gate structure having a top surface and first and second sides; a first oxide layer on the first side of the gate structure and a second oxide layer on the second side of the gate structure; a first nitride spacer in contact with the first oxide layer and a second nitride spacer in contact with the second oxide layer; a third nitride spacer adjacent the first nitride spacer; and a fourth nitride spacer adjacent the second nitride spacer. 27. The semiconductor component of claim 26, further including: a first doped region aligned to the first nitride spacer; and a second doped region aligned to the second nitride spacer. 28. The semiconductor component of claim 27, further including: a third doped region aligned to the third nitride spacer; and a fourth doped region aligned to the fourth nitride spacer. 29. The semiconductor component of claim 27, further including silicide formed from the top surface of the gate structure, a portion of the first side of the gate structure, and a portion of the second side of the gate structure. 30. The semiconductor component of claim 29, wherein the silicide is a silicide selected from the group of suicides consisting of cobalt silicide, titanium silicide, platinum silicide, and nickel silicide. 31. The semiconductor component of claim 26, further including a third oxide layer between the first and third nitride spacers and a fourth oxide layer between the second and fourth nitride spacers. 32. The semiconductor component of claim 26, wherein the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer each have a thickness ranging from 10 Angstroms to 60 Angstroms. 33. A semiconductor component, comprising: a semiconductor material having a major surface, the semiconductor material of a first conductivity type; a gate structure disposed on the major surface, the gate structure having a top surface and first and second sides; a first dielectric material disposed on a first portion of the first side of the gate structure; a second dielectric material disposed on a first portion of the second side of the gate structure; a first nitride spacer adjacent the first dielectric material; a second nitride spacer adjacent the second dielectric material; a third nitride spacer adjacent the first dielectric material; and a fourth nitride spacer adjacent the second nitride spacer. 34. The semiconductor component of claim 33, further including silicide formed from the top surface of the gate structure and from a second portion of the first side of the gate structure and a second portion of the second side of the gate structure, the first and second portions adjacent the top surface of the gate structure. 35. The semiconductor component of claim 33, further including oxide between the first and third nitride spacers. 36. The semiconductor component of claim 35, further including oxide between the second and fourth nitride spacers. 37. The semiconductor component of claim 33, further including first and second doped regions in the semiconductor material, the first doped region aligned to the first nitride spacer, the second doped region aligned to the second nitride spacer, and wherein the first and second doped regions are of a second conductivity type. 38. The semiconductor component of claim 37, further including third and fourth doped regions in the semiconductor material, the third doped region aligned to the third nitride spacer, the fourth doped region aligned to the fourth nitride spacer, and wherein the third and fourth doped regions are of the second conductivity type. 39. The semiconductor component of claim 33, wherein the first and second dielectric material are oxide. | FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates, in general, to semiconductor components and, more particularly, to the gate resistance of semiconductor components. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Semiconductor device manufacturers are constantly improving device performance while lowering their cost of manufacture. One way manufacturers have reduced costs has been to shrink the sizes of the devices so that more devices can be made from a single semiconductor wafer. However, in reducing the device sizes other factors arise that limit their performance. For example, as the semiconductor devices are made smaller or shrunk, the source-drain breakdown voltage decreases, junction capacitance increases, and the threshold voltage becomes unstable. Collectively, these adverse performance effects are referred to as short channel effects. Typical techniques for mitigating short channel effects rely on adjusting the electric field in the channel region to minimize the peak lateral electric field of the drain depletion region. In addition to increasing device density, shrinking semiconductor device sizes decreases their gate width, which in turn reduces their channel lengths and improves transistor performance. However, as the gate width is decreased, it becomes increasingly difficult to form silicide on the gate structures. The inadequate formation of silicide results in an increase in the gate resistance. Because silicide lowers gate resistance and improves transistor performance, it is desirable to efficiently and reliably form silicide on the gate structures. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a prior art semiconductor component 10 during an intermediate stage of manufacture. What is shown in FIG. 1 is a semiconductor substrate 12 having a major surface 14. A gate structure 16 comprising a gate oxide 18 and a gate 20 having sidewalls 22 is disposed on major surface 14. Semiconductor component 10 includes a source extension region 24, a drain extension region 26, a source region 28, and a drain region 30. Oxide spacers 32 are formed adjacent sidewalls 22 and nitride spacers 34 are formed adjacent oxide spacers 32. Oxide spacers 32 offset the extension implants that form source and drain extension regions 24 and 26, respectively, from gate sidewalls 22. Nitride spacers 34 offset the deep source and drain regions 28 and 30, respectively, from the respective source and drain extension regions 24 and 26. A layer of refractory metal 36 is formed on gate 20, source region 28, and drain region 30. As those skilled in the art are aware, silicide is formed from the portions of the source and drain regions 28 and 30, respectively, and the portion of gate 20 that are in contact with refractory metal layer 36. With respect to gate 20, spacers 32 and 34 limit formation of silicide to its top surface. Because gate resistance is dependent upon the amount of gate surface area available for silicide formation, limiting the amount of available gate surface area for silicide formation limits the ability to lower the gate resistance. Accordingly, what is needed is a semiconductor component having narrow gate widths and a method for manufacturing these semiconductor components which allows sufficient silicide formation so that the gate resistance remains low. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention satisfies the foregoing need by providing a semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component that provides sufficient gate silicon for silicide formation to reduce gate resistance. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention comprises a method for forming a semiconductor component in which a gate structure having first and second sides and a top surface is formed on a semiconductor material of a first conductivity type. First and second nitride spacers are formed adjacent the first and second sides of the gate structure. A first doped region and a second doped region are formed in the semiconductor material, wherein the first and second doped regions are aligned to the first and second nitride spacers. A layer of nitride is disposed over the first and second nitride spacers and the gate structure. The layer of nitride is anisotropically etched to form third and fourth nitride spacers adjacent the first and second nitride spacers, respectively. The layer of nitride is overetched to expose portions of the first and second sidewalls and the top surface of the gate structure. A third doped region and a fourth doped region are formed in the semiconductor material, wherein the third and fourth doped regions are aligned to the third and fourth spacers, respectively. Silicide is formed along portions of the first and second sides of the gate structure, on the top surface of the gate structure, and in the third and fourth doped regions. In accordance with another aspect, the present invention includes a semiconductor component comprising a semiconductor material having a gate structure formed thereon. The gate structure has a top surface and first and second sides. A pair of spacers are adjacent the first side of the gate structure such that the spacers cover a portion of the first side of the gate structure and a pair of spacers are adjacent the second side of the gate structure such that the spacers cover a portion of the second side of the gate structure. Silicide is formed along the portions of the first and second sides of the gate structure not covered by the spacers as well as on the top surface of the gate structure. Because silicide is formed along the first and second sides of the gate structure as well as the top surface, the gate resistance is lowered. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which like references designate like elements and in which: FIG. 1 is a highly enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of a prior art semiconductor component during manufacture; and FIGS. 2-8 are highly enlarged cross-sectional side views of a portion of an insulated gate semiconductor component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Generally, the present invention provides a semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component such as an insulated gate semiconductor device or field effect transistor. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a pair of spacers are formed adjacent each side of a gate structure, wherein the spacers are comprised of the same material. Because the material of the spacers is the same, they can be recessed using a single etch technique. Recessing the spacers increases the amount of gate polysilicon surface available for silicide formation, thereby decreasing the gate resistance and improving device performance. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a partially completed insulated gate field effect transistor 100 during beginning processing steps in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. What is shown in FIG. 2 is a semiconductor substrate 102 of P-type conductivity having a major surface 104. By way of example, semiconductor substrate 102 is silicon having a <100> crystal orientation and a P-type dopant concentration on the order of 1×1016 ions per cubic centimeter (ions/cm3). Alternatively, semiconductor substrate 102 may be comprised of a heavily doped silicon wafer having a <100> crystal orientation and a lightly doped epitaxial layer disposed thereon. Other suitable materials for substrate 102 include silicon, silicon germanium, germanium, Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI), and the like. The conductivity type of substrate 102 is not a limitation of the present invention. In accordance with the present embodiment, the conductivity type is chosen to form an N-channel insulated gate semiconductor device. However, the conductivity type can be selected to form a P-channel insulated gate semiconductor device or a complementary insulated gate semiconductor device, e.g., a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) device. A layer of dielectric material 106 is formed on major surface 104. Dielectric layer 106 serves as a gate dielectric material and may be formed by techniques known to those skilled in the art including thermal oxidation, chemical vapor deposition, and the like. By way of example, layer 106 has a thickness ranging from approximately 10 Angstroms (Å) to approximately 100 Å. A layer of polysilicon 108 is formed on dielectric layer 106 using, for example, a chemical vapor deposition technique. A suitable range of thicknesses for polysilicon layer 108 is between approximately 1,000 Å and approximately 2,000 Å. A layer of photoresist is deposited on polysilicon layer 108 and patterned to form an etch mask 110. Techniques for depositing and patterning photoresist are well known to those skilled in the art. Referring now to FIG. 3, polysilicon layer 108 is etched using an etch chemistry that preferentially etches polysilicon, i.e., an etch chemistry selective to polysilicon. By way of example, polysilicon layer 108 is etched using anisotropic Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) and an etchant species that is selective to polysilicon. Methods for etching polysilicon are well known to those skilled in the art. After removal of the exposed portions of polysilicon layer 108, the etch chemistry is changed to anisotropically etch oxide layer 106. The anisotropic etching of oxide layer 106 stops at major surface 104. Then etch mask layer 110 is removed. The remaining portions 108A and 106A of polysilicon layer 108 and dielectric layer 106, respectively, form a gate structure 112 having sides 115 and 117 and a top surface 109. Portion 108A serves as a gate conductor and portion 106A serves as a gate oxide. Still referring to FIG. 3, an oxide layer 114 is formed on gate structure 112 and the exposed portions of major surface 104. Techniques for forming oxide layer 114 include deposition techniques such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition and growth techniques such as oxidization of gate conductor 108A and silicon 102. Preferably, oxide layer 114 has a thickness of less than 100 Å and even more preferably a thickness ranging between approximately 10 Å and approximately 60 Å. A layer of silicon nitride 116 having a thickness ranging between approximately 50 Å and 300 Å is formed on oxide layer 114. Oxide layer 114 serves as a buffer layer between major surface 104 and nitride layer 116 and between the surfaces of gate conductor 108A and silicon nitride layer 116. Referring now to FIG. 4, silicon nitride layer 116 is anisotropically etched using an etch selective to silicon nitride to form extension implant spacers 118 and to expose oxide layer 114. Preferably, the etch chemistry is changed to be selective to oxide, and oxide layer 114 is anisotropically etched to expose major surface 104. The portions of oxide layer 114 between extension implant spacers 118 and the sidewalls of gate structure 112 and between extension implant spacers 118 and the portions of major surface 104 laterally adjacent the sidewalls of gate structure 112 remain, i.e., they are not removed. An impurity material of N-type conductivity such as for, example, arsenic, is implanted into semiconductor material 102 to form doped regions 120 and 122, which serve as source and drain extensions, respectively. By way of example, doped regions 120 and 122 have a concentration ranging from approximately 1×1018 ions/cm3 to approximately 5×1020 ions/cm3 and vertically extend approximately 0.01 micrometers (em) to 0.05 μm into semiconductor material 102. Suitable implant parameters for forming the source and drain extension regions include a zero degree implant having a dose ranging between approximately 1×1014 ions per square centimeter (ions/cm2) and approximately 1×1016 ions/cm2 and an implant energy ranging between approximately 1 kilo electron-Volt and approximately 10 kilo electron-Volts (keV). However, it should be understood that the implant is not limited to a zero degree implant and that a non-zero degree or tilted implant may be used to form source and drain extension regions 120 and 122, respectively. The doped semiconductor material is annealed by heating to a temperature ranging between approximately 800 degrees Celsius (° C.) and 1,100° C. Annealing semiconductor 100 causes the dopant to diffuse in both the vertical and lateral directions. Thus, the N-type dopant of source extension region 120 diffuses under gate structure 112 from side 115 and the N-type dopant of drain extension region 122 diffuses under gate structure 112 from side 117. Still referring to FIG. 4, an oxide layer 124 is grown on gate structure 112, extension implant spacers 118, and the exposed portions of major surface 104. By way of example, oxide layer 124 is thermally grown in an oxidizing ambient such as for example dry oxygen at a temperature ranging between approximately 750° C. and approximately 900° C. Growing oxide layer 124 under these conditions allows controllably growing the oxide on silicon substrate 102, while forming only a negligible amount of oxide on extension implant spacers 118, i.e., on silicon nitride. Because the amount of oxide formed on extension implant spacers 118 is negligible, oxide layer 124 is not shown over spacers 118. Preferably, oxide layer 124 has a thickness ranging between approximately 30 Å and approximately 60 Å on gate structure 112 and silicon substrate 102 and substantially 0 Å on spacers 118. A layer of silicon nitride 126 having a thickness ranging between approximately 600 Å and approximately 1,500 Å is formed on oxide layer 124. Referring now to FIG. 5, silicon nitride layer 126 is anisotropically etched using an etch selective to silicon nitride to form spacers 128 and to expose oxide layer 124. An overetch is performed to recess spacers 128 and 118 and thereby expose the upper portions 115A and 117A of sidewalls 115 and 117, respectively, of gate conductor 108A. Because oxide layer 114 is very thin and a negligible amount of oxide is formed on extension implant spacers 118 during the formation of oxide layer 124, the anisotropic etch forming spacers 128 readily etches oxide layer 114 and any oxide formed on extension implant spacers 118. An advantage of spacers 128 and 118 being made of the same material, e.g., silicon nitride, is that they can be recessed using a single etch process, thereby saving time and lowering the cost and complexity of manufacturing the spacers. A source/drain implant is performed to form a source region 132 and a drain region 134. The source/drain implant also dopes gate structure 112. A suitable set of parameters for the source/drain implant includes implanting an N-type impurity material such as, for example, phosphorus at a dose ranging between approximately 1×1014 ions/cm2 and approximately 1×1016 ions/cm2 and using an implant energy ranging between approximately 20 keV and approximately 120 keV. The doped semiconductor material is annealed by heating to a temperature between approximately 800° C. and 1,100° C. Annealing semiconductor 100 causes the dopant to diffuse in both the vertical and lateral directions. Although the formation of source/drain extension regions has been described as being formed before the formation of oxide layer 124, it should be understood this is not a limitation of the present invention. For example, the source/drain extension regions may be formed after the formation of oxide layer 124. Likewise, halo implants may be performed either before or after the formation of oxide layer 124. Referring now to FIG. 6, an optional wet etch is performed to remove any oxide along top surface 109 of gate conductor 108A and along upper portions 115A and 117A of the respective sidewalls 115 and 117. In addition, the wet etch removes portions of oxide layer 124 disposed on major surface 104. A layer 136 of refractory metal is conformally deposited on top surface 109 and upper portions 115A and 117A of gate conductor 108A, spacers 118 and 128, and the exposed portions of silicon surface 104. By way of example, the metal of layer 136 is cobalt having a thickness ranging between approximately 50 Å and 300 Å. Referring now to FIG. 7, refractory metal layer 136 is heated to a temperature ranging between approximately 600° C. and 700° C. The heat treatment causes the cobalt to react with the silicon to form cobalt silicide (CoSi) in all regions in which the cobalt is in contact with silicon. Thus, cobalt silicide 140 is formed from gate conductor 108A, cobalt silicide 142 is formed from source region 132, and cobalt silicide 144 is formed from drain region 134. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, cobalt silicide is not only formed on top surface 109 of gate 108, but also on upper portions 130 of gate 108, thereby increasing the amount of silicide formed on gate 108 and lowering the gate resistance without increasing the gate width. The portions of the cobalt adjacent silicon nitride spacers 118 and 128 remain unreacted. It should be understood that the type of silicide is not a limitation of the present invention. For example, other suitable silicides include titanium silicide (TiSi), platinum silicide (PtSi), nickel silicide (NiSi), and the like. As those skilled in the art are aware, silicon is consumed during the formation of silicide and the amount of silicon consumed is a function of the type of silicide being formed. Still referring to FIG. 7, the unreacted cobalt is removed using processes known to those skilled in the art. Removing the unreacted cobalt electrically isolates gate conductor 108A, source region 132, and drain region 134 from each other. Referring now to FIG. 8, a layer of dielectric material 148 is formed on the silicided regions and the spacers. By way of example, dielectric material 148 is oxide having a thickness ranging between approximately 500 Å and 2,000 Å. Openings are formed in oxide layer 148 to expose portions of silicide layers 140, 142, and 144. Using techniques well known in the art, electrical conductors or electrodes are formed which contact the exposed silicide layers 140, 142, and 144. More particularly, a gate electrode 150 contacts gate silicide 140, a source electrode 152 contacts source silicide layer 142, and a drain electrode 154 contacts drain silicide layer 144. By now it should be appreciated that an insulated gate semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component have been provided. In accordance with the present invention, the amount of polysilicon available for silicide formation is increased by forming a succession of spacers along each sidewall of the gate conductor, wherein the spacers were formed from the same material. Because the spacers are made from the same material and are separated by an intervening layer having a negligible thickness, they can be recessed using a single etch process, thereby increasing the amount of exposed gate material for silicide formation. The increased silicide formation reduces the gate resistance and improves the performance of the semiconductor components. The use of a single etch process to recess the sidewall spacers makes a more robust process and lowers the cost of manufacturing the semiconductor components. Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the method is applicable to both asymmetric and symmetric semiconductor devices. In addition, the present invention is suitable for manufacturing N-channel semiconductor devices, P-channel semiconductor devices, and complementary semiconductor devices. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Semiconductor device manufacturers are constantly improving device performance while lowering their cost of manufacture. One way manufacturers have reduced costs has been to shrink the sizes of the devices so that more devices can be made from a single semiconductor wafer. However, in reducing the device sizes other factors arise that limit their performance. For example, as the semiconductor devices are made smaller or shrunk, the source-drain breakdown voltage decreases, junction capacitance increases, and the threshold voltage becomes unstable. Collectively, these adverse performance effects are referred to as short channel effects. Typical techniques for mitigating short channel effects rely on adjusting the electric field in the channel region to minimize the peak lateral electric field of the drain depletion region. In addition to increasing device density, shrinking semiconductor device sizes decreases their gate width, which in turn reduces their channel lengths and improves transistor performance. However, as the gate width is decreased, it becomes increasingly difficult to form silicide on the gate structures. The inadequate formation of silicide results in an increase in the gate resistance. Because silicide lowers gate resistance and improves transistor performance, it is desirable to efficiently and reliably form silicide on the gate structures. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a prior art semiconductor component 10 during an intermediate stage of manufacture. What is shown in FIG. 1 is a semiconductor substrate 12 having a major surface 14 . A gate structure 16 comprising a gate oxide 18 and a gate 20 having sidewalls 22 is disposed on major surface 14 . Semiconductor component 10 includes a source extension region 24 , a drain extension region 26 , a source region 28 , and a drain region 30 . Oxide spacers 32 are formed adjacent sidewalls 22 and nitride spacers 34 are formed adjacent oxide spacers 32 . Oxide spacers 32 offset the extension implants that form source and drain extension regions 24 and 26 , respectively, from gate sidewalls 22 . Nitride spacers 34 offset the deep source and drain regions 28 and 30 , respectively, from the respective source and drain extension regions 24 and 26 . A layer of refractory metal 36 is formed on gate 20 , source region 28 , and drain region 30 . As those skilled in the art are aware, silicide is formed from the portions of the source and drain regions 28 and 30 , respectively, and the portion of gate 20 that are in contact with refractory metal layer 36 . With respect to gate 20 , spacers 32 and 34 limit formation of silicide to its top surface. Because gate resistance is dependent upon the amount of gate surface area available for silicide formation, limiting the amount of available gate surface area for silicide formation limits the ability to lower the gate resistance. Accordingly, what is needed is a semiconductor component having narrow gate widths and a method for manufacturing these semiconductor components which allows sufficient silicide formation so that the gate resistance remains low. | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention satisfies the foregoing need by providing a semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component that provides sufficient gate silicon for silicide formation to reduce gate resistance. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention comprises a method for forming a semiconductor component in which a gate structure having first and second sides and a top surface is formed on a semiconductor material of a first conductivity type. First and second nitride spacers are formed adjacent the first and second sides of the gate structure. A first doped region and a second doped region are formed in the semiconductor material, wherein the first and second doped regions are aligned to the first and second nitride spacers. A layer of nitride is disposed over the first and second nitride spacers and the gate structure. The layer of nitride is anisotropically etched to form third and fourth nitride spacers adjacent the first and second nitride spacers, respectively. The layer of nitride is overetched to expose portions of the first and second sidewalls and the top surface of the gate structure. A third doped region and a fourth doped region are formed in the semiconductor material, wherein the third and fourth doped regions are aligned to the third and fourth spacers, respectively. Silicide is formed along portions of the first and second sides of the gate structure, on the top surface of the gate structure, and in the third and fourth doped regions. In accordance with another aspect, the present invention includes a semiconductor component comprising a semiconductor material having a gate structure formed thereon. The gate structure has a top surface and first and second sides. A pair of spacers are adjacent the first side of the gate structure such that the spacers cover a portion of the first side of the gate structure and a pair of spacers are adjacent the second side of the gate structure such that the spacers cover a portion of the second side of the gate structure. Silicide is formed along the portions of the first and second sides of the gate structure not covered by the spacers as well as on the top surface of the gate structure. Because silicide is formed along the first and second sides of the gate structure as well as the top surface, the gate resistance is lowered. | 20040809 | 20050823 | 20050113 | 98631.0 | 2 | TRAN, MAI HUONG C | SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,915,666 | ACCEPTED | Automated wafer defect inspection system and a process of performing such inspection | An automated defect inspection system has been invented and is used on patterned wafers, whole wafers, broken wafers, partial wafers, sawn wafers such as on film frames, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, die in gel or waffle packs, MCMs, etc. and is specifically intended and designed for second optical wafer inspection for such defects as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, solder bump defects, and bond pad area defects. | 1-5. (Cancelled) 6. An automated system for inspecting a substrate such as a wafer in any form including whole patterned wafers, sawn wafers, broken wafers, and wafers of any kind on film frames, dies, die in gel paks, die in waffle paks, multi-chip modules often called MCMs, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, and other wafer and die package configurations for defects, the system comprising: a wafer test plate; a wafer provider for providing a wafer to the test plate; a visual inspection device for visual inputting of a plurality of known good quality wafers during training and for visual inspection of other unknown quality wafers during inspection; an illuminator for providing short pulses of light to each of the unknown quality wafers during movement between the wafer and the visual inspection device; and a microprocessor having processing and memory capabilities for developing a model of good quality wafer and comparing unknown quality wafers to the model. 7. The automated system of claim 5, wherein the visual inspection device is configured to capture still images of each of the unknown quality wafers during continuous movement between the wafer and the visual inspection device. 8. The automated system of claim 7, wherein the short pulses of light are synchronized with the capturing of the still images. 9. The automated system of claim 6, wherein the illuminator is configured to provide the short pulses of light based on a velocity of the movement. 10. The automated system of claim 6, wherein the illuminator is configured to provide the short pulses of light at a sequence correlating to a velocity of the movement. 11. The automated system of claim 6, wherein the illuminator comprises a brightfield illuminator positioned approximately above the wafer test plate. 12. The automated system of claim 6, wherein the illuminator comprises a darkfield illuminator positioned approximately above the wafer test plate. 13. The automated system of claim 6, wherein the illuminator comprises at least one darkfield laser positioned approximately about a periphery of the wafer test plate for providing darkfield illumination at an angle of less than about six degrees to the wafer test plate. 14. An automated method of inspecting a semiconductor wafer in any form including whole patterned wafers, sawn wafers, broken wafer, and wafers of any kind of film frames, dies, die in gel paks, die in waffle pak, multi-chip modules often called MCMs, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, and other wafer and die package configurations for defects, the method comprising: training a model as to parameters of a good wafer via optical viewing of multiple known good wafers; illuminating unknown quality wafers with an illuminator, the illuminator configured to provide flashes of light to each of the unknown quality wafers during movement of the wafer, and inspecting the unknown quality wafers using the model. 15. The automated method of claim 14, wherein the inspecting step comprises capturing still views of each of the unknown quality wafers during continuous movement of the wafer. 16. The automated method of claim 15, wherein the flashes of light are synchronized within the capturing of the still views. 17. The automated method of claim 14, wherein the illuminator is configured to provide the flashes of light based on a velocity of the movement. 18. The automated method of claim 14, wherein the illuminator is configured to provide the flashes of light at a sequence correlating to a velocity of the movement. 19. An automated system for inspecting a substrate such as a wafer in any form including whole patterned wafer, sawn wafer, broken wafers, and wafers of any kind on film frames, dies, die in gel pak, die in waffle paks, multi-chip module often called MCNs, JEDEC trays, Auer boats and other wafer and die package configurations for defects, the system comprising: a wafer test plate; a wafer provider for providing a wafer to the test plate; a camera for capturing still images of a moving wafer; an illuminator for providing strobe illumination to the moving wafer, and a controller for comparing pixel data for unknown quality wafers to a model of a good quality wafer. 20. The automated system of claim 19, wherein the illuminator is configured to provide the strobe illumination based on a velocity of the moving wafer. 21. The automated system of claim 19, wherein the strobe illumination comprises short pulses of light at a sequence correlating to a velocity of the moving wafer. 22. The automated system of claim 19, wherein the strobe illumination is synchronized with the capturing of the still images. 23. The automated system of claim 19, wherein the illuminator comprises a brightfield illuminator positioned approximately above the wafer test plate. 24. The automated system of claim 19, wherein the illuminator comprises a darkfield illuminator positioned approximately above the wafer test plate. 25. The automated system of claim 19, wherein the illuminator comprises a set of low angle darkfield lasers positioned approximately about a periphery of the wafer test plate for providing darkfield illumination at an angle of less than about six degrees to the wafer test plate. | REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/092923 and 60/092701, filed on Jul. 15, 1998, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/352,564, filed on Jul. 13, 1999. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to defect inspection systems for the semiconductor industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automated defect inspection system for patterned wafers, whole wafers, sawn wafers such as on film frames, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, die in gel or waffle packs, multi-chip modules often referred to as MCMs, etc. that is specifically intended and designed for second optical wafer inspection for such defects as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, and bump or bond pad area defects such as gold or solder bump defects or similar interconnect defects. Specifically, the present invention is an automated defect inspection system for integrated circuits, LCD panels with photolithography circuitry embedded therein, etc. where the system is used as follows: the system is trained by viewing a plurality of known good die under an imaging head resulting in a good die model, an inspection recipe is inputted into the system to define inspection parameters, defect inspection occurs where die are loaded onto, aligned in and viewed by an imaging head for defects in comparison to the good die model, an optional review of the identified defects may occur, and the user may optionally receive or export a report thereon. 2. Background Information Over the past several decades, the semiconductor has exponentially grown in use and popularity. The semiconductor has in effect revolutionized society by introducing computers, electronic advances, and generally revolutionizing many previously difficult, expensive and/or time consuming mechanical processes into simplistic and quick electronic processes. This boom in semiconductors has been fueled by an insatiable desire by business and individuals for computers and electronics, and more particularly, faster, more advanced computers and electronics whether it be on an assembly line, on test equipment in a lab, on the personal computer at one's desk, or in the home electronics and toys. The manufacturers of semiconductors have made vast improvements in end product quality, speed and performance as well as in manufacturing process quality, speed and performance. However, there continues to be demand for faster, more reliable and higher performing semiconductors. One process that has evolved over the past decade or so is the semiconductor inspection process. The merit in inspecting semiconductors throughout the manufacturing process is obvious in that bad wafers may be removed at the various steps rather than processed to completion only to find out a defect exists either by end inspection or by failure during use. A typical example of the semiconductor manufacture process is summarized as follows. Bare whole wafers are manufactured. Thereafter, circuitry is created on the bare whole wafers. The whole wafer with circuitry is then sawn into smaller pieces known in the industry as die. Thereafter, the die are processed, as is well known in the art, typically as die in waffle and/or gel packs or on substrates. Today, it is well known that various inspection processes occur during this semiconductor process. Bare wafer inspection may occur on bare whole wafers not long after initial creation from sand and/or after polishing of the wafer but always prior to the deposit of any layers that form the circuitry. Defects being inspected for during bare wafer inspection include surface particulates and surface imperfections or irregularities. During the deposition of layers, that is the circuit building, on the whole wafer, one or more first optical inspections may occur. First (1st) optical inspection is “in process” inspection of wafers during circuitry creation. This 1st inspection may be after each layer is deposited, at certain less often intervals, or only once during or after all deposits. This 1st optical inspection is usually a sub-micron level inspection in the range of 0.1 micron to <1 micron. This process is used to check for mask alignment or defects such as extra metal, missing metal, contaminants, etc. This 1st inspection occurs during circuitry development on the wafer. Once the whole wafers are at least fully deposited on, that is all of the circuitry is created thereon, a post 1st (or 1.5) inspection occurs on the fully processed whole wafers. Generally, this is prior to the deposit of a passivation layer although it need not be. In addition, this post 1st inspection is generally prior to electrical testing or probing of the whole wafers. This inspection is typically a 0.5 micron to 1 micron optical inspection. After the whole wafers are fully processed, one or more 2nd optical inspections are performed. Front end 2nd optical inspections occur after the whole wafers are fully processed and, if probing is necessary, just before or right after this probing or electrical testing to determine the quality of the devices. Back end 2nd optical inspections occur at various stages such as during the applying of bumps to the die or wafer, during or after sawing of the wafers into sawn wafers, during or after dicing of the wafers, during or after picking up and placing of the die onto other packages such as trays or waffle or gel packs, during or after placing of the wafers onto a substrate, etc. This 2nd optical inspection is generally at a 1+ micron level and is generally looking for defects such as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, and probe or bond pad area defects. After actual packaging, 3rd optical inspections occur. This packaging involves at least one of the following: placing the die on a substrate, wire bonding the die, connecting the leads, attaching the balls to a flip chip, etc. At this point, the inspection involves inspecting the ball grid array, lead straightness, wire bonding, ink marking, and for any package defects such as chips, cracks and voids. This 3rd level inspection is generally at a 5+ micron level. The focus of the semiconductor inspection industry has been bare wafer and 1st optical inspection. Numerous market leaders have developed, patented, and are manufacturing and marketing 1st optical inspection systems to perform these inspections including ADE, KLA, Tencor, Inspex, Applied, Orbit and others. Often this equipment is very expensive and large. At the 1st inspection stage, this expense and machine size issue is not as significant as at later inspection stages because only a relatively few parties manufacture the silicon wafers and thus need to inspect bare wafers in comparison to the vast number of companies that buy bare or sawn wafers and further process them into finished chips. These often expensive and large inspection devices are not cost justifiable for smaller shops and as such, inspection equipment is needed that satisfies this need at the 2nd and 3rd stages as well as is more economical for the vast many smaller companies that finish process wafers. To a lesser extent, some resources have been spent on 3rd optical inspection and several companies including STI, View Engineering, RVSI, and ICOS have developed systems for this purpose and are marketing those systems. However, none of these systems address the particular and unique constraints of 2nd optical and this area has been largely ignored. In actual application, 2nd optical inspection has been marginally performed by manual inspection using humans and microscopic equipment. This manual process is inaccurate due to various factors including stress, eye fatigue and boredom of the operator as well as different perceptions by different operators as to the significance of a finding. In addition, smaller circuit geometry and higher throughput requirements are increasing the demands on semiconductor inspection at this 2nd optical level, all of which further results in operator stress, eye fatigue, and sometimes lower quality. In addition at the 2nd optical inspection stage to the need for inspecting for metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, etc., bumps have taken on additional importance of recent. This is due to the recent surge in the use of bump interface connects, or flip chips, rather than leads which has magnified the importance of 2nd optical inspection and thus the need for equipment and systems over manual inspection. OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an objective of the present invention to provide an automated inspection system that replaces the current manual inspection process. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a new, state of the art 2nd optical inspection system. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system of patterned wafers, whole wafers, sawn wafers, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, die in gel or waffle packs, MCMs, etc. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that is specifically intended and designed for second optical wafer inspection although useful in other levels of optical inspection such as level 1.5. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system for inspecting for defects such as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, probe area defects, bump area defects and/or bond pad area defects. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that eliminates or significantly reduces the need for manual microscopic inspecting of every die in every wafer. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that views the ever-smaller circuit geometry in an accurate and rapid manner. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for higher throughput than manual inspections It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for improved inspection quality and consistency. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for improved process control. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that has inspection recipes therein and can create, copy and edit such recipes to customize the system to the user's inspection requirements. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that uses digital image analysis to perform semiconductor wafer inspection. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that is trained by inspecting good die so that once trained the system detects variations from what it has learned. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that is trainable. It is further an objectives of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that develops a model of a good die and uses this model to inspect unknown quality die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that includes a “good die” training step and a defect inspection step using the good die model. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that includes a “good die” training step, an inspection recipe creation step and a defect inspection step. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that includes a “good die” training step, an inspection recipe creation step, a defect inspection step, a defect review step, and a report issuing or exporting step. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for multi-dimensional alignment of each wafer, substrate or other device having die thereon to be inspected such that every die is uniformly positioned. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for x, y and theta (θ) alignment of each wafer, substrate or other device having die thereon to be inspected such that every die is uniformly positioned. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for course alignment, fine alignment, and/or focusing of each wafer. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides “good die” modeling by viewing multiple good dies and developing a model therefrom. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for defect inspection using an imaging head or camera to view static and properly aligned die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for defect inspection using an imaging head or camera to view dynamic or moving yet properly aligned die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for defect inspection using an imaging head or camera to view dynamic or moving yet properly aligned die where a strobe illumination is used to capture still views of the dynamically moving die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for review of the system detected defects whereby the user need not look at all die or all parts of die and instead only views the marked or noted defects. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides means for accounting for drifting or non-regularity of die positioning or spacing. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides means to inspect die on a stretched film frame where the dies are irregularly spaced, rotated, drifted, etc. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides a method to measure the size, position, shape, geometry, and other characteristics of solder bumps, gold bumps, bond pads or the like. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides a method to inspect the quality of gold bumps, solder bumps, interconnects or the like, or the probe marks on bond pads. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides a method to detect defects on bond pads, bumps or interconnects. Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following summary, and detailed description. Accordingly, the present invention satisfies these and other objectives as it, relates to automated inspection equipment, systems and processes. Specifically, the present invention is an automated method of inspecting a semiconductor wafer in any form, size and shape including whole patterned wafers, sawn wafers, broken wafers, partial wafers, and wafers of any kind on film frames, dies, die in gel paks, die in waffle paks, multi-chip modules often called MCMs, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, and other wafer and die package configurations for defects, the method or apparatus comprising training a model as to parameters of a good wafer via optical viewing of multiple known good wafers, illuminating unknown quality wafers using at least one of a brightfield illuminator positioned approximately above, a darkfield illuminator positioned approximately above, and a darkfield laser positioned approximately about the periphery of a wafer test plate on which the wafer is inspected, all of which are for providing illumination to the unknown quality wafers during inspection and at least one of which strobes during inspection, and inspecting unknown quality wafers using the model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system; FIG. 2 is an overall flow chart of the process; FIG. 3 is a more detailed flow chart of one step in the process as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a more detailed flow chart of one step in the process as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a more detailed flow chart of one step in the process as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a more detailed flow chart of one step in the process as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is a more detailed flow chart of one step in the process as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view of a similar system to that shown in FIG. 1 taken at a different angle; FIG. 9 is a front view of the wafer top plate and optics; FIG. 10 is a left front perspective view of a portion of the inspection station including the wafer top plate and optics; FIG. 11 is a right front perspective view of the top portion of the inspection station; FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the top portion of the inspection station as shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the optics and wafer top plate; FIG. 14 is a side view of the wafer top plate and optics of FIG. 9; FIG. 15 is a left side perspective view of the top portion of the inspection station as shown in FIGS. 10-12; FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the wafer top plate and the x, y and θ aligner; FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the top portions of the inspection and wafer handling stations; FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the wafer handling and wafer top plate portions of the invention; FIG. 19 is a side view of the wafer handling station; FIG. 20 is a partial view of the darkfield option of the present invention; and FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the darkfield lasers of the darkfield option. Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The automated defect inspection system of the present invention is indicated generally at 10 as is best shown overall in FIGS. 1 and 8 (but in detailed portions in FIGS. 2-7 and 9-21) and is used in one environment to find defects on die on patterned wafers W but is intended for this and other uses including for inspecting whole wafers, sawn wafers, broken wafers, wafers of any kind on film frames, die in gel paks, die in waffle paks, MCMs, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, and other wafer and die package configurations (although hereinafter all of these uses shall be referred to generally as inspection of wafers W). The system inspects for many types of defects including, but not limited to, the following: metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, bridging, etc.), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, probe or bond area defects (such as missing probe marks, discoloration, missing metal and probe bridging), diffusion faults, vapox, etc. The system may also be additionally or alternatively used to inspect interconnects or bumps, such as gold or solder bumps, for defects or other characteristics such as size and shape. The system and process encompasses, in general, a multiple step process as shown in FIG. 2 of training (step A) the system, creating (step B) an inspection recipe, inspecting (step C) die or wafers based upon this training and recipe, defect review (step D) if desired, and defect reporting (step E) if desired. The system 10 for performing this process includes, in general, a wafer test plate 12, means for providing a wafer to the test plate referred to as 14, a wafer alignment device 16 (x-y-θ or x-y-z-θ aligner) for aligning each and every wafer at the same x, y, and θ location or x, y, z, and θ location, a focusing mechanism 18, a camera 20 or other visual inspection device for visual inputting of good die during training and for visual inspection of other unknown quality die during inspection, a parameter input device 22 for inputting parameters and other constraints or information such as sensitivity parameters, geometries, die size, die shape, die pitch, number of rows, number of columns, etc., a display 24 for displaying the view being seen by the camera presently or at any previous saved period, a computer system 26 or other computer-like device having processing and memory capabilities for saving the inputted good die, developing a model therefrom, and comparing or analyzing other die in comparison to the model, a marking head 28 a frame 30, a hood 32, a control panel 34, and a system parameters display 36. In more detail the system 10 and associated process are as follows. Training (step A) as initially displayed in FIG. 2 and shown in more detail in FIG. 3 involves (1) defining and/or training alignment features and parameters (and storing) in the computer system 26 for use during training where all of this is shown as step A1, (2) defining (and inputting into the computer system) the wafer and/or die geometries, the wafer and/or die sizes, the die pitch, the number of rows, the number of columns, etc. and storing all such information in the computer system 26 for use during training and/or inspecting where all of this is shown as step A2, (3) training the system as to what a “good die” comprises by aligning via device 16 and viewing via camera 20 a plurality of known good die and forming a model within computer system 26 to define what an ideal die should look like based upon the common characteristics viewed where all of this is shown as step A3, (4) setting inspection parameters which are values that indicate to the computer system 26 how close an unknown quality die must match the good die model to be considered a good die (that is, what differences from the exact model are tolerable to still be considered a good die) where all of this is shown as step A4, and (5) saving this training model and its features, parameters, etc. to the computer system 26 as shown by step A5. Creating (step B) an inspection recipe involves creating a new recipe (if a previously defined recipe is to be used, then the creating step of B is skipped). Creating a new recipe involves (1) defining how wafers W are selected from cassettes or other storage receptacles where all of this is shown as step B1, (2) defining how the dies on each wafer W are to be selected for defect inspection where all of this is shown as step B2 (often dies are merely inspected in sequential or similar order; however, any other order may be defined), (3) defining how defect inspection map files are imported and exported where this is shown as step B3, and (4) save this recipe where this is step B4. Inspecting (step C), referred to as defect inspection, involves (1) inputting a wafer identification code, if desired, and is referred to as step C1, (2) selecting a recipe that was defined in step B where this selecting is step C2, (3) selecting and inputting a product setup which is step C3, (4) loading a wafer onto the wafer test plate 12 using the wafer providing means 14 where loading is step C4, (5) aligning the wafer on the wafer test plate 12 using the wafer alignment device 16 for aligning each and every wafer at the same x, y, and θ location or x, y, z, and θ location and using the defined and/or trained alignment features and parameters of step A1, all of which is shown as step C5, (6) focusing the camera 20 onto the wafer W if needed, all of which is shown as step C6 (7) collecting an image of the wafer W using the camera 20 by moving the plate 12 to align the camera with a first die or other portion thereof, viewing and recording that die or portion thereof by opening the shutter and allowing the camera to view and record the image, moving the plate 12 to align the camera with another die or portion thereof, viewing and recording this another die or portion thereof, and repeating these steps until all of the die or portions thereof on the wafer that are desired to be viewed have been viewed and recorded, all of which is shown as step C7, (8) simultaneously during step C7, determining where defects are located on the given die being viewed based upon the “good die” model of step A3 and the tolerances of step A4, all of which is step C8, and (9) creating a defect map of the wafer W which is a collection of all of the images of all of the die including all of the defects found thereon, all of which is step C9. Alternatively, step C7 may be replaced by the step of collecting an image of, the wafer W using the camera 20 by continuously moving the plate 12 so as to scan over all of the die on the wafer whereby the wafer is illuminated by a strobe light at a sequence correlating to the speed of the moving plate so that each die is strobed at the precise time it is under the camera 20. This allows for the continuous collecting of images without necessitating the stop and go procedure of aligning the camera with a first die, viewing and recording that die, moving the plate 12 to align the camera with another die, viewing and recording this another die, and repeating these steps until all of the die on the wafer have been viewed and recorded, etc. Defect review D if and when it is desired (which is generally at the conclusion of defect inspection on a given wafer W since it is at this point that defect classification is often desired) involves (1) loading the defect map created in step C9, this reloading referred to as step D1, (2) selecting a defect to review (or alternatively reviewing all of the defects on the wafer in order) as step D2, (3) moving the plate 12 so as to position the wafer W such that the particular die with defect thereon is properly positioned under the camera 26, all of which is step D3, (4) user viewing and classifying of the defect such that user of the system 10 views and classifies the viewed defect, all of which is referred to as step D4, (5) repeating of steps D2-D4 until all of the defects that the user desires to review have been reviewed and classified as step D5, and (6) saving of classified defect map as step D6 as well as alternatively or additionally saving the defect information in any of a number of other formats for database or other management and review. Defect reporting E if and when it is desired involves exporting or printing out the data stored in database format in step D6. This data may then be analyzed or otherwise used to perform statistical or other analysis on the types of defects, frequency of defects, location of defects, etc. which is useful to the wafer W manufacturers so as to allow them to focus on defect laden areas. The above described steps and substeps are a basic explanation of the system and process of the present invention. The following description is a more detailed explanation of various parts and systems, and details of the steps these perform. The wafer test plate 12 is a rotary stage that is equipped with a universal interface platform with vacuum, all of which provides a flexible interface for wafer, and die package fixturing. It is defined such that it quickly mounts and inspects; whole wafers, sawn wafers on film frame, die in gel pak, die in waffle-pak, MCM, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, and other wafer and die package arrangements and configurations. The means for providing a wafer to the test plate referred to as 14 may be either manual in that the user moves the wafer from a cassette or magazine to the test plate 12, or automatic as is shown in the embodiment of the Figures. In the automatic environment, the wafer providing means 14 includes a robotic arm that pivots from a first position where a wafer W is initially grasped from a magazine or cassette to a second position where the wafer W is positioned on the wafer test plate 12 for inspection. After inspection, the robotic arm pivots the wafer W from the second position at the test plate 12 back to the first position where the wafer W is placed back in or on the magazine or cassette. The robotic arm in the embodiment shown is a two part arm which has two sections, the first of which pivots about a center support and the second of which pivots about the end of the first. Surrounding the robotic arm in one embodiment is at least one cassette receiver (two shown in FIG. 1) which receives standard wafer transportation cassettes in which multiple wafers are stacked, an optional wafer pre-aligner which would provide a pre-alignment or rough alignment of the wafer, an OCR (optical character recognition) system, and the inspection station which includes the wafer top plate 12, x-y-θ aligner 16, optics 18, cameras 20, etc. The wafer alignment device 16 for aligning each and every wafer at the same x, y, z, and θ location is a precision system of rotary motors, ball screws, direct or belt driven motors, worm or other gears, actuators, hydraulics, push rods, vacuums, or other mechanical or electrical equipment for moving the rotary stage either linearly or angularly to a precise desired location. The same alignment mechanism and process is used during training as is used during inspection. Specifically in the embodiment shown, the wafer alignment device is a 2-D x, y and θ alignment process that is optionally coupled to a z height control. Specifically, it is in one example a 2-D x and y course alignment followed by a fine theta (θ) alignment process, all of which is coupled with and followed by a focus map process (using a previously generated height or focus map) for determining height or z and thus assuring the wafer is in focus. Basically, the course alignment uses a pattern located at the approximate wafer center which it has been trained to know and expect x and y location on thereby allowing it to find this pattern and x and y (2-D linear) orient the wafer as such to at least course align it This orientation is performed using the stage 12. Thereafter, fine alignment is performed by using a pattern near the perimeter of the wafer which it has been trained to know to get the θ (rotational) alignment correct. This is also performed using the stage 12. In both cases, the camera finds the pattern and the alignment mechanism moves the wafer until it is aligned. The focus map or z orientation is performed by adjusting the camera and/or camera arm distance prior to focusing as is described below, and/or by changing objectives, and/or by focusing the camera. The adjustment that is performed is based upon a height map of the wafer from which focus is defined using pre-programmed points on the wafer. The focusing mechanism 18 is an optical imaging mechanism with multiple optics therein for using different inspection resolutions. A motorized microscopic turret allows for selecting of the imaging optics from the multiple choices. For instance, a number of optics, such as three or five optics, may be supplied and typical choices include 1.25×, 2.5×, 5×, 10×, 20×, 50× and 100× objectives although any other objective is contemplated. The motorized microscopic turret and discrete objectives provide the means to select the optical magnification. The camera system 20 or other visual inspection device is for visual inputting of good die during training and for visual inspection of other unknown quality die during inspection. The camera system may be any type of camera capable of high resolution inspection. An example of one part of such a camera system is a 3-CCD inspection camera used to capture die or other images during defect analysis. One example of camera system 20 that is contemplated by the present invention is a two (2) camera system where one camera is an inspection camera and the other is a viewing camera. The inspection camera is a high resolution CCD camera that provides high resolution gray-scale images for inspection. The viewing camera is a high fidelity color image camera for visual review of found defects in, for example, 758×582 pixel resolution or alternatively 1008×1018 pixel resolution or other known pixel sizes. In addition, the viewing camera provides high quality color images for operator defect review. Computer controlled optics are provided that use long working distance microscopic objectives so as to provide for low distortion images that are required for accurate defect detection. Multiple magnifications may be automatically selected based on the user defined inspection recipes as described below. Computer controlled illumination is integrated into and with the inspection camera and optics to complete the wafer imaging process. Alternatively, the illumination system may be coupled to the camera and optics so long as the illumination system works in conjunction with the camera. In a strobing environment as described herein, the illumination flashes or strobes on and off while the camera is continuously open whereby the strobing of light creates a plurality of differing images as the continuously operating camera passes over the substrate. In a non-strobing environment, the illumination is typically continuous or as needed while the camera shutters, that is opens and closes its viewing aperture such as via in one. example a high speed electronic shuttering mechanism, as is needed to capture each desired image on the substrate. Illumination may be by any known illumination means such as high intensity lights, lasers, fluorescent lights, arc discharge lamps, incandescent lamps, etc. The angle of the illumination may be of a brightfield only, darkfield only, or both brightfield and darkfield variety. Brightfield illumination involves illuminating the substrates from above where the illumination system is typically adjacent to or part of the camera which is mounted directly above the substrate, that is at approximately a 90° or so orientation to the substrate as shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, the brightfield illuminator is adjacent to the camera and functioning in unison therewith. This brightfield illumination is very effective in illuminating flat or relatively flat objects on a substrate as the light is reflected generally back to the camera. In contrast, 3-d objects on the substrate will angularly reflect the light causing the light to be angled away from the camera. As a result, flat objects appear bright to the camera while 3-d objects appear dark. Darkfield illumination is often used in conjunction with the brightfield to “brighten” the 3-d objects, or in the alternative to only brightly see the 3-d objects. The darkfield light is provided at low angles to the wafer top plate 12. The darkfield illumination works inverse of the brightfield in that it reflects light up to the camera at an angle, such as any angle between approximately 10° and 90°, to the substrate when the darkfield light is introduced to 3-d object on the substrate at an angle rather than from directly above as in brightfield illumination, while reflecting light at an angle along the periphery opposite the light introduction where the object is flat. Darkfield light thus brightly illuminates 3-d objects while not illuminating flat objects very well. In one embodiment of the present invention, two darkfield options are available, namely a high angle darkfield illumination and a low angle darkfield illumination. The high angle darkfield illumination is provided in one embodiment at an angle between approximate 10° to approximate 80° between the brightfield illumination provided from directly above the substrate (perpendicular to the substrate) to the low angle darkfield illumination provided at almost a parallel angle to the substrate. High angle darkfield illumination may be provided by any of a number of light sources including all of those listed above describing general illumination; however, in one embodiment the high angle darkfield illumination is either a ring light, or a fiber optic bundle providing light angled toward the substrate at approximately a 45° angle. The system 10 with a low angle darkfield option as shown best in FIGS. 20-21 to include a plurality of illuminators spaced about the periphery. In one example four illuminators are used and each is equally spaced from the other at a 90° separation. In another example (FIGS. 20-21 where one pair are shown), eight illuminators are used at a 45° separation, and in an alternative associated therewith and shown in the drawings, the illuminators are teamed up in pairs at 90° separation to double the capacity of the illuminators at a given angle. In the embodiment shown, the low angle darkfield illuminators are lasers. In this embodiment, the lasers provide darkfield light at low angles to the wafer top plate 12. Specifically, the angle between the laser beam focused on a focal point of the substrate and the general planar nature of the substrate is low or minimal, such as less than 10°. As a result, the darkfield illumination emitted from the laser reflects off of the substrate and up to the camera at an approximate 80° to approximate 90° angle to the substrate, and preferably approaching approximately 90°, when the darkfield light is introduced to the 3-d object, such as a bump, on the substrate. The user, where the system is equipped with both brightfield and darkfield illumination, has the option of using one or the other or both. This provides significant options. For instance, if the inspection is being performed on die that tend to only have flat objects thereon, brightfield illuminates these objects well and is more than sufficient for this type of inspection. Alternatively, if the inspection is being performed on die that tend to have 3-d objects, then darkfield may be sufficient. However, as in many cases, such as with gold bumps which are generally very flat but very rough and tend to include 3-d nodules protruding therefrom, a combination of the two is often beneficial. In this example, the brightfield illumination indicates the presence of any defects such as scratches, etc. and the presence of the bump while the darkfield illumination shows the nodules and rough surface on the bump. Without the darkfield, the bump shows up as a dark image. Once darkfield is introduced, the nodules are located as white spots on the bump. Darkfield also assists in defect classification because brightfield light does not differentiate between a particle or defect that extends from the surface versus one that is embedded or scratched into the surface. Darkfield illumination does differentiate these extending versus embedded defects. In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a brightfield illumination system that is physically located adjacent to or incorporated physically into the camera so as to provide brightfield illumination from above the objects illuminated. In another embodiment, the system 10 includes a darkfield illumination system that is located peripherally around the wafer top plate 12 at low angles of difference from the top plate, angles such as 1° to 10°. In an even further embodiment, both brightfield illumination from above the object and darkfield illumination from around the periphery of the object are provided. As indicated above, the illumination as provided by the brightfield and darkfield illumination systems may be provided by any known illumination source such as a white light source such as incandescent, fluorescent, or other similar gas envelope or similar electrical lights, or by lasers or similar devices. The parameter input device 22 is for inputting parameters and other constraints or information. These parameters, constraints and information include sensitivity parameters, geometry, die size, die shape, die pitch, number of rows, number of columns, etc. It is contemplated that any form of input device will suffice including a keyboard, mouse, scanner, infared or radio frequency transmitter and receiver, etc. The display 24 is for displaying the view being seen by the camera presently or at any previous saved period. The display is preferably a color monitor or other device for displaying a color display format of the image being viewed by the camera 20 for the user's viewing, or alternatively viewing an image saved in memory. This monitor, or another adjacent or other monitor may be used to view the gray-scale inspection image of the camera 20 that iis being used by the system 10. This display 24 is used during inspection to show the image being viewed by the camera 20. In addition, the system parameters display 36 is also available for displaying other information as desired by the user such as system parameters. The computer system 26 or other computer having processing and memory capabilities is for saving the inputted good die, developing a model therefrom, and comparing or analyzing other die in comparison to the model based upon defect filtering and sensitivity parameters to determine if defects exist. The computer system 26 is also used to perform all other mathematical and statistical functions as well as all operations. In one embodiment, the computer system 26 is of a parallel processing DSP environment. The marking head 28 is provided for marking a particular die such as a defective one. In one embodiment, the marking head is a die inking mechanism. It is used whereby each die may be inked after inspection, or all defective die may be inked, or all defective die may be inked after review and/or classification, etc. Inking may also be used in a “forced inking” manner whereby pre-specified die are inked regardless of electrical or visual inspection such as all die at the edge of the wafer. An air knife is optionally provided for cleaning the wafers prior to inspection. The air knife is basically a conduit of some design through which air may be injected where the conduit includes one or more orifices or outlets. The air is projected out of the orifices which are selectively positioned on the conduit and in relation to the wafer so as to blow dust and other particles off of the wafer prior to review. This helps to eliminate false defect determinations. These systems and parts are part of system 10 and are used to perform the defect inspection. This defect inspection is briefly described above, and is now described below in detail. The overall training step A is described below in more detail. The step A1 is defining and/or training alignment features and parameters (and storing) in the computer system 26 for use during training. This alignment technique, when performed in step A3 and C5 as described below to define a good die and to inspect, is a two function process, namely a physical alignment and an image alignment. At this point we define what parameters are to be used during the physical and image alignment These parameters include defining markers as are needed during physical alignment, and distinct elements and buffers as are needed during image alignment. The actual physical and image alignment steps occur during step A3 and C5 as described below. The step A2 is defining (and inputting into the computer system) the wafer and/or die geometry, the wafer and/or die sizes, the die pitch, the number of rows, the number of columns, etc. and storing all such information in the computer system 26 for use during training and/or inspecting. The step A3 is training the system as to what a “good die” comprises by aligning via device 16 and viewing via camera 20 a plurality of known good die and forming a model within computer system 26 to define what an ideal die should look like based upon the common characteristics, elements, ranges, etc. viewed. A good die is defined as a die that does not have defects but may very well and is actually likely to have process variations in it; however all of these process variations have been deemed not to be defects and rather to be acceptable variations. Preferably, the entire or full spectrum of acceptable random deviations is supplied by this training set of typically twenty, thirty or up to one hundred good die that are shown to the system during training, although no minimum (however, definitionally at least two are required to meet the definitional requirements of a mean and standard deviation) or maximum is required. However, the larger the pool the more accurate the results because a better, more diverse model is created. Thus color drifts and contrast shifts as well as many other deviations would be part of the training set. Basically, the system 10 performs die inspection by studying a user-provided set of known good die. The alignment may involve either physical alignment or image alignment, or both. Physical alignment basically involves inputting specific location markers on or around each wafer, die or sub-section of die which are used as location points from which the wafer and die are located and aligned. At step A1, these markers were defined. Physical alignment involves the wafer test plate 12 via the wafer alignment device 16 aligning each and every wafer, die, etc. in the same x, y, and θ location by looking for and aligning with these location markers. In use, the system takes an overall picture or image of the wafer, die or sub-section thereof and looks for the specific location markers. The system uses a hunting method to find the markers. Once one or more specific location markers are identified, and it is found that the markers are in some other location or orientation than expected, then the wafer test plate 12 spins, turns, adjusts or otherwise moves in a translational or rotational manner in the x, y, and θ directions the wafer, die or sub-section. The system also may perform image alignment. During step A1, distinct elements and buffers, as are needed in image alignment, were defined. This image alignment may also be referred to as software alignment as the software actually performs the alignment by aligning the image that is taken rather than physically moving the wafer or die. This image alignment is performed on each section of the wafer, such as each die, during one or both the good die modeling and the unknown quality die inspecting. It is often necessary because each image taken may be off slightly in comparison to adjacent images or to a common location on another wafer. The actual process of image alignment basically assures that all images taken of a particular location will align, that is when overlapped the features of the images will align, rather than have an offset or twist, so that only defects stick out. Image alignment, when performed as needed in steps A3 and/or C5, involves the camera looking for a distinct element on the die from which to turn or move the image to “square” it up. The distinct element is generally an element large enough that defects therein will not be an issue. The element also must be of a distinct shape. If the distinct element is where we expect it to be then the image lines up and no image alignment is necessary; however, it is not, then the distinct element must be found and the image adjusted. The hunting for the distinct element in image alignment may be performed on the entire die. However, this is expensive and time consuming. As a result, smart alignment may alternatively be performed. With smart alignment, a buffer is defined into the image. This buffer allows for “wiggle”, that is movement or twisting in the image. This buffer is typically an x amount and a y amount of movement that is expected. This buffer is then used to define the area around the expected location of the distinct element to be searched for the distinct element. Once the distinct element is found, then the x and y distance that the distinct element is off from the expected distinct element location is the distance the entire image is moved in the x and y direction to align the image. The viewing encompasses collecting an image of the wafer W, a known good wafer, using the camera 20 by moving the plate 12 to align the camera with a first image which may be the whole wafer, a part of the wafer, a die, or a part of a die and then viewing and recording that image. Thereafter moving the plate 12 to align the camera with another image, viewing and recording this another image, and repeating these steps until all of the images on the wafer have been viewed and recorded. An alternative step C8 involves continuous motion and strobe illumination as is described below. In either case, this is then repeated for a plurality of known good die or wafers as viewing of a pool of wafers is necessary to form a model of a good die. The actual defect inspection algorithm is calculated from the collection of images of the set of “good die”. An image or images are taken of each good die in a set of good die. Each image is composed of pixels such as for example an approximately one thousand by one thousand (1000×1000) array or grid of pixels, although any number may be used. For each same pixel on all of the good die images, that is for each common x,y coordinate, which is a pixel, a mean and standard deviation is calculated of the pixel value, that is the gray-scale value of that given pixel. So in a grouping of 30 good die, as used as an example above, where each die is an array of 1000×1000 spots (1 million total spots) each referred to as a pixel, a mean and a standard deviation of the gray-scale number for each pixel at x,y coordinate 1×1, 1×2, 1×3 and so on all the way to 1000×1000 is calculated; that is a mean and standard deviation is calculated for pixel 1×1 using the gray scale measurement for pixel 1×1 on all 30 die, and so on for each of the 1 million die. In one embodiment, the gray scale numbers for each pixel, are used to calculate the mean and standard deviation, and these are in a range. One example is a 256 scale scheme, where one end, such as 0 in the 256 scale scheme, represents a dark or black colored or shaded image and the other end, such as 255 in the same 256 scale scheme, represents a white colored or shaded image. The collection of all of the means, that is for all of the pixels, for a type of die is in effect the perfect die of that type and in essence defines the good die model. The collection of all of the standard deviations, as adjusted as described below for sensitivity and filtering, for a type of die is in effect the allowable range inside of which the die is deemed good, and outside of which the die is questioned as to defects. The step A4 is setting inspection parameters which are values that indicate to the computer system 26 how close an unknown quality die must match the good die model to be considered a good die (that is, what differences from the exact model are tolerable to still be considered a good die). Several such inspection parameters are defect sensitivity, minimum defect contrast and defect filtering. In the embodiment shown defect resolution is dependent upon the optical magnification. Selecting a higher magnification results in a smaller field of view of the image. The magnification selected may result that multiple images are required to inspect a single die or that many can fit in a single image. The die size and optical magnification are inputted in step A2. It is however noted that smaller defect resolution results in more imaging per die and thus additional time to defect inspect the same quantity of die. Alternatively, a camera with adjustable resolution may be implemented whereby this adjustment feature would control sensitivity rather than image size. Defect sensitivity involves user defined multiplication factors of the mean and standard deviations calculated to define the known good die model as described above. Defect sensitivity is described below in more detail in step C7. Minimum defect contrasting involves user defined absolute limits on the upper and lower limits defined from the mean and standard deviation. Minimum defect sensitivity is also described below in more detail in step C7. Defect filtering involves statistical or data filtering including area, size, region of interest and/or clustering filtering, as well as connection and/or reduction factor filtering. This filtering allows the user to filter out items that appear as defects but are not in critical areas, of sufficient size or shape or are otherwise acceptable and thus desirable to not be labeled as defects. In the embodiment shown, defect filtering is provided for each inspection recipe or round. This allows the system performance to be optimized for the user's application. The defect filtering feature uses defect position and geometry information such as shape, size, x-y coordinates, etc. to automatically determine if the defect requires further review and classification by the operator. An example is as follows, any defects above a certain size may be determined to be positively defects not subject to further review. In addition or as an alternative, any defects below a certain size are filtered out as not being a defect although being outside of the “good die” model. There may also be an area in between that requires operator review at the review steps of step D4. Similarly, shapes, positions, configurations, arrangements, etc. of anomalies from the “good die” model may be filtered. Defect filtering is further defined below. The step A5 is saving this training model and its features, parameters, etc. to the computer system 26. The overall inspection recipe creating step B involves creating and storing an inspection recipe for each type of item, that is wafer, die, etc. to be inspected. An unlimited number of inspection recipes can be created, copied and edited so as to allow the user to customize the inspection process. The step B1 is defining how wafers W are selected from cassettes or other storage receptacles. The step B2 is defining how the dies on each wafer W are to be selected for defect inspection. The step B3 is defining how defect inspection map files are imported and exported. The step B4 is saving this recipe. The overall inspecting step C, referred to as defect inspection, is an advanced proprietary digital image analysis technique for semiconductor wafer inspection. The system performs wafer inspection after first studying a user provided set of known good die as described above in step A3. This method of learning and inspecting is more powerful than traditional template or model matching inspection. It is noteworthy that even random variations in a known good die may be determined to be acceptable which is not the case with traditional template or model matching. In effect, this robust approach to wafer inspection functions similar to a human operator without the fatigue and other problems. The step C1 is inputting a wafer identification code if desired. This is required where wafer mapping is to occur because this provides a way to identify each wafer for later review of defects, etc. The wafer identification code may be of any known identification system such as alphanumeric characters, bar codes, 2-D matrix codes, etc. The step C2 is selecting a recipe that was defined in step B. The step C3 is selecting a product setup if one is desired. The step C4 is loading a wafer onto the wafer test plate 12 using the wafer providing means 14. Loading onto the wafer test plate may be either by manual loading or using an automatic system where wafer with die thereon are automatically transferred from a cassette or magazine into the inspection area. The automatic system allows for elimination of all manual handling. The step C5 is aligning the wafer on the wafer test plate 12 using the wafer alignment device 16 for aligning each and every wafer at the same x, y, z, and θ location and using the defined and/or trained alignment features and parameters of step A1. This has been described above in detail as the same process of physical alignment and image alignment is used here as was used to align the known good wafers to form the good die model. It is often also necessary to focus the camera 20 onto the wafer W if it is not already focused. This occurs, if needed, during or after step C5 and is the z orienting of the wafer which is defined by a height map. The step C6 is collecting an image of the wafer W using the camera 20 by moving the plate 12 to align the camera with a first image which may be the whole wafer, a part of the wafer, a die, or a part of a die and then viewing and recording that image, and thereafter moving the plate 12 to align the camera with another image, viewing and recording this another image, and repeating these steps until all of the images on the wafer have been viewed and recorded. An alternative step C6 involves continuous motion and strobe illumination as is described below. The step C7 is simultaneous with step C6 and involves determining, where defects are located on the given die being viewed based upon the “good die” model of step A3 and the tolerances or parameters of step A4. Basically, each pixel on the unknown quality wafer is viewed whereby defect sensitivity and filtering are used in conjunction with the “good die” model to determine if the pixel and/or any group of pixels are deemed “good” or questionable. Initially anomalies or differences between the “good die” model and the image are spotted and then sensitized and filtered. To simplify the determination, an upper level and lower level value is determined for each pixel on each die, based upon the mean and standard deviation calculations as well as the user defined sensitivity and absolute limits. The viewed image is then filtered using one or more of a variety of filter techniques including connection factoring, reduction or noise reducing factoring, and statistical or data filtering on, blob identification such as area, size, region of interest, and/or interactive filtering. After filtering, the questionable defect areas are identified. Basically, defect sensitivity and minimum defect contrast are used to define the upper and lower level values which are in effect the adjusted standard deviations on either side of the mean once the sensitivity is factored in. Thereafter, filtering is often used to better identify true defects. In one embodiment, defect sensitivity is basically a user defined multiple of the standard deviation. Through actual analysis of good and bad die, the user defines a multiple of the standard deviation that most accurately defines all of the defects yet does not wrongly define good die as defects. An example is as follows. Assume three known good die with gray scale values of 98, 100 and 102. The mean is 100 and the standard deviation is ±2. The user through inspection knowledge defines the defect sensitivity at 5. The upper and lower limits are then 110 and 90 respectively. In one embodiment, the minimum defect contrast is similarly a user defined absolute limit. In the above example, the user through knowledge is aware that gray scale measurements with a minimum contrast of 15 are not defective. The minimum defect contrast is thus set at 15 and as a result the upper and lower limit must be 115 and 85 instead. In the preferred embodiment, a test image is created using simple image subtraction after each pixel of an unknown quality wafer or die is viewed. A test image is created by basically subtracting the gray scale measurement of the test pixel, for example 98, from the good die upper limit, for example 110, for that pixel, or subtracting the good die lower limit, for example 90, from the gray scale measurement of the test pixel, again 98, to get a binary good or bad indication. The upper and lower limits have preferably been sensitized. If the number is positive then it is colored black as being inside the range (or alternatively white), and if the number is negative then it is colored white as being outside of the range (or alternatively black). A binary black and white image results. This image allows for filtering at a much more rapid speed due to its simplicity in comparison to saving an actual 256 color image. Alternatively, a full color, such as 256 color, image may be used if sufficient memory is available and optimal speed is not vital. In one embodiment, one or more of the following filters are used on the binary black and white image. Image processing functions such as connection factoring and reduction factoring may then individually or all together be used. Statistical or data filtering on blob identification may also be performed individually or all together. Connection factoring involves a “close” operation. The identified pixels, in the above example the white one, are dilated and then eroded, or double dilated and then eroded, or any other known combination. This connects or fills in the defects so as to filter out small defects or acceptable irregularities. Reduction factoring involves an “open” operation. The identified pixels are eroded and then dilated, or double eroded and then double dilated, or any other known combination. This reduces noise. Blob analysis involves identifying blobs on the binary black and white image. Once identified, various parameters of each are identified including, for example, size such as x size and y size, location, area, etc. Statistical or data filtering is then performed on the parameters of the blobs. Such statistical or data filtering includes area filtering, size filtering, region of interest filtering, and interactive defect classification filtering. Area filtering discards blobs of a pre-set area or smaller. Size filtering discards blobs of a pre-set x or y size or smaller. Region of interest filtering allows the user to define locations on the die that are not of as much or any importance and as such any defects thereon would be irrelevant. Finally, interactive defect classification involves clustering of close but not touching identified pixels where the distance defining close is user defined. Basically, the unknown quality die are inspected by viewing the image and comparing each pixel with its mean and standard deviation via the upper and lower limit values. Sensitivity and filtering also allows for compensation for factors that are deemed by the user to be more or less critical. In sum, if any one of the given viewed pixels in the unknown quality die is outside of the upper and lower limit values as sensitized and filtered, then the die is defective and as described below, that defective spot is inked or otherwise noted. The step C8 is creating a defect map of the wafer W which is a collection of all of the defect data of all of the die and is stored in a data file. In the preferred embodiment, it is a binary black and white image. As an alternative to the above described inspection steps, the alternative step C6 which is the step of collecting an image of the wafer W using the camera 20 by continuously moving the plate 12 so as to scan over all of the die on the wafer whereby the wafer is illuminated by a strobe light at a sequence correlating to the speed of the moving plate so that each die is strobed at the precise time it is under the camera 20. Basically a short illumination pulse of light on the moving plate effectively Freezes the image. This allows for the continuous collecting of images without necessitating the stop and go procedure of aligning the camera with a first die, viewing and recording that die, moving the plate 12 to align the camera with another die, viewing and recording this another die, and repeating these steps until all of the die on the wafer have been viewed and recorded, etc. The overall defect review step D is generally at the conclusion of defect inspection on a given wafer W since it is at this point that defect classification is often desired. The defect inspection or detection process of steps C is all automatic and rapid whereby once complete the user may manually inspect only the defects found based upon the parameters, filters, sensitivities, etc. rather than all of the die or wafer for defects. Significant time is saved. The step D1 is loading the defect map created in step C9. The step D2 is selecting a defect to review (or alternatively reviewing all of the defects on the wafer in order). The step D3 is moving the plate 12 so as to position the wafer W such that the particular defect is properly positioned under the camera 26. The step D4 is user viewing and classifying of the defect such that user of the system 10 views and classifies the viewed defect. Any number of classifications are available and the classifications are user defined. The step D5 is repeating of steps D2-D4 until all of the defects have been reviewed and classified. The step D6 is saving of classified defect map as well as alternatively or additionally saving the defect information in any of a number of other formats for database or other management and review. The overall defect reporting step E is exporting or printing out the data stored in database format. This data may then be analyzed or otherwise used to perform statistical or other analysis on the types of defects, frequency of defects, location of defects, etc. which is useful to the wafer W manufacturers so as to allow them to focus on defect laden areas. This step E provides for complete and effective data analysis as it reports data in multiple formats including graphical, tabular, and actual image displays. The data that is placed in tabular format allows numerical values to be readily correlated with other values such as electrical formats. The graphical data representation quickly shows trends that would otherwise be difficult to see. The system 10 is based upon standard computer technology such as Pentium® Pro or similar computer platforms which allow for many different communication options of for example both a serial and network format. For instance, the system includes TCP/IP configuration and may alternatively include SEC-II/GEM or other computer industry standard protocols. The system 10 may also be used to perform an inspection using a drift map. This is useful where the individual die of the wafer W are cut up on a film and stretched as needed for picking up and removal therefrom as is well known in the art. The problem here is that during stretching, the orthogonality may be lost and the die move in different directions and ways as the film material unevenly stretches. The approximately square or rectangular cut dies are now oriented in all different directions and as such a row of die is no longer straight but rather wavy or otherwise disoriented. When this drastic stretching and loss of orthogonality occurs, a drift map and drift step is added to account for this. This step is typically inserted prior to scanning. In one embodiment, a frame grid is created for the purpose of defining the expected location of each die. It is known to stretch the film sawn wafers are transported on so as to allow easier picking up of each die without damaging neighbor die. This stretching however is typically not uniform resulting in disoriented die. The drift map predicts the stretched location of each die using the starting point of the die which was known due to the rigidity before sawing, and the pitch. To create a drift map, a mark or dummy die is placed on the wafer at every nth location, such as every 10th. Using machine vision, the system 10 looks for the mark at its expected location and then looks therearound if not found. Once the actual location is found, the machine vision proceeds to the expected location of the next mark and reiterates through the process. Once all of the marks have been found, a pitch is calculated assuming consistent behavior in between marks. Using this pitch and knowing the original location of each die prior to sawing, a drift map is created which accurately predicts the location of the die. The system 10 may also incorporate use of an autofocus feature. Such a feature is based upon a sharpness calculation where a sweep of the image is taken at each of a predefined picture point. Thereafter, a sharpness calculation is used to find the correct focus point. To save time, this may be performed on only every nth image. In sum, the basic sequence of operation is as follows, with the automated wafer transfer and wafer mapping options removed. The operator or user must first train the system as to what a “good die” is, that is create a good die model, or choose an existing good die model. As indicated above, this involves inputting and using location markers to properly align a plurality of known good die such that each die is imaged from the exact same x, y, z and θ location. In addition, wafer and/or die geometry, sizes, pitch, number of rows, number of columns, etc. must be inputted prior to imaging of good die. The plurality of good die are then each aligned and viewed by the CCD camera such that the computer system then forms a “good die” model by grouping all of the common characteristics, noting the ranges of pitches, colors, angles, locations, etc. Basically, the system 10 performs wafer inspection by studying a user provided set of known good die. It is generally preferred that at least twenty or thirty die are provided, although no minimum or maximum is required. Inspection parameters are also set to indicate how close an unknown quality die must match specific characteristics of the “good die” model to be considered a good die. These include sensitivity parameters and defect filters. The user must also create or select a previously stored inspection recipe. This includes information as to how wafers W are selected from cassettes or other storage receptacles, how the dies on each wafer W are to be selected for defect inspection, how defect inspection map files are imported and exported, etc. The system 10 is now ready to inspect unknown quality die. If identification codes are being used as are necessary where wafer mapping is active, one must be inputted at this point. Thereafter, a wafer W (or sawn wafer, or die in gel-pak, or die in waffle pak, etc.) is loaded onto the inspection area and specifically the wafer test plate 12 (which is under the inspection camera). This is accomplished using the wafer providing means 14. Thereafter, the wafer alignment device 16 aligns the wafer at the same x, y, z, and θ location as the “good die” were loaded by using the defined and/or trained alignment features and parameters of step A1. The magnification desired is then selected and thereafter the camera 20 is focused. The system is now ready to collect an image of the selected area (the first die position) of the wafer W using the camera 20 by moving the plate 12 to align the camera with the selected area, such as a first die position, so as to take a first image thereof which may be the whole wafer, a part of the wafer, a die, or a part of a die and then viewing and recording that image. Automatic defect inspection and bond pad analysis are performed on the die's digital image. If the die is inked, it is automatically identified (mapped) as an “inked die”, and typically not inspected. If the die is not inked, and a defect was found, then the system will collect and store detailed information about each defect such as defect location on the die, size, shape, etc. The plate 12 is then moved to align the camera with another selected area, which may be the next adjacent area or not, to take an image hereof (the second die position) on the wafer adjacent to the first image. Basically, the plate is indexed under the inspection camera to the next die position. This second die position is then viewed and recorded. These steps are repeated until all of the images on the wafer have been viewed and recorded. Simultaneous with these image viewing steps, defect sensitivity and filtering are used in conjunction with the “good die” model viewing to determine if initial anomalies or differences between the “good die” model and the image are actual defects or if they should be filtered out. A defect map of the wafer W is then created in the computer system from the collection of all of the defect of all of the die including all of the defects found thereon. In another embodiment, rather than move the plate in incremental steps, the plate is continuously moved during strobe illumination thereof. The sections of the wafer are then scanned by synchronizing the camera with a strobe illumination so that when the camera is properly positioned over each section of the moving substrate, the strobe illumination occurs simultaneous with the image collection via the camera. At the conclusion of defect inspection on a given wafer W, defect classification is often desired. Each archived defect is manually reviewed by the user where the plate 12 is moved to the position on the wafer W that the particular defect is positioned at so that the user may view and classify the defect. This is then repeated for all defects. The classified defects are then saved as a classified defect map. That wafer is then removed and another wafer is loaded for inspection. This removal and loading of a new is either manually performed or may be automatically performed. Accordingly, the invention as described above and understood by one of skill in the art is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device, system and process which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, systems and processes, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art. In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the invention's description and illustration is by way of example, and the invention's scope is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Technical Field The present invention relates to defect inspection systems for the semiconductor industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automated defect inspection system for patterned wafers, whole wafers, sawn wafers such as on film frames, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, die in gel or waffle packs, multi-chip modules often referred to as MCMs, etc. that is specifically intended and designed for second optical wafer inspection for such defects as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, and bump or bond pad area defects such as gold or solder bump defects or similar interconnect defects. Specifically, the present invention is an automated defect inspection system for integrated circuits, LCD panels with photolithography circuitry embedded therein, etc. where the system is used as follows: the system is trained by viewing a plurality of known good die under an imaging head resulting in a good die model, an inspection recipe is inputted into the system to define inspection parameters, defect inspection occurs where die are loaded onto, aligned in and viewed by an imaging head for defects in comparison to the good die model, an optional review of the identified defects may occur, and the user may optionally receive or export a report thereon. 2. Background Information Over the past several decades, the semiconductor has exponentially grown in use and popularity. The semiconductor has in effect revolutionized society by introducing computers, electronic advances, and generally revolutionizing many previously difficult, expensive and/or time consuming mechanical processes into simplistic and quick electronic processes. This boom in semiconductors has been fueled by an insatiable desire by business and individuals for computers and electronics, and more particularly, faster, more advanced computers and electronics whether it be on an assembly line, on test equipment in a lab, on the personal computer at one's desk, or in the home electronics and toys. The manufacturers of semiconductors have made vast improvements in end product quality, speed and performance as well as in manufacturing process quality, speed and performance. However, there continues to be demand for faster, more reliable and higher performing semiconductors. One process that has evolved over the past decade or so is the semiconductor inspection process. The merit in inspecting semiconductors throughout the manufacturing process is obvious in that bad wafers may be removed at the various steps rather than processed to completion only to find out a defect exists either by end inspection or by failure during use. A typical example of the semiconductor manufacture process is summarized as follows. Bare whole wafers are manufactured. Thereafter, circuitry is created on the bare whole wafers. The whole wafer with circuitry is then sawn into smaller pieces known in the industry as die. Thereafter, the die are processed, as is well known in the art, typically as die in waffle and/or gel packs or on substrates. Today, it is well known that various inspection processes occur during this semiconductor process. Bare wafer inspection may occur on bare whole wafers not long after initial creation from sand and/or after polishing of the wafer but always prior to the deposit of any layers that form the circuitry. Defects being inspected for during bare wafer inspection include surface particulates and surface imperfections or irregularities. During the deposition of layers, that is the circuit building, on the whole wafer, one or more first optical inspections may occur. First (1 st ) optical inspection is “in process” inspection of wafers during circuitry creation. This 1 st inspection may be after each layer is deposited, at certain less often intervals, or only once during or after all deposits. This 1 st optical inspection is usually a sub-micron level inspection in the range of 0.1 micron to <1 micron. This process is used to check for mask alignment or defects such as extra metal, missing metal, contaminants, etc. This 1 st inspection occurs during circuitry development on the wafer. Once the whole wafers are at least fully deposited on, that is all of the circuitry is created thereon, a post 1 st (or 1.5) inspection occurs on the fully processed whole wafers. Generally, this is prior to the deposit of a passivation layer although it need not be. In addition, this post 1 st inspection is generally prior to electrical testing or probing of the whole wafers. This inspection is typically a 0.5 micron to 1 micron optical inspection. After the whole wafers are fully processed, one or more 2 nd optical inspections are performed. Front end 2 nd optical inspections occur after the whole wafers are fully processed and, if probing is necessary, just before or right after this probing or electrical testing to determine the quality of the devices. Back end 2 nd optical inspections occur at various stages such as during the applying of bumps to the die or wafer, during or after sawing of the wafers into sawn wafers, during or after dicing of the wafers, during or after picking up and placing of the die onto other packages such as trays or waffle or gel packs, during or after placing of the wafers onto a substrate, etc. This 2 nd optical inspection is generally at a 1+ micron level and is generally looking for defects such as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, and probe or bond pad area defects. After actual packaging, 3 rd optical inspections occur. This packaging involves at least one of the following: placing the die on a substrate, wire bonding the die, connecting the leads, attaching the balls to a flip chip, etc. At this point, the inspection involves inspecting the ball grid array, lead straightness, wire bonding, ink marking, and for any package defects such as chips, cracks and voids. This 3 rd level inspection is generally at a 5+ micron level. The focus of the semiconductor inspection industry has been bare wafer and 1 st optical inspection. Numerous market leaders have developed, patented, and are manufacturing and marketing 1 st optical inspection systems to perform these inspections including ADE, KLA, Tencor, Inspex, Applied, Orbit and others. Often this equipment is very expensive and large. At the 1 st inspection stage, this expense and machine size issue is not as significant as at later inspection stages because only a relatively few parties manufacture the silicon wafers and thus need to inspect bare wafers in comparison to the vast number of companies that buy bare or sawn wafers and further process them into finished chips. These often expensive and large inspection devices are not cost justifiable for smaller shops and as such, inspection equipment is needed that satisfies this need at the 2 nd and 3 rd stages as well as is more economical for the vast many smaller companies that finish process wafers. To a lesser extent, some resources have been spent on 3 rd optical inspection and several companies including STI, View Engineering, RVSI, and ICOS have developed systems for this purpose and are marketing those systems. However, none of these systems address the particular and unique constraints of 2 nd optical and this area has been largely ignored. In actual application, 2 nd optical inspection has been marginally performed by manual inspection using humans and microscopic equipment. This manual process is inaccurate due to various factors including stress, eye fatigue and boredom of the operator as well as different perceptions by different operators as to the significance of a finding. In addition, smaller circuit geometry and higher throughput requirements are increasing the demands on semiconductor inspection at this 2 nd optical level, all of which further results in operator stress, eye fatigue, and sometimes lower quality. In addition at the 2 nd optical inspection stage to the need for inspecting for metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, etc., bumps have taken on additional importance of recent. This is due to the recent surge in the use of bump interface connects, or flip chips, rather than leads which has magnified the importance of 2 nd optical inspection and thus the need for equipment and systems over manual inspection. | <SOH> OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>It is an objective of the present invention to provide an automated inspection system that replaces the current manual inspection process. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a new, state of the art 2 nd optical inspection system. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system of patterned wafers, whole wafers, sawn wafers, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, die in gel or waffle packs, MCMs, etc. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that is specifically intended and designed for second optical wafer inspection although useful in other levels of optical inspection such as level 1.5. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system for inspecting for defects such as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, probe area defects, bump area defects and/or bond pad area defects. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that eliminates or significantly reduces the need for manual microscopic inspecting of every die in every wafer. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that views the ever-smaller circuit geometry in an accurate and rapid manner. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for higher throughput than manual inspections It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for improved inspection quality and consistency. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for improved process control. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that has inspection recipes therein and can create, copy and edit such recipes to customize the system to the user's inspection requirements. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that uses digital image analysis to perform semiconductor wafer inspection. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that is trained by inspecting good die so that once trained the system detects variations from what it has learned. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that is trainable. It is further an objectives of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that develops a model of a good die and uses this model to inspect unknown quality die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that includes a “good die” training step and a defect inspection step using the good die model. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that includes a “good die” training step, an inspection recipe creation step and a defect inspection step. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that includes a “good die” training step, an inspection recipe creation step, a defect inspection step, a defect review step, and a report issuing or exporting step. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for multi-dimensional alignment of each wafer, substrate or other device having die thereon to be inspected such that every die is uniformly positioned. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for x, y and theta (θ) alignment of each wafer, substrate or other device having die thereon to be inspected such that every die is uniformly positioned. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for course alignment, fine alignment, and/or focusing of each wafer. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides “good die” modeling by viewing multiple good dies and developing a model therefrom. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for defect inspection using an imaging head or camera to view static and properly aligned die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for defect inspection using an imaging head or camera to view dynamic or moving yet properly aligned die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for defect inspection using an imaging head or camera to view dynamic or moving yet properly aligned die where a strobe illumination is used to capture still views of the dynamically moving die. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides for review of the system detected defects whereby the user need not look at all die or all parts of die and instead only views the marked or noted defects. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides means for accounting for drifting or non-regularity of die positioning or spacing. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides means to inspect die on a stretched film frame where the dies are irregularly spaced, rotated, drifted, etc. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides a method to measure the size, position, shape, geometry, and other characteristics of solder bumps, gold bumps, bond pads or the like. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides a method to inspect the quality of gold bumps, solder bumps, interconnects or the like, or the probe marks on bond pads. It is further an objective of the present invention to provide an automated defect inspection system that provides a method to detect defects on bond pads, bumps or interconnects. Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following summary, and detailed description. Accordingly, the present invention satisfies these and other objectives as it, relates to automated inspection equipment, systems and processes. Specifically, the present invention is an automated method of inspecting a semiconductor wafer in any form, size and shape including whole patterned wafers, sawn wafers, broken wafers, partial wafers, and wafers of any kind on film frames, dies, die in gel paks, die in waffle paks, multi-chip modules often called MCMs, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, and other wafer and die package configurations for defects, the method or apparatus comprising training a model as to parameters of a good wafer via optical viewing of multiple known good wafers, illuminating unknown quality wafers using at least one of a brightfield illuminator positioned approximately above, a darkfield illuminator positioned approximately above, and a darkfield laser positioned approximately about the periphery of a wafer test plate on which the wafer is inspected, all of which are for providing illumination to the unknown quality wafers during inspection and at least one of which strobes during inspection, and inspecting unknown quality wafers using the model. | 20040810 | 20100601 | 20050113 | 62591.0 | 2 | STREGE, JOHN B | AUTOMATED WAFER DEFECT INSPECTION SYSTEM AND A PROCESS OF PERFORMING SUCH INSPECTION | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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10,915,672 | ACCEPTED | Environmental condition detector with audible alarm and voice identifier | Due to the presence of various environmental condition detectors in the home and businesses such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, natural gas detectors, etc., each having individual but similar sounding alarm patterns, it can be difficult for occupants of such dwellings to immediately determine the specific type of environmental condition that exists during an alarm condition. The present invention comprises an environmental condition detector using both tonal pattern alarms and pre-recorded voice messages to indicate information about the environmental condition being sensed. Single-station battery-powered and 120 VAC detectors are described as are multiple-station interconnected 120 VAC powered detectors. The pre-recorded voice messages describe the type of environmental condition detected or the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the condition, or both, in addition to the tonal pattern alarm. Provisions are made for multi-lingual pre-recorded voice messages. | 1-21. (cancelled) 22. An ambient condition detector comprising: first and second, ambient condition sensors; control electronics coupled to the sensors wherein the electronics emits at least two, different, unalterable pre-established alarm indicating tonal, output patterns wherein each pattern includes predetermined silent intervals and each is associated with a respective one of the sensors; voice output circuitry, coupled to the electronics, wherein the voice circuitry can output at least two different user unalterable, verbal alarm output messages wherein each of the messages is associated with a respective one of the tonal output patterns and verbalizes the respective alarm type and wherein the control electronics, in response to a detected alarm condition, outputs an audio representation of a respective one of the tonal patterns and an interleaved respective verbal alarm type message in a respective silent interval; wherein each tonal output pattern defines groups of substantially identical output tones with constant intragroup spacing of a first amount and constant intergroup spacing of a second amount wherein the second amount is at least two times greater than the first amount; and a common housing for the sensors, the electronics and the output circuitry. 23. A detector as in claim 22 wherein one of the sensors is a smoke sensor and the respective, verbal message is a fire alarm to reinforce the respective tonal output pattern indicative of a fire alarm. 24. A detector as in claim 23 wherein the other sensor is a carbon monoxide sensor and the respective verbal message is a carbon monoxide alarm to reinforce the respective tonal output pattern, indicative of a carbon monoxide alarm. 25. A detector as in claim 24 wherein at least one tonal output pattern defines groups of three substantially identical output tones with constant intragroup spacing of a first amount and constant intergroup spacing of a second amount wherein another tonal output pattern defines groups of four substantially identical output tones with constant intragroup spacing of a third amount and constant intergroup spacing of a fourth amount. 26. A detector as in claim 25 wherein each tone of one tonal pattern has a duration on the order of 0.5 seconds. 27. A detector as in claim 22 wherein one tonal pattern has an intragroup spacing on the order of 0.5 seconds and an intergroup spacing on the order of 1.5 seconds. 28. A detector as in claim 22 which includes a plurality of predetermined location specifying messages. 29. A detector as in claim 28 which includes a manually operable element for selecting a location specifying message. 30. An ambient condition detector comprising: a fire sensor and a gas sensor; control electronics coupled to the sensors wherein the electronics emits at least first and second, different, unalterable alarm indicating tonal, output patterns wherein each pattern includes groups of spaced apart tones separated by longer intergroup silent intervals and wherein each output pattern is associated with a respective one of the sensors; voice output circuitry, coupled to the electronics, wherein the voice circuitry includes at least two pre-established, user unalterable, verbal alarm output messages wherein each of the messages is associated with a respective one of the tonal output patterns and verbalizes the respective alarm type and wherein the control electronics, in response to a detected alarm condition, outputs an audio representation of a respective one of the tonal patterns and an interleaved respective verbal alarm type message in a respective intergroup silent interval; wherein the first tonal output pattern, associated with the fire sensor, comprises a selected number of tones in each group with intragroup tonal spacing less than 50% of the respective intergroup silent interval and wherein the second tonal output pattern, associated with the gas sensor, comprises a greater number of tones in each group than the selected number of tones; and a common housing for the sensors, the electronics and the output circuitry. 31. An ambient condition detector comprising: at least one ambient condition sensor; control electronics coupled to the at least one sensor wherein the electronics emits at least one, unalterable pre-established alarm indicating tonal, output pattern, the pattern includes groups of substantially identical output tones with constant intragroup spacing of a first amount and constant intergroup spacing of a second amount wherein the second amount is at least two times greater than the first amount; voice output circuitry, coupled to the electronics, where the voice circuitry can output at least one user unalterable, verbal alarm output message and wherein the control electronics, in response to a detected alarm condition, repetitively outputs an audio representation of a tonal pattern and an interleaved repetitive verbal alarm type message in respective intergroup spacings; an audio transducer coupled to the voice output circuitry which emits only verbal alarm output messages; and a common housing for the sensor, the electronics, the output circuitry and the audio transducer. 32. A detector as in claim 31 where the sensor is a smoke sensor and the respective, verbal message is a fire alarm to reinforce the respective tonal output pattern indicative of a fire alarm. 33. A detector as in claim 31 where the sensor is a carbon monoxide sensor and the respective verbal message is a carbon monoxide alarm to reinforce the respective tonal output pattern, indicative of a carbon monoxide alarm. | This application is in reference to Provisional Patent Application 60/117,307 and Disclosure Document 415668. BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION Field of Invention The present invention relates to environmental condition detection for dwellings including smoke detection, carbon monoxide gas detection, natural gas detection, propane gas detection, combination smoke and carbon monoxide gas detection, etc. such that the audible tonal pattern alarm emitted by a detector sensing an abnormal environmental condition is accompanied by a pre-recorded voice message that clearly indicates the specific type of condition sensed or the specific location of the detector sensing the condition, or both. Background With the widespread use of environmental condition detectors such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, natural gas detectors, propane detectors, etc. in residences and businesses today, there is a critical need to provide definite distinction between the tonal pattern alarms emitted by each type of detector so that the occupants of the involved dwelling are immediately made aware of the specific type of condition detected along with its location so they can take the proper immediate action. Regulating and governing bodies for products of the home safety industry (National Fire Protection Association, Underwriters Laboratories, etc.) have recently regulated the tonal patterns emitted from such environmental detectors, however, much confusion still exists among the very similar tonal pattern alarms emitted by various detector types. This is particularly true for those individuals partially overcome by the environmental condition, those asleep when the alarm occurs, young children, or the elderly. Therefore, a need exists whereby the environmental detector sensing an abnormal condition plays a recorded voice message stating the specific condition and/or location of the condition in addition to the required tonal pattern alarm. In conventional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, there are silent periods within the prescribed audible tonal pattern alarms where recorded verbal messages such as “smoke” or “CO” or “carbon monoxide” or “smoke in basement” or “utility room” (as examples) may be played during this alarm silence period to clearly discriminate between the types of audible alarms and environmental conditions and where the environmental condition was detected. Such messages immediately provide the occupants in an involved dwelling important safety information during potentially hazardous environmental conditions. The occupants can make informed decisions about how to respond to the alarm condition. Occupants residing in the uninvolved area of the dwelling may choose to assist those residing in the involved area depending on the location and type of condition detected. The type of environmental condition sensed or the location of the condition, or both are immediately made clear through the use of recorded voice messages in addition to conventional tonal pattern alarms. Discussion of Prior Art While there are inventions in the prior art pertaining to emergency alarm systems utilizing verbal instructions, none are known to the inventor which use a combination of tonal pattern alarms and factory pre-recorded voice messages with function or intent to clearly and specifically identify and clarify which type of environmental condition is present in a dwelling. Nor are there known inventions that use such pre-recorded voice messages to specifically identify the location of the environmental condition sensed by environmental condition detectors in dwellings without the use of a central control unit. Morris (U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,705) describes a wireless smoke detector system using a minimum of two smoke detectors to indicate the location of the smoke detector sensing the smoke through coded alarm patterns. The present invention does not use wireless communication between detectors; each detector may operate without any others or may operate as a hardwired system with interconnected units for those powered by 120 VAC. Fray (U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,714) describes a warning system for giving user-recorded verbal instructions during a fire. Fray teaches an object of his invention is to warn individuals of the presence of smoke and fire and to provide verbal instructions and guidance as how to escape the hazard. Routman et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,338) describe a fire detector and alarm system that uses personally familiar user-recorded verbal messages specifically for a small child or adult in need of verbal instructions during the presence of a fire. Chiang (U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,183) describes a multi-functional alarming system using a microphone to sense ambient conditions and user-recorded verbal instructions for indicating the way to escape a fire. Kim (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,809) describes a speaking fire alarm system that uses a central control system with remote temperature sensors. Haglund et al (U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,519) describe a hardwired smoke detector system whereby two audible alarm codes are indicated to determine whether the smoke was detected locally or not. Only two possible alarm patterns are used and no voice message is used with Haglund's hardwired system. Molinick and Sheilds (U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,789) describe an oral warning system for monitoring mining operations that uses a plurality of non-emergency condition sensors and second sensors for detecting emergencies. The patent further describes the use of a single and system-central multiple-track magnetic tape player for storing the verbal messages and links the alarm system to control the operation of mechanical devices (mining conveyor belts, etc.) during emergency conditions when verbal messages are played. Additionally, Morris (U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,705), Fray (U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,714), Routman et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,338), Chaing (U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,183), Kim (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,809), and Haglund et al (U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,519) do not recite the specific use of factory pre-recorded voice messages to indicate the specific location of the environmental condition, or the use of voice messages to identify the specific type of environmental condition detected, or the use of a plurality of interconnected detectors emitting identical verbal messages. or a selectable means to define the installation location of the detector, all of which are taught in the present invention and afford significant safety advantages. While Molinick and Shields (U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,789) refer to verbally describing an emergency condition in mining operations, their patent teaches of a much more complex system than the present invention and describes a central control system with multiple stages of various configuration sensors and the use of user-recorded voice messages. Furthermore, the patent does not describe a selectable coding means to define the installation location of the sensors. All known prior art providing user-recorded verbal instructions on how to escape a hazardous condition has become impractical for use in dwellings in view of the recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) regulations that require a maximum silence period between tonal alarm patterns of 1.5 seconds (Ref UL2034, UL217, NFPA72 and NFPA720). This period of time is sufficient for the present invention to verbally indicate the type and location of the sensed environmental condition but is unlikely to be useful to provide detailed instructions, as taught in the prior art, to occupants on how to respond to a hazardous condition. The present invention employs either single station environmental condition detectors or a system comprising direct hardwired communication links between a plurality of environmental condition detectors to provide a tonal pattern alarm with pre-recorded voice message information regarding the specific type of environmental condition detected or the specific location of the detector sensing the environmental condition, or both, all without the need of a centralized control unit. For detector embodiments using pre-recorded voice messages to indicate the location of the detected condition, each detector is set-up by the user during installation to define the physical location of the detector within the dwelling according to pre-defined location definitions pre-programmed into the electronic storage media. The recorded voice messages are pre-recorded into the electronic storage media during manufacture and are not normally changeable by the user. In view of the recent National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories regulations for tonal pattern alarms, it is not practical to have the user record their own sounds during the silent periods of the tonal pattern. The user may choose to record other alarm sounds that would violate the regulations governing such tonal patterns and compromise the safety features of the device. The use of factory pre-recorded voice messages alleviates this problem. It is emphasized that no other related prior art known to the inventor makes use of factory pre-recorded voice messages to indicate the location of the environmental condition or the type of condition or both. Sufficient addressable electronic memory is available in the preferred embodiment of the invention to afford numerous pre-recorded voice messages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Described herein is the Environmental Condition Detector with Audible Alarm and Voice Identifier invention, which comprises an environmental condition detector, such as a smoke detector, carbon monoxide gas detector, natural gas detector, propane detector, or any combination detector thereof, which detects the desired environmental condition(s) by those methods well known and described in the art and emits the prescribed audible tonal pattern alarm in accordance with the industry's empowered governing bodies' (National Fire Protection Association, Underwriters Laboratories etc.) criteria for such environmental conditions. Simultaneously, the environmental condition detector sensing the condition emits a verbal message to indicate, through a recorded voice message or synthesized human voice, the condition being sensed. This recorded voice message is emitted simultaneously with the audible tonal pattern alarm so as normally to occur during silent segments of the prescribed tonal pattern alarm. For example, for the condition of smoke detection, the smoke detector emits the following combination audible tonal pattern alarm (Beep) and recorded voice message. “Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘SMOKE’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘SMOKE’ - - - ” in a periodic manner for as long as the environmental condition is detected. As a second example, for carbon monoxide detection, a carbon monoxide detector emits “Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘CO’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘CO’ - - - ”. As a third example, for smoke detection with the location identifier, a smoke detector emits “Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - “SMOKE IN BASEMENT’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘SMOKE IN BASEMENT’ - - - ”. As a fourth example, for carbon monoxide detection with a voice location only identifier, a carbon monoxide detector emits ““Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘Utility Room’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘Utility Room’ - - - ”. OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION It is one object of the present invention to provide environmental condition detectors that function as single station (non-interconnected) detector units equipped to emit a tonal pattern alarm and a recorded voice message. The recorded voice message clearly identifies the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the condition, or describes the type of environmental condition that has been detected, or both, as illustrated in the above, non-exhaustive examples. The single station detector embodiment is battery powered or 120 VAC powered. User-selectable coding switches or jumpers permit the user to define the physical location of the single station unit within the dwelling. No other related prior art is known to the inventor that uses factory pre-recorded voice messages in combination with conventional tonal pattern alarms to indicate the specific type or specific location, or both, of an abnormal environmental condition as related to single station units. It is another object of the present invention to provide an environmental condition detection system where one detector sensing an environmental condition causes all other interconnected detectors to emit identical tonal pattern alarms and recorded voice messages. The hardwired directly interconnected detectors forming the environmental condition detection system are 120 VAC powered with optional battery back-up and use the recorded voice message to identify the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the condition, or to describe the type of environmental condition that has been detected, or both, as illustrated in the above, non-exhaustive examples. The environmental condition detection system embodiments of the present invention do not require the use of a centralized control unit (control panel) between detectors. No other related prior art is known to the inventor that uses factory pre-recorded voice messages in combination with conventional tonal pattern alarms to indicate the specific type or specific location, or both of an abnormal environmental condition as related to a directly interconnected environmental condition detector system having no central control unit or panel. A major advantage of both the single station embodiment and the system embodiment of the present invention is the use of factory pre-recorded voice messages that fit within the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories specified 1.5 second silence period of the standard smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector tonal pattern alarms. Prior art using user-recorded voice messages are intended to indicate directions on how to escape the hazard or how to respond to a hazard. Such messages would not practically fit into the maximum 1.5 second silent time period in conventional tonal alarm patterns for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors used in dwellings. The allowance for a user to record his or her own messages may actually add to the confusion and danger that results during an alarm condition if the user chooses to record additional alarm sounds or errs in the directions given in the message on how to properly respond to a hazardous condition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sketch of a preferred embodiment of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a sketch of a preferred embodiment of the electronic circuitry for the interconnected system embodiment of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a sketch of a second preferred embodiment of the electronic circuitry for the interconnected system embodiment of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows an example audible tonal pattern alarm and recorded voice message combination used for the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier configured as a smoke detector and using a recorded voice message as an environmental condition type identifier according to the invention. FIG. 5 shows an example audible tonal pattern alarm and recorded voice message combination used for the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier configured as a smoke detector using a recorded voice message as an environmental condition location identifier according to the invention. FIG. 6 shows an example audible tonal pattern alarm and recorded voice message combination used for the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice identifier configured as a carbon monoxide detector and using a recorded voice message as an environmental condition type identifier and location identifier according to the invention. FIG. 7 shows one method for the user to select the installation location coding of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier 6 is shown in FIG. 1. The unit is powered by a battery 40 and/or by standard 120 VAC (not shown). The environmental condition sensor and alarm unit 10 (conventional smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, natural gas detector, propane detector, abnormal temperature etc.) is any sensor type(s) utilizing environmental detection methods and alarm devices typically known in the art of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other hazard detectors. Upon sensing the environmental condition, the environmental condition sensor and alarm unit 10 sounds its tonal pattern alarm to indicate that an environmental condition has been sensed in the immediate area. The alarm pattern is a prescribed audible tonal pattern alarm corresponding to the environmental condition as set forth by the empowered governing body (National Fire Protection Association, Underwriters Laboratories etc.). The interface and control unit 20 electronically interfaces with the environmental condition sensor and alarm unit 10 and controls the timing of a recorded voice message that is emitted simultaneously with the audible tonal pattern alarm such that the recorded voice message is emitted only during the period when the audible tonal pattern alarm cycles through a silent period. In one embodiment, an electronic signal frequency counter (not shown) is used to determine when the silent period of the audible alarm is occurring. The recorded voice message or synthesized human voice message is factory-recorded on an electronic storage media 30 such as, but not limited to, a ROM device. The recorded voice message is emitted through a speaker or other audio transducer 70. For the embodiments of the invention requiring identification of the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the environmental condition, a selectable coding apparatus 50 (jumper selector or DIP switch) which connects to the interface and control unit 20 is provided to select one of several predefined physical locations of the environmental condition detectors within a residence. Recorded voice messages to identify physical locations consistent with the position of the selectable coding apparatus 50 are stored on the electronic storage media 30. The selectable coding apparatus 50 is set to correspond to the location within the dwelling where the particular environmental condition detector 6 is installed. A language code selector jumper set or DIP switch) 60 is used to choose the language type (English, Spanish. etc.) used by the recorded voice. For interconnected 120 VAC units, when one environmental condition detector sounds its tonal pattern alarm and recorded voice message, all interconnected units will sound identical tonal pattern alarms and recorded voice messages in temporal phase. For the environmental condition detection system embodiment, an interconnecting conductor set 80 sends and receives a coded electrical signal encoded and decoded by the interface and control unit 20 by the sending and receiving detector, respectively. The coding of the signal sent over the interconnecting conductor set determines what specific recorded voice message is played from the electronic storage media 30 at the interconnected but remotely located environmental condition detectors. Another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 uses several interconnection conductors which alleviates the need for electrical encoding and decoding of the signal sent and received over the interconnecting conductor set 80. Shown in FIG. 2 is a sketch of a preferred embodiment of the electronic circuitry for one detector unit of the interconnected system embodiment of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier. The environmental condition sensor and alarm unit 10 connects to the interface and control unit 20 to trigger the monostable multivibrator 21 for a predetermined period of time when an environmental condition is detected. The monostable multivibrator 21 enables the signal encoder 22 to send a coded electrical signal to the local signal decoder 23 and to all other signal decoders of interconnected detectors hardwired linked together through the conductor set 80 shown in FIG. 1. Upon receiving a local or remote encoded signal, the signal decoder 23 decodes the signal and validates or rejects the signal. Upon validation of a received signal, within each interconnected detector, the signal decoder 23 enables and addresses the electronic voice memory integrated circuit 31 to emit a recorded voice message verbally describing the location or type, or both of the environmental condition sensed. All recorded voice messages emitted by the interconnected detector units connected through the conductor set 80 via electrical conductor connector 37 are in temporal phase. A selectable coding apparatus of switches or jumpers 51 defines the physical installation location of each environmental condition detector through pre-defined location designations illustrated in FIG. 7. A language selector switch apparatus 60 is used to select which language is used during the playing of the recorded voice messages. The recorded voice message is played through a speaker 70. Shown in FIG. 3 is a sketch of a second preferred embodiment of the electronic circuitry for one detector unit for the interconnected system embodiment of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier. The environmental condition sensor and alarm unit 10 connects to the interface and control unit 20 to trigger the monostable multivibrator 21 for a predetermined period of time when an environmental condition is detected. The monostable multivibrator 21 enables the electronic voice memory integrated circuit 31 to emit a recorded voice message verbally describing the location or type, or both, of the environmental condition sensed. All detector units within the interconnected system share common electrical connection to the address bits on each detector unit's electronic voice memory integrated circuit 31 through a multiple conductor connector interface 35 which results in all detector units emitting identical recorded voice messages in temporal phase. A selectable coding apparatus of switches or jumpers 52 defines the physical installation location of each environmental condition detector through pre-defined location designations illustrated in FIG. 7. A language selector switch apparatus 60 is used to select which language is used during the playing of the recorded voice messages. The recorded voice message is played through a speaker 70. Shown in FIG. 4 is an example alarm timing plot of the sound emitted 82 by an environmental condition detector using both an audible tonal pattern alarm 85 and a recorded voice message 90 to convey information about the specific environmental condition detected. In the example exhibited in FIG. 2, the environmental condition detector embodiment is a smoke detector using voice as an environmental condition type identifier only. The recorded voice message 90 is inserted into the defined silence periods of the prescribed audible tonal pattern alarm 85 consistent with conventional smoke detector alarms. Shown in FIG. 5 is an example alarm timing plot of the sound emitted 92 by an environmental condition detector using an audible tonal pattern alarm 95 to convey the specific type of environmental condition and a recorded voice message 100 to convey the location of the detected environmental condition. In the example exhibited in FIG. 5, the environmental condition detector embodiment is a smoke detector using voice as an environmental condition location identifier only. The recorded voice message 100 is inserted into the defined silence periods of the prescribed audible tonal pattern alarm 95 consistent with conventional smoke detector alarms. Shown in FIG. 6 is an example alarm timing plot of sound emitted 102 by an environmental condition detector using an audible tonal pattern alarm 105 and a recorded voice message 110 to convey the specific type of environmental condition detected and the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the environmental condition. In the example exhibited in FIG. 6, the environmental condition detector embodiment is a carbon monoxide detector using voice as both an environmental condition type identifier and location identifier. The recorded voice message 110 is inserted into the defined silence periods of the prescribed audible tonal pattern alarm 105 consistent with conventional carbon monoxide alarms. The example tonal pattern alarms and recorded voice messages are illustrative and not intended to provide an exhaustive exhibit of all possible tonal alarm patterns and recorded voice messages. Shown in FIG. 7 is a selectable coding apparatus 115 for the user to select one of the pre-defined locations of the Environmental Condition Detector with Alarm and Voice Identifier embodiment when and where it is installed in a dwelling. Selectable coding means such as a jumper 117 on DIP header pins 120 or DIP switches (not shown) are simple methods to define the installation location of a detector embodiment. Typical dwelling locations are shown in FIG. 7 and are not intended to exhibit an exhaustive list. The various preferred embodiments described above are merely descriptive of the present invention and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. Modifications of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art in light of the detailed description above, and such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. | <SOH> BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION <EOH> | <SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Described herein is the Environmental Condition Detector with Audible Alarm and Voice Identifier invention, which comprises an environmental condition detector, such as a smoke detector, carbon monoxide gas detector, natural gas detector, propane detector, or any combination detector thereof, which detects the desired environmental condition(s) by those methods well known and described in the art and emits the prescribed audible tonal pattern alarm in accordance with the industry's empowered governing bodies' (National Fire Protection Association, Underwriters Laboratories etc.) criteria for such environmental conditions. Simultaneously, the environmental condition detector sensing the condition emits a verbal message to indicate, through a recorded voice message or synthesized human voice, the condition being sensed. This recorded voice message is emitted simultaneously with the audible tonal pattern alarm so as normally to occur during silent segments of the prescribed tonal pattern alarm. For example, for the condition of smoke detection, the smoke detector emits the following combination audible tonal pattern alarm (Beep) and recorded voice message. “Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘SMOKE’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘SMOKE’ - - - ” in a periodic manner for as long as the environmental condition is detected. As a second example, for carbon monoxide detection, a carbon monoxide detector emits “Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘CO’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘CO’ - - - ”. As a third example, for smoke detection with the location identifier, a smoke detector emits “Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - “SMOKE IN BASEMENT’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘SMOKE IN BASEMENT’ - - - ”. As a fourth example, for carbon monoxide detection with a voice location only identifier, a carbon monoxide detector emits ““Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘Utility Room’ - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - Beep - - - ‘Utility Room’ - - - ”. | 20040810 | 20070102 | 20050113 | 89393.0 | 1 | LAU, HOI CHING | ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION DETECTOR WITH AUDIBLE ALARM AND VOICE IDENTIFIER | UNDISCOUNTED | 1 | CONT-ACCEPTED | 2,004 |
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